101
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Kitagawa Y, Ohkura N, Kidani Y, Vandenbon A, Hirota K, Kawakami R, Yasuda K, Motooka D, Nakamura S, Kondo M, Taniuchi I, Kohwi-Shigematsu T, Sakaguchi S. Guidance of regulatory T cell development by Satb1-dependent super-enhancer establishment. Nat Immunol 2017; 18:173-183. [PMID: 27992401 PMCID: PMC5582804 DOI: 10.1038/ni.3646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Most Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells develop in the thymus as a functionally mature T cell subpopulation specialized for immune suppression. Their cell fate appears to be determined before Foxp3 expression; yet molecular events that prime Foxp3- Treg precursor cells are largely obscure. We found that Treg cell-specific super-enhancers (Treg-SEs), which were associated with Foxp3 and other Treg cell signature genes, began to be activated in Treg precursor cells. T cell-specific deficiency of the genome organizer Satb1 impaired Treg-SE activation and the subsequent expression of Treg signature genes, causing severe autoimmunity due to Treg cell deficiency. These results suggest that Satb1-dependent Treg-SE activation is crucial for Treg cell lineage specification in the thymus and that its perturbation is causative of autoimmune and other immunological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohko Kitagawa
- Department of Experimental Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Regeneration Science and Engineering, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Naganari Ohkura
- Department of Experimental Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Yujiro Kidani
- Department of Experimental Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Alexis Vandenbon
- Immuno-Genomics Research Unit, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Keiji Hirota
- Department of Experimental Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Laboratory of Integrative Biological Science, Department of Regeneration Science and Engineering, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryoji Kawakami
- Department of Experimental Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Keiko Yasuda
- Department of Experimental Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Regeneration Science and Engineering, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Daisuke Motooka
- Genome Information Research Center, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Shota Nakamura
- Genome Information Research Center, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Motonari Kondo
- Department of Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ichiro Taniuchi
- Laboratory for Transcriptional Regulation, Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Shimon Sakaguchi
- Department of Experimental Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Regeneration Science and Engineering, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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102
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Vuddamalay Y, van Meerwijk JPM. CD28 - and CD28 lowCD8 + Regulatory T Cells: Of Mice and Men. Front Immunol 2017; 8:31. [PMID: 28167946 PMCID: PMC5256148 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the rebirth of regulatory (formerly known as suppressor) T cells in the early 1990s, research in the field of immune-regulation by various T cell populations has quickly gained momentum. While T cells expressing the transcription factor Foxp3 are currently in the spotlight, several other T cell populations endowed with potent immunomodulatory capacities have been identified in both the CD8+ and CD4+ compartment. The fundamental difference between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in terms of antigen recognition suggests non-redundant, and perhaps complementary, functions of regulatory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in immunoregulation. This emphasizes the importance and necessity of continuous research on both subpopulations of regulatory T cells (Tregs) so as to decipher their complex physiological relevance and possible synergy. Two distinct CD8-expressing Treg populations can be distinguished based on expression of the co-stimulatory receptor CD28. Here, we review the literature on these (at least in part) thymus-derived CD28low and peripherally induced CD28-CD8+ Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirajen Vuddamalay
- School of Health Sciences, University of Technology , Port Louis , Mauritius
| | - Joost P M van Meerwijk
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1043, Toulouse, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), U5282, Toulouse, France; Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Toulouse, France
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103
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Haljasorg U, Dooley J, Laan M, Kisand K, Bichele R, Liston A, Peterson P. Irf4 Expression in Thymic Epithelium Is Critical for Thymic Regulatory T Cell Homeostasis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 198:1952-1960. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1601698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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104
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Abstract
Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to discuss the mechanisms of central and peripheral tolerance in relation to T-cell mediated autoimmunity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent findings The well established association between major histocompatibility complex class II and RA has led us to understand that T cells, and the adaptive immune response, are important in the pathogenesis of disease. In order for autoimmune disease to develop, there is a breach of tolerance to self antigen and the mechanisms of both central and peripheral tolerance aim to prevent this. Here, we review evidence from mouse models indicating that alterations in T-cell receptor signalling thresholds during thymic selection may be linked to the escape of T cells that mediate autoimmune arthritis. In addition, we summarize the role of dendritic cells and Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in both peripheral and thymic tolerance, and highlight their relevance to what we know about the aetiology of RA. Summary Mechanisms of central tolerance in the thymus and peripheral tolerance are in place to control autoreactive T cells and to prevent the development of autoimmune disease. We anticipate that a better understanding of these mechanisms will lead to the development of better, antigen-specific therapeutics to restore tolerance.
