101
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Chen J, Qian H, Horai R, Chan CC, Falick Y, Caspi RR. Comparative analysis of induced vs. spontaneous models of autoimmune uveitis targeting the interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72161. [PMID: 24015215 PMCID: PMC3756070 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models of autoimmunity to the retina mimic specific features of human uveitis, but no model by itself reproduces the full spectrum of human disease. We compared three mouse models of uveitis that target the interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (IRBP): (i) the "classical" model of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) induced by immunization with IRBP; (ii) spontaneous uveitis in IRBP T cell receptor transgenic mice (R161H) and (iii) spontaneous uveitis in Autoimmune Regulator (AIRE)(-/-) mice. Disease course and severity, pathology and changes in visual function were studied using fundus imaging and histological examinations, optical coherence tomography and electroretinography. All models were on the B10.RIII background. Unlike previously reported, IRBP-induced EAU in B10.RIII mice exhibited two distinct patterns of disease depending on clinical scores developed after onset: severe monophasic with extensive destruction of the retina and rapid loss of visual signal, or lower grade with a prolonged chronic phase culminating after several months in retinal degeneration and loss of vision. R161H and AIRE(-/-) mice spontaneously developed chronic progressive inflammation; visual function declined gradually as retinal degeneration developed. Spontaneous uveitis in R161H mice was characterized by persistent cellular infiltrates and lymphoid aggregation, whereas AIRE(-/-) mice characteristically developed multi-focal infiltrates and severe choroidal inflammation. These data demonstrate variability and unique distinguishing features in the different models of uveitis, suggesting that each one can represent distinct aspects of uveitis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- Immunoregulation Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Haohua Qian
- Visual Function Core, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Reiko Horai
- Immunoregulation Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Chi-Chao Chan
- Immunopathology Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Yishay Falick
- Immunoregulation Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rachel R. Caspi
- Immunoregulation Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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102
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Overlapping gene coexpression patterns in human medullary thymic epithelial cells generate self-antigen diversity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:E3497-505. [PMID: 23980163 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1308311110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Promiscuous expression of numerous tissue-restricted self-antigens (TRAs) in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) is essential to safeguard self-tolerance. A distinct feature of promiscuous gene expression is its mosaic pattern (i.e., at a given time, each self-antigen is expressed only in 1-3% of mTECs). How this mosaic pattern is generated at the single-cell level is currently not understood. Here, we show that subsets of human mTECs expressing a particular TRA coexpress distinct sets of genes. We identified three coexpression groups comprising overlapping and complementary gene sets, which preferentially mapped to certain chromosomes and intrachromosomal gene clusters. Coexpressed gene loci tended to colocalize to the same nuclear subdomain. The TRA subsets aligned along progressive differentiation stages within the mature mTEC subset and, in vitro, interconverted along this sequence. Our data suggest that single mTECs shift through distinct gene pools, thus scanning a sizeable fraction of the overall repertoire of promiscuously expressed self-antigens. These findings have implications for the temporal and spatial (re)presentation of self-antigens in the medulla in the context of tolerance induction.
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103
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Abstract
Uveitis is underappreciated as a sight-threatening cause of blindness. There are two broad causative classes of uveitis: infectious and non-infectious. Non-infectious uveitis is considered a prototypical autoimmune disorder based mainly on data from experimental models in the mouse. Several different experimental models exist that reflect the different types of uveitis in man (anterior, intermediate, and posterior uveitis). These models have demonstrated that uveitis is predominantly a Th1/Th17 mediated disease, although innate immune cells play a significant role both in induction of disease and in tissue damage. Most experimental models of uveitis rely on activation of the innate immune system by use of adjuvants that activate a range of pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs). This begs the question of the underlying role of initial and/or persistent infection, including latent infection, in immune-mediated uveitis in which active infection cannot be demonstrated. This further raises the possibility of pathogenic mechanisms such as antigenic cross-reactivity and molecular mimicry. Alternatively, residual/latent antigen from infectious agents may act as "endogenous" adjuvants for induction of immune reactions to damaged/altered self antigen, suggesting a commonality in pathogenesis for both infectious and non-infectious uveitis in man.
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Affiliation(s)
- John V Forrester
- Ocular Immunology Laboratory, Section of Immunology and Infection, Division of Applied Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
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104
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Breakdown of immune privilege and spontaneous autoimmunity in mice expressing a transgenic T cell receptor specific for a retinal autoantigen. J Autoimmun 2013; 44:21-33. [PMID: 23810578 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2013.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Revised: 06/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite presence of circulating retina-specific T cells in healthy individuals, ocular immune privilege usually averts development of autoimmune uveitis. To study the breakdown of immune privilege and development of disease, we generated transgenic (Tg) mice that express a T cell receptor (TCR) specific for interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP), which serves as an autoimmune target in uveitis induced by immunization. Three lines of TCR Tg mice, with different levels of expression of the transgenic R161 TCR and different proportions of IRBP-specific CD4⁺ T cells in their peripheral repertoire, were successfully established. Importantly, two of the lines rapidly developed spontaneous uveitis, reaching 100% incidence by 2 and 3 months of age, respectively, whereas the third appeared "poised" and only developed appreciable disease upon immune perturbation. Susceptibility roughly paralleled expression of the R161 TCR. In all three lines, peripheral CD4⁺ T cells displayed a naïve phenotype, but proliferated in vitro in response to IRBP and elicited uveitis upon adoptive transfer. In contrast, CD4⁺ T cells infiltrating uveitic eyes mostly showed an effector/memory phenotype, and included Th1, Th17 as well as T regulatory cells that appeared to have been peripherally converted from conventional CD4⁺ T cells rather than thymically derived. Thus, R161 mice provide a new and valuable model of spontaneous autoimmune disease that circumvents the limitations of active immunization and adjuvants, and allows to study basic mechanisms involved in maintenance and breakdown of immune homeostasis affecting immunologically privileged sites such as the eye.
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105
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Breunig A, Lee MS, Miller BS, Binstadt BA, Anderson MS, Montezuma S. Autoimmune retinopathy in a patient with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type I. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2013; 21:153-7. [PMID: 23697860 DOI: 10.3109/09273948.2012.754906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To present a case of autoimmune retinopathy resulting from a mutation in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene. DESIGN Case study. METHODS Case review. RESULTS Mild improvement of goldmann visual field following treatment with systemic and local immunosuppression. CONCLUSIONS There are a limited number of cases linking autoimmune retinopathy with a mutation in the AIRE gene. Further research is needed to find more effective treatment and to prevent tissue damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Breunig
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0501, USA
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106
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Abstract
The thymic transcription factor autoimmune regulator (Aire) prevents autoimmunity in part by promoting expression of tissue-specific self-antigens, which include many cancer antigens. For example, AIRE-deficient patients are predisposed to vitiligo, an autoimmune disease of melanocytes that is often triggered by efficacious immunotherapies against melanoma. Therefore, we hypothesized that Aire deficiency in mice may elevate immune responses to cancer and provide insights into how such responses might be triggered. In this study, we show that Aire deficiency decreases thymic expression of TRP-1 (TYRP1), which is a self-antigen in melanocytes and a cancer antigen in melanomas. Aire deficiency resulted in defective negative selection of TRP-1-specific T cells without affecting thymic numbers of regulatory T cells. Aire-deficient mice displayed elevated T-cell immune responses that were associated with suppression of melanoma outgrowth. Furthermore, transplantation of Aire-deficient thymic stroma was sufficient to confer more effective immune rejection of melanoma in an otherwise Aire wild-type host. Together, our work showed how Aire deficiency can enhance immune responses against melanoma and how manipulating TRP-1-specific T-cell negative selection may offer a logical strategy to enhance immune rejection of melanoma.
