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Yu H, Yang W, Cao M, Lei Q, Yuan R, Xu H, Cui Y, Chen X, Su X, Zhuo H, Lin L. Mechanism study of ubiquitination in T cell development and autoimmune disease. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1359933. [PMID: 38562929 PMCID: PMC10982411 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1359933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
T cells play critical role in multiple immune processes including antigen response, tumor immunity, inflammation, self-tolerance maintenance and autoimmune diseases et. Fetal liver or bone marrow-derived thymus-seeding progenitors (TSPs) settle in thymus and undergo T cell-lineage commitment, proliferation, T cell receptor (TCR) rearrangement, and thymic selections driven by microenvironment composed of thymic epithelial cells (TEC), dendritic cells (DC), macrophage and B cells, thus generating T cells with diverse TCR repertoire immunocompetent but not self-reactive. Additionally, some self-reactive thymocytes give rise to Treg with the help of TEC and DC, serving for immune tolerance. The sequential proliferation, cell fate decision, and selection during T cell development and self-tolerance establishment are tightly regulated to ensure the proper immune response without autoimmune reaction. There are remarkable progresses in understanding of the regulatory mechanisms regarding ubiquitination in T cell development and the establishment of self-tolerance in the past few years, which holds great potential for further therapeutic interventions in immune-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yu
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenyong Yang
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Cao
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingqiang Lei
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Renbin Yuan
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - He Xu
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqian Cui
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuerui Chen
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xu Su
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
- College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Zhuo
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liangbin Lin
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
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Lisovska N. Multilevel mechanism of immune checkpoint inhibitor action in solid tumors: History, present issues and future development (Review). Oncol Lett 2022; 23:190. [PMID: 35527781 PMCID: PMC9073577 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors (antibodies that target and block immune checkpoints in the tumor microenvironment) is included in the standard of care for patients with different types of malignancy, such as melanoma, renal cell and urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer etc. The introduction of this new immunotherapy has altered the view on potential targets for treatment of solid tumors from tumor cells themselves to their immune microenvironment; this has led to a reconsideration of the mechanisms of tumor-associated immunity. However, only a subset of patients benefit from immunotherapy and patient response is often unpredictable, even with known initial levels of prognostic markers; the biomarkers for favorable response are still being investigated. Mechanisms of immune checkpoint inhibitors efficiency, as well as the origins of treatment failure, require further investigation. From a clinical standpoint, discrepancies between the theoretical explanation of inhibitors of immune checkpoint actions at the cellular level and their deployment at a tissue/organ level impede the effective clinical implementation of novel immune therapy. The present review assessed existing experimental and clinical data on functional activity of inhibitors of immune checkpoints to provide a more comprehensive picture of their mechanisms of action on a cellular and higher levels of biological organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya Lisovska
- Chemotherapy Department, Center of Oncology, ‘Cyber Clinic of Spizhenko’, Kapitanovka, Kyiv 08112, Ukraine
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3
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Tang M, Jia F, Nan F, Zuo F, Yuan Z, Zhang D. Role of Cytokines in Thymic Regulatory T Cell Generation: Overview and Updates. Front Immunol 2022; 13:883560. [PMID: 35432378 PMCID: PMC9008509 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.883560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Regulatory (Treg) T cells are mainly generated within the thymus. However, the mechanism of thymic Treg cell (tTreg cell) generation remains to be fully revealed. Although the functions of TCR/CD28 co-stimulation have been widely accepted, the functions of cytokines in the generation of tTreg cells remain highly controversial. In this review, we summarize the existing studies on cytokine regulation of tTreg cell generation. By integrating the key findings of cytokines in tTreg cell generation, we have concluded that four members of γc family cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-7 and IL-15), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and three members of TNF superfamily cytokines (GITRL, OX40L and TNF-α) play vitally important roles in regulating tTreg cell generation. We also point out all disputed points and highlight critical scientific questions that need to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Tang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fuya Jia
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Nan
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fengqiong Zuo