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105
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Vianna PHO, Canto FB, Nogueira JS, Nunes CFCG, Bonomo AC, Fucs R. Critical influence of the thymus on peripheral T cell homeostasis. IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE 2016; 4:474-486. [PMID: 27980781 PMCID: PMC5134722 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Introduction A tight balance between regulatory CD4+Foxp3+ (Treg) and conventional CD4+Foxp3− (Tconv) T cell subsets in the peripheral compartment, maintained stable throughout most of lifetime, is essential for preserving self‐tolerance along with efficient immune responses. An excess of Treg cells, described for aged individuals, may critically contribute to their reported immunodeficiency. In this work, we investigated if quantitative changes in thymus emigration may alter the Treg/Tconv homeostasis regardless of the aging status of the peripheral compartment. Methods We used two different protocols to modify the rate of thymus emigration: thymectomy of adult young (4–6 weeks old) mice and grafting of young thymus onto aged (18 months old) hosts. Additionally, lymphoid cells from young and aged B6 mice were intravenously transferred to B6.RAG2−/− mice. Alterations in Treg and Tconv peripheral frequencies following these protocols were investigated after 30 days by flow cytometry. Results Thymectomized young mice presented a progressive increase in the Treg cell frequency, while the grafting of a functional thymus in aged mice restored the young‐like physiological Treg/Tconv proportion. Strikingly, T cells derived from young or aged splenocytes colonized the lymphopenic periphery of RAG−/− hosts to the same extent, giving rise to similarly elevated Treg cell levels irrespective of the age of the donor population. In the absence of thymus output, the Treg subset seems to survive longer, as confirmed by their lower proportion of Annexin‐V+ cells. Conclusions Our data suggest that the thymus‐emigrating population, harboring an adequate proportion of Treg/Tconv lymphocytes, may be essential to keep the Treg cell balance, independently of age‐related shifts intrinsic to the peripheral environment or to the T cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Henrique Oliveira Vianna
- Departamento de ImunologiaInstituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goés (IMPG)-Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro-RJBrazil; Departamento de ImunobiologiaInstituto de Biologia-Universidade Federal FluminenseNiterói-RJBrazil
| | - Fábio B Canto
- Departamento de ImunologiaInstituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goés (IMPG)-Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro-RJBrazil; Departamento de ImunobiologiaInstituto de Biologia-Universidade Federal FluminenseNiterói-RJBrazil
| | - Jeane S Nogueira
- Departamento de ImunologiaInstituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goés (IMPG)-Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro-RJBrazil; Departamento de ImunobiologiaInstituto de Biologia-Universidade Federal FluminenseNiterói-RJBrazil
| | - Caroline Fraga Cabral Gomes Nunes
- Departamento de ImunologiaInstituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goés (IMPG)-Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro-RJBrazil; Departamento de ImunobiologiaInstituto de Biologia-Universidade Federal FluminenseNiterói-RJBrazil
| | - Adriana César Bonomo
- Programa FIOCANCER VPPLR-Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ Rio de Janeiro-RJ Brazil
| | - Rita Fucs
- Departamento de Imunobiologia Instituto de Biologia-Universidade Federal Fluminense Niterói-RJ Brazil
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106
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Scalea JR, Hickman JB, Moore DJ, Brayman KL. An overview of the necessary thymic contributions to tolerance in transplantation. Clin Immunol 2016; 173:S1521-6616(16)30382-5. [PMID: 27989896 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2016.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is important for the development of the immune system. However, aging leads to predictable involution of the thymus and immunodeficiency. These immunodeficiencies may be rectified with thymic rejuvenation. Atrophy of the thymus is governed by a complex interplay of molecular, cytokine and hormonal factors. Herein we review the interaction of these factors across age and how they may be targeted for thymic rejuvenation. We further discuss the growing pre-clinical evidence defining the necessary and sufficient contributions of the thymus to successful tolerance induction in transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Scalea
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, United States.