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MESH Headings
- Adoptive Transfer
- Animals
- Autoantigens/immunology
- Autoimmunity
- Blotting, Western
- Bone Marrow/metabolism
- Bone Marrow/pathology
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Female
- Flow Cytometry
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique
- Immune Tolerance
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Male
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/metabolism
- Melanoma, Experimental/prevention & control
- Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics
- Membrane Glycoproteins/immunology
- Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Nude
- Oxidoreductases/genetics
- Oxidoreductases/immunology
- Oxidoreductases/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- Thymus Gland/metabolism
- Thymus Gland/transplantation
- Transcription Factors/physiology
- AIRE Protein
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Lei Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics and Microbiology/Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Anil Nagavalli
- Department of Pediatrics and Microbiology/Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Maureen A. Su
- Department of Pediatrics and Microbiology/Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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107
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Zumer K, Saksela K, Peterlin BM. The mechanism of tissue-restricted antigen gene expression by AIRE. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2013; 190:2479-82. [PMID: 23456700 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1203210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
The autoimmune regulator is a critical transcription factor for generating central tolerance in the thymus. Recent studies have revealed how the autoimmune regulator targets many otherwise tissue-restricted Ag genes to enable negative selection of autoreactive T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Zumer
- Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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108
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Malchow S, Leventhal DS, Nishi S, Fischer BI, Shen L, Paner GP, Amit AS, Kang C, Geddes JE, Allison JP, Socci ND, Savage PA. Aire-dependent thymic development of tumor-associated regulatory T cells. Science 2013; 339:1219-24. [PMID: 23471412 PMCID: PMC3622085 DOI: 10.1126/science.1233913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite considerable interest in the modulation of tumor-associated Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (T(regs)) for therapeutic benefit, little is known about the developmental origins of these cells and the nature of the antigens that they recognize. We identified an endogenous population of antigen-specific T(regs) (termed MJ23 T(regs)) found recurrently enriched in the tumors of mice with oncogene-driven prostate cancer. MJ23 T(regs) were not reactive to a tumor-specific antigen but instead recognized a prostate-associated antigen that was present in tumor-free mice. MJ23 T(regs) underwent autoimmune regulator (Aire)-dependent thymic development in both male and female mice. Thus, Aire-mediated expression of peripheral tissue antigens drives the thymic development of a subset of organ-specific T(regs), which are likely coopted by tumors developing within the associated organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Malchow
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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109
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Sun Y, Peng I, Senger K, Hamidzadeh K, Reichelt M, Baca M, Yeh R, Lorenzo MN, Sebrell A, Dela Cruz C, Tam L, Corpuz R, Wu J, Sai T, Roose-Girma M, Warming S, Balazs M, Gonzalez LC, Caplazi P, Martin F, Devoss J, Zarrin AA. Critical role of activation induced cytidine deaminase in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Autoimmunity 2013; 46:157-67. [PMID: 23167594 PMCID: PMC3581050 DOI: 10.3109/08916934.2012.750301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative autoimmune disorder caused by chronic inflammation and demyelination within the central nervous system (CNS). Clinical studies in MS patients have demonstrated efficacy with B cell targeted therapies such as anti-CD20. However, the exact role that B cells play in the disease process is unclear. Activation Induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is an essential enzyme for the processes of antibody affinity maturation and isotype switching. To evaluate the impact of affinity maturation and isotype switching, we have interrogated the effect of AID-deficiency in an animal model of MS. Here, we show that the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by the extracellular domain of human myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG1-125) is significantly reduced in Aicda deficient mice, which, unlike wild-type mice, lack serum IgG to myelin associated antigens. MOG specific T cell responses are comparable between wild-type and Aicda knockout mice suggesting an active role for antigen experienced B cells. Thus affinity maturation and/or class switching are critical processes in the pathogenesis of EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglian Sun
- Department of Immunology, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
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110
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Abstract
The development of CD4(+) helper and CD8(+) cytotoxic T-cells expressing the αβ form of the T-cell receptor (αβTCR) takes place in the thymus, a primary lymphoid organ containing distinct cortical and medullary microenvironments. While the cortex represents a site of early T-cell precursor development, and the positive selection of CD4(+)8(+) thymocytes, the thymic medulla plays a key role in tolerance induction, ensuring that thymic emigrants are purged of autoreactive αβTCR specificities. In recent years, advances have been made in understanding the development and function of thymic medullary epithelial cells, most notably the subset defined by expression of the Autoimmune Regulator (Aire) gene. Here, we summarize current knowledge of the developmental mechanisms regulating thymus medulla development, and examine the role of the thymus medulla in recessive (negative selection) and dominant (T-regulatory cell) tolerance.
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111
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Desanti GE, Cowan J, Baik S, Parnell SM, White AJ, Penninger JM, Lane PJL, Jenkinson EJ, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Developmentally regulated availability of RANKL and CD40 ligand reveals distinct mechanisms of fetal and adult cross-talk in the thymus medulla. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2012; 189:5519-26. [PMID: 23152561 PMCID: PMC3605790 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1201815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
T cell tolerance in the thymus is a key step in shaping the developing T cell repertoire. Thymic medullary epithelial cells play multiple roles in this process, including negative selection of autoreactive thymocytes, influencing thymic dendritic cell positioning, and the generation of Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells. Previous studies show that medullary thymic epithelial cell (mTEC) development involves hemopoietic cross-talk, and numerous TNFR superfamily members have been implicated in this process. Whereas CD40 and RANK represent key examples, interplay between these receptors, and the individual cell types providing their ligands at both fetal and adult stages of thymus development, remain unclear. In this study, by analysis of the cellular sources of receptor activator for NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and CD40L during fetal and adult cross-talk in the mouse, we show that the innate immune cell system drives initial fetal mTEC development via expression of RANKL, but not CD40L. In contrast, cross-talk involving the adaptive immune system involves both RANKL and CD40L, with analysis of distinct subsets of intrathymic CD4(+) T cells revealing a differential contribution of CD40L by conventional, but not Foxp3(+) regulatory, T cells. We also provide evidence for a stepwise involvement of TNFRs in mTEC development, with CD40 upregulation induced by initial RANK signaling subsequently controlling proliferation within the mTEC compartment. Collectively, our findings show how multiple hemopoietic cell types regulate mTEC development through differential provision of RANKL/CD40L during ontogeny, revealing molecular differences in fetal and adult hemopoietic cross-talk. They also suggest a stepwise process of mTEC development, in which RANK is a master player in controlling the availability of other TNFR family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume E. Desanti
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Jennifer Cowan
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Song Baik
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Sonia M. Parnell
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Andrea J. White
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Josef M. Penninger
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Austrian Academy of Science, Austria
| | - Peter J. L. Lane
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Eric J. Jenkinson
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - William E. Jenkinson
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Graham Anderson
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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112
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Forrester JV, Xu H. Good news-bad news: the Yin and Yang of immune privilege in the eye. Front Immunol 2012; 3:338. [PMID: 23230433 PMCID: PMC3515883 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2012.00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The eye and the brain are prototypical tissues manifesting immune privilege (IP) in which immune responses to foreign antigens, particularly alloantigens are suppressed, and even completely inhibited. Explanations for this phenomenon are numerous and mostly reflect our evolving understanding of the molecular and cellular processes underpinning immunological responses generally. IP is now viewed as a property of many tissues and the level of expression of IP varies not only with the tissue but with the nature of the foreign antigen and changes in the limited conditions under which privilege can operate as a mechanism of immunological tolerance. As a result, IP functions normally as a homeostatic mechanism preserving normal function in tissues, particularly those with highly specialized function and limited capacity for renewal such as the eye and brain. However, IP is relatively easily bypassed in the face of a sufficiently strong immunological response, and the privileged tissues may be at greater risk of collateral damage because its natural defenses are more easily breached than in a fully immunocompetent tissue which rapidly rejects foreign antigen and restores integrity. This two-edged sword cuts its swathe through the eye: under most circumstances, IP mechanisms such as blood-ocular barriers, intraocular immune modulators, induction of T regulatory cells, lack of lymphatics, and other properties maintain tissue integrity; however, when these are breached, various degrees of tissue damage occur from severe tissue destruction in retinal viral infections and other forms of uveoretinal inflammation, to less severe inflammatory responses in conditions such as macular degeneration. Conversely, ocular IP and tumor-related IP can combine to permit extensive tumor growth and increased risk of metastasis thus threatening the survival of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- John V. Forrester
- Laboratory of Immunology, Lion’s Eye Institute, University of Western AustraliaPerth, WA, Australia
- Ocular Immunology Laboratory, Section of Immunology and Infection, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of AberdeenAberdeen, UK
| | - Heping Xu
- Laboratory of Immunology, Lion’s Eye Institute, University of Western AustraliaPerth, WA, Australia
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113
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Akiyama T, Shinzawa M, Akiyama N. RANKL-RANK interaction in immune regulatory systems. World J Orthop 2012; 3:142-50. [PMID: 23173110 PMCID: PMC3502610 DOI: 10.5312/wjo.v3.i9.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Revised: 08/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/15/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and its receptor RANK plays a critical role in the development and function of diverse tissues. This review summarizes the studies regarding the functions of RANKL signaling in immune regulatory systems. Previous in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that the RANKL signal promotes the survival of dendritic cells (DCs), thereby activating the immune response. In addition, RANKL signaling to DCs in the body surface barriers controls self-tolerance and oral-tolerance through regulatory T cell functions. In addition to regulating DC functions, the RANKL and RANK interaction is critical for the development and organization of several lymphoid organs. The RANKL signal initiates the formation of clusters of lymphoid tissue inducer cells, which is crucial for lymph node organogenesis. Moreover, the RANKL-RANK interaction controls the differentiation of M cells, specialized epithelial cells in mucosal tissues, that take up and transcytose antigen particles to control the immune response to pathogens or commensal bacterium. The development of epithelial cells localized in the thymic medulla (mTECs) is also regulated by the RANKL-RANK signal. Given that the unique property of mTECs to express a wide variety of tissue-specific self-antigens is critical for the elimination of self-antigen reactive T cells in the thymus, the RANKL-RANK interaction contributes to the suppression of autoimmunity. Future studies on the roles of the RANKL-RANK system in immune regulatory functions would be informative for the development and application of inhibitors of RANKL signaling for disease treatment.