- Department of Immunology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dunfang Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Köhler C, Smole U, Kratzer B, Trapin D, Schmetterer KG, Pickl WF. Allergen alters IL-2/αIL-2-based Treg expansion but not tolerance induction in an allergen-specific mouse model. Allergy 2020; 75:1618-1629. [PMID: 31991489 PMCID: PMC7383865 DOI: 10.1111/all.14203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) play an important role in preventing allergic diseases. We characterized Treg expansion kinetics, marker profiles, and recirculation behavior in allergen‐challenged mice, which had been pretreated with IL‐2/αIL‐2 complexes in the presence or absence of allergen. Moreover, the ability of induced Treg to control airway hyperreactivity and effector functions of lung T cells was determined. Methods Humanized TCR/HLA‐transgenic allergy mice were treated in vivo with recombinant IL‐2 complexed to the anti‐IL‐2 mAb JES6‐1 in the presence or absence of mugwort pollen extract (MPE) on days 0‐2. Afterward, they were intranasally challenged with MPE (days 13‐15) followed by determination of airway hyperreactivity and lung T cell effector functions. Multiparametric flow cytometry on peripheral blood T cells was performed on a daily basis. Results IL‐2/αIL‐2 complexes highly efficiently expanded peripheral Treg cells, while concomitant allergen exposure altered the phenotype of expanded Treg cells. Notably, application of allergen together with IL‐2/αIL‐2 complexes induced expression of Treg marker molecules CTLA4, NRP1, Helios, and GITR on conventional T cells. Apart from CD25, GARP was identified as the most reliable surface‐expressed lineage discrimination marker of Treg expanded in the presence of IL‐2/αIL‐2 complexes and allergen. Finally, IL‐2/αIL‐2 complex‐expanded Treg cells could be recalled upon allergen challenge, which was associated with suppression of lung‐specific Th2 responses long after initial treatment. Conclusion The characterization of reliable surface and transcription markers of IL‐2/αIL‐2 complex‐expanded Treg along with their expansion kinetics and function will help to identify protocols for their long‐term expansion in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cordula Köhler
- Institute of Immunology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Ursula Smole
- Institute of Immunology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Bernhard Kratzer
- Institute of Immunology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Doris Trapin
- Institute of Immunology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Klaus G. Schmetterer
- Clinical Department of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Winfried F. Pickl
- Institute of Immunology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
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Ohkura N, Sakaguchi S. Transcriptional and epigenetic basis of Treg cell development and function: its genetic anomalies or variations in autoimmune diseases. Cell Res 2020; 30:465-474. [PMID: 32367041 PMCID: PMC7264322 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-020-0324-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Naturally arising regulatory CD4+ T (Treg) cells, which specifically express the transcription factor FoxP3 in the nucleus and CD25 and CTLA-4 on the cell surface, are a T-cell subpopulation specialized for immune suppression, playing a key role in maintaining immunological self-tolerance and homeostasis. FoxP3 is required for Treg function, especially for its suppressive activity. However, FoxP3 expression per se is not necessary for Treg cell lineage commitment in the thymus and insufficient for full Treg-type gene expression in mature Treg cells. It is Treg-specific epigenetic changes such as CpG demethylation and histone modification that can confer a stable and heritable pattern of Treg type gene expression on developing Treg cells in a FoxP3-independent manner. Anomalies in the formation of Treg-specific epigenome, in particular, Treg-specific super-enhancers, which largely include Treg-specific DNA demethylated regions, are indeed able to cause autoimmune diseases in rodents. Furthermore, in humans, single nucleotide polymorphisms in Treg-specific DNA demethylated regions associated with Treg signature genes, such as IL2RA (CD25) and CTLA4, can affect the development and function of naïve Treg cells rather than effector T cells. Such genetic variations are therefore causative of polygenic common autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis via affecting endogenous natural Treg cells. These findings on the transcription factor network with FoxP3 at a key position as well as Treg-specific epigenetic landscape facilitate our understanding of Treg cell development and function, and can be exploited to prepare functionally stable FoxP3-expressing Treg cells from antigen-specific conventional T cells to treat autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naganari Ohkura
- Experimental immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shimon Sakaguchi
- Experimental immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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6
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Tuning T helper cell differentiation by ITK. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 48:179-185. [PMID: 32049330 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
CD4+ effector T cells effectuate T cell immune responses, producing cytokines to orchestrate the nature and type of immune responses. The non-receptor tyrosine kinase IL-2 inducible T cell kinase (ITK), a mediator of T cell Receptor signaling, plays a critical role in tuning the development of these effector cells. In this review we discussed the role that signals downstream of ITK, including the Ras/MAPK pathway, play in differentially controlling the differentiation of TH17, Foxp3+ T regulatory (Treg) cells, and Type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells, supporting a model of ITK signals controlling a decision point in the effector T cell differentiation process.
