1
|
He Z, Sun H, Zhao F, Ma L, Wang J, Liu X, Li M, Hao Z, Li S. MicroRNA expression profiles reveal wool development and fineness regulation in Gansu alpine fine-wool sheep. Genomics 2024; 116:110922. [PMID: 39178999 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
The development of wool has a complex regulatory mechanism both influenced by genetic and environmental factors. MicroRNAs (miRNA) were involved in various biological processes of animals, and may play an important role in the regulation of wool development. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed and identified the histological parameters of hair follicles, as well as the miRNAs, target genes, pathways, and Gene Ontology terms related to wool fineness regulation and wool growth and development using HE staining and RNA-Seqs methods. Both coarse (group C, mean fiber diameter (MFD) = 22.26 ± 0.69 μm, n = 6) and fine (group F, MFD = 16.91 ± 0.29 μm, n = 6) of Gansu alpine fine-wool sheep with different wool fineness were used in this study. The results showed that the primary follicle diameter and secondary wool fiber diameter in group C were significantly higher than those in group F (P < 0.05). And the number of primary and secondary hair follicles in group C was significantly lower than that in group F (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a total of 67 DE miRNAs and 290 potential DE miRNAs target genes were screened in the skin tissues of sheep from groups F and C, and some potential target genes related to wool fineness regulation were screened, such as CDH2, KRT82, FOXN1, LOC101106296, KRT20, MCOLN3, KRT71, and TERT. These genes were closely related to Glutathione metabolism, epidermal cell differentiation, keratinization, and regulation of hair cycle. Moreover, the regulatory network of miRNAs-mRNAs suggested that miRNAs (miR-129-x, novel m0079-3p, miR-2484-z, novel m0025-5P, etc.) may play a key role in the wool development and wool fineness regulation of Gansu alpine fine-wool sheep. In summary, this study expands the existing miRNAs database and provides new information for studying the regulation of wool development in Gansu alpine fine wool sheep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohua He
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, China
| | - Hongxian Sun
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, China
| | - Fangfang Zhao
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, China
| | - Longxia Ma
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, China
| | - Jiqing Wang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, China
| | - Xiu Liu
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, China
| | - Mingna Li
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, China
| | - Zhiyun Hao
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, China
| | - Shaobin Li
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pasternak Y, Vong L, Merico D, Abrego Fuentes L, Scott O, Sham M, Fraser M, Watts-Dickens A, Willett Pachul J, Kim VH, Marshall CR, Scherer S, Roifman CM. Utilization of next-generation sequencing to define the role of heterozygous FOXN1 variants in immunodeficiency. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. GLOBAL 2024; 3:100267. [PMID: 38800615 PMCID: PMC11127205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacig.2024.100267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Forkhead box protein N1 (FOXN1) transcription factor plays an essential role in the development of thymic epithelial cells, required for T-cell differentiation, maturation, and function. Biallelic pathogenic variants in FOXN1 cause severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). More recently, heterozygous variants in FOXN1, identified by restricted gene panels, were also implicated with causing a less severe and variable immunodeficiency. Objective We undertook longitudinal follow-up and advanced genetic investigations, including whole exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing, of newborns with a heterozygous variant in FOXN1. Methods Five patients (3 female, 2 male) have been followed since they were first detected with low T-cell receptor excision circles during newborn screening for SCID. Patients underwent immune evaluation as well as genetic testing, including a primary immunodeficiency panel, whole exome sequencing, and whole genome sequencing in some cases. Results Median follow-up time was 6.5 years. Initial investigations revealed low CD3+ T lymphocytes in all patients. One patient presented with extremely low lymphocyte counts and depressed phytohemagglutinin responses leading to a tentative diagnosis of SCID. Over a period of 2 years, CD3+ T-cell counts rose, although in some patients it remained borderline low. One of 5 children continues to experience recurrent upper respiratory infections and asthma episodes. The remaining are asymptomatic except for eczema in 2 of 5 cases. Lymphocyte proliferation responses to phytohemagglutinin were initially low in 3 patients but normalized by age 10 months. In 3 of 5 cases, T lymphocyte counts remain low/borderline low. Conclusion In cases of monoallelic FOXN1 variants, using whole exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing to rule out possible other significant pathogenic variants allowed us to proceed with confidence in a conservative manner, even in extreme cases consistent with newborn screen-positive early presentation of SCID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yehonatan Pasternak
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Linda Vong
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Canadian Centre for Primary Immunodeficiency and the Jeffrey Modell Research Laboratory for the Diagnosis of Primary Immunodeficiency, The Hospital for Sick Children and Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniele Merico
- Vevo Therapeutics, San Francisco, Calif
- The Centre for Applied Genomics (TCAG), Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura Abrego Fuentes
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ori Scott
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marina Sham
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meghan Fraser
- Newborn Screening Program, Department of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abby Watts-Dickens
- Newborn Screening Program, Department of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics and the McLaughlin Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Willett Pachul
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vy H.D. Kim
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christian R. Marshall
- Division of Genome Diagnostics, Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen Scherer
- The Centre for Applied Genomics (TCAG), Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics and the McLaughlin Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chaim M. Roifman
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Canadian Centre for Primary Immunodeficiency and the Jeffrey Modell Research Laboratory for the Diagnosis of Primary Immunodeficiency, The Hospital for Sick Children and Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Howley E, Soomann M, Kreins AY. Parental Engagement in Identifying Information Needs After Newborn Screening for Families of Infants with Suspected Athymia. J Clin Immunol 2024; 44:79. [PMID: 38457046 PMCID: PMC10923976 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-024-01678-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Congenital athymia is a rare T-lymphocytopaenic condition, which requires early corrective treatment with thymus transplantation (TT). Athymic patients are increasingly identified through newborn screening (NBS) for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Lack of relatable information resources contributes to challenging patient and family journeys during the diagnostic period following abnormal NBS results. Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities, including parental involvement in paediatrics, are valuable initiatives to improve clinical communication and parental information strategies. Parents of infants with suspected athymia were therefore invited to discuss the information they received during the diagnostic period following NBS with the aim to identify parental information needs and targeted strategies to address these adequately. Parents reported that athymia was not considered with them as a possible differential diagnosis until weeks after initial NBS results. Whilst appropriate clinical information about athymia and TT was available upon referral to specialist immunology services, improved access to easy-to-understand information from reliable sources, including from clinical nurse specialists and peer support systems, remained desirable. A roadmap concept, with written or digital information, addressing parental needs in real time during a potentially complex diagnostic journey, was proposed and is transferrable to other inborn errors of immunity (IEI) and rare diseases. This PPIE activity provides insight into the information needs of parents of infants with suspected athymia who are identified through SCID NBS, and highlights the role for PPIE in promoting patient- and family-centred strategies to improve IEI care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evey Howley
- Department of Immunology and Gene Therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Maarja Soomann
- Department of Immunology and Gene Therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Division of Immunology and the Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Y Kreins
- Department of Immunology and Gene Therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
- Infection Immunity and Inflammation Research and Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dinges SS, Amini K, Notarangelo LD, Delmonte OM. Primary and secondary defects of the thymus. Immunol Rev 2024; 322:178-211. [PMID: 38228406 PMCID: PMC10950553 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is the primary site of T-cell development, enabling generation, and selection of a diverse repertoire of T cells that recognize non-self, whilst remaining tolerant to self- antigens. Severe congenital disorders of thymic development (athymia) can be fatal if left untreated due to infections, and thymic tissue implantation is the only cure. While newborn screening for severe combined immune deficiency has allowed improved detection at birth of congenital athymia, thymic disorders acquired later in life are still underrecognized and assessing the quality of thymic function in such conditions remains a challenge. The thymus is sensitive to injury elicited from a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors, and its self-renewal capacity decreases with age. Secondary and age-related forms of thymic dysfunction may lead to an increased risk of infections, malignancy, and autoimmunity. Promising results have been obtained in preclinical models and clinical trials upon administration of soluble factors promoting thymic regeneration, but to date no therapy is approved for clinical use. In this review we provide a background on thymus development, function, and age-related involution. We discuss disease mechanisms, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for primary and secondary thymic defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S. Dinges
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kayla Amini
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Luigi D. Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ottavia M. Delmonte
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Moses A, Bhalla P, Thompson A, Lai L, Coskun FS, Seroogy CM, de la Morena MT, Wysocki CA, van Oers NSC. Comprehensive phenotypic analysis of diverse FOXN1 variants. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 152:1273-1291.e15. [PMID: 37419334 PMCID: PMC11071152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymus hypoplasia due to stromal cell problems has been linked to mutations in several transcription factors, including Forkhead box N1 (FOXN1). FOXN1 supports T-cell development by regulating the formation and expansion of thymic epithelial cells (TECs). While autosomal recessive FOXN1 mutations result in a nude and severe combined immunodeficiency phenotype, the impact of single-allelic or compound heterozygous FOXN1 mutations is less well-defined. OBJECTIVE With more than 400 FOXN1 mutations reported, their impact on protein function and thymopoiesis remains unclear for most variants. We developed a systematic approach to delineate the functional impact of diverse FOXN1 variants. METHODS Selected FOXN1 variants were tested with transcriptional reporter assays and imaging studies. Thymopoiesis was assessed in mouse lines genocopying several human FOXN1 variants. Reaggregate thymus organ cultures were used to compare the thymopoietic potential of the FOXN1 variants. RESULTS FOXN1 variants were categorized into benign, loss- or gain-of-function, and/or dominant-negatives. Dominant negative activities mapped to frameshift variants impacting the transactivation domain. A nuclear localization signal was mapped within the DNA binding domain. Thymopoiesis analyses with mouse models and reaggregate thymus organ cultures revealed distinct consequences of particular Foxn1 variants on T-cell development. CONCLUSIONS The potential effect of a FOXN1 variant on T-cell output from the thymus may relate to its effects on transcriptional activity, nuclear localization, and/or dominant negative functions. A combination of functional assays and thymopoiesis comparisons enabled a categorization of diverse FOXN1 variants and their potential impact on T-cell output from the thymus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Moses
