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García-Ceca J, Montero-Herradón S, González A, Plaza R, Zapata AG. Altered thymocyte development observed in EphA4-deficient mice courses with changes in both thymic epithelial and extracellular matrix organization. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:583. [PMID: 36334147 PMCID: PMC9637064 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04610-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Eph receptors and their ligands, Ephrins, are involved in the thymocyte-thymic epithelial cell (TEC) interactions, key for the functional maturation of both thymocytes and thymic epithelium. Several years ago, we reported that the lack of EphA4, a Eph of the subfamily A, coursed with reduced proportions of double positive (DP) thymocytes apparently due to an altered thymic epithelial stroma [Munoz et al. in J Immunol 177:804–813, 2006]. In the present study, we reevaluate the lymphoid, epithelial, and extracellular matrix (ECM) phenotype of EphA4−/− mice grouped into three categories with respect to their proportions of DP thymocytes. Our results demonstrate a profound hypocellularity, specific alterations of T cell differentiation that affected not only DP thymocytes, but also double negative and single positive T cell subsets, as well as the proportions of positively and negatively selected thymocytes. In correlation, thymic histological organization changed markedly, especially in the cortex, as well as the proportions of both Ly51+UEA-1− cortical TECs and Ly51−UEA-1+ medullary TECs. The alterations observed in the expression of ECM components (Fibronectin, Laminin, Collagen IV), integrin receptors (VLA-4, VLA-6), chemokines (CXCL12, CCL25, CCL21) and their receptors (CXCR4, CCR7, CCR9) and in vitro transwell assays on the capacity of migration of WT and mutant thymocytes suggest that the lack of EphA4 alters T-cell differentiation by presumably affecting cell adhesion between TECs and T-TEC interactions rather than by thymocyte migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier García-Ceca
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.,Health Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Montero-Herradón
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.,Health Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana González
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Plaza
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín G Zapata
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain. .,Health Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041, Madrid, Spain.
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Ephrin Receptors (Ephs) Expression in Thymic Epithelial Tumors: Prognostic Implications and Future Therapeutic Approaches. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11122265. [PMID: 34943502 PMCID: PMC8700455 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11122265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ephrin receptors (Ephs) are receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) implicated in tissue development and homeostasis, and they are aberrantly expressed in tumors. Here, immunohistochemical Eph type-A and -B expression in thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) was assessed and correlated with clinicopathological parameters. Tissue microarrays from 98 TETs were stained for EphA1, -A2, -A4 -A6, -B1, -B2, -B4 and -B6. The relationship between neoplastic and lymphoid cell immunoreactivity score (H-score), histopathological parameters (Pearson’s test) and survival of 35 patients (Mantel-Cox model) was explored. Epithelial-rich subtypes showed higher EphA6 cytoplasmic H-score (B2/B3, carcinoma) (p < 0.001) and stronger EphA4 H-score (B3, carcinoma) (p = 0.011). The immature T-cells, especially in subtypes AB/B1, had higher EphB6 H-score than carcinoma-associated mature lymphocytes (p < 0.001); carcinomas had higher lymphocytic EphB1 H-score (p = 0.026). Higher lymphocytic and lower epithelial EphB6 H-score correlated with Masaoka stage ≤II (p = 0.043, p = 0.010, respectively). All cases showed variable epithelial and lymphocytic EphA2 expression, but clinicopathological associations were not reached. Our study confirmed that Eph type-A and -B expression in TETs is associated with established prognostic parameters, i.e., tumor subtype and Masaoka stage, although correlation with patient survival was not reached. Such findings suggest involvement of these RTKs in thymic neoplasia, as well as their potential utility as treatment targets.
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Montero-Herradón S, García-Ceca J, Zapata AG. How Many Thymic Epithelial Cells Are Necessary for a Proper Maturation of Thymocytes? Front Immunol 2021; 12:618216. [PMID: 33763065 PMCID: PMC7982454 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.618216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Montero-Herradón
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Health Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier García-Ceca
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Health Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín G Zapata
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Health Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
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Identification of a novel immune microenvironment signature predicting survival and therapeutic options for bladder cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 13:2780-2802. [PMID: 33408272 PMCID: PMC7880321 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have investigated the potential of tumor immune microenvironment genes as indicators of urinary bladder cancer. Here, we sought to establish an immune-related gene signature for determining prognosis and treatment options. We developed a ten-gene tumor immune microenvironment signature and evaluated its prognostic capacity on internal and external cohorts. Multivariate Cox regression and nomogram analyses revealed the prognostic risk model as an independent and effective indicator of prognosis. We observed lower proportions of CD8+ T cells, dendritic cells, regulatory T cells, higher proportions of macrophages and neutrophils in high UBC risk group. UBC tissues with high-risk score tend to exhibit high TP53 and RB1 mutation rates, high PD1/PD-L1 expression and poor-survival basal squamous subtypes, while those with low-risk score tend to have high FGFR3 mutation rates and luminal papillary subtypes. Unexpectedly, we found a highly significant positive correlation between glycolytic genes and risk score, highlighting metabolic competition in tumor ecosystem and potential therapeutic avenues. Our study thus revealed a tumor immune microenvironment signature for predicting prognostic and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors against bladder cancer. Prospective studies are required to further test the predictive capacity of this model.