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7
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Vanhanen R, Leskinen K, Mattila IP, Saavalainen P, Arstila TP. Epigenetic and transcriptional analysis supports human regulatory T cell commitment at the CD4+CD8+ thymocyte stage. Cell Immunol 2019; 347:104026. [PMID: 31843201 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2019.104026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The natural CD25+ FOXP3+ regulatory T cell (Treg) population is generated as a distinct lineage in the thymus, but the details of Treg development in humans remain unclear, and the timing of Treg commitment is also contested. Here we have analyzed the emergence of CD25+ cells at the CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP) stage in the human thymus. We show that these cells share T cell receptor repertoire with CD25+ CD4 single-positive thymocytes, believed to be committed Tregs. They already have a fully demethylated FOXP3 enhancer region and thus display stable expression of FOXP3 and the associated Treg phenotype. Transcriptome analysis also grouped the DP CD25+ and CD4 CD25+ thymocytes apart from the CD25- subsets. Together with earlier studies, our data are consistent with human Treg commitment already at the DP thymocyte stage. We suggest that the most important antigens and signals necessary for human Treg differentiation may be found in the thymic cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reetta Vanhanen
- Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Katarzyna Leskinen
- Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilkka P Mattila
- Department of Pediatric Cardiac and Transplantation Surgery, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Helsinki University Central Hospital, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Saavalainen
- Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - T Petteri Arstila
- Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Kotov DI, Mitchell JS, Pengo T, Ruedl C, Way SS, Langlois RA, Fife BT, Jenkins MK. TCR Affinity Biases Th Cell Differentiation by Regulating CD25, Eef1e1, and Gbp2. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 202:2535-2545. [PMID: 30858199 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Naive CD4+ T lymphocytes differentiate into various Th cell subsets following TCR binding to microbial peptide:MHC class II (p:MHCII) complexes on dendritic cells (DCs). The affinity of the TCR interaction with p:MHCII plays a role in Th differentiation by mechanisms that are not completely understood. We found that low-affinity TCRs biased mouse naive T cells to become T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, whereas higher-affinity TCRs promoted the formation of Th1 or Th17 cells. We explored the basis for this phenomenon by focusing on IL-2R signaling, which is known to promote Th1 and suppress Tfh cell differentiation. SIRP⍺+ DCs produce abundant p:MHCII complexes and consume IL-2, whereas XCR1+ DCs weakly produce p:MHCII but do not consume IL-2. We found no evidence, however, of preferential interactions between Th1 cell-prone, high-affinity T cells and XCR1+ DCs or Tfh cell-prone, low-affinity T cells and SIRP⍺+ DCs postinfection with bacteria expressing the peptide of interest. Rather, high-affinity T cells sustained IL-2R expression longer and expressed two novel Th cell differentiation regulators, Eef1e1 and Gbp2, to a higher level than low-affinity T cells. These results suggest that TCR affinity does not influence Th cell differentiation by biasing T cell interactions with IL-2-consuming DCs, but instead, directly regulates genes in naive T cells that control the differentiation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitri I Kotov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455.,Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Jason S Mitchell
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455.,University Imaging Centers, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455.,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Thomas Pengo
- University of Minnesota Informatics Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Christiane Ruedl
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551
| | - Sing Sing Way