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex
| | - Pratibha Bhalla
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex
| | - Austin Thompson
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex
| | - Laijun Lai
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn
| | - Fatma S Coskun
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex
| | - Christine M Seroogy
- the Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis
| | - Maria Teresa de la Morena
- the Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Wash
| | - Christian A Wysocki
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex; Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex
| | - Nicolai S C van Oers
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex; Departments of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex; Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Corbali O, Gemici Karaaslan HB, Aydemir S, Onal P, Kendir Demirkol Y, Nepesov S, Kiykim A, Cokugras H. Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in a FOXN1 -deficient Patient. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2023; 45:275-277. [PMID: 37146104 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The FOXN1 gene mutation is a unique disorder that causes the nude severe combined immunodeficiency phenotype. In patients with severe combined immunodeficiency, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is life-saving if performed earlier. Thymic transplantation is the curative treatment for FOXN1 deficiency because the main pathology is thymic stromal changes. In this report, we describe the clinical features of a Turkish patient with a homozygous FOXN1 mutation treated with HSCT from his human leukocyte antigen-matched sibling. On follow-up, he showed Bacille Calmette Guerin adenitis and was evaluated as having immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. By presenting our patient, we aimed to draw attention to the development of HSCT and subsequent immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome as a treatment option in patients with FOXN1 deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Osman Corbali
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine
| | | | - Sezin Aydemir
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Pediatric Immunology and Allergy
| | - Pinar Onal
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Diseases
| | | | - Serdar Nepesov
- Istanbul Medipol University, Pediatric Immunology and Allergy, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayca Kiykim
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Pediatric Immunology and Allergy
| | - Haluk Cokugras
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Pediatric Immunology and Allergy
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Diseases
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bosticardo M, Notarangelo LD. Human thymus in health and disease: Recent advances in diagnosis and biology. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101732. [PMID: 36863139 PMCID: PMC10134747 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is the crucial tissue where thymocytes develop from hematopoietic precursors that originate from the bone marrow and differentiate to generate a repertoire of mature T cells able to respond to foreign antigens while remaining tolerant to self-antigens. Until recently, most of the knowledge on thymus biology and its cellular and molecular complexity have been obtained through studies in animal models, because of the difficulty to gain access to thymic tissue in humans and the lack of in vitro models able to faithfully recapitulate the thymic microenvironment. This review focuses on recent advances in the understanding of human thymus biology in health and disease obtained through the use of innovative experimental techniques (eg. single cell RNA sequencing, scRNAseq), diagnostic tools (eg. next generation sequencing), and in vitro models of T-cell differentiation (artificial thymic organoids) and thymus development (eg. thymic epithelial cell differentiation from embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marita Bosticardo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nguyen B, Hu JK, Tosti A. Eyebrow and Eyelash Alopecia: A Clinical Review. Am J Clin Dermatol 2023; 24:55-67. [PMID: 36183302 PMCID: PMC9870835 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-022-00729-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Madarosis is characterized by either complete or partial loss of eyebrow or eyelash hair. Etiologies for madarosis are varied, and accurate diagnosis is the first step in clinical management. Many studies have described findings related to specific causes of madarosis, but few have summarized the collective literature. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated overview on the symptomatology, diagnosis, trichoscopy findings, and treatment of eyebrow and eyelash alopecia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Betty Nguyen
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1295 NW 14th St, Suite L, Miami, FL, 33125, USA.
- University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - Jamie Katy Hu
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1295 NW 14th St, Suite L, Miami, FL, 33125, USA
| | - Antonella Tosti
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1295 NW 14th St, Suite L, Miami, FL, 33125, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bhalla P, Du Q, Kumar A, Xing C, Moses A, Dozmorov I, Wysocki CA, Cleaver OB, Pirolli TJ, Markert ML, de la Morena MT, Baldini A, van Oers NS. Mesenchymal cell replacement corrects thymic hypoplasia in murine models of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e160101. [PMID: 36136514 PMCID: PMC9663160 DOI: 10.1172/jci160101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is the most common human chromosomal microdeletion, causing developmentally linked congenital malformations, thymic hypoplasia, hypoparathyroidism, and/or cardiac defects. Thymic hypoplasia leads to T cell lymphopenia, which most often results in mild SCID. Despite decades of research, the molecular underpinnings leading to thymic hypoplasia in 22q11.2DS remain unknown. Comparison of embryonic thymuses from mouse models of 22q11.2DS (Tbx1neo2/neo2) revealed proportions of mesenchymal, epithelial, and hematopoietic cell types similar to those of control thymuses. Yet, the small thymuses were growth restricted in fetal organ cultures. Replacement of Tbx1neo2/neo2 thymic mesenchymal cells with normal ones restored tissue growth. Comparative single-cell RNA-Seq of embryonic thymuses uncovered 17 distinct cell subsets, with transcriptome differences predominant in the 5 mesenchymal subsets from the Tbx1neo2/neo2 cell line. The transcripts affected included those for extracellular matrix proteins, consistent with the increased collagen deposition we observed in the small thymuses. Attenuating collagen cross-links with minoxidil restored thymic tissue expansion for hypoplastic lobes. In colony-forming assays, the Tbx1neo2/neo2-derived mesenchymal cells had reduced expansion potential, in contrast to the normal growth of thymic epithelial cells. These findings suggest that mesenchymal cells were causal to the small embryonic thymuses in the 22q11.2DS mouse models, which was correctable by substitution with normal mesenchyme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ashwani Kumar
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development
| | - Chao Xing
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development
- Departments of Bioinformatics and
- Population and Data Sciences, Departments of
| | | | | | | | | | - Timothy J. Pirolli
- Division of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Mary Louise Markert
- Departments of Pediatrics and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Maria Teresa de la Morena
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, and Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Antonio Baldini
- Department Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicolai S.C. van Oers
- Department of Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vascular Neonatal Thymus Transplantation in Rabbits. Transplant Proc 2022; 54:2381-2387. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2022.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
11
|
Bhalla P, Su DM, van Oers NSC. Thymus Functionality Needs More Than a Few TECs. Front Immunol 2022; 13:864777. [PMID: 35757725 PMCID: PMC9229346 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.864777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus, a primary lymphoid organ, produces the T cells of the immune system. Originating from the 3rd pharyngeal pouch during embryogenesis, this organ functions throughout life. Yet, thymopoiesis can be transiently or permanently damaged contingent on the types of systemic stresses encountered. The thymus also undergoes a functional decline during aging, resulting in a progressive reduction in naïve T cell output. This atrophy is evidenced by a deteriorating thymic microenvironment, including, but not limited, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions, fibrosis and adipogenesis. An exploration of cellular changes in the thymus at various stages of life, including mouse models of in-born errors of immunity and with single cell RNA sequencing, is revealing an expanding number of distinct cell types influencing thymus functions. The thymus microenvironment, established through interactions between immature and mature thymocytes with thymus epithelial cells (TEC), is well known. Less well appreciated are the contributions of neural crest cell-derived mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells, diverse hematopoietic cell populations, adipocytes, and fibroblasts in the thymic microenvironment. In the current review, we will explore the contributions of the many stromal cell types participating in the formation, expansion, and contraction of the thymus under normal and pathophysiological processes. Such information will better inform approaches for restoring thymus functionality, including thymus organoid technologies, beneficial when an individuals’ own tissue is congenitally, clinically, or accidentally rendered non-functional.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Bhalla
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Dong-Ming Su
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, The University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Nicolai S C van Oers
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ramos SA, Morton JJ, Yadav P, Reed B, Alizadeh SI, Shilleh AH, Perrenoud L, Jaggers J, Kappler J, Jimeno A, Russ HA. Generation of functional human thymic cells from induced pluripotent stem cells. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2022; 149:767-781.e6. [PMID: 34331993 PMCID: PMC8815270 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The thymus is a glandular organ that is essential for the formation of the adaptive immune system by educating developing T cells. The thymus is most active during childhood and involutes around the time of adolescence, resulting in a severe reduction or absence of naive T-cell output. The ability to generate a patient-derived human thymus would provide an attractive research platform and enable the development of novel cell therapies. OBJECTIVES This study sought to systematically evaluate signaling pathways to develop a refined direct differentiation protocol that generates patient-derived thymic epithelial progenitor cells from multiple induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that can further differentiate into functional patient-derived thymic epithelial cells on transplantation into athymic nude mice. METHODS Directed differentiation of iPSC generated TEPs that were transplanted into nude mice. Between 14 and 19 weeks posttransplantation, grafts were removed and analyzed by flow cytometry, quantitative PCR, bulk RNA sequencing, and single-cell RNA sequencing for markers of thymic-cell and T-cell development. RESULTS A direct differentiation protocol that allows the generation of patient-derived thymic epithelial progenitor cells from multiple iPSC lines is described. On transplantation into athymic nude mice, patient-derived thymic epithelial progenitor cells further differentiate into functional patient-derived thymic epithelial cells that can facilitate the development of T cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of iPSC-derived grafts shows characteristic thymic subpopulations and patient-derived thymic epithelial cell populations that are indistinguishable from TECs present in primary neonatal thymus tissue. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide important insights and resources for researchers focusing on human thymus biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan A. Ramos