| | - John B Hickman
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, United States
| | - Daniel J Moore
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, United States
| | - Kenneth L Brayman
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, United States; Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, United States
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107
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Masters AR, Haynes L, Su DM, Palmer DB. Immune senescence: significance of the stromal microenvironment. Clin Exp Immunol 2016; 187:6-15. [PMID: 27529161 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system undergoes age-associated changes known as immunosenescence, resulting in increased susceptibility to infections, cancers and autoimmunity in the aged. The basis of our understanding of immunosenescence has been derived primarily from studies examining intrinsic defects within many of the cells of the immune system. While these studies have provided insight into the mechanisms of immunosenescence, a picture is now emerging that the stromal microenvironment within lymphoid organs also contributes significantly to the age-associated decline of immune function. These extrinsic defects appear to impact the functional activity of immune cells and may offer a potential target to recover immune activity. Indeed, rejuvenation studies which have targeted the stromal niche have restored immune function in aged successfully, highlighting the impact of the microenvironment towards the aetiology of immunosenescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Masters
- UConn Center on Aging, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - L Haynes
- UConn Center on Aging, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - D-M Su
- Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - D B Palmer
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, UK
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108
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Abstract
The immune system has evolved to defend the organism against an almost infinite number of pathogens in a locally confined and antigen-specific manner while at the same time preserving tolerance to harmless antigens and self. Regulatory T (Treg) cells essentially contribute to an immunoregulatory network preventing excessive immune responses and immunopathology. There is emerging evidence that Treg cells not only operate in secondary lymphoid tissue but also regulate immune responses directly at the site of inflammation. Hence, the classification of Treg cells might need to be further extended by Treg cell subsets that are functionally and phenotypically polarized by their residency. In this review, we discuss recent findings on these tissue-resident Treg cell subsets and how these cells may operate in a tissue- and context-dependent manner.
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109
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Glimpse of natural selection of long-lived T-cell clones in healthy life. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:9858-63. [PMID: 27535935 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1601634113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeostatic maintenance of T cells with broad clonal diversity is influenced by both continuing output of young T cells from the thymus and ongoing turnover of preexisting clones in the periphery. In the absence of infection, self and commensal antigens are thought to play important roles in selection and homeostatic maintenance of the T-cell pool. Most naïve T cells are short-lived due to lack of antigen encounter, whereas antigen-experienced T cells may survive and persist as long-lived clones. Thus far, little is known about the homeostasis, antigenic specificity, and clonal diversity of long-lived T-cell clones in peripheral lymphoid organs under healthy living conditions. To identify long-lived T-cell clones in mice, we designed a lineage-tracing method to label a wave of T cells produced in the thymus of young mice. After aging the mice for 1.5 y, we found that lineage-tracked T cells consisted of primarily memory-like T cells and T regulatory cells. T-cell receptor repertoire analysis revealed that the lineage-tracked CD4 memory-like T cells and T regulatory cells exhibited age-dependent enrichment of shared clonotypes. Furthermore, these shared clonotypes were found across different mice maintained in the same housing condition. These findings suggest that nonrandom and shared antigens are involved in controlling selection, retention, and immune tolerance of long-lived T-cell clones under healthy living conditions.