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229; and.,Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229
| | - Ryan A Langlois
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455.,Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Brian T Fife
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455.,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Marc K Jenkins
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455; .,Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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9
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Vanhanen R, Tuulasvaara A, Mattila J, Pätilä T, Arstila TP. Common gamma chain cytokines promote regulatory T cell development and survival at the CD4 + CD8 + stage in the human thymus. Scand J Immunol 2018; 88:e12681. [PMID: 29904934 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Thymic commitment of human FOXP3+ regulatory T cells begins at the double-positive (DP) CD4+ CD8+ stage. In the current study, we show that interleukin-2 promotes the development of FOXP3+ thymocytes and enhances their survival at the DP phase. IL-2 increases the frequency of FOXP3+ cells and promotes the Treg phenotype after TCR-mediated positive selection at the most mature DP stage. However, it has no effect on FOXP3+ cells at the earlier maturation steps before positive selection. DP FOXP3+ thymocytes are highly susceptible to cell death but IL-2 promotes their survival. The anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 (B Cell Lymphoma 2) is also upregulated by IL-2 at the most mature DP stage. In addition to IL-2, we identify IL-15 to have a significant role in the upregulating FOXP3 and survival of Tregs at the DP phase. IL-7 also increases the expression of BCL-2 in the DP FOXP3+ thymocytes. Our results indicate that common gamma chain cytokines IL-2, IL-7 and IL-15 promote the development of regulatory T cells at the most mature DP stage after TCR-mediated positive selection through suppressing cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reetta Vanhanen
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology and Research Programs Unit, Immunobiology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anni Tuulasvaara
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology and Research Programs Unit, Immunobiology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joonatan Mattila
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology and Research Programs Unit, Immunobiology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tommi Pätilä
- Department of Surgery, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - T Petteri Arstila
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology and Research Programs Unit, Immunobiology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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The transcription factor Batf3 inhibits the differentiation of regulatory T cells in the periphery. Exp Mol Med 2017; 49:e393. [PMID: 29147008 PMCID: PMC5704186 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2017.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Naive CD4 T cells activated by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) undergo terminal differentiation in the periphery. Multiple mechanisms determine their fates, that is, whether they differentiate into conventional T (Tconv) cells or regulatory T (Treg) cells. The key event during Treg generation is expression of the transcription factor Foxp3, which is the lineage-determining regulator for Treg differentiation and function. Here we show that the transcription factor Batf3 acts as a fate-decision factor with respect to Tconv versus Tregs by restraining Treg differentiation. Batf3 was preferentially expressed in effector CD4 T cells but not in Treg cells, and ectopic expression of Batf3 inhibited Foxp3 induction. Batf3-deficient CD4 T cells favorably differentiated into Treg cells in vitro and in colonic lamina propria. Batf3 KO mice also showed enhanced Treg function in gut-associated immune disease models (for example, ovalbumin tolerance and inflammatory bowel disease models). Batf3 bound to the CNS1 region of the Foxp3 locus and reduced expression of the gene. Thus, Batf3 is a transcriptional suppressor of Treg differentiation.