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114
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Akiyama T, Shinzawa M, Akiyama N. TNF receptor family signaling in the development and functions of medullary thymic epithelial cells. Front Immunol 2012; 3:278. [PMID: 22969770 PMCID: PMC3432834 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2012.00278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) provide the microenvironment required for the development of T cells in the thymus. A unique property of medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) is their expression of a wide range of tissue-restricted self-antigens, critically regulated by the nuclear protein AIRE, which contributes to the selection of the self-tolerant T cell repertoire, thereby suppressing the onset of autoimmune diseases. The TNF receptor family (TNFRF) protein receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK), CD40 and lymphotoxin β receptor (LtβR) regulate the development and functions of mTECs. The engagement of these receptors with their specific ligands results in the activation of the NF-κB family of transcription factors. Two NF-κB activation pathways, the classical and non-classical pathways, promote the development of mature mTECs induced by these receptors. Consistently, TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF6), the signal transducer of the classical pathway, and NF-κB inducing kinase (NIK), the signal transducer of the non-classical pathway, are essential for the development of mature mTECs. This review summarizes the current understanding of how the signaling by the TNF receptor family controls the development and functions of mTEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taishin Akiyama
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Cancer Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo Tokyo, Japan
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115
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Hwang S, Song KD, Lesourne R, Lee J, Pinkhasov J, Li L, El-Khoury D, Love PE. Reduced TCR signaling potential impairs negative selection but does not result in autoimmune disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 209:1781-95. [PMID: 22945921 PMCID: PMC3457736 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20120058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
TCR signal attenuation selectively favors Foxp3 expression and T reg cell lineage commitment. Negative selection and regulatory T (T reg) cell development are two thymus-dependent processes necessary for the enforcement of self-tolerance, and both require high-affinity interactions between the T cell receptor (TCR) and self-ligands. However, it remains unclear if they are similarly impacted by alterations in TCR signaling potential. We generated a knock-in allele (6F) of the TCR ζ chain gene encoding a mutant protein lacking signaling capability whose expression is controlled by endogenous ζ regulatory sequences. Although negative selection was defective in 6F/6F mice, leading to the survival of autoreactive T cells, 6F/6F mice did not develop autoimmune disease. We found that 6F/6F mice generated increased numbers of thymus-derived T reg cells. We show that attenuation of TCR signaling potential selectively impacts downstream signaling responses and that this differential effect favors Foxp3 expression and T reg cell lineage commitment. These results identify a potential compensatory pathway for the enforcement of immune tolerance in response to defective negative selection caused by reduced TCR signaling capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Hwang
- Program on Genomics of Differentiation, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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116
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Cohn M. Meanderings into the Regulation of Effector Class by the Immune System: Derivation of the Trauma Model. Scand J Immunol 2012; 76:77-88. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2012.02721.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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117
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Kezic JM, Davey MP, Glant TT, Rosenbaum JT, Rosenzweig HL. Interferon-γ regulates discordant mechanisms of uveitis versus joint and axial disease in a murine model resembling spondylarthritis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 64:762-71. [PMID: 21987263 DOI: 10.1002/art.33404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The spondylarthritides (such as ankylosing spondylitis) are multisystem inflammatory diseases that frequently result in uveitis. Despite the common co-occurrence of uveitis with arthritis, there has been no explanation for the susceptibility of the eye to inflammation. Using an innovative intravital videomicroscopic approach, we discovered the coexistence of uveitis with axial and peripheral joint inflammation in mice immunized with cartilage proteoglycan (PG). The aim of this study was to elucidate the characteristics of uveitis and test the impact of interferon-γ (IFNγ) deficiency on the eye versus the joint and spine. METHODS Female T cell receptor (TCR)-transgenic mice or IFNγ-knockout mice crossed to TCR-transgenic mice were immunized with PG. Uveitis was assessed by intravital videomicroscopy and histology. The clinical and histopathologic severity of arthritis and spondylitis were evaluated. The bone remodeling process within the spine was assessed by whole-body near-infrared imaging. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to examine the expression of PG and ADAMTS-5 and to examine the cellular composition of eyes with uveitis. RESULTS PG neoepitopes along with the aggrecanase ADAMTS-5 were present in the eye, as they were the joint. Anterior uveitis developed in response to PG immunization. The cellular infiltrate consisted mainly of neutrophils and eosinophils. Unexpectedly, IFNγ deficiency markedly exacerbated uveitis while ameliorating joint and spine disease, indicating divergent mechanisms that drive diseases in the eye versus the joints and spine. CONCLUSION This study provides the first detailed description of a murine disease model in which uveitis coincides with arthritis and spondylitis. Our observations provide a great opportunity for understanding the pathogenesis of a relatively common but poorly understood disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena M Kezic
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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118
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McPherson SW, Heuss ND, Gregerson DS. Regulation of CD8(+) T Cell Responses to Retinal Antigen by Local FoxP3(+) Regulatory T Cells. Front Immunol 2012; 3:166. [PMID: 22737153 PMCID: PMC3380377 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2012.00166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2012] [Accepted: 06/03/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
While pathogenic CD4 T cells are well known mediators of autoimmune uveoretinitis, CD8 T cells can also be uveitogenic. Since preliminary studies indicated that C57BL/6 mice were minimally susceptible to autoimmune uveoretinitis induction by CD8 T cells, the basis of the retinal disease resistance was sought. Mice that express β-galactosidase (βgal) on a retina-specific promoter (arrβgal mice) were backcrossed to mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and diphtheria toxin (DTx) receptor (DTR) under control of the Foxp3 promoter (Foxp3-DTR/GFP mice), and to T cell receptor transgenic mice that produce βgal-specific CD8 T cells (BG1 mice). These mice were used to explore the role of regulatory T cells in the resistance to retinal autoimmune disease. Experiments with T cells from double transgenic BG1 × Foxp3-DTR/GFP mice transferred into Foxp3-DTR/GFP × arrβgal mice confirmed that the retina was well protected from attempts to induce disease by adoptive transfer of activated BG1 T cells. The successful induction of retinal disease following unilateral intraocular administration of DTx to deplete regulatory T cells showed that the protective activity was dependent on local, toxin-sensitive regulatory T cells; the opposite, untreated eye remained disease-free. Although there were very few Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells in the parenchyma of quiescent retina, and they did not accumulate in retina, their depletion by local toxin administration led to disease susceptibility. We propose that these regulatory T cells modulate the pathogenic activity of βgal-specific CD8 T cells in the retinas of arrβgal mice on a local basis, allowing immuno regulation to be responsive to local conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott W McPherson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Taniguchi RT, DeVoss JJ, Moon JJ, Sidney J, Sette A, Jenkins MK, Anderson MS. Detection of an autoreactive T-cell population within the polyclonal repertoire that undergoes distinct autoimmune regulator (Aire)-mediated selection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:7847-52. [PMID: 22552229 PMCID: PMC3356674 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1120607109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The autoimmune regulator (Aire) plays a critical role in central tolerance by promoting the display of tissue-specific antigens in the thymus. To study the influence of Aire on thymic selection in a physiological setting, we used tetramer reagents to detect autoreactive T cells specific for the Aire-dependent tissue-specific antigen interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP), in the polyclonal repertoire. Two class II tetramer reagents were designed to identify T cells specific for two different peptide epitopes of IRBP. Analyses of the polyclonal T-cell repertoire showed a high frequency of activated T cells specific for both IRBP tetramers in Aire(-/-) mice, but not in Aire(+/+) mice. Surprisingly, although one tetramer-binding T-cell population was efficiently deleted in the thymus in an Aire-dependent manner, the second tetramer-binding population was not deleted and could be detected in both the Aire(-/-) and Aire(+/+) T-cell repertoires. We found that Aire-dependent thymic deletion of IRBP-specific T cells relies on intercellular transfer of IRBP between thymic stroma and bone marrow-derived antigen-presenting cells. Furthermore, our data suggest that Aire-mediated deletion relies not only on thymic expression of IRBP, but also on proper antigen processing and presentation of IRBP by thymic antigen-presenting cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason J. DeVoss