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110
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Shi Y, Wu W, Chai Q, Li Q, Hou Y, Xia H, Ren B, Xu H, Guo X, Jin C, Lv M, Wang Z, Fu YX, Zhu M. LTβR controls thymic portal endothelial cells for haematopoietic progenitor cell homing and T-cell regeneration. Nat Commun 2016; 7:12369. [PMID: 27493002 PMCID: PMC4980457 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Continuous thymic homing of haematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) via the blood is critical for normal T-cell development. However, the nature and the differentiation programme of specialized thymic endothelial cells (ECs) controlling this process remain poorly understood. Here using conditional gene-deficient mice, we find that lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTβR) directly controls thymic ECs to guide HPC homing. Interestingly, T-cell deficiency or conditional ablation of T-cell-engaged LTβR signalling results in a defect in thymic HPC homing, suggesting the feedback regulation of thymic progenitor homing by thymic products. Furthermore, we identify and characterize a special thymic portal EC population with features that guide HPC homing. LTβR is essential for the differentiation and homeostasis of these thymic portal ECs. Finally, we show that LTβR is required for T-cell regeneration on irradiation-induced thymic injury. Together, these results uncover a cellular and molecular pathway that governs thymic EC differentiation for HPC homing. Lymphoid progenitors migrate from the bone marrow into the thymus to give rise to T and NK cell lineages. Here the authors characterize a lymphotoxin receptor beta-dependent population of thymic endothelial cells that guide lymphoid progenitor homing in the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyao Shi
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Weiwei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qian Chai
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Qingqing Li
- Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yu Hou
- Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Huan Xia
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Boyang Ren
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hairong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaohuan Guo
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 China
| | - Caiwei Jin
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mengjie Lv
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhongnan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yang-Xin Fu
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235-9072, USA
| | - Mingzhao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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111
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Overall SA, van Driel IR, Gleeson PA. Rapamycin results in Bim-mediated loss of thymic regulatory T cells during development in organ culture. Int Immunol 2016; 28:513-518. [DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxw029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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112
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Hoeppli RE, MacDonald KG, Levings MK, Cook L. How antigen specificity directs regulatory T-cell function: self, foreign and engineered specificity. HLA 2016; 88:3-13. [PMID: 27256587 DOI: 10.1111/tan.12822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a suppressive subset of T cells that have important roles in maintaining self-tolerance and preventing immunopathology. The T-cell receptor (TCR) and its antigen specificity play a dominant role in the differentiation of cells to a Treg fate, either in the thymus or in the periphery. This review focuses on the effects of the TCR and its antigen specificity on Treg biology. The role of Tregs with specificity for self-antigen has primarily been studied in the context of autoimmune disease, although recent studies have focused on their role in steady-state conditions. The role of Tregs that are specific for pathogens, dietary antigens and allergens is much less studied, although recent data suggest a significant and previously underappreciated role for Tregs during memory responses to a wide range of foreign antigens. The development of TCR- or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-transduced T cells means we are now able to engineer Tregs with disease-relevant antigen specificities, paving the way for ensuring specificity with Treg-based therapies. Understanding the role that antigens play in driving the generation and function of Tregs is critical for defining the pathophysiology of many immune-mediated diseases, and developing new therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Hoeppli
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia and Child & Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - K G MacDonald
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia and Child & Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - M K Levings
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia and Child & Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - L Cook
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia and Child & Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
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113
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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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114
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Perry JSA, Hsieh CS. Development of T-cell tolerance utilizes both cell-autonomous and cooperative presentation of self-antigen. Immunol Rev 2016; 271:141-55. [PMID: 27088912 PMCID: PMC4837647 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The development of T-cell self-tolerance in the thymus is important for establishing immune homeostasis and preventing autoimmunity. Here, we review the components of T-cell tolerance, which includes T-cell receptor (TCR) self-reactivity, costimulation, cytokines, and antigen presentation by a variety of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) subsets. We discuss the current evidence on the process of regulatory T (Treg) cell and negative selection and the importance of TCR signaling. We then examine recent evidence showing unique roles for bone marrow (BM)-derived APCs and medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) on the conventional and Treg TCR repertoire, as well as emerging data on the role of B cells in tolerance. Finally, we review the accumulating data that suggest that cooperative antigen presentation is a prominent component of T -ell tolerance. With the development of tools to interrogate the function of individual APC subsets in the medulla, we have gained greater understanding of the complex cellular and molecular events that determine T-cell tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin S A Perry