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Zhang X, Shao S, Li L. Characterization of Class-3 Semaphorin Receptors, Neuropilins and Plexins, as Therapeutic Targets in a Pan-Cancer Study. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071816. [PMID: 32640719 PMCID: PMC7409005 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Class-3 semaphorins (SEMA3s), initially characterized as axon guidance cues, have been recognized as key regulators for immune responses, angiogenesis, tumorigenesis and drug responses. The functions of SEMA3s are attributed to the activation of downstream signaling cascades mainly mediated by cell surface receptors neuropilins (NRPs) and plexins (PLXNs), yet their roles in human cancers are not completely understood. Here, we provided a detailed pan-cancer analysis of NRPs and PLXNs in their expression, and association with key signal transducers, patient survival, tumor microenvironment (TME), and drug responses. The expression of NRPs and PLXNs were dysregulated in many cancer types, and the majority of them were further dysregulated in metastatic tumors, indicating a role in metastatic progression. Importantly, the expression of these genes was frequently associated with key transducers, patient survival, TME, and drug responses; however, the direction of the association varied for the particular gene queried and the specific cancer type/subtype tested. Specifically, NRP1, NRP2, PLXNA1, PLXNA3, PLXNB3, PLXNC1, and PLXND1 were primarily associated with aggressive phenotypes, whereas the rest were more associated with favorable prognosis. These data highlighted the need to study each as a separate entity in a cancer type- and subtype-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 320B Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Dr., Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Shuai Shao
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43201, USA;
| | - Lang Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 320B Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Dr., Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
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García-Ceca J, Montero-Herradón S, Zapata AG. Thymus aging in mice deficient in either EphB2 or EphB3, two master regulators of thymic epithelium development. Dev Dyn 2020; 249:1243-1258. [PMID: 32506584 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epithelial microenvironment is involved in thymus aging, but the possible role of EphB receptors that govern the thymic epithelium development has not been investigated. Herein, we study the changes undergone by the thymus of EphB-deficient mice throughout their life. RESULTS Immune alterations occurring throughout life were more severe in mutant than in wild-type (WT) mice. Mutant thymuses exhibit lower cellularity than WT ones, as well as lower proportions of early thymic progenitors cells and double-positive (CD4+ CD8+ ) thymocytes, but higher of double-negative (CD4- CD8- ) and single-positive (CD4+ CD8- , CD4- CD8+ ) cells. Throughout life, CD4+ naïve cells decreased particularly in mutant mice. In correlation, memory T cells, largely CD8+ cells, increased. Aged thymic epithelium undergoes changes including appearance of big epithelial free areas, decrease of K8+ K5- areas, which, however, contain higher proportions of Ly51+ UEA1- cortical epithelial cells, in correlation with reduced Aire+ medullary epithelial cells. Also, aged thymuses particularly those derived from mutant mice exhibited increased collagen IV, fat-storing cells, and connective cells. CONCLUSIONS The absence of EphB accelerates the alterations undergone throughout life by both thymic epithelium and thymocytes, and the proportions of peripheral naïve and memory T cells, all of which are hallmarks of immune aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier García-Ceca
- Department of Cell Biology; Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Health Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Montero-Herradón
- Department of Cell Biology; Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Health Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín G Zapata
- Department of Cell Biology; Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Health Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
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Zhang X, Klamer B, Li J, Fernandez S, Li L. A pan-cancer study of class-3 semaphorins as therapeutic targets in cancer. BMC Med Genomics 2020; 13:45. [PMID: 32241267 PMCID: PMC7118829 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-020-0682-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Initially characterized as axon guidance factors, semaphorins also have been implicated to have critical roles in multiple physiological and developmental functions, including the regulation of immune responses, angiogenesis, organ formation, and the etiology of multiple forms of cancer. Moreover, their contribution in immunity and the regulation of tumour microenvironment is becoming increasingly recognized. Here, we provide a comprehensive analysis of class-3 semaphorins, the only secreted family of genes among veterbrate semaphorins, in terms of their expression profiles and their association with patient survival. We also relate their role with immune subtypes, tumour microenvironment, and drug sensitivity using a pan-cancer study. RESULTS Expression profiles of class-3 semaphorins (SEMA3s) and their association with patient survival and tumour microenvironment were studied in 31 cancer types using the TCGA pan-cancer data. The expression of SEMA3 family varies in different cancer types with striking inter- and intra- cancer heterogeneity. In general, our results show that SEMA3A, SEMA3C, and SEMA3F are primarily upregulated in cancer cells, while the rest of SEMA3s are mainly down-regulated in the tested tumours. The expression of SEMA3 family members was frequently associated with patient overall survival. However, the direction of the association varied with regards to the particular SEMA3 isoform queried and the specific cancer type tested. More specifically, SEMA3A and SEMA3E primarily associate with a poor prognosis of survival, while SEMA3G typically associates with survival advantage. The rest of SEMA3s show either survival advantage or disadvantage dependent on cancer type. In addition, all SEMA3 genes show significant association with immune infiltrate subtypes, and they also correlate with level of stromal cell infiltration and tumour cell stemness with various degrees. Finally, our study revealed that SEMA3 genes, especially SEMA3C and SEMA3F may contribute to drug induced cancer cell resistance. CONCLUSIONS Our systematic analysis of class-3 semaphorin gene expression and their association with immune infiltrates, tumour microenvironment and cancer patient outcomes highlights the need to study each SEMA3 member as a separate entity within each specific cancer type. Also our study validated the identification of class-3 semaphorin signals as promising therapeutic targets in cancer although further laboratory validation still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 320B Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Dr., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - Brett Klamer
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 320B Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Dr., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 320B Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Dr., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Soledad Fernandez
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 320B Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Dr., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Lang Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 320B Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Dr., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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Eph/ephrin Signaling and Biology of Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020310. [PMID: 31979096 PMCID: PMC7074403 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as important therapeutic agents, owing to their easy isolation and culture, and their remarkable immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. However, MSCs constitute a heterogeneous cell population which does not express specific cell markers and has important problems for in vivo homing, and factors regulating their survival, proliferation, and differentiation are largely unknown. Accordingly, in the present article, we review the current evidence on the relationships between Eph kinase receptors, their ephrin ligands, and MSCs. These molecules are involved in the adult homeostasis of numerous tissues, and we and other authors have demonstrated their expression in human and murine MSCs derived from both bone marrow and adipose tissue, as well as their involvement in the MSC biology. We extend these studies providing new results on the effects of Eph/ephrins in the differentiation and immunomodulatory properties of MSCs.