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - John J. Morton
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Prabha Yadav
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Brendan Reed
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Sheila I. Alizadeh
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Ali H. Shilleh
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Loni Perrenoud
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - James Jaggers
- Surgery- Cardiothoracic department, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - John Kappler
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA,Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver CO 80206
| | - Antonio Jimeno
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA,Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA,Correspondence to: Holger A. Russ, PhD, Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 1775 Aurora Court, M20-4202G, Aurora, CO. 80045, Office: +1 303 724 8544, Cell: +1 415 933 9952, Lab phone: +1 303 724 0192, ; Antonio Jimeno, MD, PhD, University of Colorado Cancer Center & Charles C. Gates Center of Stem Cell Biology, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12801 East 17th Avenue, RC1S L18-8111, Aurora, CO 80045, Office: +1 303 724 2478, Lab phone: +1 303 724 6614,
| | - Holger A. Russ
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA,Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA,Correspondence to: Holger A. Russ, PhD, Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 1775 Aurora Court, M20-4202G, Aurora, CO. 80045, Office: +1 303 724 8544, Cell: +1 415 933 9952, Lab phone: +1 303 724 0192, ; Antonio Jimeno, MD, PhD, University of Colorado Cancer Center & Charles C. Gates Center of Stem Cell Biology, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12801 East 17th Avenue, RC1S L18-8111, Aurora, CO 80045, Office: +1 303 724 2478, Lab phone: +1 303 724 6614,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Molekularne mechanizmy działania czynnika transkrypcyjnego FOXN1 w skórze. POSTEP HIG MED DOSW 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/ahem-2021-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstrakt
Artykuł jest przeglądem wyników badań dotyczących funkcji i mechanizmu działania czynnika transkrypcyjnego FOXN1. Lokalizacja FOXN1 u przedstawicieli wszystkich ssaków ogranicza się do nabłonka tylko dwóch organów: skóry i grasicy. W skórze FOXN1 stymuluje różnicowanie się keratynocytów, reguluje proces pigmentacji i bierze udział w rozwoju włosów. W skórze objętej urazem FOXN1 jest zaangażowany w bliznowy proces gojenia poprzez udział w reepitelializacji oraz w procesie przejścia epitelialno-mezenchymalnego (epithelial-mesenchymal transition; EMT). Pozbawione aktywnego czynnika transkrypcyjnego FOXN1 dorosłe myszy (Foxn1-/-) goją urazy skórne w unikalnym, charakterystycznym jedynie dla płodów ssaków, procesie bezbliznowej (scar-free) regeneracji. Analiza porównawcza transkryptomów skóry: dorosłych myszy Foxn1-/- oraz skóry płodów myszy (14. dzień rozwoju płodowego) wykazała istotne podobieństwa w ekspresji genów związanych przede wszystkim z przebudową tkanek, budową cytoszkieletu, gojeniem urazów, odpowiedzią immunologiczną oraz różnicowaniem. Wyniki te wskazują, iż FOXN1 może być głównym elementem szlaku sygnałowego na drodze tzw. punktu tranzycyjnego czyli przejścia z etapu gojenia bezbliznowego (płodowego) do bliznowego (dorosłego) w trakcie rozwoju płodowego.
Collapse
|
14
|
Collins C, Sharpe E, Silber A, Kulke S, Hsieh EWY. Congenital Athymia: Genetic Etiologies, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment. J Clin Immunol 2021; 41:881-895. [PMID: 33987750 PMCID: PMC8249278 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-021-01059-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Congenital athymia is an ultra-rare disease characterized by the absence of a functioning thymus. It is associated with several genetic and syndromic disorders including FOXN1 deficiency, 22q11.2 deletion, CHARGE Syndrome (Coloboma, Heart defects, Atresia of the nasal choanae, Retardation of growth and development, Genitourinary anomalies, and Ear anomalies), and Complete DiGeorge Syndrome. Congenital athymia can result from defects in genes that impact thymic organ development such as FOXN1 and PAX1 or from genes that are involved in development of the entire midline region, such as TBX1 within the 22q11.2 region, CHD7, and FOXI3. Patients with congenital athymia have profound immunodeficiency, increased susceptibility to infections, and frequently, autologous graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Athymic patients often present with absent T cells but normal numbers of B cells and Natural Killer cells (T-B+NK+), similar to a phenotype of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID); these patients may require additional steps to confirm the diagnosis if no known genetic cause of athymia is identified. However, distinguishing athymia from SCID is crucial, as treatments differ for these conditions. Cultured thymus tissue is being investigated as a treatment for congenital athymia. Here, we review what is known about the epidemiology, underlying etiologies, clinical manifestations, and treatments for congenital athymia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cathleen Collins
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy Immunology, Rady Children's Hospital, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Sarah Kulke
- Enzyvant Therapeutics, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Elena W Y Hsieh
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Machcinska S, Kopcewicz M, Bukowska J, Walendzik K, Gawronska-Kozak B. Impairment of the Hif-1α regulatory pathway in Foxn1-deficient (Foxn1 -/- ) mice affects the skin wound healing process. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21289. [PMID: 33475195 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001907r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia and hypoxia-regulated factors (eg, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α [Hif-1α], factor inhibiting Hif-1α [Fih-1], thioredoxin-1 [Trx-1], aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator 2 [Arnt-2]) have essential roles in skin wound healing. Using Foxn1-/- mice that can heal skin injuries in a unique scarless manner, we investigated the interaction between Foxn1 and hypoxia-regulated factors. The Foxn1-/- mice displayed impairments in the regulation of Hif-1α, Trx-1, and Fih-1 but not Arnt-2 during the healing process. An analysis of wounded skin showed that the skin of the Foxn1-/- mice healed in a scarless manner, displaying rapid re-epithelialization and an increase in transforming growth factor β (Tgfβ-3) and collagen III expression. An in vitro analysis revealed that Foxn1 overexpression in keratinocytes isolated from the skin of the Foxn1-/- mice led to reduced Hif-1α expression in normoxic but not hypoxic cultures and inhibited Fih-1 expression exclusively under hypoxic conditions. These data indicate that in the skin, Foxn1 affects hypoxia-regulated factors that control the wound healing process and suggest that under normoxic conditions, Foxn1 is a limiting factor for Hif-1α.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Machcinska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marta Kopcewicz
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Bukowska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Walendzik
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Barbara Gawronska-Kozak
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kreins AY, Bonfanti P, Davies EG. Current and Future Therapeutic Approaches for Thymic Stromal Cell Defects. Front Immunol 2021; 12:655354. [PMID: 33815417 PMCID: PMC8012524 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.655354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Inborn errors of thymic stromal cell development and function lead to impaired T-cell development resulting in a susceptibility to opportunistic infections and autoimmunity. In their most severe form, congenital athymia, these disorders are life-threatening if left untreated. Athymia is rare and is typically associated with complete DiGeorge syndrome, which has multiple genetic and environmental etiologies. It is also found in rare cases of T-cell lymphopenia due to Nude SCID and Otofaciocervical Syndrome type 2, or in the context of genetically undefined defects. This group of disorders cannot be corrected by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, but upon timely recognition as thymic defects, can successfully be treated by thymus transplantation using cultured postnatal thymic tissue with the generation of naïve T-cells showing a diverse repertoire. Mortality after this treatment usually occurs before immune reconstitution and is mainly associated with infections most often acquired pre-transplantation. In this review, we will discuss the current approaches to the diagnosis and management of thymic stromal cell defects, in particular those resulting in athymia. We will discuss the impact of the expanding implementation of newborn screening for T-cell lymphopenia, in combination with next generation sequencing, as well as the role of novel diagnostic tools distinguishing between hematopoietic and thymic stromal cell defects in facilitating the early consideration for thymus transplantation of an increasing number of patients and disorders. Immune reconstitution after the current treatment is usually incomplete with relatively common inflammatory and autoimmune complications, emphasizing the importance for improving strategies for thymus replacement therapy by optimizing the current use of postnatal thymus tissue and developing new approaches using engineered thymus tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Y. Kreins
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Immunology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Bonfanti
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - E. Graham Davies
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Immunology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Comparison of Genetically Engineered Immunodeficient Animal Models for Nonclinical Testing of Stem Cell Therapies. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13020130. [PMID: 33498509 PMCID: PMC7909568 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
For the recovery or replacement of dysfunctional cells and tissue—the goal of stem cell research—successful engraftment of transplanted cells and tissues are essential events. The event is largely dependent on the immune rejection of the recipient; therefore, the immunogenic evaluation of candidate cells or tissues in immunodeficient animals is important. Understanding the immunodeficient system can provide insights into the generation and use of immunodeficient animal models, presenting a unique system to explore the capabilities of the innate immune system. In this review, we summarize various immunodeficient animal model systems with different target genes as valuable tools for biomedical research. There have been numerous immunodeficient models developed by different gene defects, resulting in many different features in phenotype. More important, mice, rats, and other large animals exhibit very different immunological and physiological features in tissue and organs, including genetic background and a representation of human disease conditions. Therefore, the findings from this review may guide researchers to select the most appropriate immunodeficient strain, target gene, and animal species based on the research type, mutant gene effects, and similarity to human immunological features for stem cell research.