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - James J. Moon
- Department of Microbiology and Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases and Pulmonary and Critical Care Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114; and
| | - John Sidney
- Center for Infectious Disease, Allergy and Asthma Research, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Center for Infectious Disease, Allergy and Asthma Research, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Marc K. Jenkins
- Department of Microbiology and Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Mark S. Anderson
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
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Su MA, Davini D, Cheng P, Giang K, Fan U, DeVoss JJ, Johannes KP, Taylor L, Shum AK, Valenzise M, Meloni A, Bour-Jordan H, Anderson MS. Defective autoimmune regulator-dependent central tolerance to myelin protein zero is linked to autoimmune peripheral neuropathy. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2012; 188:4906-12. [PMID: 22490868 PMCID: PMC3579634 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1200493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is a debilitating autoimmune disease characterized by peripheral nerve demyelination and dysfunction. How the autoimmune response is initiated, identity of provoking Ags, and pathogenic effector mechanisms are not well defined. The autoimmune regulator (Aire) plays a critical role in central tolerance by promoting thymic expression of self-Ags and deletion of self-reactive T cells. In this study, we used mice with hypomorphic Aire function and two patients with Aire mutations to define how Aire deficiency results in spontaneous autoimmune peripheral neuropathy. Autoimmunity against peripheral nerves in both mice and humans targets myelin protein zero, an Ag for which expression is Aire-regulated in the thymus. Consistent with a defect in thymic tolerance, CD4(+) T cells are sufficient to transfer disease in mice and produce IFN-γ in infiltrated peripheral nerves. Our findings suggest that defective Aire-mediated central tolerance to myelin protein zero initiates an autoimmune Th1 effector response toward peripheral nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen A. Su
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Dan Davini
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Philip Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Karen Giang
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Una Fan
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Jason J. DeVoss
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco
- Genentech, South San Francisco, California
| | | | - Lorelei Taylor
- Center for Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | | | | | - Antonella Meloni
- Department of Biomedical Biotechnological Science, University of Cagliari, Italy
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Träger U, Sierro S, Djordjevic G, Bouzo B, Khandwala S, Meloni A, Mortensen M, Simon AK. The immune response to melanoma is limited by thymic selection of self-antigens. PLoS One 2012; 7:e35005. [PMID: 22506061 PMCID: PMC3323626 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of melanoma-associated antigens (MAA) being limited to normal melanocytes and melanomas, MAAs are ideal targets for immunotherapy and melanoma vaccines. As MAAs are derived from self, immune responses to these may be limited by thymic tolerance. The extent to which self-tolerance prevents efficient immune responses to MAAs remains unknown. The autoimmune regulator (AIRE) controls the expression of tissue-specific self-antigens in thymic epithelial cells (TECs). The level of antigens expressed in the TECs determines the fate of auto-reactive thymocytes. Deficiency in AIRE leads in both humans (APECED patients) and mice to enlarged autoreactive immune repertoires. Here we show increased IgG levels to melanoma cells in APECED patients correlating with autoimmune skin features. Similarly, the enlarged T cell repertoire in AIRE−/− mice enables them to mount anti-MAA and anti-melanoma responses as shown by increased anti-melanoma antibodies, and enhanced CD4+ and MAA-specific CD8+ T cell responses after melanoma challenge. We show that thymic expression of gp100 is under the control of AIRE, leading to increased gp100-specific CD8+ T cell frequencies in AIRE−/− mice. TRP-2 (tyrosinase-related protein), on the other hand, is absent from TECs and consequently TRP-2 specific CD8+ T cells were found in both AIRE−/− and AIRE+/+ mice. This study emphasizes the importance of investigating thymic expression of self-antigens prior to their inclusion in vaccination and immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Träger
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Sierro
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Gordana Djordjevic
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Basma Bouzo
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Shivani Khandwala
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Antonella Meloni
- Pediatric Clinic II, Ospedale Microcitemico and Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monika Mortensen
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Apoptosis Department and Center for Genotoxic Stress Research, Institute of Cancer Biology, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Katharina Simon
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Jasti S, Warren BD, McGinnis LK, Kinsey WH, Petroff BK, Petroff MG. The autoimmune regulator prevents premature reproductive senescence in female mice. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:110. [PMID: 22219212 PMCID: PMC3338656 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.097501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Revised: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene are responsible for autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS-1), which commonly manifests as infertility in women. AIRE is a transcriptional regulator that promotes expression of tissue-restricted antigens in the thymus, including antigens specific to the ovary. Thymic expression of ovarian genes under AIRE's control may be critical for preventing ovarian autoimmune disease. Because mice lacking Aire are an important APS-1 model, we examined the reproductive properties of female Aire-deficient (Aire(-/-)) mice. Female Aire(-/-) mice on the BALB/c background were examined for reproductive parameters, including fertility, litter sizes, and ovarian follicular reserves. Although delayed puberty was observed in Aire(-/-) mice, all mice entered puberty and exhibited mating behavior. Only 50% of Aire(-/-) females gave an initial litter, and only 16% were able to produce two litters. Ovarian histopathologic examination revealed that 83% of previously bred females lost all ovarian follicular reserves. Among virgin females, follicular depletion was observed in 25% by 8 wk, and by 20 wk, 50%-60% of mice lost all follicles. This was associated with elevated serum follicle-stimulating hormone level and ovarian infiltration of proliferating CD3+ T lymphocytes. Ovulation rates of 6-wk-old Aire(-/-) mice were reduced by 22%, but this difference was not statistically significant. Finally, transplantation experiments revealed that follicular loss depended on factors extrinsic to the ovary. These results suggest that immune-mediated ovarian follicular depletion is a mechanism of infertility in Aire(-/-) mice. The results have important implications in the pathogenesis of ovarian autoimmune disease in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susmita Jasti
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Bryce D. Warren
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Lynda K. McGinnis
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - William H. Kinsey
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Brian K. Petroff
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Margaret G. Petroff
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