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Chyi-Song Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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115
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Vuddamalay Y, Attia M, Vicente R, Pomié C, Enault G, Leobon B, Joffre O, Romagnoli P, van Meerwijk JPM. Mouse and human CD8(+) CD28(low) regulatory T lymphocytes differentiate in the thymus. Immunology 2016; 148:187-96. [PMID: 26924728 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) lymphocytes play a central role in the control of immune responses and so maintain immune tolerance and homeostasis. In mice, expression of the CD8 co-receptor and low levels of the co-stimulatory molecule CD28 characterizes a Treg cell population that exerts potent suppressive function in vitro and efficiently controls experimental immunopathology in vivo. It has remained unclear if CD8(+) CD28(low) Treg cells develop in the thymus or represent a population of chronically activated conventional T cells differentiating into Treg cells in the periphery, as suggested by their CD28(low) phenotype. We demonstrate that functional CD8(+) CD28(low) Treg cells are present in the thymus and that these cells develop locally and are not recirculating from the periphery. Differentiation of CD8(+) CD28(low) Treg cells requires MHC class I expression on radioresistant but not on haematopoietic thymic stromal cells. In contrast to other Treg cells, CD8(+) CD28(low) Treg cells develop simultaneously with CD8(+) CD28(high) conventional T cells. We also identified a novel homologous naive CD8(+) CD28(low) T-cell population with immunosuppressive properties in human blood and thymus. Combined, our data demonstrate that CD8(+) CD28(low) cells can develop in the thymus of mice and suggest that the same is true in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirajen Vuddamalay
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1043, Toulouse, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) U5282, Toulouse, France.,Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Mehdi Attia
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1043, Toulouse, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) U5282, Toulouse, France.,Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Rita Vicente
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1043, Toulouse, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) U5282, Toulouse, France.,Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Céline Pomié
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1043, Toulouse, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) U5282, Toulouse, France.,Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Geneviève Enault
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1043, Toulouse, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) U5282, Toulouse, France.,Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Bertrand Leobon
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiovascular surgery, Children Hospital, University Hospital of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier Joffre
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1043, Toulouse, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) U5282, Toulouse, France.,Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Paola Romagnoli
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1043, Toulouse, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) U5282, Toulouse, France.,Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Joost P M van Meerwijk
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1043, Toulouse, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) U5282, Toulouse, France.,Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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116
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Hisazumi R, Kayumi M, Zhang W, Kikukawa R, Nasu T, Yasuda M. Evaluation of bovine thymic function by measurement of signal joint T-cell receptor excision circles. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2016; 169:74-8. [PMID: 26827842 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2015.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A signal joint T-cell receptor excision circle (sjTREC) is a circular DNA produced by T-cell receptor α gene rearrangement in the thymus. Measurements of sjTREC values have been used to evaluate thymic function. We recently established a quantitative PCR (QPCR) assay of bovine sjTREC. In the present study, we used this QPCR assay to measure the sjTREC value in bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells and we then evaluated the relationships between sjTREC values and peripheral blood T-cell number, growth stage, gender, and meteorological season. The sjTREC value was highest at the neonatal stage, and its value subsequently decreased with age. On the other hand, the peripheral T-cell number increased with age. The sjTREC value in calves up to 50-days old was significantly higher for males than for females, suggesting that thymic function might differ by gender. In addition, the sjTREC value and the peripheral T-cell number were significantly higher in calves in the summer season than in calves in the winter season. These data suggest that bovine thymic function is highly variable and varies according to the growth stage, gender, and environmental factors such as air temperature or the UV index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinnosuke Hisazumi
- Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan; Forensic Science Laboratory, Miyazaki Prefecture Police H.Q., Miyazaki 880-8509, Japan
| | - Miya Kayumi
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | | | - Tetuo Nasu
- Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yasuda
- Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan.