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Ashouri JF, Weiss A. Endogenous Nur77 Is a Specific Indicator of Antigen Receptor Signaling in Human T and B Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 198:657-668. [PMID: 27940659 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1601301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Distinguishing true Ag-stimulated lymphocytes from bystanders activated by the inflammatory milieu has been difficult. Nur77 is an immediate early gene whose expression is rapidly upregulated by TCR signaling in murine T cells and human thymocytes. Nur77-GFP transgenes serve as specific TCR and BCR signaling reporters in murine transgenic models. In this study, we demonstrate that endogenous Nur77 protein expression can serve as a reporter of TCR and BCR specific signaling in human PBMCs. Nur77 protein amounts were assessed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry in T and B cells isolated from human PBMCs obtained from healthy donors that had been stimulated by their respective Ag receptors. We demonstrate that endogenous Nur77 is a more specific reporter of Ag-specific signaling events than the commonly used CD69 activation marker in both human T and B cells. This is reflective of the disparity in signaling pathways that regulate the expression of Nur77 and CD69. Assessing endogenous Nur77 protein expression has great potential to identify Ag-activated lymphocytes in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith F Ashouri
- The Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at the University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Arthur Weiss
- The Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at the University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
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12
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Tuulasvaara A, Vanhanen R, Baldauf HM, Puntila J, Arstila TP. Interleukin-7 promotes human regulatory T cell development at the CD4+CD8+ double-positive thymocyte stage. J Leukoc Biol 2016; 100:491-8. [PMID: 26965634 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1a0415-164r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although mature human FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells are CD127 (IL-7Rα) negative, CD4(+)CD8(+) FOXP3(+) thymocytes express relatively high levels of CD127 and are responsive to IL-7. However, the role of IL-7 in human regulatory T cell development is poorly known. We show that at the CD4(+)CD8(+) stage, FOXP3(+) thymocytes are highly susceptible to apoptosis, and IL-7 selectively rescues them from death, leading to an increased frequency of FOXP3(+) cells. IL-7 also promotes the development of regulatory T cell phenotype by inducing up-regulation of FOXP3(+) and CTLA-4 expression. In contrast, IL-7 does not enhance proliferation of FOXP3(+)thymocytes or induce demethylation of FOXP3(+) regulatory T cell-specific demethylated region. After the CD4(+)CD8(+) stage, the FOXP3(+) thymocytes down-regulate CD127 expression but despite very low levels of CD127, remain responsive to IL-7. These results suggest that IL-7 affects human regulatory T cell development in the thymus by at least 2 distinct mechanisms: suppression of apoptosis and up-regulation of FOXP3(+) expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Tuulasvaara
- Haartman Institute, Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, and Research Programs Unit, Immunobiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; and
| | - Reetta Vanhanen
- Haartman Institute, Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, and Research Programs Unit, Immunobiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; and
| | - Hanna-Mari Baldauf
- Haartman Institute, Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, and Research Programs Unit, Immunobiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; and
| | - Juha Puntila
- Department of Surgery, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - T Petteri Arstila
- Haartman Institute, Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, and Research Programs Unit, Immunobiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; and
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13
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Caveolin-1 regulates TCR signal strength and regulatory T-cell differentiation into alloreactive T cells. Blood 2016; 127:1930-9. [PMID: 26837700 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-09-672428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is a key organizer of membrane specializations and a scaffold protein that regulates signaling in multiple cell types. We found increased Cav-1 expression in human and murine T cells after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Indeed, Cav-1(-/-)donor T cells caused less severe acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and yielded higher numbers of regulatory T cells (Tregs) compared with controls. Depletion of Tregs from the graft abrogated this protective effect. Correspondingly, Treg frequencies increased when Cav-1(-/-)T cells were exposed to transforming growth factor-β/T-cell receptor (TCR)/CD28 activation or alloantigen stimulation in vitro compared with wild-type T cells. Mechanistically, we found that the phosphorylation of Cav-1 is dispensable for the control of T-cell fate by using a nonphosphorylatable Cav-1 (Y14F/Y14F) point-mutation variant. Moreover, the close proximity of lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck) to the TCR induced by TCR-activation was reduced in Cav-1(-/-)T cells. Therefore, less TCR/Lck clustering results in suboptimal activation of the downstream signaling events, which correlates with the preferential development into a Treg phenotype. Overall, we report a novel role for Cav-1 in TCR/Lck spatial distribution upon TCR triggering, which controls T-cell fate toward a regulatory phenotype. This alteration translated into a significant increase in the frequency of Tregs and reduced GVHD in vivo.
