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Kulesh V, Peskov K, Helmlinger G, Bocharov G. An integrative mechanistic model of thymocyte dynamics. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1321309. [PMID: 38469297 PMCID: PMC10925769 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1321309] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The thymus plays a central role in shaping human immune function. A mechanistic, quantitative description of immune cell dynamics and thymic output under homeostatic conditions and various patho-physiological scenarios are of particular interest in drug development applications, e.g., in the identification of potential therapeutic targets and selection of lead drug candidates against infectious diseases. Methods We here developed an integrative mathematical model of thymocyte dynamics in human. It incorporates mechanistic features of thymocyte homeostasis as well as spatial constraints of the thymus and considerations of age-dependent involution. All model parameter estimates were obtained based on published physiological data of thymocyte dynamics and thymus properties in mouse and human. We performed model sensitivity analyses to reveal potential therapeutic targets through an identification of processes critically affecting thymic function; we further explored differences in thymic function across healthy subjects, multiple sclerosis patients, and patients on fingolimod treatment. Results We found thymic function to be most impacted by the egress, proliferation, differentiation and death rates of those thymocytes which are most differentiated. Model predictions also showed that the clinically observed decrease in relapse risk with age, in multiple sclerosis patients who would have discontinued fingolimod therapy, can be explained mechanistically by decreased thymic output with age. Moreover, we quantified the effects of fingolimod treatment duration on thymic output. Conclusions In summary, the proposed model accurately describes, in mechanistic terms, thymic output as a function of age. It may be further used to perform predictive simulations of clinically relevant scenarios which combine specific patho-physiological conditions and pharmacological interventions of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Kulesh
- Research Center of Model-Informed Drug Development, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Marchuk Institute of Numerical Mathematics of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, Russia
| | - Kirill Peskov
- Research Center of Model-Informed Drug Development, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Marchuk Institute of Numerical Mathematics of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, Russia
- Modeling & Simulation Decisions FZ - LLC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sirius, Russia
| | | | - Gennady Bocharov
- Marchuk Institute of Numerical Mathematics of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, Russia
- Institute for Computer Science and Mathematical Modelling, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Center of Fundamental and Applied Mathematics at INM Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, Russia
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2
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He B, Guo W, Shi R, Hoffman RD, Luo Q, Hu YJ, Gao J. Ruyong formula improves thymus function of CUMS-stimulated breast cancer mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117164. [PMID: 37717843 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ruyong Formula (RYF) is a famous Chinese herbal formula composed of 10 traditional Chinese herbs. It has been used as a therapeutic agent for breast cancer patients with depressive symptoms in China. However, its underlying pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the mechanism of RYF on the changes of thymus immune function in breast cancer body under mood disorders such as depression/anxiety. MATERIALS AND METHODS The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was used to stimulate 4T1 breast cancer mice. The behavioral changes, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) level in brain, cytokeratin 5 (CK5) and 8 (CK8) expression in thymus, the proportion of T cell subsets, the thymic output, phenotypic changes of thymus epithelial cells (TECs), the expression levels of immune-related factors and downstream proteins of TSLP were analyzed after RYF treatment. RESULTS In CUMS stimulated group, the level of 5-HT in brain was significantly increased after RYF treatment. The output function of the thymus was improved, and the number of TECs in the medulla (CK5+), the proportion of CD3+CD4-CD8- (Double negative) and CD3+CD4+CD8+ (Double positive) T cells were all increased. The mRNA level of TSLP in mouse thymus was significantly decreased, but increased for IL-7. The protein levels of TSLP and Vimentin were decreased, but increased for p-STAT3, p-JAK2, E-cadherin, and p-PI3K p55 in vivo. In vitro study was showed the levels of Snail 1, Zeb 1 and Smad increased significantly in TGF-β1 group, and RYF could reverse their expression. CONCLUSIONS RYF could restore the structure and function of the thymus in depressed breast cancer mice by reversing the phenotypic changes of TECs and activating the JAK2/STAT3/PI3K pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingqian He
- Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Wenqin Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Rongzhen Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China; Tangqi Branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Linping District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311106, China.