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117
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Cowan JE, McCarthy NI, Anderson G. CCR7 Controls Thymus Recirculation, but Not Production and Emigration, of Foxp3(+) T Cells. Cell Rep 2016; 14:1041-1048. [PMID: 26832402 PMCID: PMC4751304 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Current models of Foxp3+ regulatory T cell (Treg) development involve CCR7-mediated migration of thymocytes into the thymus medulla to enable essential interactions with medullary epithelium. However, increased Foxp3+ thymic Treg numbers in Ccr7−/− mice challenge this view, and the role of CCR7 in Treg development, emigration, and/or recirculation is unknown. Here, we have examined CCR7 and Rag2pGFP levels during Treg development and generated Rag2pGFPCcr7−/− mice to study its impact on the intrathymic Treg pool. We reveal surprising developmental heterogeneity in thymocytes described as Treg precursors, showing that they contain recirculating CCR6+CCR7−Rag2pGFP− T cells. Although CCR7 defines bona fide Rag2GFP+ Treg precursors, it is not required for Treg production and emigration. Rather, we show that lack of CCR7 renders the thymus more receptive to Treg thymus homing. Our study reveals a role for CCR7 in limiting Treg recirculation back to the thymus and enables separation of the mechanisms controlling Treg production and thymic recirculation. Chemokine receptors define recirculating and newly selected Tregs CCR7 is dispensable for Treg development and thymus egress CCR7 is required to rate-limit the thymus recirculation of peripheral CCR6+ Tregs
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Cowan
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Nicholas I McCarthy
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Graham Anderson
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
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118
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González FB, Calmon-Hamaty F, Nô Seara Cordeiro S, Fernández Bussy R, Spinelli SV, D'Attilio L, Bottasso O, Savino W, Cotta-de-Almeida V, Villar SR, Pérez AR. Trypanosoma cruzi Experimental Infection Impacts on the Thymic Regulatory T Cell Compartment. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004285. [PMID: 26745276 PMCID: PMC4706328 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamics of regulatory T cells in the course of Trypanosoma cruzi infection is still debated. We previously demonstrated that acute murine T. cruzi infection results in an impaired peripheral CD4+Foxp3+ T cell differentiation due to the acquisition of an abnormal Th1-like phenotype and altered functional features, negatively impacting on the course of infection. Moreover, T. cruzi infection induces an intense thymic atrophy. As known, the thymus is the primary lymphoid organ in which thymic-derived regulatory T cells, known as tTregs, differentiate. Considering the lack of available data about the effect of T. cruzi infection upon tTregs, we examined tTreg dynamics during the course of disease. We confirmed that T. cruzi infection induces a marked loss of tTreg cell number associated to cell precursor exhaustion, partially avoided by glucocorticoid ablation- and IL-2 survival factor depletion. At the same time, tTregs accumulate within the CD4 single-positive compartment, exhibiting an increased Ki-67/Annexin V ratio compared to controls. Moreover, tTregs enhance after the infection the expression of signature markers (CD25, CD62L and GITR) and they also display alterations in the expression of migration-associated molecules (α chains of VLAs and chemokine receptors) such as functional fibronectin-driven migratory disturbance. Taken together, we provide data demonstrating profound alterations in tTreg compartment during acute murine T. cruzi infection, denoting that their homeostasis is significantly affected. The evident loss of tTreg cell number may compromise the composition of tTreg peripheral pool, and such sustained alteration over time may be partially related to the immune dysregulation observed in the chronic phase of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Belén González
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Immunology of Rosario (IDICER CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Flavia Calmon-Hamaty
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Synara Nô Seara Cordeiro
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapy, Teaching and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Fernández Bussy
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Immunology of Rosario (IDICER CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Silvana Virginia Spinelli
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Immunology of Rosario (IDICER CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Luciano D'Attilio
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Immunology of Rosario (IDICER CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Oscar Bottasso
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Immunology of Rosario (IDICER CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Cotta-de-Almeida