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Darling TK, Lamb TJ. Emerging Roles for Eph Receptors and Ephrin Ligands in Immunity. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1473. [PMID: 31333644 PMCID: PMC6620610 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Eph receptors are the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases and mediate a myriad of essential processes in humans from embryonic development to adult tissue homeostasis through interactions with membrane-bound ephrin ligands. The ubiquitous expression of Eph receptors and ephrin ligands among the cellular players of the immune system underscores the importance of these molecules in orchestrating an optimal immune response. This review provides an overview of the various roles of Eph receptors and ephrin ligands in immune cell development, activation, and migration. We also discuss the role of Eph receptors in disease pathogenesis as well as the implications of Eph receptors as future immunotherapy targets. Given the diverse and critical roles of Eph receptors and ephrin ligands throughout the immune system during both resting and activated states, this review aims to highlight the critical yet underappreciated roles of this family of signaling molecules in the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayer K Darling
- Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis Program, Emory University Laney Graduate School, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Tracey J Lamb
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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Montero-Herradón S, García-Ceca J, Zapata AG. EphB receptors, mainly EphB3, contribute to the proper development of cortical thymic epithelial cells. Organogenesis 2018; 13:192-211. [PMID: 29027839 DOI: 10.1080/15476278.2017.1389368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
EphB and their ligands ephrin-B are an important family of protein tyrosine kinase receptors involved in thymocyte-thymic epithelial cell interactions known to be key for the maturation of both thymic cell components. In the present study, we have analyzed the maturation of cortical thymic epithelium in EphB-deficient thymuses evaluating the relative relevance of EphB2 and EphB3 in the process. Results support a relationship between the epithelial hypocellularity of mutant thymuses and altered development of thymocytes, lower proportions of cycling thymic epithelial cells and increased epithelial cell apoptosis. Together, these factors induce delayed development of mutant cortical TECs, defined by the expression of different cell markers, i.e. Ly51, CD205, MHCII, CD40 and β5t. Furthermore, although both EphB2 and EphB3 are necessary for cortical thymic epithelial maturation, the relevance of EphB3 is greater since EphB3-/- thymic cortex exhibits a more severe phenotype than that of EphB2-deficient thymuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Montero-Herradón
- a Department of Cell Biology , Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid , Madrid , Spain
| | - Javier García-Ceca
- a Department of Cell Biology , Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid , Madrid , Spain
| | - Agustín G Zapata
- a Department of Cell Biology , Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid , Madrid , Spain
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Alfaro D, Zapata AG. Eph/Ephrin-mediated stimulation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells correlates with changes in cell adherence and increased cell death. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:172. [PMID: 29941036 PMCID: PMC6019728 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-0912-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are components of connective tissues and, in vitro, cell entities characterized by cell adhesion and immunophenotyping, although specific markers for their identification are lacking. Currently, MSC derived from either human bone marrow (BM-MSC) or adipose tissue (Ad-MSC) are considered the main sources of MSC for cell therapy. Eph receptors and their ligands, Ephrins, are molecules involved in cell adhesion and migration in several tissues and organs. In the current study, we analyze the pattern of Eph/Ephrin expression in MSC and evaluate the effects of blockade and stimulation of these receptor/ligand pairs on their biology. Methods Eph/Ephrin expression was analyzed in both BM-MSC and Ad-MSC by qRT-PCR. Then, we supplied BM-MSC cultures with either blocking or activating compounds to evaluate their effects on MSC proliferation, survival, and cell cycle by FACS. Changes in cytoskeleton and integrin α5β1 expression were studied in stimulated BM-MSC by immunofluorescence microscopy and FACS, respectively. Results Higher numbers of Eph/Ephrin transcripts occurred in BM-MSC than in Ad-MSC. In addition, the blocking of Eph/Ephrin signaling correlated with decreased numbers of BM-MSC due to increased proportions of apoptotic cells in the cultures but without variations in the cycling cells. Unexpectedly, activation of Eph/Ephrin signaling by clustered Eph/Ephrin fusion proteins also resulted in increased proportions of apoptotic MSC. In this case, MSC underwent important morphological changes, associated with altered cytoskeleton and integrin α5β1 expression, which did not occur under the blocking conditions. Conclusions Taken together, these results suggest that Eph/Ephrin activation affects cell survival through alterations in cell attachment to culture plates, affecting the biology of BM-MSC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-018-0912-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Alfaro
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, C/ José Antonio Novais, 12, CP 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín G Zapata
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, C/ José Antonio Novais, 12, CP 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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13
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Montero-Herradón S, García-Ceca J, Zapata AG. Altered Maturation of Medullary TEC in EphB-Deficient Thymi Is Recovered by RANK Signaling Stimulation. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1020. [PMID: 29867988 PMCID: PMC5954084 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, the relevance of EphB2 and EphB3 tyrosine kinase receptors for the maturation of medullary thymic epithelial cells (TECs) is analyzed. The absence of both molecules, but particularly that of EphB2, courses with altered maturation of medullary Cld3,4hiSSEA1+ epithelial progenitor cells, mature medulla epithelial cells, defined by the expression of specific cell markers, including UEA1, MHCII, CD40, CD80, and AIRE, and reduced expansion of medullary islets. In vivo assays demonstrate that these changes are a consequence of the absence of EphBs in both TECs and thymocytes. On the other hand, the changes, that remains in the adult thymus, correlated well with reduced proportions of E15.5 Vγ5+RANKL+ cells in EphB-deficient thymi that could result in decreased stimulation of RANK+ medullary TECs to mature, a fact that was confirmed by recovering of proportions of both CD40hiCD80+ and MHCIIhiUEA1+ mature medullary TECs of mutant E14.5 alymphoid thymic lobes by agonist anti-RANK antibody treatment. Accordingly, the effects of EphB deficiency on medullary TECs maturation are recovered by RANK stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Montero-Herradón
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier García-Ceca
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín G Zapata
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Muñoz JJ, García-Ceca J, Montero-Herradón S, Sánchez del Collado B, Alfaro D, Zapata A. Can a Proper T-Cell Development Occur in an Altered Thymic Epithelium? Lessons From EphB-Deficient Thymi. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:135. [PMID: 29666605 PMCID: PMC5891583 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
For a long time, the effects of distinct Eph tyrosine kinase receptors and their ligands, ephrins on the structure, immunophenotype, and development of thymus and their main cell components, thymocytes (T) and thymic epithelial cells (TECs), have been studied. In recent years, the thymic phenotype of mutant mice deficient in several Ephs and ephrins B has been determined. Remarkably, thymic stroma in these animals exhibits important defects that appear early in ontogeny but little alterations in the proportions of distinct lymphoid cell populations. In the present manuscript, we summarize and extend these results discussing possible mechanisms governing phenotypical and functional thymocyte maturation in an absence of the critical T-TEC interactions, concluding that some signaling mediated by key molecules, such as MHCII, CD80, β5t, Aire, etc. could be sufficient to enable a proper maturation of thymocytes, independently of morphological alterations affecting thymic epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan José Muñoz
- Center for Cytometry and Fluorescence Microscopy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier García-Ceca
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Montero-Herradón
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - David Alfaro
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín Zapata
- Center for Cytometry and Fluorescence Microscopy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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15