Collapse
|
18
|
Expanding the Nude SCID/CID Phenotype Associated with FOXN1 Homozygous, Compound Heterozygous, or Heterozygous Mutations. J Clin Immunol 2021; 41:756-768. [PMID: 33464451 PMCID: PMC8068652 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-021-00967-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Human nude SCID is a rare autosomal recessive inborn error of immunity (IEI) characterized by congenital athymia, alopecia, and nail dystrophy. Few cases have been reported to date. However, the recent introduction of newborn screening for IEIs and high-throughput sequencing has led to the identification of novel and atypical cases. Moreover, immunological alterations have been recently described in patients carrying heterozygous mutations. The aim of this paper is to describe the extended phenotype associated with FOXN1 homozygous, compound heterozygous, or heterozygous mutations. We collected clinical and laboratory information of a cohort of 11 homozygous, 2 compound heterozygous, and 5 heterozygous patients with recurrent severe infections. All, except one heterozygous patient, had signs of CID or SCID. Nail dystrophy and alopecia, that represent the hallmarks of the syndrome, were not always present, while almost 50% of the patients developed Omenn syndrome. One patient with hypomorphic compound heterozygous mutations had a late-onset atypical phenotype. A SCID-like phenotype was observed in 4 heterozygous patients coming from the same family. A spectrum of clinical manifestations may be associated with different mutations. The severity of the clinical phenotype likely depends on the amount of residual activity of the gene product, as previously observed for other SCID-related genes. The severity of the manifestations in this heterozygous family may suggest a mechanism of negative dominance of the specific mutation or the presence of additional mutations in noncoding regions.
Collapse
|
19
|
Kreins AY, Maio S, Dhalla F. Inborn errors of thymic stromal cell development and function. Semin Immunopathol 2020; 43:85-100. [PMID: 33257998 PMCID: PMC7925491 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00826-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
As the primary site for T cell development, the thymus is responsible for the production and selection of a functional, yet self-tolerant T cell repertoire. This critically depends on thymic stromal cells, derived from the pharyngeal apparatus during embryogenesis. Thymic epithelial cells, mesenchymal and vascular elements together form the unique and highly specialised microenvironment required to support all aspects of thymopoiesis and T cell central tolerance induction. Although rare, inborn errors of thymic stromal cells constitute a clinically important group of conditions because their immunological consequences, which include autoimmune disease and T cell immunodeficiency, can be life-threatening if unrecognised and untreated. In this review, we describe the molecular and environmental aetiologies of the thymic stromal cell defects known to cause disease in humans, placing particular emphasis on those with a propensity to cause thymic hypoplasia or aplasia and consequently severe congenital immunodeficiency. We discuss the principles underpinning their diagnosis and management, including the use of novel tools to aid in their identification and strategies for curative treatment, principally transplantation of allogeneic thymus tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Y Kreins
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Department of Immunology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Stefano Maio
- Developmental Immunology, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fatima Dhalla
- Developmental Immunology, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Department of Clinical Immunology, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Castagnoli R, Notarangelo LD. Updates on new monogenic inborn errors of immunity. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2020; 31 Suppl 26:57-59. [PMID: 33236415 PMCID: PMC8322961 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Inborn errors of immunity (IEI), also referred to as primary immunodeficiencies (PID), are disorders that, for the most part, result from mutations in genes involved in immune host defense and immune regulation. Thanks to the increased availability of high-throughput DNA sequencing and the improvement in genomic data interpretation, the number of newly identified genes associated with IEI has exponentially increased over the last decade. We reviewed four recently described monogenic IEI and discussed the clinical and immunologic features of these new conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Castagnoli
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luigi Daniele Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
The contribution of thymic tolerance to central nervous system autoimmunity. Semin Immunopathol 2020; 43:135-157. [PMID: 33108502 PMCID: PMC7925481 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00822-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) are associated with high levels of morbidity and economic cost. Research efforts have previously focused on the contribution of the peripheral adaptive and innate immune systems to CNS autoimmunity. However, a failure of thymic negative selection is a necessary step in CNS-reactive T cells escaping into the periphery. Even with defective thymic or peripheral tolerance, the development of CNS inflammation is rare. The reasons underlying this are currently poorly understood. In this review, we examine evidence implicating thymic selection in the pathogenesis of CNS autoimmunity. Animal models suggest that thymic negative selection is an important factor in determining susceptibility to and severity of CNS inflammation. There are indirect clinical data that suggest thymic function is also important in human CNS autoimmune diseases. Specifically, the association between thymoma and paraneoplastic encephalitis and changes in T cell receptor excision circles in multiple sclerosis implicate thymic tolerance in these diseases. We identify potential associations between CNS autoimmunity susceptibility factors and thymic tolerance. The therapeutic manipulation of thymopoiesis has the potential to open up new treatment modalities, but a better understanding of thymic tolerance in CNS autoimmunity is required before this can be realised.