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Goris A, Liston A. The immunogenetic architecture of autoimmune disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2012; 4:4/3/a007260. [PMID: 22383754 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a007260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The development of most autoimmune diseases includes a strong heritable component. This genetic contribution to disease ranges from simple Mendelian inheritance of causative alleles to the complex interactions of multiple weak loci influencing risk. The genetic variants responsible for disease are being discovered through a range of strategies from linkage studies to genome-wide association studies. Despite the rapid advances in genetic analysis, substantial components of the heritable risk remain unexplained, either owing to the contribution of an as-yet unidentified, "hidden," component of risk, or through the underappreciated effects of known risk loci. Surprisingly, despite the variation in genetic control, a great deal of conservation appears in the biological processes influenced by risk alleles, with several key immunological pathways being modified in autoimmune diseases covering a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. The primary translational potential of this knowledge is in the rational design of new therapeutics to exploit the role of these key pathways in influencing disease. With significant further advances in understanding the genetic risk factors and their biological mechanisms, the possibility of genetically tailored (or "personalized") therapy may be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Goris
- Division of Experimental Neurology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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124
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Willermain F, Rosenbaum JT, Bodaghi B, Rosenzweig HL, Childers S, Behrend T, Wildner G, Dick AD. Interplay between innate and adaptive immunity in the development of non-infectious uveitis. Prog Retin Eye Res 2012; 31:182-94. [PMID: 22120610 PMCID: PMC3288447 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2011.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Revised: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 11/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In vertebrates, the innate and adaptive immune systems have evolved seamlessly to protect the host by rapidly responding to danger signals, eliminating pathogens and creating immunological memory as well as immunological tolerance to self. The innate immune system harnesses receptors that recognize conserved pathogen patterns and alongside the more specific recognition systems and memory of adaptive immunity, their interplay is evidenced by respective roles during generation and regulation of immune responses. The hallmark of adaptive immunity which requires engagement of innate immunity is an ability to discriminate between self and non-self (and eventually between pathogen and symbiont) as well as peripheral control mechanisms maintaining immunological health and appropriate responses. Loss of control mechanisms and/or regulation of either the adaptive or the innate immune system lead to autoimmunity and autoinflammation respectively. Although autoimmune pathways have been largely studied to date in the context of development of non-infectious intraocular inflammation, the recruitment and activation of innate immunity is required for full expression of the varied phenotypes of non-infectious uveitis. Since autoimmunity and autoinflammation implicate different molecular pathways, even though some convergence occurs, increasing our understanding of their respective roles in the development of uveitis will highlight treatment targets and influence our understanding of immune mechanisms operative in other retinal diseases. Herein, we extrapolate from the basic mechanisms of activation and control of innate and adaptive immunity to how autoinflammatory and autoimmune pathways contribute to disease development in non-infectious uveitis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Willermain
- Department of Ophthalmology, CHU St-Pierre and Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.
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125
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Abstract
Monogenic autoimmune syndromes provide a rare yet powerful glimpse into the fundamental mechanisms of immunologic tolerance. Such syndromes reveal not only the contribution of an individual breakpoint in tolerance but also patterns in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. Disturbances in innate immunity, a system built for ubiquitous sensing of danger signals, tend to generate systemic autoimmunity. For example, defects in the clearance of self-antigens and chronic stimulation of type 1 interferons lead to the systemic autoimmunity seen in C1q deficiency, SPENCDI, and AGS. In contrast, disturbances of adaptive immunity, which is built for antigen specificity, tend to produce organ-specific autoimmunity. Thus, the loss of lymphocyte homeostasis, whether through defects in apoptosis, suppression, or negative selection, leads to organ-specific autoimmunity in ALPS, IPEX, and APS1. We discuss the unique mechanisms of disease in these prominent syndromes as well as how they contribute to the spectrum of organ-specific or systemic autoimmunity. The continued study of rare variants in autoimmune disease will inform future investigations and treatments directed at rare and common autoimmune diseases alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickie H. Cheng
- Diabetes Center; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143;
| | - Mark S. Anderson
- Diabetes Center; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143;
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126
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Takeuchi M. Immune tolerance and autoimmune uveoretinitis: the role of the ocular microenvironment. Immunotherapy 2011; 3:1103-11. [PMID: 21913832 DOI: 10.2217/imt.11.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Two major self-antigens, S-antigen and interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein, which can induce uveoretinitis, exist in the eye. However, immunologic tolerance to these self-antigens is generated and maintained. Two major mechanisms have been demonstrated by which tolerance to tissue-specific self-antigens is maintained. One is central tolerance in the thymus where autoreactive T cells are deleted by medullary thymic epithelial cells expressing the autoimmune regulator gene (Aire) and the other is peripheral tolerance mediated by regulatory T cells such as Foxp3(+)CD25(+)CD4(+) T cells. In addition, the eye is an immune privileged site where indigenous immunomodulatory mechanisms allow immune protection of the eye in a manner that is largely devoid of immunogenic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Takeuchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki Tokorozawa Saitama, 359-8513, Japan.
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127
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Morrot A, Terra-Granado E, Pérez AR, Silva-Barbosa SD, Milićević NM, Farias-de-Oliveira DA, Berbert LR, De Meis J, Takiya CM, Beloscar J, Wang X, Kont V, Peterson P, Bottasso O, Savino W. Chagasic thymic atrophy does not affect negative selection but results in the export of activated CD4+CD8+ T cells in severe forms of human disease. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2011; 5:e1268. [PMID: 21858238 PMCID: PMC3156684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 06/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Extrathymic CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) T cells are increased in some pathophysiological conditions, including infectious diseases. In the murine model of Chagas disease, it has been shown that the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is able to target the thymus and induce alterations of the thymic microenvironment and the lymphoid compartment. In the acute phase, this results in a severe atrophy of the organ and early release of DP cells into the periphery. To date, the effect of the changes promoted by the parasite infection on thymic central tolerance has remained elusive. Herein we show that the intrathymic key elements that are necessary to promote the negative selection of thymocytes undergoing maturation during the thymopoiesis remains functional during the acute chagasic thymic atrophy. Intrathymic expression of the autoimmune regulator factor (Aire) and tissue-restricted antigen (TRA) genes is normal. In addition, the expression of the proapoptotic Bim protein in thymocytes was not changed, revealing that the parasite infection-induced thymus atrophy has no effect on these marker genes necessary to promote clonal deletion of T cells. In a chicken egg ovalbumin (OVA)-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) transgenic system, the administration of OVA peptide into infected mice with thymic atrophy promoted OVA-specific thymocyte apoptosis, further indicating normal negative selection process during the infection. Yet, although the intrathymic checkpoints necessary for thymic negative selection are present in the acute phase of Chagas disease, we found that the DP cells released into the periphery acquire an activated phenotype similar to what