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Laidlaw BJ, Schmidt TH, Green JA, Allen CDC, Okada T, Cyster JG. The Eph-related tyrosine kinase ligand Ephrin-B1 marks germinal center and memory precursor B cells. J Exp Med 2017; 214:639-649. [PMID: 28143955 PMCID: PMC5339677 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20161461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Laidlaw et al. show that Ephrin-B1 is a specific marker of mature germinal center (GC) B cells. Use of Ephrin-B1 allows for the identification of phenotypically distinct GC B cell subsets, including a population that may represent memory precursor B cells. Identification of germinal center (GC) B cells is typically reliant on the use of surface activation markers that exhibit a wide range of expression. Here, we identify Ephrin-B1, a ligand for Eph-related receptor tyrosine kinases, as a specific marker of mature GC B cells. The number of Ephrin-B1+ GC B cells increases during the course of an immune response with Ephrin-B1+ GC B cells displaying elevated levels of Bcl6, S1pr2, and Aicda relative to their Ephrin-B1– counterparts. We further identified a small proportion of recently dividing, somatically mutated Ephrin-B1+ GC B cells that have begun to down-regulate Bcl6 and S1pr2 and express markers associated with memory B cells, such as CD38 and EBI2. Transcriptional analysis indicates that these cells are developmentally related to memory B cells, and likely represent a population of GC memory precursor (PreMem) B cells. GC PreMem cells display enhanced survival relative to bulk GC B cells, localize near the edge of the GC, and are predominantly found within the light zone. These findings offer insight into the significant heterogeneity that exists within the GC B cell population and provide tools to further dissect signals regulating the differentiation of GC B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Laidlaw
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Timothy H Schmidt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Jesse A Green
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Christopher D C Allen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143.,Department of Anatomy, Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143.,Sandler Asthma Basic Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Takaharu Okada
- Laboratory for Tissue Dynamics, Institute of Physical and Chemical Research Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS-RCAI), Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Jason G Cyster
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143 .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
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16
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Montero-Herradón S, García-Ceca J, Sánchez Del Collado B, Alfaro D, Zapata AG. Eph/ephrin-B-mediated cell-to-cell interactions govern MTS20(+) thymic epithelial cell development. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 146:167-82. [PMID: 27060907 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-016-1431-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Thymus development is a complex process in which cell-to-cell interactions between thymocytes and thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are essential to allow a proper maturation of both thymic cell components. Although signals that control thymocyte development are well known, mechanisms governing TEC maturation are poorly understood, especially those that regulate the maturation of immature TEC populations during early fetal thymus development. In this study, we show that EphB2-deficient, EphB2LacZ and EphB3-deficient fetal thymuses present a lower number of cells and delayed maturation of DN cell subsets compared to WT values. Moreover, deficits in the production of chemokines, known to be involved in the lymphoid seeding into the thymus, contribute in decreased proportions of intrathymic T cell progenitors (PIRA/B(+)) in the mutant thymuses from early stages of development. These features correlate with increased proportions of MTS20(+) cells but fewer MTS20(-) cells from E13.5 onward in the deficient thymuses, suggesting a delayed development of the first epithelial cells. In addition, in vitro the lack of thymocytes or the blockade of Eph/ephrin-B-mediated cell-to-cell interactions between either thymocytes-TECs or TECs-TECs in E13.5 fetal thymic lobes coursed with increased proportions of MTS20(+) TECs. This confirms, for the first time, that the presence of CD45(+) cells, corresponding at these stages to DN1 and DN2 cells, and Eph/ephrin-B-mediated heterotypic or homotypic cell interactions between thymocytes and TECs, or between TECs and themselves, contribute to the early maturation of MTS20(+) TECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Montero-Herradón
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier García-Ceca
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Sánchez Del Collado
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Alfaro
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín G Zapata
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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17
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Expression of the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase EphB2 on Dendritic Cells Is Modulated by Toll-Like Receptor Ligation but Is Not Required for T Cell Activation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138835. [PMID: 26407069 PMCID: PMC4583388 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The Eph receptor tyrosine kinases interact with their ephrin ligands on adjacent cells to facilitate contact-dependent cell communication. Ephrin B ligands are expressed on T cells and have been suggested to act as co-stimulatory molecules during T cell activation. There are no detailed reports of the expression and modulation of EphB receptors on dendritic cells, the main antigen presenting cells that interact with T cells. Here we show that mouse splenic dendritic cells (DC) and bone-marrow derived DCs (BMDC) express EphB2, a member of the EphB family. EphB2 expression is modulated by ligation of TLR4 and TLR9 and also by interaction with ephrin B ligands. Co-localization of EphB2 with MHC-II is also consistent with a potential role in T cell activation. However, BMDCs derived from EphB2 deficient mice were able to present antigen in the context of MHC-II and produce T cell activating cytokines to the same extent as intact DCs. Collectively our data suggest that EphB2 may contribute to DC responses, but that EphB2 is not required for T cell activation. This result may have arisen because DCs express other members of the EphB receptor family, EphB3, EphB4 and EphB6, all of which can interact with ephrin B ligands, or because EphB2 may be playing a role in another aspect of DC biology such as migration.
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18
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Abstract
There is increasing evidence that in addition to having major roles in morphogenesis, in some tissues Eph receptor and ephrin signaling regulates the differentiation of cells. In one mode of deployment, cell contact dependent Eph-ephrin activation induces a distinct fate of cells at the interface of their expression domains, for example in early ascidian embryos and in the vertebrate hindbrain. In another mode, overlapping Eph receptor and ephrin expression underlies activation within a cell population, which promotes or inhibits cell differentiation in bone remodelling, neural progenitors and keratinocytes. Eph-ephrin activation also contributes to formation of the appropriate number of progenitor cells by increasing or decreasing cell proliferation. These multiple roles of Eph receptor and ephrin signaling may enable a coupling between morphogenesis and the differentiation and proliferation of cells.
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Key Words
- Eph receptor
- Eph receptor, Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma cell receptor
- FGF, Fibroblast growth factor
- IGF-1, Insulin-like growth factor-1
- JNK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase
- MAPK, Mitogen activated protein kinase
- NFAT, Nuclear factor of activated T-cells
- RGS3, Regulator of G-protein signaling 3
- STAT3, Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
- TAZ, Tafazzin
- TCR, T cell receptor
- TEC, Thymic epithelial cell
- TGF, Transforming growth factor
- ZHX2, Zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2
- ascidian development
- bone
- cell proliferation
- differentiation
- ephrin
- ephrin, Eph receptor interacting protein
- hindbrain
- keratinocytes
- neural progenitors
- p120GAP, GTPase activating protein
- thymocytes
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Wilkinson
- a Division of Developmental Neurobiology; MRC National Institute for Medical Research ; London , UK
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19
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García-Ceca J, Alfaro D, Montero-Herradón S, Tobajas E, Muñoz JJ, Zapata AG. Eph/Ephrins-Mediated Thymocyte-Thymic Epithelial Cell Interactions Control Numerous Processes of Thymus Biology. Front Immunol 2015; 6:333. [PMID: 26167166 PMCID: PMC4481163 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies emphasize the relevance of thymocyte-thymic epithelial cell (TECs) interactions for the functional maturation of intrathymic T lymphocytes. The tyrosine kinase receptors, Ephs (erythropoietin-producing hepatocyte kinases) and their ligands, ephrins (Eph receptor interaction proteins), are molecules known to be involved in the regulation of numerous biological systems in which cell-to-cell interactions are particularly relevant. In the last years, we and other authors have demonstrated the importance of these molecules in the thymic functions and the T-cell development. In the present report, we review data on the effects of Ephs and ephrins in the functional maturation of both thymic epithelial microenvironment and thymocyte maturation as well as on their role in the lymphoid progenitor recruitment into the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier García-Ceca