Collapse
|
22
|
Giardino G, Borzacchiello C, De Luca M, Romano R, Prencipe R, Cirillo E, Pignata C. T-Cell Immunodeficiencies With Congenital Alterations of Thymic Development: Genes Implicated and Differential Immunological and Clinical Features. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1837. [PMID: 32922396 PMCID: PMC7457079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Combined Immunodeficiencies (CID) are rare congenital disorders characterized by defective T-cell development that may be associated with B- and NK-cell deficiency. They are usually due to alterations in genes expressed in hematopoietic precursors but in few cases, they are caused by impaired thymic development. Athymia was classically associated with DiGeorge Syndrome due to TBX1 gene haploinsufficiency. Other genes, implicated in thymic organogenesis include FOXN1, associated with Nude SCID syndrome, PAX1, associated with Otofaciocervical Syndrome type 2, and CHD7, one of the genes implicated in CHARGE syndrome. More recently, chromosome 2p11.2 microdeletion, causing FOXI3 haploinsufficiency, has been identified in 5 families with impaired thymus development. In this review, we will summarize the main genetic, clinical, and immunological features related to the abovementioned gene mutations. We will also focus on different therapeutic approaches to treat SCID in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Giardino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Borzacchiello
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina De Luca
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Romano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Prencipe
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Cirillo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Pignata
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bhalla P, Wysocki CA, van Oers NSC. Molecular Insights Into the Causes of Human Thymic Hypoplasia With Animal Models. Front Immunol 2020; 11:830. [PMID: 32431714 PMCID: PMC7214791 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DiGeorge), CHARGE syndrome, Nude/SCID and otofaciocervical syndrome type 2 (OTFCS2) are distinct clinical conditions in humans that can result in hypoplasia and occasionally, aplasia of the thymus. Thymic hypoplasia/aplasia is first suggested by absence or significantly reduced numbers of recent thymic emigrants, revealed in standard-of-care newborn screens for T cell receptor excision circles (TRECs). Subsequent clinical assessments will often indicate whether genetic mutations are causal to the low T cell output from the thymus. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to the thymic hypoplasia/aplasia in diverse human syndromes are not fully understood, partly because the problems of the thymus originate during embryogenesis. Rodent and Zebrafish models of these clinical syndromes have been used to better define the underlying basis of the clinical presentations. Results from these animal models are uncovering contributions of different cell types in the specification, differentiation, and expansion of the thymus. Cell populations such as epithelial cells, mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells, and thymocytes are variably affected depending on the human syndrome responsible for the thymic hypoplasia. In the current review, findings from the diverse animal models will be described in relation to the clinical phenotypes. Importantly, these results are suggesting new strategies for regenerating thymic tissue in patients with distinct congenital disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Bhalla
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Christian A. Wysocki
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Nicolai S. C. van Oers
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Du Q, Huynh LK, Coskun F, Molina E, King MA, Raj P, Khan S, Dozmorov I, Seroogy CM, Wysocki CA, Padron GT, Yates TR, Markert ML, de la Morena MT, van Oers NS. FOXN1 compound heterozygous mutations cause selective thymic hypoplasia in humans. J Clin Invest 2019; 129:4724-4738. [PMID: 31566583 PMCID: PMC6819092 DOI: 10.1172/jci127565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on 2 patients with compound heterozygous mutations in forkhead box N1 (FOXN1), a transcription factor essential for thymic epithelial cell (TEC) differentiation. TECs are critical for T cell development. Both patients had a presentation consistent with T-/loB+NK+ SCID, with normal hair and nails, distinct from the classic nude/SCID phenotype in individuals with autosomal-recessive FOXN1 mutations. To understand the basis of this phenotype and the effects of the mutations on FOXN1, we generated mice using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to genocopy mutations in 1 of the patients. The mice with the Foxn1 compound heterozygous mutations had thymic hypoplasia, causing a T-B+NK+ SCID phenotype, whereas the hair and nails of these mice were normal. Characterization of the functional changes due to the Foxn1 mutations revealed a 5-amino acid segment at the end of the DNA-binding domain essential for the development of TECs but not keratinocytes. The transcriptional activity of this Foxn1 mutant was partly retained, indicating a region that specifies TEC functions. Analysis of an additional 9 FOXN1 mutations identified in multiple unrelated patients revealed distinct functional consequences contingent on the impact of the mutation on the DNA-binding and transactivation domains of FOXN1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiumei Du
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Larry K. Huynh
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Fatma Coskun
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Erika Molina
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Matthew A. King
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Prithvi Raj
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Shaheen Khan
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Igor Dozmorov
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Christine M. Seroogy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Christian A. Wysocki
- Department of Pediatrics, and
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Grace T. Padron
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - M. Louise Markert
- Department of Pediatrics and
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - M. Teresa de la Morena
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, Washington , USA
| | - Nicolai S.C. van Oers
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, and
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bosticardo M, Yamazaki Y, Cowan J, Giardino G, Corsino C, Scalia G, Prencipe R, Ruffner M, Hill DA, Sakovich I, Yemialyanava I, Tam JS, Padem N, Elder ME, Sleasman JW, Perez E, Niebur H, Seroogy CM, Sharapova S, Gebbia J, Kleiner GI, Peake J, Abbott JK, Gelfand EW, Crestani E, Biggs C, Butte MJ, Hartog N, Hayward A, Chen K, Heimall J, Seeborg F, Bartnikas LM, Cooper MA, Pignata C, Bhandoola A, Notarangelo LD. Heterozygous FOXN1 Variants Cause Low TRECs and Severe T Cell Lymphopenia, Revealing a Crucial Role of FOXN1 in Supporting Early Thymopoiesis. Am J Hum Genet 2019; 105:549-561. [PMID: 31447097 PMCID: PMC6731368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2019.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXN1 is the master regulatory gene of thymic epithelium development. FOXN1 deficiency leads to thymic aplasia, alopecia, and nail dystrophy, accounting for the nude/severe combined immunodeficiency (nu/SCID) phenotype in humans and mice. We identified several newborns with low levels of T cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and T cell lymphopenia at birth, who carried heterozygous loss-of-function FOXN1 variants. Longitudinal analysis showed persistent T cell lymphopenia during infancy, often associated with nail dystrophy. Adult individuals with heterozygous FOXN1 variants had in most cases normal CD4+ but lower than normal CD8+ cell counts. We hypothesized a FOXN1 gene dosage effect on the function of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and thymopoiesis and postulated that these effects would be more prominent early in life. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed TEC subset frequency and phenotype, early thymic progenitor (ETP) cell count, and expression of FOXN1 target genes (Ccl25, Cxcl12, Dll4, Scf, Psmb11, Prss16, and Cd83) in Foxn1nu/+ (nu/+) mice and age-matched wild-type (+/+) littermate controls. Both the frequency and the absolute count of ETP were significantly reduced in nu/+ mice up to 3 weeks of age. Analysis of the TEC compartment showed reduced expression of FOXN1 target genes and delayed maturation of the medullary TEC compartment in nu/+ mice. These observations establish a FOXN1 gene dosage effect on thymic function and identify FOXN1 haploinsufficiency as an important genetic determinant of T cell lymphopenia at birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marita Bosticardo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, IDGS, DIR, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yasuhiro Yamazaki
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, IDGS, DIR, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jennifer Cowan
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Giuliana Giardino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences Federico II University, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Cristina Corsino
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, IDGS, DIR, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Giulia Scalia
- Laboratory of Clinical research and Advanced Diagnostics, CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Rosaria Prencipe
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences Federico II University, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Melanie Ruffner
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David A Hill
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Inga Sakovich
- Immunology Lab, Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk 223053, Belarus
| | - Irma Yemialyanava
- Immunology Lab, Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk 223053, Belarus
| | - Jonathan S Tam
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Nurcicek Padem
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Melissa E Elder
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - John W Sleasman
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Elena Perez
- Allergy Associates of the Palm Beaches, North Palm Beach, FL 33408, USA
| | - Hana Niebur
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Christine M Seroogy
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Svetlana Sharapova
- Immunology Lab, Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk 223053, Belarus
| | - Jennifer Gebbia
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Gary Ira Kleiner
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Jane Peake
- Division of Paediatric Immunology and Allergy, Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, University of Queensland School of Medicine, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Jordan K Abbott
- Immunodeficiency Diagnosis and Treatment Program, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Erwin W Gelfand
- Immunodeficiency Diagnosis and Treatment Program, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Elena Crestani
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Catherine Biggs
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3, Canada
| | - Manish J Butte
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Nicholas Hartog
- Spectrum Health Allergy and Immunology, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, USA
| | - Anthony Hayward
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02905, USA
| | - Karin Chen
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jennifer Heimall
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Filiz Seeborg
- Section of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology & Center for Human Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lisa M Bartnikas
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Megan A Cooper
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Claudio Pignata
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences Federico II University, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Avinash Bhandoola
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, IDGS, DIR, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
The contributions of the peripheral adaptive and innate immune systems to CNS autoimmunity have been extensively studied. However, the role of thymic selection in these conditions is much less well understood. The thymus is the primary lymphoid organ for the generation of T cells; thymic mechanisms ensure that cells with an overt autoreactive specificity are eliminated before they emigrate to the periphery and control the generation of thymic regulatory T cells. Evidence from animal studies demonstrates that thymic T cell selection is important for establishing tolerance to autoantigens. However, there is a considerable knowledge gap regarding the role of thymic selection in autoimmune conditions of the human CNS. In this Review, we critically examine the current body of experimental evidence for the contribution of thymic tolerance to CNS autoimmune diseases. An understanding of why dysfunction of either thymic or peripheral tolerance mechanisms rarely leads to CNS inflammation is currently lacking. We examine the potential of de novo T cell formation and thymic selection as novel therapeutic avenues and highlight areas for future study that are likely to make these targets the focus of future treatments.