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Bremel RD, Homan EJ. Extensive T-Cell Epitope Repertoire Sharing among Human Proteome, Gastrointestinal Microbiome, and Pathogenic Bacteria: Implications for the Definition of Self. Front Immunol 2015; 6:538. [PMID: 26557118 PMCID: PMC4617169 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell receptor binding to MHC-bound peptides plays a key role in discrimination between self and non-self. Only a subset, typically a pentamer, of amino acids in a MHC-bound peptide form the motif exposed to the T-cell receptor. We categorize and compare the T-cell exposed amino acid motif repertoire of the total proteomes of two groups of bacteria, comprising pathogens and gastrointestinal microbiome organisms, with the human proteome and immunoglobulins. Given the maximum 205, or 3.2 million of such motifs that bind T-cell receptors, there is considerable overlap in motif usage. We show that the human proteome, exclusive of immunoglobulins, only comprises three quarters of the possible motifs, of which 65.3% are also present in both composite bacterial proteomes. Very few motifs are unique to the human proteome. Immunoglobulin variable regions carry a broad diversity of T-cell exposed motifs (TCEMs) that provides a stratified random sample of the motifs found in pathogens, microbiome, and the human proteome. Individual bacterial genera and species vary in the content of immunoglobulin and human proteome matched motifs that they carry. Mycobacteria and Burkholderia spp carry a particularly high content of such matched motifs. Some bacteria retain a unique motif signature and motif sharing pattern with the human proteome. The implication is that distinguishing self from non-self does not depend on individual TCEMs, but on a complex and dynamic overlay of signals wherein the same TCEM may play different roles in different organisms, and the frequency with which a particular TCEM appears influences its effect. The patterns observed provide clues to bacterial immune evasion and to strategies for intervention, including vaccine design. The breadth and distinct frequency patterns of the immunoglobulin-derived peptides suggest a role of immunoglobulins in maintaining a broadly responsive T-cell repertoire.
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Chen W, Konkel JE. Development of thymic Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells: TGF-β matters. Eur J Immunol 2015; 45:958-65. [PMID: 25684698 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201444999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Revised: 02/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
CD4(+) regulatory T cells expressing the transcription factor Foxp3 can be generated in the thymus (tTreg cells), but the cellular and molecular pathways driving their development remain incompletely understood. TGF-β is essential for the generation of Foxp3(+) Treg cells converted from peripheral naïve CD4(+) T cells (pTreg cells), yet a role for TGF-β in tTreg-cell development was initially refuted. Nevertheless, recent studies have unmasked a requirement for TGF-β in the generation of tTreg cells. Experimental evidence reveals that TGF-β in the context of TCR stimulation induces Foxp3 gene transcription in thymic Treg precursors, CD4(+) CD8(-) CD25(-) semimature and mature single-positive thymocytes. Intriguingly, thymic apoptosis was found to be intrinsically linked to the generation of tTreg cells, as apoptosis induced expression of TGF-β intrathymically. In this short review, we will highlight key data, discuss the experimental evidence and propose a modified model of tTreg-cell development involving TGF-β. We will also outline the remaining unresolved questions concerning generation of thymic Foxp3(+) Treg cells and provide our personal perspectives on the mechanisms controlling tTreg-cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- WanJun Chen
- Mucosal Immunology Section, OPCB, NIDCR, 30 Convent Dr., Bethesda, MD, USA
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16
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Huang W, August A. The signaling symphony: T cell receptor tunes cytokine-mediated T cell differentiation. J Leukoc Biol 2015; 97:477-85. [PMID: 25525115 PMCID: PMC4338847 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1ri0614-293r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell development, differentiation, and maintenance are orchestrated by 2 key signaling axes: the antigen-specific TCR and cytokine-mediated signals. The TCR signals the recognition of self- and foreign antigens to control T cell homeostasis for immune tolerance and immunity, which is regulated by a variety of cytokines to determine T cell subset homeostasis and differentiation. TCR signaling can synergize with or antagonize cytokine-mediated signaling to fine tune T cell fate; however, the latter is less investigated. Murine models with attenuated TCR signaling strength have revealed that TCR signaling can function as regulatory feedback machinery for T cell homeostasis and differentiation in differential cytokine milieus, such as IL-2-mediated Treg development; IL-7-mediated, naïve CD8(+) T cell homeostasis; and IL-4-induced innate memory CD8(+) T cell development. In this review, we discuss the symphonic cross-talk between TCR and cytokine-mediated responses that differentially control T cell behavior, with a focus on the negative tuning by TCR activation on the cytokine effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weishan Huang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Avery August