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Alfaro
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Montero-Herradón
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Tobajas
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan José Muñoz
- Cytometry and Fluorescence Microscopy Center, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín G. Zapata
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Cytometry and Fluorescence Microscopy Center, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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20
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Sun F, Xu L, Chen P, Wei P, Qu J, Chen J, Luo SZ. Insights into the Packing Switching of the EphA2 Transmembrane Domain by Molecular Dynamic Simulations. J Phys Chem B 2015; 119:7816-24. [PMID: 26022644 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.5b01116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases play an important role in mediating cell migration and adhesion associated with various biology processes. With a single-span transmembrane domain (TMD), the activities of the receptors are regulated by the definite packing configurations of the TMDs. For the EphA2 receptor, increasing studies have been conducted to investigate the packing domains that induce its switching TMD dimerization. However, the inherent transformation mechanisms including the interrelations among the involved packing domains remain unclear. Herein, we applied multiple simulation methods to explore the underlying packing mechanisms within the EphA2 TMD dimer. Our results demonstrated that the G(540)xxxG(544) contributed to the formation of the right-handed configuration while the heptad repeat L(535)xxxG(539)xxA(542)xxxV(546)xxL(549)xxxG(553) motif together with the FFxH(559) region mediated the parallel mode. Furthermore, the FF(557) residues packing mutually as rigid riveting structures were found comparable to the heptad repeat motif in maintaining the parallel configuration. In addition, the H(559) residue associated definitely with the lower bilayer leaflet, which was proved to stabilize the parallel mode significantly. The simulations provide a full range of insights into the essential packing motifs or residues involved in the switching TMD dimer configurations, which can enrich our comprehension toward the EphA2 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fude Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Lida Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Peng Wei
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jing Qu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jialin Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Shi-Zhong Luo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
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21
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Allonby O, El Zawily AM, Freywald T, Mousseau DD, Chlan J, Anderson D, Benmerah A, Sidhu V, Babu M, DeCoteau J, Freywald A. Ligand stimulation induces clathrin- and Rab5-dependent downregulation of the kinase-dead EphB6 receptor preceded by the disruption of EphB6-Hsp90 interaction. Cell Signal 2014; 26:2645-57. [PMID: 25152371 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2014.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ligand-induced internalisation and subsequent downregulation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) serve to determine biological outputs of their signalling. Intrinsically kinase-deficient RTKs control a variety of biological responses, however, the mechanism of their downregulation is not well understood and its analysis is focused exclusively on the ErbB3 receptor. The Eph group of RTKs is represented by the EphA and EphB subclasses. Each bears one kinase-inactive member, EphA10 and EphB6, respectively, suggesting an important role for these molecules in the Eph signalling network. While EphB6 effects on cell behaviour have been assessed, the mechanism of its downregulation remains elusive. Our work reveals that EphB6 and its kinase-active relative, and signalling partner, EphB4, are downregulated in a similar manner in response to their common ligand, ephrin-B2. Following stimulation, both receptors are internalised through clathrin-coated pits and are degraded in lysosomes. Their targeting for lysosomal degradation relies on the activity of an early endosome regulator, the Rab5 GTPase, as this process is inhibited in the presence of a Rab5 dominant-negative mutant. EphB6 also interacts with the Hsp90 chaperone and EphB6 downregulation is preceded by their rapid dissociation. Moreover, the inhibition of Hsp90 results in EphB6 degradation, mimicking its ligand-induced downregulation. These processes appear to rely on overlapping mechanisms, since Hsp90 inhibition does not significantly enhance ligand-induced EphB6 elimination. Taken together, our observations define a novel mechanism for intrinsically kinase-deficient RTK downregulation and support an intriguing model, where Hsp90 dissociation acts as a trigger for ligand-induced receptor removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odette Allonby
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Amr M El Zawily
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Tanya Freywald
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Darrell D Mousseau
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Jennifer Chlan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Deborah Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada; Cancer Research Unit, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Alexandre Benmerah
- INSERM U1163, Laboratory of Inherited Kidney Diseases, 75015 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes - Sorbonne Paris Cité, Institut Imagine, 75015 Paris, France.
| | - Vishaldeep Sidhu
- Department of Biochemistry, Research and Innovation Centre, University of Regina, Regina, SK,S4S 0A2, Canada.
| | - Mohan Babu
- Department of Biochemistry, Research and Innovation Centre, University of Regina, Regina, SK,S4S 0A2, Canada.
| | - John DeCoteau
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Andrew Freywald
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada.
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22
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Nguyen TM, Arthur A, Hayball JD, Gronthos S. EphB and Ephrin-B interactions mediate human mesenchymal stem cell suppression of activated T-cells. Stem Cells Dev 2013; 22:2751-64. [PMID: 23711177 PMCID: PMC3787464 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2012.0676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2012] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSC) express the contact-dependent erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (Eph) receptor tyrosine kinase family and their cognate ephrin ligands, which are known to regulate thymocyte maturation and selection, T-cell transendothelial migration, activation, co-stimulation, and proliferation. However, the contribution of Eph/ephrin molecules in mediating human MSC suppression of activated T-cells remains to be determined. In the present study, we showed that EphB2 and ephrin-B2 are expressed by ex vivo expanded MSC, while the corresponding ligands, ephrin-B1 and EphB4, respectively, are highly expressed by T-cells. Initial studies demonstrated that EphB2-Fc and ephrin-B2-Fc molecules suppressed T-cell proliferation in allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assays compared with human IgG-treated controls. While the addition of a third-party MSC population demonstrated dramatic suppression of T-cell proliferation responses in the MLR, blocking the function of EphB2 or EphB4 receptors using inhibitor binding peptides significantly increased T-cell proliferation. Consistent with these observations, shRNA EphB2 or ephrin-B2 knockdown expression in MSC reduced their ability to inhibit T-cell proliferation. Importantly, the expression of immunosuppressive factors, indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase, transforming growth factor-β1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase expressed by MSC, was up-regulated after stimulation with EphB4 and ephrin-B1 in the presence of interferon (IFN)-γ, compared with untreated controls. Conversely, key factors involved in T-cell activation and proliferation, such as interleukin (IL)-2, IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-17, were down-regulated by T-cells treated with EphB2 or ephrin-B2 compared with untreated controls. Studies utilizing signaling inhibitors revealed that inhibition of T-cell proliferation is partly mediated through EphB2-induced ephrin-B1 reverse signaling or ephrin-B2-mediated EphB4 forward signaling by activating Src, PI3Kinase, Abl, and JNK kinase pathways, activated by tyrosine phosphorylation. Taken together, these observations suggest that EphB/ephrin-B interactions play an important role in mediating human MSC inhibition of activated T cells.