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Silvina Raquel Villar
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Immunology of Rosario (IDICER CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Ana Rosa Pérez
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Immunology of Rosario (IDICER CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
- * E-mail: ,
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119
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Autologous stem cell transplantation aids autoimmune patients by functional renewal and TCR diversification of regulatory T cells. Blood 2016; 127:91-101. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-06-649145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Key Points
Autologous HSCT induces functional renewal of regulatory T cells as well as a strong Treg TCR diversification in autoimmune patients. Adding regulatory T cells to the graft does not lead to additional clinical improvement but results in delayed donor T-cell reconstitution.
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120
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Unbalanced recovery of regulatory and effector T cells after allogeneic stem cell transplantation contributes to chronic GVHD. Blood 2015; 127:646-57. [PMID: 26670634 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-10-672345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The development and maintenance of immune tolerance after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) requires the balanced reconstitution of donor-derived CD4 regulatory T cells (CD4Tregs) as well as effector CD4 (conventional CD4 T cells [CD4Tcons]) and CD8 T cells. To characterize the complex mechanisms that lead to unbalanced recovery of these distinct T-cell populations, we studied 107 adult patients who received T-replete stem cell grafts after reduced-intensity conditioning. Immune reconstitution of CD4Treg, CD4Tcon, and CD8 T cells was monitored for a 2-year period. CD3 T-cell counts gradually recovered to normal levels during this period but CD8 T cells recovered more rapidly than either CD4Tregs or CD4Tcons. Reconstituting CD4Tregs and CD4Tcons were predominantly central memory (CM) and effector memory (EM) cells and CD8 T cells were predominantly terminal EM cells. Thymic generation of naive CD4Tcon and CD8 T cells was maintained but thymic production of CD4Tregs was markedly decreased with little recovery during the 2-year study. T-cell proliferation was skewed in favor of CM and EM CD4Tcon and CD8 T cells, especially 6 to 12 months after HSCT. Intracellular expression of BCL2 was increased in CD4Tcon and CD8 T cells in the first 3 to 6 months after HSCT. Early recovery of naive and CM fractions within each T-cell population 3 months after transplant was also strongly correlated with the subsequent development of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). These dynamic imbalances favor the production, expansion, and persistence of effector T cells over CD4Tregs and were associated with the development of chronic GVHD.
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121
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MHC-mismatched mixed chimerism augments thymic regulatory T-cell production and prevents relapse of EAE in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:15994-9. [PMID: 26647186 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1521157112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system with demyelination, axon damage, and paralysis. Induction of mixed chimerism with allogeneic donors has been shown to not cause graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in animal models and humans. We have reported that induction of MHC-mismatched mixed chimerism can cure autoimmunity in autoimmune NOD mice, but this approach has not yet been tested in animal models of MS, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Here, we report that MHC-mismatched mixed chimerism with C57BL/6 (H-2(b)) donor in SJL/J (H-2(s)) EAE recipients eliminates clinical symptoms and prevents relapse. This cure is demonstrated by not only disappearance of clinical signs but also reversal of autoimmunity; elimination of infiltrating T, B, and macrophage cells in the spinal cord; and regeneration of myelin sheath. The reversal of autoimmunity is associated with a marked reduction of autoreactivity of CD4(+) T cells and significant increase in the percentage of Foxp3(+) Treg among host-type CD4(+) T cells in the spleen and lymph nodes. The latter is associated with a marked reduction of the percentage of host-type CD4(+)CD8(+) thymocytes and an increase of Treg percentage among the CD4(+)CD8(+) and CD4(+)CD8(-) thymocytes. Thymectomy leads to loss of prevention of EAE relapse by induction of mixed chimerism, although there is a dramatic expansion of host-type Treg cells in the lymph nodes. These results indicate that induction of MHC-mismatched mixed chimerism can restore thymic negative selection of autoreactive CD4(+) T cells, augment production of Foxp3(+) Treg, and cure EAE.