Collapse
|
27
|
Cirillo E, Cancrini C, Azzari C, Martino S, Martire B, Pession A, Tommasini A, Naviglio S, Finocchi A, Consolini R, Pierani P, D'Alba I, Putti MC, Marzollo A, Giardino G, Prencipe R, Esposito F, Grasso F, Scarselli A, Di Matteo G, Attardi E, Ricci S, Montin D, Specchia F, Barzaghi F, Cicalese MP, Quaremba G, Lougaris V, Giliani S, Locatelli F, Rossi P, Aiuti A, Badolato R, Plebani A, Pignata C. Clinical, Immunological, and Molecular Features of Typical and Atypical Severe Combined Immunodeficiency: Report of the Italian Primary Immunodeficiency Network. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1908. [PMID: 31456805 PMCID: PMC6700292 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCIDs) are a group of inborn errors of the immune system, usually associated with severe or life-threatening infections. Due to the variability of clinical phenotypes, the diagnostic complexity and the heterogeneity of the genetic basis, they are often difficult to recognize, leading to a significant diagnostic delay (DD). Aim of this study is to define presenting signs and natural history of SCID in a large cohort of patients, prior to hematopoietic stem cell or gene therapies. To this purpose, we conducted a 30-year retro-prospective multicenter study within the Italian Primary Immunodeficiency Network. One hundred eleven patients, diagnosed as typical or atypical SCID according to the European Society for Immune Deficiencies criteria, were included. Patients were subsequently classified based on the genetic alteration, pathogenic mechanism and immunological classification. A positive relationship between the age at onset and the DD was found. SCID patients with later onset were identified only in the last decade of observation. Syndromic SCIDs represented 28% of the cohort. Eight percent of the subjects were diagnosed in Intensive Care Units. Fifty-three percent had an atypical phenotype and most of them exhibited a discordant genotype-immunophenotype. Pre-treatment mortality was higher in atypical and syndromic patients. Our study broadens the knowledge of clinical and laboratory manifestations and genotype/phenotype correlation in patients with SCID and may facilitate the diagnosis of both typical and atypical forms of the disease in countries where newborn screening programs have not yet been implemented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Cirillo
- Pediatric Section, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Cancrini
- Department of System of Medicine University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Immune and Infectious Disease, University Department of Pediatrics DPUO, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Azzari
- Pediatric Immunology Unit, Anna Meyer Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvana Martino
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Baldassarre Martire
- Paediatric Hematology Oncology Unit, Policlinico-Giovanni XXII Hospital, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Pession
- Department of Pediatrics, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Tommasini
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Samuele Naviglio
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Finocchi
- Department of System of Medicine University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Immune and Infectious Disease, University Department of Pediatrics DPUO, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Consolini
- Section of Pediatrics Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Pierani
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Ospedale G. Salesi, Ancona, Italy
| | - Irene D'Alba
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Ospedale G. Salesi, Ancona, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Putti
- Department of Child's and Woman's Health, Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonio Marzollo
- Department of Child's and Woman's Health, Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuliana Giardino
- Pediatric Section, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Prencipe
- Pediatric Section, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Esposito
- Pediatric Section, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Fiorentino Grasso
- Pediatric Section, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Scarselli
- Department of System of Medicine University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Immune and Infectious Disease, University Department of Pediatrics DPUO, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Gigliola Di Matteo
- Department of System of Medicine University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Immune and Infectious Disease, University Department of Pediatrics DPUO, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Attardi
- Department of System of Medicine University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Ricci
- Pediatric Immunology Unit, Anna Meyer Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Davide Montin
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Fernando Specchia
- Department of Pediatrics, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Barzaghi
- Pediatric Immunohematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Cicalese
- Pediatric Immunohematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Quaremba
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Vassilios Lougaris
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Pediatrics Clinic and Institute for Molecular Medicine A. Nocivelli, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Giliani
- A. Nocivelli Institute for Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, and ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Rossi
- Department of System of Medicine University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Immune and Infectious Disease, University Department of Pediatrics DPUO, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Aiuti
- Pediatric Immunohematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaele Badolato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Pediatrics Clinic and Institute for Molecular Medicine A. Nocivelli, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Plebani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Pediatrics Clinic and Institute for Molecular Medicine A. Nocivelli, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudio Pignata
- Pediatric Section, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Luan R, Liang Z, Zhang Q, Sun L, Zhao Y. Molecular regulatory networks of thymic epithelial cell differentiation. Differentiation 2019; 107:42-49. [PMID: 31238242 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Functional mature T cells are generated in the thymus. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) provide the essential microenvironment for T cell development and maturation. According to their function and localization, TECs are roughly divided into cortical TECs (cTECs) and medullary TECs (mTECs), which are responsible for positive and negative selection, respectively. This review summarizes the current understanding of TEC biology, the identification of fetal and adult bipotent TEC progenitors, and the signaling pathways that control the development and maturation of TECs. The understanding of the ontogeny, differentiation, maturation and function of cTECs lags behind that of mTECs. Better understanding TEC biology will provide clues about TEC development and the applications of thymus engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Luan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liguang Sun
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Albar R, Mahdi M, Alkeraithe F, Almufarriji KN. Epstein-Barr virus associated with high-grade B-cell lymphoma in nude severe combined immunodeficiency. BMJ Case Rep 2019; 12:12/5/e227715. [PMID: 31151968 PMCID: PMC6557313 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-227715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is an extremely rare disease caused by a disruption in the forkhead box N1 (FOXN1) gene, with an incidence of <1 per 1 000 000 live births. We report a boy aged 4 months who presented with a history of fever for 3 weeks and enlarged lymph nodes. The fever was associated with dry cough and runny nose. On physical examination, we noted oral thrush, generalised lymphadenopathy, nail dystrophy and alopecia. Flow cytometry of lymph node biopsy showed high-grade B-cell lymphoma. In addition, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection was documented by PCR. The diagnosis of SCID was made by genetic testing, which revealed a homozygous variant of the FOXN1 gene. The variant was confirmed with Sanger sequencing. Management of EBV infection and lymphoma was initiated; unfortunately, the patient passed away on day 45 of hospitalisation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rawia Albar
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences College of Medicine, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Pediatric Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moaffaq Mahdi
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences College of Medicine, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fawaz Alkeraithe
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences College of Medicine, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Nawaf Almufarriji
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences College of Medicine, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
A Novel FOXN1 Variant Is Identified in Two Siblings with Nude Severe Combined Immunodeficiency. J Clin Immunol 2019; 39:144-147. [DOI: 10.1007/s10875-019-00615-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
31
|
Foxn1 in Skin Development, Homeostasis and Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19071956. [PMID: 29973508 PMCID: PMC6073674 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intensive research effort has focused on cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate skin biology, including the phenomenon of scar-free skin healing during foetal life. Transcription factors are the key molecules that tune gene expression and either promote or suppress gene transcription. The epidermis is the source of transcription factors that regulate many functions of epidermal cells such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and migration. Furthermore, the activation of epidermal transcription factors also causes changes in the dermal compartment of the skin. This review focuses on the transcription factor Foxn1 and its role in skin biology. The regulatory function of Foxn1 in the skin relates to physiological (development and homeostasis) and pathological (skin wound healing) conditions. In particular, the pivotal role of Foxn1 in skin development and the acquisition of the adult skin phenotype, which coincides with losing the ability of scar-free healing, is discussed. Thus, genetic manipulations with Foxn1 expression, specifically those introducing conditional Foxn1 silencing in a Foxn1+/+ organism or its knock-in in a Foxn1−/− model, may provide future perspectives for regenerative medicine.
Collapse
|
32
|
Genetic analysis of cerebral malaria in the mouse model infected with Plasmodium berghei. Mamm Genome 2018; 29:488-506. [DOI: 10.1007/s00335-018-9752-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
33
|
Abstract
Proper regulation of the immune system is required for protection against pathogens and preventing autoimmune disorders. Inborn errors of the immune system due to inherited or de novo germline mutations can lead to the loss of protective immunity, aberrant immune homeostasis, and the development of autoimmune disease, or combinations of these. Forward genetic screens involving clinical material from patients with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) can vary in severity from life-threatening disease affecting multiple cell types and organs to relatively mild disease with susceptibility to a limited range of pathogens or mild autoimmune conditions. As central mediators of innate and adaptive immune responses, T cells are critical orchestrators and effectors of the immune response. As such, several PIDs result from loss of or altered T cell function. PID-associated functional defects range from complete absence of T cell development to uncontrolled effector cell activation. Furthermore, the gene products of known PID causal genes are involved in diverse molecular pathways ranging from T cell receptor signaling to regulators of protein glycosylation. Identification of the molecular and biochemical cause of PIDs can not only guide the course of treatment for patients, but also inform our understanding of the basic biology behind T cell function. In this chapter, we review PIDs with known genetic causes that intrinsically affect T cell function with particular focus on perturbations of biochemical pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William A Comrie
- Molecular Development of the Immune System Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Clinical Genomics Program, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Michael J Lenardo
- Molecular Development of the Immune System Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Clinical Genomics Program, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Gallo V, Cirillo E, Giardino G, Pignata C. FOXN1 Deficiency: from the Discovery to Novel Therapeutic Approaches. J Clin Immunol 2017; 37:751-758. [DOI: 10.1007/s10875-017-0445-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
35
|
Radha Rama Devi A, Panday NN, Naushad SM. FOXN1 Italian founder mutation in Indian family: Implications in prenatal diagnosis. Gene 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
36
|
Abstract
FOXN1 is a prodifferentiation transcription factor in the skin epithelium. Recently, it has also emerged as an important player in controlling the skin wound healing process, as it actively participates in reepithelialization and is thought to be responsible for scar formation. FOXN1 positivity is also a feature of pigmented keratinocytes, including nevi, and FOXN1 is an attribute of benign epithelial tumors. The lack of FOXN1 favors the skin regeneration process displayed by nude mice, pointing to FOXN1 as a switch between regeneration and reparative processes. The stem cell niche provides a functional source of cells after the loss of tissue following wounding. The involvement of prodifferentiation factors in the regulation of this pool of stem cells is suggested. However, the exact mechanism is still under question, and we speculate that the FOXN1 transcription factor is involved in this process. This review analyzes the pleiotropic effects of FOXN1 in the skin, its function in the tumorigenesis process, and its potential role in depletion of the stem cell niche after injury, as well as its suggested mechanistic role, acting in a cell-autonomous and a non-cell-autonomous manner during skin self-renewal.