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MESH Headings
- Cell Proliferation
- Coculture Techniques
- Ephrin-B2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Ephrin-B2/genetics
- Ephrin-B2/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/genetics
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/metabolism
- Interferon-gamma/metabolism
- Interferon-gamma/pharmacology
- Interleukin-17/genetics
- Interleukin-17/metabolism
- Interleukin-2/genetics
- Interleukin-2/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells/drug effects
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/genetics
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/metabolism
- Phosphorylation
- Primary Cell Culture
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- Receptor, EphB2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, EphB2/genetics
- Receptor, EphB2/metabolism
- Receptor, EphB4/genetics
- Receptor, EphB4/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Transforming Growth Factor beta1/genetics
- Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao M. Nguyen
- Mesenchymal Stem Cell Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and Sansom Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Agnes Arthur
- Mesenchymal Stem Cell Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - John D. Hayball
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and Sansom Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Stan Gronthos
- Mesenchymal Stem Cell Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Centre for Stem Cell Research and Robinson Institute, School of Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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23
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Schmolka N, Serre K, Grosso AR, Rei M, Pennington DJ, Gomes AQ, Silva-Santos B. Epigenetic and transcriptional signatures of stable versus plastic differentiation of proinflammatory γδ T cell subsets. Nat Immunol 2013; 14:1093-1100. [PMID: 23995235 PMCID: PMC4834994 DOI: 10.1038/ni.2702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Two distinct subsets of γδ T cells that produce interleukin 17 (IL-17) (CD27(-) γδ T cells) or interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (CD27(+) γδ T cells) develop in the mouse thymus, but the molecular determinants of their functional potential in the periphery remain unknown. Here we conducted a genome-wide characterization of the methylation patterns of histone H3, along with analysis of mRNA encoding transcription factors, to identify the regulatory networks of peripheral IFN-γ-producing or IL-17-producing γδ T cell subsets in vivo. We found that CD27(+) γδ T cells were committed to the expression of Ifng but not Il17, whereas CD27(-) γδ T cells displayed permissive chromatin configurations at loci encoding both cytokines and their regulatory transcription factors and differentiated into cells that produced both IL-17 and IFN-γ in a tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Schmolka
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Karine Serre
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana R Grosso
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Margarida Rei
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Daniel J Pennington
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Anita Q Gomes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Bruno Silva-Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
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24
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Cejalvo T, Munoz JJ, Tobajas E, Fanlo L, Alfaro D, García-Ceca J, Zapata A. Ephrin-B-dependent thymic epithelial cell-thymocyte interactions are necessary for correct T cell differentiation and thymus histology organization: relevance for thymic cortex development. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:2670-81. [PMID: 23408838 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1201931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Previous analysis on the thymus of erythropoietin-producing hepatocyte kinases (Eph) B knockout mice and chimeras revealed that Eph-Eph receptor-interacting proteins (ephrins) are expressed both on T cells and thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and play a role in defining the thymus microenvironments. In the current study, we have used the Cre-LoxP system to selectively delete ephrin-B1 and/or ephrin-B2 in either thymocytes (EfnB1(thy/thy), EfnB2(thy/thy), and EfnB1(thy/thy)EfnB2(thy/thy) mice) or TECs (EfnB1(tec/tec), EfnB2(tec/tec), and EfnB1(tec/tec)EfnB2(tec/tec) mice) and determine the relevance of these Eph ligands in T cell differentiation and thymus histology. Our results indicate that ephrin-B1 and ephrin-B2 expressed on thymocytes play an autonomous role in T cell development and, expressed on TECs, their nonautonomous roles are partially overlapping. The effects of the lack of ephrin-B1 and/or ephrin-B2 on either thymocytes or TECs are more severe and specific on thymic epithelium, contribute to the cell intermingling necessary for thymus organization, and affect cortical TEC subpopulation phenotype and location. Moreover, ephrin-B1 and ephrin-B2 seem to be involved in the temporal appearance of distinct cortical TECs subsets defined by different Ly51 levels of expression on the ontogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Cejalvo
- Cytometry and Fluorescence Microscopy Center, Complutense University, Madrid 28040, Spain
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25
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Eph/ephrinB signalling is involved in the survival of thymic epithelial cells. Immunol Cell Biol 2012; 91:130-8. [PMID: 23146940 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2012.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The signals that determine the survival/death of the thymic epithelial cells (TECs) component during embryonic development of the thymus are largely unknown. In this study, we combine different in vivo and in vitro experimental approaches to define the role played by the tyrosine kinase receptors EphB2 and EphB3 and their ligands, ephrinsB, in the survival of embryonic and newborn (NB) TECs. Our results conclude that EphB2 and EphB3 are involved in the control of TEC survival and that the absence of these molecules causes increased apoptotic TEC proportions that result in decreased numbers of thymic cells and a smaller-sized gland. Furthermore, in vitro studies using either EphB2-Fc or ephrinB1-Fc fusion proteins demonstrate that the blockade of Eph/ephrinB signalling increases TEC apoptosis, whereas its activation rescues TECs from cell death. In these assays, both heterotypic thymocyte-TEC and homotypic TEC-TEC interactions are important for Eph/ephrinB-mediated TEC survival.
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26
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Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Stimamiglio MA, Muñoz JJ, Alfaro D, Terra-Granado E, Garcia-Ceca J, Alonso-Colmenar LM, Savino W, Zapata AG. Developing T-cell migration: role of semaphorins and ephrins. FASEB J 2012; 26:4390-9. [PMID: 22815386 DOI: 10.1096/fj.11-202952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Cell migration is a crucial event for normal T-cell development, and various ligand/receptor pairs have been implicated. Most of them, including chemokines and extracellular matrix proteins, have attractant properties on thymocytes. We discuss herein two further groups of ligand/receptor pairs, semaphorins/neuropilins and ephs/ephrins, which are constitutively expressed by thymocytes and thymic microenvironmental cells. Evidence shows that the corresponding interactions are relevant for developing T-cell migration, including the entry of bone marrow progenitor cells, migration of CD4/CD8-defined thymocyte subpopulations triggered by chemokines and/or extracellular matrix proteins, and thymocyte export. Conceptually, the data summarized here show that thymocyte migration results from a complex network of molecular interactions, which generate not only attraction, but also repulsion of migrating T-cell precursors.
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27
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Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for controlling peripheral tolerance by the active suppression of various immune cells including conventional T effector cells (Teffs). Downstream of the T cell receptor (TCR), more than 500 protein kinases encoded by the human genome have to be considered in signaling cascades regulating the activation of Tregs and Teffs, respectively. Following TCR engagement, Tregs posses a number of unique attributes, such as constitutive expression of Foxp3, hyporesponsiveness and poor cytokine production. Furthermore, recent studies showed that altered regulation of protein kinases is important for Treg function. These data indicate that signaling pathways in Tregs are distinctly organized and alterations at the level of protein kinases contribute to the unique Treg phenotype. However, kinase-based signaling networks in Tregs are poorly understood and necessitate further systematic characterization. In this study, we analyzed the differential expression of kinases in Tregs and Teffs by using a kinase-selective proteome strategy. In total, we revealed quantitative information on 185 kinases expressed in the human CD4(+) T cell subsets. The majority of kinases was equally abundant in both T cell subsets, but 11 kinases were differentially expressed in Tregs. Most strikingly, Tregs showed an altered expression of cell cycle kinases including CDK6. Quantitative proteomics generates first comparative insight into the kinase complements of the CD4(+) Teff and Treg subset. Treg-specific expression pattern of 11 protein kinases substantiate the current opinion that TCR-mediated signaling cascades are altered in Tregs and further suggests that Tregs exhibit significant specificities in cell-cycle control and progression.