is described for activated effector or memory single-positive T cells. Most interestingly, we also demonstrate that increased percentages of peripheral blood subset of DP cells exhibiting an activated HLA-DR+ phenotype are associated with severe cardiac forms of human chronic Chagas disease. These cells may contribute to the immunopathological events seen in the Chagas disease. The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ that plays an important role on the development of the immune system and maturation of the T cell repertoire. During the normal life span, this organ undergoes involution during the aging and also in the presence of a wide variety of infectious diseases. It has been shown that the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is able to target the thymus and induce alterations of the thymic microenvironment. In the acute phase, this results in a severe atrophy of the organ and early release of immature double-positive (DP) T cells into the periphery. The effect of the changes promoted by the parasite infection on thymic central tolerance has remained not clear. The present study shows that the intrathymic key elements that promote the negative selection of thymocytes during the thymopoiesis remains functional in the acute chagasic thymic atrophy. However, we found that the DP cells released into the periphery acquire an activated phenotype and its high frequency in the peripheral blood are associated with severe cardiac forms of human chronic Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Morrot
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Kekäläinen E, Lehto MK, Smeds E, Miettinen A, Meri S, Jarva H, Arstila TP. Defective central tolerance in Aire-deficient mice is not sufficient to induce symptomatic autoimmunity during lymphopenia-induced T cell proliferation. Scand J Immunol 2011; 74:71-9. [PMID: 21352256 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2011.02543.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional regulator autoimmune regulator (AIRE) controls thymic negative selection but it is also expressed in secondary lymphoid organs. The relative contribution of AIRE's central and peripheral function to the maintenance of tolerance is unclear. We transferred mature lymphocytes from Aire(-/-) or wild-type donors to Aire(+/+) lymphopenic recipients, which allowed us to gauge the autoreactivity inherent in the cells originating in an Aire(-/-) thymus. In the ensuing lymphopenia-induced proliferation (LIP), the recipients of cells from Aire(-/-) showed definite T cell hyperproliferation and developed autoantibodies at a higher frequency than the recipients of wild-type cells. However, neither of the recipient groups developed clinical symptoms, and pathological tissue infiltrates were also absent. The recipients of Aire(-/-) cells showed hyperproliferation and increased accumulation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), especially in tissues susceptible to inflammation triggered by LIP. These data are consistent with the view that T cells developing in the absence of Aire are autoreactive. However, overt autoimmunity was prevented, most likely by the suppressive function of Treg cells in the Aire-sufficient recipients. Our results support the importance of the peripheral AIRE expression in the maintenance of immunological tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Kekäläinen
- Department of Immunology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Danso-Abeam D, Humblet-Baron S, Dooley J, Liston A. Models of aire-dependent gene regulation for thymic negative selection. Front Immunol 2011; 2:14. [PMID: 22566805 PMCID: PMC3342030 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2011.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2011] [Accepted: 04/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene lead to autoimmune polyendocrinopathy syndrome type 1 (APS1), characterized by the development of multi-organ autoimmune damage. The mechanism by which defects in AIRE result in autoimmunity has been the subject of intense scrutiny. At the cellular level, the working model explains most of the clinical and immunological characteristics of APS1, with AIRE driving the expression of tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs) in the epithelial cells of the thymic medulla. This TRA expression results in effective negative selection of TRA-reactive thymocytes, preventing autoimmune disease. At the molecular level, the mechanism by which AIRE initiates TRA expression in the thymic medulla remains unclear. Multiple different models for the molecular mechanism have been proposed, ranging from classical transcriptional activity, to random induction of gene expression, to epigenetic tag recognition effect, to altered cell biology. In this review, we evaluate each of these models and discuss their relative strengths and weaknesses.
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130
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Abstract
The negative selection of self-reactive thymocytes depends on the expression of tissue-specific antigens by medullary thymic epithelial cells. The autoimmune regulator (Aire) protein plays an important role in turning on these antigens, and the absence of even one Aire-induced tissue-specific antigen in the thymus can lead to autoimmunity in the antigen-expressing target organ. Recently, Aire protein has been detected in peripheral lymphoid organs, suggesting that peripheral Aire plays a complementary role here. In these peripheral sites, Aire was found to regulate the expression of a group of tissue-specific antigens that is distinct from those expressed in the thymus. Furthermore, transgenic antigen expression in extrathymic Aire-expressing cells (eTACs) can mediate deletional tolerance, but the immunological relevance of Aire-dependent, endogenous tissue-specific antigens remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd C Metzger
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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131
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Klein L, Hinterberger M, von Rohrscheidt J, Aichinger M. Autonomous versus dendritic cell-dependent contributions of medullary thymic epithelial cells to central tolerance. Trends Immunol 2011; 32:188-93. [PMID: 21493141 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2011.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2011] [Revised: 03/02/2011] [Accepted: 03/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Promiscuous expression of 'peripheral' tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs) by medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) is essential for central tolerance. Remarkably, the expression of individual TRAs varies among mTECs and is confined to a perplexingly small number of cells. To reconcile this with the ensuing robust state of tolerance, one might envisage that mTECs serve primarily as an antigen reservoir, whereas tolerogenic recognition of TRAs would ultimately require antigen uptake and presentation by dendritic cells (DCs). Here, we survey the evidence for this 'antigen-spreading' scenario and relate it to findings that document autonomous antigen-presentation by mTECs. We suggest that DC-dependent and autonomous tolerogenic functions of mTECs operate in parallel, and the underlying mechanisms remain to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludger Klein
- University of Munich, Institute for Immunology, Goethestr. 31, 80336 Munich, Germany.
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132
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Abstract
In the thymus, developing T cells that react against self-antigens with high affinity are deleted in the process of negative selection. An essential component of this process is the display of self-antigens, including those whose expression are usually restricted to specific tissues, to developing T cells within the thymus. The Autoimmune Regulator (Aire) gene plays a crucial role in the expression of tissue specific self-antigens within the thymus, and disruption of Aire function results in spontaneous autoimmunity in both humans and mice. Recent advances have been made in our understanding of how Aire influences the expression of thousands of tissue-specific antigens in the thymus. Additional roles of Aire, including roles in chemokine and cytokine expression, have also been revealed. Factors important in the differentiation of Aire-expressing medullary thymic epithelial cells have been defined. Finally, the identity of antigen presenting cells in negative selection, including the role of medullary thymic epithelial cells in displaying tissue specific antigens to T cells, has also been clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S. Anderson
- Diabetes Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Maureen A. Su
- Inflammatory Diseases Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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133
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Caspi RR. Understanding autoimmune uveitis through animal models. The Friedenwald Lecture. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:1872-9. [PMID: 21450922 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.10-6909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R Caspi
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1857, USA.