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122
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A timeline demarcating two waves of clonal deletion and Foxp3 upregulation during thymocyte development. Immunol Cell Biol 2015; 94:357-66. [DOI: 10.1038/icb.2015.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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123
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van Nieuwenhuijze A, Liston A. The Molecular Control of Regulatory T Cell Induction. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 136:69-97. [PMID: 26615093 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are characterized by the expression of the master transcription factor forkhead box P3 (Foxp3). Although Foxp3 expression is widely used as a marker of the Treg lineage, recent data show that the Treg fate is determined by a multifactorial signaling pathway, involving cytokines, nuclear factors, and epigenetic modifications. Foxp3 expression and the Treg phenotype can be acquired by T cells in the periphery, illustrating that the Treg fate is not necessarily conferred during thymic development. The two main Treg populations in vivo, thymic Tregs and peripheral Tregs, differ in the pathways followed for their maturation. This chapter discusses the molecular control of Treg induction, in the thymus as well as the periphery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie van Nieuwenhuijze
- Translational Immunology Laboratory, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Adrian Liston
- Translational Immunology Laboratory, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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124
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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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125
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Treg Cell Differentiation: From Thymus to Peripheral Tissue. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 136:175-205. [PMID: 26615097 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are crucial mediators of self-tolerance in the periphery. They differentiate in the thymus, where interactions with thymus-resident antigen-presenting cells, an instructive cytokine milieu, and stimulation of the T cell receptor lead to the selection into the Treg lineage and the induction of Foxp3 gene expression. Once mature, Treg cells leave the thymus and migrate into either the secondary lymphoid tissues, e.g., lymph nodes and spleen, or peripheral nonlymphoid tissues. There is growing evidence that Treg cells go beyond the classical modulation of immune responses and also play important functional roles in nonlymphoid peripheral tissues. In this review, we summarize recent findings about the thymic Treg lineage differentiation as well as the further specialization of Treg cells in the secondary lymphoid and in the peripheral nonlymphoid organs.
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126
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Caramalho Í, Nunes-Cabaço H, Foxall RB, Sousa AE. Regulatory T-Cell Development in the Human Thymus. Front Immunol 2015; 6:395. [PMID: 26284077 PMCID: PMC4522873 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus generates a lineage-committed subset of regulatory T-cells (Tregs), best identified by the expression of the transcription factor FOXP3. The development of thymus-derived Tregs is known to require high-avidity interaction with MHC-self peptides leading to the generation of self-reactive Tregs fundamental for the maintenance of self-tolerance. Notwithstanding their crucial role in the control of immune responses, human thymic Treg differentiation remains poorly understood. In this mini-review, we will focus on the developmental stages at which Treg lineage commitment occurs, and their spatial localization in the human thymus, reviewing the molecular requirements, including T-cell receptor and cytokine signaling, as well as the cellular interactions involved. An overview of the impact of described thymic defects on the Treg compartment will be provided, illustrating the importance of these in vivo models to investigate human Treg development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Íris Caramalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Helena Nunes-Cabaço
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Russell B Foxall
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Ana E Sousa
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
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127
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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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