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Intrathymic T cell development is a complex process that depends upon continuous guidance from thymus stromal cell microenvironments. The thymic epithelium within the thymic stroma comprises highly specialized cells with a high degree of anatomic, phenotypic, and functional heterogeneity. These properties are collectively required to bias thymocyte development toward production of self-tolerant and functionally competent T cells. The importance of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) is evidenced by clear links between their dysfunction and multiple diseases where autoimmunity and immunodeficiency are major components. Consequently, TECs are an attractive target for cell therapies to restore effective immune system function. The pathways and molecular regulators that control TEC development are becoming clearer, as are their influences on particular stages of T cell development. Here, we review both historical and the most recent advances in our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling TEC development, function, dysfunction, and regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Abramson
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel;
| | - Graham Anderson
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom;
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Gilhooley E, Gormally S, Irvine A, Lynch SA, Collins S. FOXN1 Duplication and Congenital Hypertrichosis. Pediatr Dermatol 2017; 34:e77-e79. [PMID: 28297140 DOI: 10.1111/pde.13078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of congenital hypertrichosis and FOXN1 duplication. FOXN1 is a member of the forkhead box gene family, located on chromosome 17. Its function includes differentiation of epithelial cells and regulation of keratinocytes, especially hair keratins. Loss of function of these transcription factors leads to a disruption in hair growth. As far as we are aware, this is the first case of FOXN1 duplication associated with congenital hypertrichosis to be reported in the literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alan Irvine
- Clinical Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.,National Children's Research Centre, Dublin, Ireland.,Paediatric Dermatology, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Sinead Collins
- Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Rota IA, Dhalla F. FOXN1 deficient nude severe combined immunodeficiency. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2017; 12:6. [PMID: 28077132 PMCID: PMC5225657 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-016-0557-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nude severe combined immunodeficiency is a rare inherited disease caused by autosomal recessive loss-of-function mutations in FOXN1. This gene encodes a transcription factor essential for the development of the thymus, the primary lymphoid organ that supports T-cell development and selection. To date nine cases have been reported presenting with the clinical triad of absent thymus resulting in severe T-cell immunodeficiency, congenital alopecia universalis and nail dystrophy. Diagnosis relies on testing for FOXN1 mutations, which allows genetic counselling and guides therapeutic management. Options for treating the underlying immune deficiency include HLA-matched genoidentical haematopoietic cell transplantation containing mature donor T-cells or thymus tissue transplantation. Experience from other severe combined immune deficiency syndromes suggests that early diagnosis, supportive care and definitive management result in better patient outcomes. Without these the prognosis is poor due to early-onset life threatening infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna A Rota
- Developmental Immunology Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fatima Dhalla
- Developmental Immunology Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Department of Clinical Immunology, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
Severe combined immunodeficiency disorders represent pediatric emergencies due to absence of adaptive immune responses to infections. The conditions result from either intrinsic defects in T-cell development (ie, severe combined immunodeficiency disease [SCID]) or congenital athymia (eg, complete DiGeorge anomaly). Hematopoietic stem cell transplant provides the only clinically approved cure for SCID, although gene therapy research trials are showing significant promise. For greatest survival, patients should undergo transplant before 3.5 months of age and before the onset of infections. Newborn screening programs have yielded successful early identification and treatment of infants with SCID and congenital athymia in the United States.
Collapse
|
41
|
Thymic and Postthymic Regulation of Naïve CD4(+) T-Cell Lineage Fates in Humans and Mice Models. Mediators Inflamm 2016; 2016:9523628. [PMID: 27313405 PMCID: PMC4904118 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9523628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of how thymocytes differentiate into many subtypes has been increased progressively in its complexity. At early life, the thymus provides a suitable microenvironment with specific combination of stromal cells, growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines to induce the bone marrow lymphoid progenitor T-cell precursors into single-positive CD4+ and CD8+ T effectors and CD4+CD25+ T-regulatory cells (Tregs). At postthymic compartments, the CD4+ T-cells acquire distinct phenotypes which include the classical T-helper 1 (Th1), T-helper 2 (Th2), T-helper 9 (Th9), T-helper 17 (Th17), follicular helper T-cell (Tfh), and induced T-regulatory cells (iTregs), such as the regulatory type 1 cells (Tr1) and transforming growth factor-β- (TGF-β-) producing CD4+ T-cells (Th3). Tregs represent only a small fraction, 5–10% in mice and 1-2% in humans, of the overall CD4+ T-cells in lymphoid tissues but are essential for immunoregulatory circuits mediating the inhibition and expansion of all lineages of T-cells. In this paper, we first provide an overview of the major cell-intrinsic developmental programs that regulate T-cell lineage fates in thymus and periphery. Next, we introduce the SV40 immortomouse as a relevant mice model for implementation of new approaches to investigate thymus organogenesis, CD4 and CD8 development, and thymus cells tumorogenesis.
Collapse
|
42
|
Song Y, Su M, Zhu J, Di W, Liu Y, Hu R, Rood D, Lai L. FOXN1 recombinant protein enhances T-cell regeneration after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in mice. Eur J Immunol 2016; 46:1518-28. [PMID: 27125859 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201546196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A prolonged period of T-cell recovery is the major challenge in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are the major component of the thymic microenvironment for T-cell generation. However, TECs undergo degeneration over time. FOXN1 plays a critical role in TEC development and is required to maintain adult TECs for thymopoiesis. To investigate the potential application of FOXN1, we have cloned and expressed recombinant FOXN1 protein (rFOXN1) that was fused with cell-penetrating peptides. We show here that the rFOXN1 protein can translocate from the cell surface into the cytoplasm and nucleus. Administration of rFOXN1 into both congenic and allogeneic HSCT recipient mice increased the number of TECs, resulting in enhanced thymopoiesis that led to an increased number of functional T cells in the periphery. The increased number of TECs is due to the enhanced survival and proliferation of TECs. Our results suggest that rFOXN1 has the potential to be used in enhancing T-cell regeneration in patients following HSCT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinhong Song
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Min Su
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Jing Zhu
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Di
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yalan Liu
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Rong Hu
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Debra Rood
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Laijun Lai
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.,University of Connecticut Stem Cell Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Gawronska-Kozak B, Grabowska A, Kur-Piotrowska A, Kopcewicz M. Foxn1 Transcription Factor Regulates Wound Healing of Skin through Promoting Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150635. [PMID: 26938103 PMCID: PMC4777299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors are key molecules that finely tune gene expression in response to injury. We focused on the role of a transcription factor, Foxn1, whose expression is limited to the skin and thymus epithelium. Our previous studies showed that Foxn1 inactivity in nude mice creates a pro-regenerative environment during skin wound healing. To explore the mechanistic role of Foxn1 in the skin wound healing process, we analyzed post-injured skin tissues from Foxn1::Egfp transgenic and C57BL/6 mice with Western Blotting, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence and flow cytometric assays. Foxn1 expression in non-injured skin localized to the epidermis and hair follicles. Post-injured skin tissues showed an intense Foxn1-eGFP signal at the wound margin and in leading epithelial tongue, where it co-localized with keratin 16, a marker of activated keratinocytes. This data support the concept that suprabasal keratinocytes, expressing Foxn1, are key cells in the process of re-epithelialization. The occurrence of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was confirmed by high levels of Snail1 and Mmp-9 expression as well as through co-localization of vimentin/E-cadherin-positive cells in dermis tissue at four days post-wounding. Involvement of Foxn1 in the EMT process was verified by co-localization of Foxn1-eGFP cells with Snail1 in histological sections. Flow cytometric analysis showed the increase of double positive E-cadherin/N-cadherin cells within Foxn1-eGFP population of post-wounded skin cells isolates, which corroborated histological and gene expression analyses. Together, our findings indicate that Foxn1 acts as regulator of the skin wound healing process through engagement in re-epithelization and possible involvement in scar formation due to Foxn1 activity during the EMT process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Gawronska-Kozak
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Anna Grabowska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Anna Kur-Piotrowska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marta Kopcewicz