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Stolp J, Chen YG, Cox SL, Henck V, Zhang W, Tsaih SW, Chapman H, Stearns T, Serreze DV, Silveira PA. Subcongenic analyses reveal complex interactions between distal chromosome 4 genes controlling diabetogenic B cells and CD4 T cells in nonobese diabetic mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 189:1406-17. [PMID: 22732593 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1200120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D) in humans and NOD mice results from interactions between multiple susceptibility genes (termed Idd) located within and outside the MHC. Despite sharing ∼88% of their genome with NOD mice, including the H2(g7) MHC haplotype and other important Idd genes, the closely related nonobese resistant (NOR) strain fails to develop T1D because of resistance alleles in residual genomic regions derived from C57BLKS mice mapping to chromosomes (Chr.) 1, 2, and 4. We previously produced a NOD background strain with a greatly decreased incidence of T1D as the result of a NOR-derived 44.31-Mb congenic region on distal Chr. 4 containing disease-resistance alleles that decrease the pathogenic activity of autoreactive B and CD4 T cells. In this study, a series of subcongenic strains for the NOR-derived Chr. 4 region was used to significantly refine genetic loci regulating diabetogenic B and CD4 T cell activity. Analyses of these subcongenic strains revealed the presence of at least two NOR-origin T1D resistance genes within this region. A 6.22-Mb region between rs13477999 and D4Mit32, not previously known to contain a locus affecting T1D susceptibility and now designated Idd25, was found to contain the main NOR gene(s) dampening diabetogenic B cell activity, with Ephb2 and/or Padi2 being strong candidates as the causal variants. Penetrance of this Idd25 effect was influenced by genes in surrounding regions controlling B cell responsiveness and anergy induction. Conversely, the gene(s) controlling pathogenic CD4 T cell activity was mapped to a more proximal 24.26-Mb region between the rs3674285 and D4Mit203 markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Stolp
- Immunology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia
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Kawano H, Katayama Y, Minagawa K, Shimoyama M, Henkemeyer M, Matsui T. A novel feedback mechanism by Ephrin-B1/B2 in T-cell activation involves a concentration-dependent switch from costimulation to inhibition. Eur J Immunol 2012; 42:1562-72. [PMID: 22622783 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201142175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Revised: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 02/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Bidirectional signals via Eph receptors/ephrins have been recognized as major forms of contact-dependent cell communications such as cell attraction and repulsion. T cells express EphBs, and their ligands, the ephrin-Bs, have been known as costimulatory molecules for T-cell proliferation. Recently, another remarkable feature of ephrin-As has emerged in the form of a concentration-dependent transition from promotion to inhibition in axon growth. Here we examined whether this modification plays a role in ephrin-B costimulation in murine primary T cells. Low doses of ephrin-B1 and ephrin-B2 costimulated T-cell proliferation induced by anti-CD3, but high concentrations strongly inhibited it. In contrast, ephrin-B3 showed a steadily increasing stimulatory effect. This modulation was virtually preserved in T cells from mice simultaneously lacking four genes, EphB1, EphB2, EphB3, and EphB6. High concentrations of ephrin-B1/B2, but not ephrin-B3, inhibited the anti-CD3-induced phosphorylation of Lck and its downstream signals such as Erk and Akt. Additionally, high doses of any ephrin-Bs could phosphorylate EphB4. However, only ephrin-B1/B2 but not ephrin-B3 recruited SHP1, a phosphatase to suppress the phosphorylation of Lck. These data suggest that EphB4 signaling could engage in negative feedback to TCR signals. T-cell activation may be finely adjusted by the combination and concentration of ephrin-Bs expressed in the immunological microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Kawano
- Hematology, Department of Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Japan
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30
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Dzhagalov I, Phee H. How to find your way through the thymus: a practical guide for aspiring T cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 69:663-82. [PMID: 21842411 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0791-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2011] [Revised: 07/25/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Thymocytes must complete an elaborate developmental program in the thymus to ultimately generate T cells that express functional but neither harmful nor useless TCRs. Each developmental step coincides with dynamic relocation of the thymocytes between anatomically discrete thymic microenvironments, suggesting that thymocytes' migration is tightly regulated by their developmental status. Chemokines produced by thymic stromal cells and chemokine receptors on the thymocytes play an indispensable role in guiding developing thymocytes into the different microenvironments. In addition to long-range migration, chemokines increase the thymocytes' motility, enhancing their interaction with stromal cells. During the past several years, much progress has been made to determine the various signals that guide thymocytes on their journey within the thymus. In this review, we summarize the progress in identifying chemokines and other chemoattractant signals that direct intrathymic migration. Furthermore, we discuss the recent advances of two-photon microscopy in determining dynamic motility and interaction behavior of thymocytes within distinct compartments to provide a better understanding of the relationship between thymocyte motility and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Dzhagalov
- LSA, Room 479, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA.
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31
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Alfaro D, Muñoz JJ, García‐Ceca J, Cejalvo T, Jiménez E, Zapata AG. The Eph/ephrinB signal balance determines the pattern of T‐cell maturation in the thymus. Immunol Cell Biol 2011; 89:844-52. [DOI: 10.1038/icb.2010.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David Alfaro
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Juan José Muñoz
- Microscopy and Cytometry Centre, Complutense University of Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Javier García‐Ceca
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Teresa Cejalvo
- Microscopy and Cytometry Centre, Complutense University of Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Eva Jiménez
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Agustín G Zapata
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid Madrid Spain
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Muñoz JJ, Cejalvo T, Alonso-Colmenar LM, Alfaro D, Garcia-Ceca J, Zapata A. Eph/Ephrin-mediated interactions in the thymus. Neuroimmunomodulation 2011; 18:271-80. [PMID: 21952679 DOI: 10.1159/000329490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we review available information on the relevance of Eph and ephrins in numerous processes occurring in the thymus that regulate not only T cell differentiation but also thymic epithelial cell (TEC) development and organization. Eph/ephrins are a large family of receptors and ligands involved in organogenesis and homeostasis of adult tissues. They are extensively expressed in the thymus and seem to be involved in the colonization of lymphoid progenitor cells and their migration throughout the thymic parenchyma necessary to provide an adequate topological location of developing thymocytes in the epithelial network that ensures their correct differentiation. In addition, EphB2 and EphB3 play a cell-autonomous role in regulating the transitions of double-negative to double-positive cells and of double-positive to single-positive thymocytes and the lack of these molecules or their ligands ephrin B1 and ephrin B2 induces profound alterations of the TEC maturation and in the arrangement of epithelial network. We emphasize that these results are largely reflecting the role played by this family of molecules in controlling thymocyte-TEC interactions within the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Jose Muñoz
- Cytometry and Fluorescence Microscopy Center, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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33
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EphB-ephrin-B2 interactions are required for thymus migration during organogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:13414-9. [PMID: 20616004 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1003747107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymus organogenesis requires coordinated interactions of multiple cell types, including neural crest (NC) cells, to orchestrate the formation, separation, and subsequent migration of the developing thymus from the third pharyngeal pouch to the thoracic cavity. The molecular mechanisms driving these processes are unclear; however, NC-derived mesenchyme has been shown to play an important role. Here, we show that, in the absence of ephrin-B2 expression on thymic NC-derived mesenchyme, the thymus remains in the cervical area instead of migrating into the thoracic cavity. Analysis of individual NC-derived thymic mesenchymal cells shows that, in the absence of ephrin-B2, their motility is impaired as a result of defective EphB receptor signaling. This implies a NC-derived cell-specific role of EphB-ephrin-B2 interactions in the collective migration of the thymic rudiment during organogenesis.