| | - Robert D Hoffman
- Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90066, USA.
| | - Qihan Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Yuan-Jia Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, 999078, China.
| | - Jianli Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
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3
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Paparazzo E, Geracitano S, Lagani V, Citrigno L, Bartolomeo D, Aceto MA, Bruno F, Maletta R, Passarino G, Montesanto A. Thymic function and survival at advance ages in nursing home residents from Southern Italy. Immun Ageing 2023; 20:16. [PMID: 37038200 PMCID: PMC10084596 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-023-00340-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunosenescence is a complex process characterized by an age-related remodelling of immune system. The prominent effects of the immunosenescence process is the thymic involution and, consequently, the decreased numbers and functions of T cells. Since thymic involution results in a collapse of the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, a reliable biomarker of its activity is represented by the quantification of signal joint T-cell receptor rearrangement excision circles (sjTRECs) levels. Although it is reasonable to think that thymic function could play a crucial role on elderly survival, only a few studies investigated the relationship between an accurate measurement of human thymic function and survival at old ages. METHODS AND FINDINGS By quantifying the amount sjTRECs by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the decrease in thymic output in 241 nursing home residents from Calabria (Southern Italy) was evaluated to investigate the relationship between thymic function and survival at old ages. We found that low sjTREC levels were associated with a significant increased risk of mortality at older ages. Nursing home residents with lower sjTREC exhibit a near 2-fold increase in mortality risk compared to those with sjTREC levels in a normal range. CONCLUSION Thymic function failure is an independent predictor of mortality among elderly nursing home residents. sjTREC represents a biomarker of effective ageing as its blood levels could anticipate individuals at high risk of negative health outcomes. The identification of these subjects is crucial to manage older people's immune function and resilience, such as, for instance, to plan more efficient vaccinal campaigns in older populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ersilia Paparazzo
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Silvana Geracitano
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Lagani
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology KAUST, Thuwal, 23952, Saudi Arabia
- SDAIA-KAUST Center of Excellence in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology KAUST, Thuwal, 23952, Saudi Arabia
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, 0162, Georgia
| | - Luigi Citrigno
- National Research Council (CNR) - Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation - (IRIB), 87050 Mangone, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Denise Bartolomeo
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Mirella Aurora Aceto
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Francesco Bruno
- Regional Neurogenetic Centre (CRN), Department of Primary Care, ASP Catanzaro, Lamezia Terme (CZ), 88046, Italy
- Association for Neurogenetic Research (ARN), Lamezia Terme (CZ), 88046, Italy
| | - Raffaele Maletta
- Regional Neurogenetic Centre (CRN), Department of Primary Care, ASP Catanzaro, Lamezia Terme (CZ), 88046, Italy
- Association for Neurogenetic Research (ARN), Lamezia Terme (CZ), 88046, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Passarino
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Alberto Montesanto
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
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Cordes M, Pike-Overzet K, Van Den Akker EB, Staal FJT, Canté-Barrett K. Multi-omic analyses in immune cell development with lessons learned from T cell development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1163529. [PMID: 37091971 PMCID: PMC10118026 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1163529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, flow cytometry has been the preferred method to characterize immune cells at the single-cell level. Flow cytometry is used in immunology mostly to measure the expression of identifying markers on the cell surface, but-with good antibodies-can also be used to assess the expression of intracellular proteins. The advent of single-cell RNA-sequencing has paved the road to study immune development at an unprecedented resolution. Single-cell RNA-sequencing studies have not only allowed us to efficiently chart the make-up of heterogeneous tissues, including their most rare cell populations, it also increasingly contributes to our understanding how different omics modalities interplay at a single cell resolution. Particularly for investigating the immune system, this means that these single-cell techniques can be integrated to combine and correlate RNA and protein data at the single-cell level. While RNA data usually reveals a large heterogeneity of a given population identified solely by a combination of surface protein markers, the integration of different omics modalities at a single cell resolution is expected to greatly contribute to our understanding of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn Cordes
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Karin Pike-Overzet
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Erik B. Van Den Akker