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Goto T, Hara H, Nakauchi H, Hochi S, Hirabayashi M. Hypomorphic phenotype of Foxn1 gene-modified rats by CRISPR/Cas9 system. Transgenic Res 2016; 25:533-44. [PMID: 26931321 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-016-9941-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Foxn1 gene is known as a critical factor for the differentiation of thymic and skin epithelial cells. This study was designed to examine the phenotype of Foxn1-modified rats generated by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Guide-RNA designed for first exon of the Foxn1 and mRNA of Cas9 were co-injected into the pronucleus of Crlj:WI zygotes. Transfer of 158 injected zygotes resulted in the birth of 50 offspring (32 %), and PCR identified five (10 %) as Foxn1-edited. Genomic sequencing revealed the deletion of 44 or 60 bp from and/or insertion of 4 bp into the Foxn1 gene in a single allele. The number of T-cells in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of mutant rats decreased markedly. While homozygous deleted mutant rats had no thymus, the mutant rats were not completely hairless and showed normal performance in delivery and nursing. Splicing variants of the indel-mutation in the Foxn1 gene may cause hypomorphic allele, resulting in the phenotype of thymus deficiency and incomplete hairless. In conclusion, the mutant rats in Foxn1 gene edited by the CRISPR/Cas9 system showed the phenotype of thymus deficiency and incomplete hairless which was characterized by splicing variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teppei Goto
- Section of Mammalian Transgenesis, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Hara
- Section of Mammalian Transgenesis, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Nakauchi
- Japan Science Technology Agency, ERATO, Nakauchi Stem Cell and Organ Regeneration Project, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Hochi
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda, Nagano, Japan
| | - Masumi Hirabayashi
- Section of Mammalian Transgenesis, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Decline of FOXN1 gene expression in human thymus correlates with age: possible epigenetic regulation. IMMUNITY & AGEING 2015; 12:18. [PMID: 26516334 PMCID: PMC4625732 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-015-0045-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymic involution is thought to be an important factor of age related immunodeficiency. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of human thymic senescence may lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches aimed at the reestablishment of central and peripheral T cell repertoire. RESULTS As an initial approach, here we report that the decline of human thymic FOXN1 transcription correlates with age, while other genes, DLL1, DLL4 and WNT4, essential for thymopoiesis, are constitutively transcribed. Using a human thymic epithelial cell line (hTEC), we show that FOXN1 expression is refractory to signals that induce FOXN1 transcription in primary 3D culture conditions and by stimulation of the canonical WNT signaling pathway. Blockage of FOXN1 induceability in the hTEC line may be mediated by an epigenetic mechanism, the CpG methylation of the FOXN1 gene. CONCLUSION We showed a suppression of FOXN1 transcription both in cultured human thymic epithelial cells and in the aging thymus. We hypothesize that the underlying mechanism may be associated with changes of the DNA methylation state of the FOXN1 gene.
Collapse
|
46
|
Abitbol M, Bossé P, Thomas A, Tiret L. A deletion in FOXN1 is associated with a syndrome characterized by congenital hypotrichosis and short life expectancy in Birman cats. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120668. [PMID: 25781316 PMCID: PMC4363148 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by congenital hypotrichosis and short life expectancy has been described in the Birman cat breed (Felis silvestris catus). We hypothesized that a FOXN1 (forkhead box N1) loss-of-function allele, associated with the nude phenotype in humans, mice and rats, may account for the syndrome observed in Birman cats. To the best of our knowledge, spontaneous mutations in FOXN1 have never been described in non-human, non-rodent mammalian species. We identified a recessive c.1030_1033delCTGT deletion in FOXN1 in Birman cats. This 4-bp deletion was associated with the syndrome when present in two copies. Percentage of healthy carriers in our French panel of genotyped Birman cats was estimated to be 3.2%. The deletion led to a frameshift and a premature stop codon at position 547 in the protein. In silico, the truncated FOXN1 protein was predicted to lack the activation domain and critical parts of the forkhead DNA binding domain, both involved in the interaction between FOXN1 and its targets, a mandatory step to promote normal hair and thymic epithelial development. Our results enlarge the panel of recessive FOXN1 loss-of-function alleles described in mammals. A DNA test is available; it will help owners avoid matings at risk and should prevent the dissemination of this morbid mutation in domestic felines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Abitbol
- U955 IMRB, INSERM, Équipe 10, Créteil, France
- BNMS—Génétique Médicale Comparée des Affections Neuromusculaires, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Philippe Bossé
- U955 IMRB, INSERM, Équipe 10, Créteil, France
- BNMS—Génétique Médicale Comparée des Affections Neuromusculaires, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Laurent Tiret
- U955 IMRB, INSERM, Équipe 10, Créteil, France
- BNMS—Génétique Médicale Comparée des Affections Neuromusculaires, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
D'Assante R, Fusco A, Palamaro L, Giardino G, Gallo V, Cirillo E, Pignata C. Unraveling the Link Between Ectodermal Disorders and Primary Immunodeficiencies. Int Rev Immunol 2015; 35:25-38. [PMID: 25774666 DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2015.1010724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) include a heterogeneous group of mostly monogenic diseases characterized by functional/developmental alterations of the immune system. Skin and skin annexa abnormalities may be a warning sign of immunodeficiency, since both epidermal and thymic epithelium have ectodermal origin. In this review, we will focus on the most common immune disorders associated with ectodermal alterations. Elevated IgE levels represent the immunological hallmark of hyper-IgE syndrome, characterized by severe eczema and susceptibility to infections. Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) is a group of rare disorders that affect tissues of ectodermal origin. Hypoidrotic ED (HED), the most common form, is inherited as autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive or X-linked trait (XLHED). HED and XLHED are caused by mutations in NEMO and EDA-1 genes, respectively, and show similarities in the cutaneous involvement but differences in the susceptibility to infections and immunological phenotype. Alterations in the transcription factor FOXN1 gene, expressed in the mature thymic and skin epithelia, are responsible for human and murine athymia and prevent the development of the T-cell compartment associated to ectodermal abnormalities such as alopecia and nail dystrophy. The association between developmental abnormalities of the skin and immunodeficiencies suggest a role of the skin as a primary lymphoid organ. Recently, it has been demonstrated that a co-culture of human skin-derived keratinocytes and fibroblasts, in the absence of thymic components, can support the survival of human haematopoietic stem cells and their differentiation into T-lineage committed cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta D'Assante
- a Department of Translational Medical Sciences , Federico II University , Naples , Italy
| | - Anna Fusco
- a Department of Translational Medical Sciences , Federico II University , Naples , Italy
| | - Loredana Palamaro
- a Department of Translational Medical Sciences , Federico II University , Naples , Italy
| | - Giuliana Giardino
- a Department of Translational Medical Sciences , Federico II University , Naples , Italy
| | - Vera Gallo
- a Department of Translational Medical Sciences , Federico II University , Naples , Italy
| | - Emilia Cirillo
- a Department of Translational Medical Sciences , Federico II University , Naples , Italy
| | - Claudio Pignata
- a Department of Translational Medical Sciences , Federico II University , Naples , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Pignata C, D'Assante R, Sousa AE. Thymic stromal alterations and genetic disorders of immune system. Front Immunol 2015; 6:81. [PMID: 25767471 PMCID: PMC4341118 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Pignata
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University , Naples , Italy
| | - Roberta D'Assante
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University , Naples , Italy
| | - Ana E Sousa
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Picard C, Moshous D, Fischer A. The Genetic and Molecular Basis of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency. CURRENT PEDIATRICS REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s40124-014-0070-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
50
|
Abstract
The field of immunology has undergone recent discoveries of genetic causes for many primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDD). The ever-expanding knowledge has led to increased understanding behind the pathophysiology of these diseases. Since these diseases are rare, the patients are frequently misdiagnosed early in the presentation of their illnesses. The identification of new genes has increased our opportunities for recognizing and making the diagnosis in patients with PIDD before they succumb to infections that may result secondary to their PIDD. Some mutations lead to a variety of presentations of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). The myriad and ever-growing genetic mutations which lead to SCID phenotypes have been identified in recent years. Other mutations associated with some genetic syndromes have associated immunodeficiency and are important for making the diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency in patients with some syndromes, who may otherwise be missed within the larger context of their syndromes. A variety of mutations also lead to increased susceptibility to infections due to particular organisms. These patterns of infections due to specific organisms are important keys in properly identifying the part of the immune system which is affected in these patients. This review will discuss recent genetic discoveries that enhance our understanding of these complex diseases.
Collapse
|