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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Weissler KA, Caton AJ. The role of T-cell receptor recognition of peptide:MHC complexes in the formation and activity of Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells. Immunol Rev 2014; 259:11-22. [PMID: 24712456 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Foxp3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells are required to prevent the immune system from spontaneously mounting a severe autoaggressive lymphoproliferative disease and can modulate immune responses in a variety of settings, including infections. In this review, we describe studies that use transgenic mice to determine how signals through the T-cell receptor (TCR) contribute to the development, differentiation, and activity of Treg cells in in vivo settings. By varying the amount and quality of the self-peptide recognized by an autoreactive TCR, we have shown that the interplay between autoreactive thymocyte deletion and Treg cell formation leads to a Treg cell repertoire that is biased toward low abundance agonist self-peptides. In an autoimmune disease setting, we have demonstrated that diverse TCR specificities can be required in order for Treg cells to prevent disease in a mouse model of autoimmune inflammatory arthritis. Lastly, we have shown that Treg cells initially selected based on specificity for a self-peptide can be activated by TCR recognition of a viral peptide, and that they can acquire a specialized phenotype and suppress antiviral effector cell activity at the site of infection. These studies provide insights into the pivotal role that TCR specificity plays in the formation and activity of Treg cells.
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Immunodeficiency and immune dysregulation associated with proximal defects of T cell receptor signaling. Curr Opin Immunol 2014; 31:97-101. [PMID: 25459000 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2014.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Engagement of the TCR/CD3 complex triggers a cascade of events that result in T lymphocyte activation and promote positive and negative selection of thymocytes, T lymphocyte migration and effector functions, development and activation of regulatory T cells. Gene mutations that abrogate early TCR signaling are associated with profound abnormalities of T lymphocyte development and function both in humans and in mice, causing susceptibility to severe infections since early in life. In recent years, a growing number of genetic defects have been discovered that reduce, but do not completely abrogate proximal TCR signaling. These defects result in complex phenotypic manifestations that are not limited to immunodeficiency, but also include immune dysregulation. The identification of these conditions may also prompt development of novel therapeutic strategies for autoimmune disorders.
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Huang W, Jeong AR, Kannan AK, Huang L, August A. IL-2-inducible T cell kinase tunes T regulatory cell development and is required for suppressive function. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 193:2267-72. [PMID: 25063868 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1400968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
IL-2-inducible T cell kinase (ITK) is a key signaling mediator downstream of TCR, mediating T cell positive selection, as well as innate T cell and CD4(+) Th2/Th17 differentiation. In this article, we show that ITK also negatively tunes IL-2-induced expansion of conventional Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells (Tregs). In vivo, Treg abundance is inversely correlated with ITK expression, and inducible Treg development is inversely dependent on ITK kinase activity. While Treg development normally requires both hematopoietic and thymic MHC class 2 (MHC2) expression, the absence of ITK allows Treg development with MHC2 expression in either compartment, with preference for selection by thymic MHC2, suggesting a gatekeeper role for ITK in ensuring that only Tregs selected by both thymic and hematopoietic MHC2 survive selection. Although ITK suppresses Treg development and is not required for maintenance of neuropilin-1-positive natural Tregs in the periphery, it is indispensable for Treg functional suppression of naive CD4(+) T cell-induced colitis in Rag(-/-) recipients. ITK thus regulates the development and function of Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weishan Huang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Ah-Reum Jeong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089; and
| | - Arun K Kannan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Lu Huang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853; Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Avery August
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853;
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