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134
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Abstract
In his clonal selection theory, Frank Macfarlane Burnet predicted that autoreactive lymphocytes are deleted to prevent autoimmunity. This and other principles of lymphocyte behavior outlined by Burnet guided many studies that lead to our current understanding of thymic selection. Thus, when the genetic mutation responsible for autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 was mapped to the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene, and Aire was found to be highly expressed in thymic epithelium, studying the role of Aire in negative selection made sense in the context of modern models of thymic selection. We now know Aire is a transcription factor required for the expression of many tissue-specific antigens (TSAs) in the thymus. In the absence of functional Aire, human patients and mice develop multi-organ autoimmune disease because of a defect in thymic negative selection. In addition to its role in the thymus, recent work in our lab suggests that extrathymic Aire-expressing cells have an important role in the clonal deletion of autoreactive CD8+ T cells. In this review, we summarize the latest studies on thymic and peripheral Aire-expressing cells, as well as other TSA-expressing stromal cell populations in peripheral lymphoid organs. We also discuss theoretical differences in thymic and peripheral Aire function that warrant further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth T Taniguchi
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0540, USA
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135
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Abstract
Autoimmune disease affects a significant proportion of the population. The etiology of most autoimmune diseases is largely unknown, but it is thought to be multifactorial with both environmental and genetic influences. Rare monogenic autoimmune diseases, however, offer an invaluable window into potential disease mechanisms. In this review, we will discuss the autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS1), the immunedysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked syndrome (IPEX), and autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS). Significantly, the information gained from the study of these diseases has provided new insights into more common autoimmune disease and have yielded new diagnostics and therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Waterfield
- Diabetes Center – University of California San Francisco
- Department of Pediatrics- University of California San Francisco
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136
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Derbinski J, Kyewski B. How thymic antigen presenting cells sample the body's self-antigens. Curr Opin Immunol 2010; 22:592-600. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2010.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Accepted: 08/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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137
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Abstract
Autoimmune and inflammatory uveitis are a group of potentially blinding intraocular inflammatory diseases that arise without a known infectious trigger and are often associated with immunological responses to unique retinal proteins. In the United States, about 10% of the cases of severe visual handicap are attributed to this group of disorders. As I discuss here, experimental models of ocular autoimmunity targeting retinal proteins have brought about a better understanding of the basic immunological mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of uveitis and are serving as templates for the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R Caspi
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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138
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Zhu M, Brown NK, Fu YX. Direct and indirect roles of the LTbetaR pathway in central tolerance induction. Trends Immunol 2010; 31:325-31. [PMID: 20675191 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2010.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2009] [Revised: 06/19/2010] [Accepted: 06/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) play a critical role in thymic negative selection of autoreactive thymocytes, especially for thymocytes specific for peripheral tissue-restricted self-antigens (TRA). Deficiency in lymphotoxin b receptor (LTbetaR) is associated with peripheral tissue inflammation, but whether this is caused by defective negative selection has been unclear; the significance of the LTbetaR pathway for negative selection is evident in some models but not others. Here, we revisit the data and clarify the role of LTbetaR in mTEC development and function and thymic TRA expression. These processes are discussed as potential mechanisms for LTbetaR-mediated control of negative selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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139
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Abstract
A devastating consequence of autoimmune-mediated, aqueous tear deficiency is pathological keratinization of the ocular surface. It is setoff by an aberrant immune response that promotes a program of altered mucosal epithelial cell differentiation. The management of keratinizing ocular surface disease is challenging. Topical therapies are largely inadequate for acute exacerbations, and progressive disease often requires systemic immunosuppression. A combination of translational and basic science research is necessary to understand the link between aberrant immunity and pathological keratinization. I review recent research and future directions aimed to develop targeted therapies that control or prevent ocular surface keratinization.
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140
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Forrester JV, Xu H, Kuffová L, Dick AD, McMenamin PG. Dendritic cell physiology and function in the eye. Immunol Rev 2010; 234:282-304. [PMID: 20193026 DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-2896.2009.00873.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The eye and the brain are immunologically privileged sites, a property previously attributed to the lack of a lymphatic circulation. However, recent tracking studies confirm that these organs have good communication through classical site-specific lymph nodes, as well as direct connection through the blood circulation with the spleen. In addition, like all tissues, they contain resident myeloid cell populations that play important roles in tissue homeostasis and the response to foreign antigens. Most of the macrophage and dendritic cell (DC) populations in the eye are restricted to the supporting connective tissues, including the cornea, while the neural tissue (the retina) contains almost no DCs, occasional macrophages (perivascularly distributed), and a specialized myeloid cell type, the microglial cell. Resident microglial cells are normally programmed for immunological tolerance. The privileged status of the eye, however, is relative, as it is susceptible to immune-mediated inflammatory disease, both infectious and autoimmune. Intraocular inflammation (uveitis and uveoretinitis) and corneal graft rejection constitute two of the more common inflammatory conditions affecting the eye leading to considerable morbidity (blindness). As corneal graft rejection occurs almost exclusively by indirect allorecognition, host DCs play a major role in this process and are likely to be modified in their behavior by the ocular microenvironment. Ocular surface disease, including allergy and atopy, also comprise a significant group of immune-mediated eye disorders in which DCs participate, while infectious disease such as herpes simplex keratitis is thought to be initiated via corneal DCs. Intriguingly, some more common conditions previously thought to be degenerative (e.g. age-related macular degeneration) may have an autoimmune component in which ocular DCs and macrophages are critically involved. Recently, the possibility of harnessing the tolerizing potential of DCs has been applied to experimental models of autoimmune uveoretinitis with good effect. This approach has considerable potential for use in translational clinical therapy to prevent sight-threatening disease caused by ocular inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John V Forrester
- Section of Immunology and Infection, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
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141
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Husebye ES, Anderson MS. Autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes: clues to type 1 diabetes pathogenesis. Immunity 2010; 32:479-87. [PMID: 20412758 PMCID: PMC2859971 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2010.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2010] [Revised: 03/25/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes are complex in their pathogenesis. One approach to improving our understanding of type 1 diabetes is the study of diseases that represent more extreme examples of autoimmunity. Autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes (APS) are relatively rare diseases that often include type 1 diabetes as part of the disease phenotype. Recently, there has been tremendous progress in unraveling some of the underlying mechanisms of APS. Here, we highlight the APS disorders with the perspective of the clues they can offer to the pathogenesis and treatment of type 1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eystein S Husebye
- Institute of Medicine, University of Bergen, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway.
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142
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Danzl NM, Donlin LT, Alexandropoulos K. Regulation of medullary thymic epithelial cell differentiation and function by the signaling protein Sin. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 207:999-1013. [PMID: 20404100 PMCID: PMC2867288 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20092384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) play an important role in T cell tolerance and prevention of autoimmunity. Mice deficient in expression of the signaling protein Sin exhibit exaggerated immune responses and multitissue inflammation. Here, we show that Sin is expressed in the thymic stroma, specifically in mTECs. Sin deficiency led to thymic stroma-dependent autoimmune manifestations shown by radiation chimeras and thymic transplants in nude mice, and associated with defective mTEC-mediated elimination of thymocytes in a T cell receptor transgenic model of negative selection. Lack of Sin expression correlated with a disorganized medullary architecture and fewer functionally mature mTECs under steady-state conditions. Additionally, Sin deficiency inhibited the expansion of mTECs in response to in vivo administration of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). These results identify Sin as a novel regulator of mTEC development and T cell tolerance, and suggest that Sin is important for homeostatic maintenance of the medullary epithelium in the adult thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichole M Danzl
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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143
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DeVoss JJ, LeClair NP, Hou Y, Grewal NK, Johannes KP, Lu W, Yang T, Meagher C, Fong L, Strauss EC, Anderson MS. An autoimmune response to odorant binding protein 1a is associated with dry eye in the Aire-deficient mouse. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2010; 184:4236-46. [PMID: 20237294 PMCID: PMC2851482 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0902434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) is a human autoimmune disease characterized by immune-mediated destruction of the lacrimal and salivary glands. In this study, we show that the Aire-deficient mouse represents a new tool to investigate autoimmune dacryoadenitis and keratoconjunctivitis sicca, features of SS. Previous work in the Aire-deficient mouse suggested a role for alpha-fodrin, a ubiquitous Ag, in the disease process. Using an unbiased biochemical approach, however, we have identified a novel lacrimal gland autoantigen, odorant binding protein 1a, targeted by the autoimmune response. This novel autoantigen is expressed in the thymus in an Aire-dependent manner. The results from our study suggest that defects in central tolerance may contribute to SS and provide a new and clinically relevant model to investigate the pathogenic mechanisms in lacrimal gland autoimmunity and associated ocular surface sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J DeVoss
- Diabetes Center, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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144