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34
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Takamatsu H, Okuno T, Kumanogoh A. Regulation of immune cell responses by semaphorins and their receptors. Cell Mol Immunol 2010; 7:83-8. [PMID: 20118971 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2009.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Semaphorins were originally identified as axon guidance factors involved in the development of the neuronal system. However, accumulating evidence indicates that several members of semaphorins, so-called 'immune semaphorins', are crucially involved in various phases of immune responses. These semaphorins regulate both immune cell interactions and immune cell trafficking during physiological and pathological immune responses. Here, we review the following two functional aspects of semaphorins and their receptors in immune responses: their functions in cell-cell interactions and their involvement in immune cell trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyota Takamatsu
- Department of Immunopathology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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35
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García-Ceca J, Jiménez E, Alfaro D, Cejalvo T, Muñoz JJ, Zapata AG. Cell-autonomous role of EphB2 and EphB3 receptors in the thymic epithelial cell organization. Eur J Immunol 2009; 39:2916-24. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.200939437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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36
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Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Lepelletier Y, Brignier AC, Smaniotto S, Renand A, Milpied P, Dardenne M, Hermine O, Savino W. Neuropilins, semaphorins, and their role in thymocyte development. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1153:20-8. [PMID: 19236324 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03980.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Some molecules described in the nervous system are also expressed in cells involved in the control of the immune response, suggesting they have a role as common mechanisms between neuroendocrine and immune systems. In this review, we focus on the expression and role of neuropilins (NPs) and their soluble ligands class 3 semaphorins in thymus physiology, particularly migration of developing thymocytes. We also discuss the concept of multivectorial thymocyte migration, including semaphorins, as a new individual cell migration vector.
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Wang DJ, Bai YZ, Zhang SW, Gao H, Zhang SC, Zhang D, Zhang T, Yuan ZW, Wang WL. Expression of EphB2 in the development of anorectal malformations in fetal rats. J Pediatr Surg 2009; 44:592-9. [PMID: 19302865 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2008.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2007] [Revised: 07/22/2008] [Accepted: 08/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The receptor tyrosine kinase of the Eph family is a large group of highly conserved molecules that function in diverse intercellular recognition events. It has been reported that EphB2 is related to caudal remodeling events. The aim of this study is to investigate EphB2 expression in anorectal development in normal and rat embryos with anorectal malformations (ARMs) and attempt to define its role in anorectal morphogenesis. METHODS The ethylenethiourea (ETU) rat model of the ARMs was used in this study. Immunohistochemical analyses and real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were carried out to investigate EphB2 protein localizations and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels. (1) Rat embryos with ARMs were obtained by treating pregnant rats (n = 24) with administration of ETU on gestation day (Gd) 10. Normal rat embryos (n = 111) and embryos treated by ETU without ARMs (n = 90) were the control groups, and embryos with ARMs (n = 108) from Gd13 to Gd16 were divided according to the sections taken from specimens. (2) Embryos were sequentially sectioned in the sagittal and transversal planes before staining with a specific antibody to EphB2. Spatiotemporal study was carried out on EphB2 expression. (3) Individual frozen sections were used to manually microdissect the cloaca and anorectal specimens for total RNA extraction. EphB2 expression was evaluated by real time quantitative PCR. RESULTS On the immunologic labeling study, EphB2 expression was confined to the cloaca in control groups, whereas EphB2 expression was mainly located at the urorectal septum (URS) and cloacal membrane on Gd13 and Gd14. The increased positive expression was observed in the fused tissue of the URS and cloacal membrane on Gd15. On Gd16, the anal membrane broke down, and the rectum was able to be in contact with the anus, and EphB2 expression was then noted in mucous membrane of rectum. EphB2 expression was seen in the cloacal and anorectal tissues of embryos with ARMs. By integrated optical density (IOD) measurement, IOD value of EphB2 protein was significantly lower in the ARM group than that in the control groups on Gd13 to Gd16 (P < .05), respectively. As shown by real time quantitative PCR, EphB2 expression was detected in 3 groups. EphB2 mRNA level increased on Gd13 to Gd16 but gradually decreased after Gd16. The expression level of EphB2 mRNA in the ARM embryos was lower on Gd13 to Gd16 than that in control groups (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS EphB2 expression decreased in the ARM embryos and was confined to URS and cloaca, whereas it was higher in control group. Our data thus indicated that EphB2 molecules possibly contributed to the anorectal morphogenesis and the decreased expression of EphB2 might be related to the development of ARMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Jia Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, PR China
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Muñoz JJ, García-Ceca J, Alfaro D, Stimamiglio MA, Cejalvo T, Jiménez E, Zapata AG. Organizing the Thymus Gland. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1153:14-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03965.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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39
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Muñoz JJ, Alfaro D, García-Ceca J, Cejalvo T, Stimamiglio MA, Jiménez E, Zapata AG. Eph and ephrin: Key molecules for the organization and function of the thymus gland. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s0213-9626(09)70024-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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40
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Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases of the Eph family bind to cell surface-associated ephrin ligands on neighboring cells. The ensuing bidirectional signals have emerged as a major form of contact-dependent communication between cells. New findings reveal that Eph receptors and ephrins coordinate not only developmental processes but also the normal physiology and homeostasis of many adult organs. Imbalance of Eph/ephrin function may therefore contribute to a variety of diseases. The challenge now is to better understand the complex and seemingly paradoxical signaling mechanisms of Eph receptors and ephrins, which will enable effective strategies to target these proteins in the treatment of diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena B Pasquale
- Burnham Institute for Medical Research, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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Alfaro D, Muñoz JJ, García-Ceca J, Cejalvo T, Jiménez E, Zapata A. Alterations in the thymocyte phenotype of EphB-deficient mice largely affect the double negative cell compartment. Immunology 2008; 125:131-43. [PMID: 18397270 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2008.02828.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we have analysed the phenotype of EphB2 and/or EphB3 deficient thymocytes confirming and extending previous studies on the role of this family of molecules in T-cell differentiation. In all mutant thymuses statistically significant reduced cell contents were observed. This reduction of thymic cellularity correlated with increased proportions of apoptotic cells, largely both double negative (DN; CD4- CD8-) and double positive (CD4+ CD8+) cells, and decreased proportions of DN cycling cells. Adult deficient thymuses also showed increased proportions of DN cells but not significant variations in the percentages of other thymocyte subsets. In absolute terms, the thymocyte number decreased significantly in all thymocyte compartments from the DN3 (CD44- CD25+) cell stage onward, without variations in the numbers of both DN1 (CD44+ CD25-) and DN2 (CD44+ CD25+) cells. Remarkably, all these changes also occurred from the 15-day fetal EphB2 and/or EphB3 deficient mice, suggesting that adult phenotype results from the gradual accumulations of defects appearing early in the thymus ontogeny. As a reflection of thymus condition, a reduction in the number of T lymphocytes occurred in the peripheral blood and mesenteric lymph nodes, but not in spleen, maintaining the proportions of T-cell subsets defined by CD4/CD8 marker expression, in all cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Alfaro
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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