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Cohen JN, Guidi CJ, Tewalt EF, Qiao H, Rouhani SJ, Ruddell A, Farr AG, Tung KS, Engelhard VH. Lymph node-resident lymphatic endothelial cells mediate peripheral tolerance via Aire-independent direct antigen presentation. J Exp Med 2010; 207:681-8. [PMID: 20308365 PMCID: PMC2856027 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20092465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2009] [Accepted: 02/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral immune tolerance is generally thought to result from cross-presentation of tissue-derived proteins by quiescent tissue-resident dendritic cells to self-reactive T cells that have escaped thymic negative selection, leading to anergy or deletion. Recently, we and others have implicated the lymph node (LN) stroma in mediating CD8 T cell peripheral tolerance. We demonstrate that LN-resident lymphatic endothelial cells express multiple peripheral tissue antigens (PTAs) independent of the autoimmune regulator (Aire). They directly present an epitope derived from one of these, the melanocyte-specific protein tyrosinase, to tyrosinase-specific CD8 T cells, leading to their deletion. We also show that other LN stromal subpopulations express distinct PTAs by mechanisms that vary in their Aire dependence. These results establish lymphatic endothelial cells, and potentially other LN-resident cells, as systemic mediators of peripheral immune tolerance.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigen Presentation/immunology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Autoantigens/genetics
- Autoantigens/immunology
- Autoantigens/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation
- Endothelial Cells/cytology
- Endothelial Cells/immunology
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/metabolism
- Gene Expression/genetics
- Gene Expression/immunology
- Glutamate Decarboxylase/genetics
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/genetics
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/immunology
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/metabolism
- Immune Tolerance/immunology
- Immunophenotyping
- Lymph Nodes/cytology
- Lymph Nodes/immunology
- Lymphocyte Activation/immunology
- MART-1 Antigen
- Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics
- Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Transgenic
- Monophenol Monooxygenase/genetics
- Monophenol Monooxygenase/immunology
- Monophenol Monooxygenase/metabolism
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Stromal Cells/cytology
- Stromal Cells/immunology
- Stromal Cells/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- AIRE Protein
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarish N Cohen
- Department of Microbiology and Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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145
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Shi W, de Graaf CA, Kinkel SA, Achtman AH, Baldwin T, Schofield L, Scott HS, Hilton DJ, Smyth GK. Estimating the proportion of microarray probes expressed in an RNA sample. Nucleic Acids Res 2010; 38:2168-76. [PMID: 20056656 PMCID: PMC2853118 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp1204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2009] [Revised: 12/03/2009] [Accepted: 12/11/2009] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental question in microarray analysis is the estimation of the number of expressed probes in different RNA samples. Negative control probes available in the latest microarray platforms, such as Illumina whole genome expression BeadChips, provide a unique opportunity to estimate the number of expressed probes without setting a threshold. A novel algorithm was proposed in this study to estimate the number of expressed probes in an RNA sample by utilizing these negative controls to measure background noise. The performance of the algorithm was demonstrated by comparing different generations of Illumina BeadChips, comparing the set of probes targeting well-characterized RefSeq NM transcripts with other probes on the array and comparing pure samples with heterogenous samples. Furthermore, hematopoietic stem cells were found to have a larger transcriptome than progenitor cells. Aire knockout medullary thymic epithelial cells were shown to have significantly less expressed probes than matched wild-type cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shi
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science and The Hanson Institute, Box 14 Rundle Mall Post Office, Adelaide, Adelaide Cancer Research Institute, The School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, SA 5000 and The Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Carolyn A. de Graaf
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science and The Hanson Institute, Box 14 Rundle Mall Post Office, Adelaide, Adelaide Cancer Research Institute, The School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, SA 5000 and The Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Sarah A. Kinkel
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science and The Hanson Institute, Box 14 Rundle Mall Post Office, Adelaide, Adelaide Cancer Research Institute, The School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, SA 5000 and The Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ariel H. Achtman
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science and The Hanson Institute, Box 14 Rundle Mall Post Office, Adelaide, Adelaide Cancer Research Institute, The School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, SA 5000 and The Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Tracey Baldwin
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science and The Hanson Institute, Box 14 Rundle Mall Post Office, Adelaide, Adelaide Cancer Research Institute, The School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, SA 5000 and The Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Louis Schofield
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science and The Hanson Institute, Box 14 Rundle Mall Post Office, Adelaide, Adelaide Cancer Research Institute, The School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, SA 5000 and The Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Hamish S. Scott
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science and The Hanson Institute, Box 14 Rundle Mall Post Office, Adelaide, Adelaide Cancer Research Institute, The School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, SA 5000 and The Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Douglas J. Hilton
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science and The Hanson Institute, Box 14 Rundle Mall Post Office, Adelaide, Adelaide Cancer Research Institute, The School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, SA 5000 and The Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Gordon K. Smyth
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science and The Hanson Institute, Box 14 Rundle Mall Post Office, Adelaide, Adelaide Cancer Research Institute, The School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, SA 5000 and The Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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146
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Irla M, Hollander G, Reith W. Control of central self-tolerance induction by autoreactive CD4+ thymocytes. Trends Immunol 2010; 31:71-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2009.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2009] [Revised: 11/05/2009] [Accepted: 11/10/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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147
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Abstract
The eye attempts to limit local immune and inflammatory responses to preserve vision. This phenomenon, known as ocular immune privilege, is mediated by a combination of local and systemic mechanisms. While immune privilege is believed to protect the eye from day-to-day inflammatory insults, it is not absolute and its mechanisms are still incompletely understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Zhou
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
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148
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Org T, Rebane A, Kisand K, Laan M, Haljasorg U, Andreson R, Peterson P. AIRE activated tissue specific genes have histone modifications associated with inactive chromatin. Hum Mol Genet 2009; 18:4699-710. [PMID: 19744957 PMCID: PMC2778368 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddp433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2009] [Accepted: 09/08/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Autoimmune Regulator (AIRE) protein is expressed in thymic medullary epithelial cells, where it promotes the ectopic expression of tissue-restricted antigens needed for efficient negative selection of developing thymocytes. Mutations in AIRE cause APECED syndrome, which is characterized by a breakdown of self-tolerance. The molecular mechanism by which AIRE increases the expression of a variety of different genes remains unknown. Here, we studied AIRE-regulated genes using whole genome expression analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation. We show that AIRE preferentially activates genes that are tissue-specific and characterized by low levels of initial expression in stably transfected HEK293 cell model and mouse thymic medullary epithelial cells. In addition, the AIRE-regulated genes lack active chromatin marks, such as histone H3 trimethylation (H3K4me3) and acetylation (AcH3), on their promoters. We also show that during activation by AIRE, the target genes acquire histone H3 modifications associated with transcription and RNA polymerase II. In conclusion, our data show that AIRE is able to promote ectopic gene expression from chromatin associated with histone modifications characteristic to inactive genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tõnis Org
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Institute of General and Molecular Pathology and
| | - Ana Rebane
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Institute of General and Molecular Pathology and
| | - Kai Kisand
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Institute of General and Molecular Pathology and
| | - Martti Laan
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Institute of General and Molecular Pathology and
| | - Uku Haljasorg
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Institute of General and Molecular Pathology and
| | - Reidar Andreson
- Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Pärt Peterson
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Institute of General and Molecular Pathology and
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149
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Shum AK, DeVoss J, Tan CL, Hou Y, Johannes K, O'Gorman CS, Jones KD, Sochett EB, Fong L, Anderson MS. Identification of an autoantigen demonstrates a link between interstitial lung disease and a defect in central tolerance. Sci Transl Med 2009; 1:9ra20. [PMID: 20368189 PMCID: PMC2856693 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3000284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common manifestation of systemic autoimmunity characterized by progressive inflammation or scarring of the lungs. Patients who develop these complications can exhibit significantly impaired gas exchange that may result in hypoxemia, pulmonary hypertension, and even death. Unfortunately, little is understood about how these diseases arise, including the role of specific defects in immune tolerance. Another key question is whether autoimmune responses targeting the lung parenchyma are critical to ILD pathogenesis, including that of isolated idiopathic forms. We show that a specific defect in central tolerance brought about by mutations in the autoimmune regulator gene (Aire) leads to an autoreactive T cell response to a lung antigen named vomeromodulin and the development of ILD. We found that a human patient and mice with defects in Aire develop similar lung pathology, demonstrating that the AIRE-deficient model of autoimmunity is a suitable translational system in which to unravel fundamental mechanisms of ILD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony K Shum
- 1Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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150
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Abstract
The question under analysis in this commentary is, what was the evolutionary selection pressure that necessitated the ectopic expression of a subset of peripheral self-antigens in the thymus and by peripheral APC? The suggestion is that antigen expression is delayed until after the immune system is responsive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvin Cohn
- Conceptual Immunology Group, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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