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Pattern Recognition and Bioinformatics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Frank J. T. Staal
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Frank J. T. Staal,
| | - Kirsten Canté-Barrett
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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The unilateral involution in the thymus of a 96-year-old male leads to the preservation of structural integrity in one thymic lobe, as assessed by the expression of medullar and cortical antigens and the presence of CD3+ cells. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11734. [PMID: 36411931 PMCID: PMC9674545 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11734] [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: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of thymic involution begins soon after birth and continues through adult life. Although evolutionary conserved in all vertebrates, the thymic involution has no defined kinetics. Little is known about the pace of its regression in humans, except that there is a marked increase of thymic involution after puberty. This report describes the unusual structural findings in the thymus of a 96-year-old male. The morphological parameters of the organ were evaluated using H&E and immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques. The macroscopic examination showed a typical organ's weight and size, except that the right thymic lobe presented a well-preserved organ and the left lobe was significantly adiposed. The H&E staining of the thymic sections from the left and right lobes confirmed advanced thymic adiposity in the left lobe and preserved thymic epithelial space containing hematoxylin-stained cells in the right lobe. The multiplex immunostaining of the right lobe sections with antibodies specific to cytokeratins -14 and -8, CD3, and CD4 revealed the presence of medullar and cortical epithelium and mix population of CD3+/CD4+ and CD3+/CD4- T cells. The T cells were associated with the medulla but not with the cortex of the thymus. The immunostaining with an antibody to FoxN1 showed that the protein was expressed in the thymic epithelium. Taken together, we provide evidence that the thymus of a 96-year-old man involuted different kinetics in each of the two thymic lobes. Furthermore, the presence of CD3+/CD4+ and CD3+/CD4-cells gives a hand to the hypothesis that a pool of T-cells may associate with this primary lymphatic organ for as long as there is the available thymic epithelium and be a source of lymphocytes aiding adaptive immune responses to old age.
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Liang Z, Dong X, Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Zhao Y. Age-related thymic involution: Mechanisms and functional impact. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13671. [PMID: 35822239 PMCID: PMC9381902 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is the primary immune organ responsible for generating self‐tolerant and immunocompetent T cells. However, the thymus gradually involutes during early life resulting in declined naïve T‐cell production, a process known as age‐related thymic involution. Thymic involution has many negative impacts on immune function including reduced pathogen resistance, high autoimmunity incidence, and attenuated tumor immunosurveillance. Age‐related thymic involution leads to a gradual reduction in thymic cellularity and thymic stromal microenvironment disruption, including loss of definite cortical‐medullary junctions, reduction of cortical thymic epithelial cells and medullary thymic epithelial cells, fibroblast expansion, and an increase in perivascular space. The compromised thymic microenvironment in aged individuals substantially disturbs thymocyte development and differentiation. Age‐related thymic involution is regulated by many transcription factors, micro RNAs, growth factors, cytokines, and other factors. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of age‐related thymic involution mechanisms and effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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7
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Manouchehri N, Salinas VH, Rabi Yeganeh N, Pitt D, Hussain RZ, Stuve O. Efficacy of Disease Modifying Therapies in Progressive MS and How Immune Senescence May Explain Their Failure. Front Neurol 2022; 13:854390. [PMID: 35432156 PMCID: PMC9009145 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.854390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of disease modifying therapies (DMT) in the past two decades has been the cornerstone of successful clinical management of multiple sclerosis (MS). Despite the great strides made in reducing the relapse frequency and occurrence of new signal changes on neuroimaging in patients with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) by approved DMT, it has been challenging to demonstrate their effectiveness in non-active secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS) disease phenotypes. The dichotomy of DMT effectiveness between RRMS and progressive MS informs on distinct pathogeneses of the different MS phenotypes. Conversely, factors that render patients with progressive MS resistant to therapy are not understood. Thus far, age has emerged as the main correlate of the transition from RRMS to SPMS. Whether it is aging and age-related factors or the underlying immune senescence that qualitatively alter immune responses as the disease transitions to SPMS, that diminish DMT effectiveness, or both, is currently not known. Here, we will discuss the role of immune senescence on different arms of the immune system, and how it may explain relative DMT resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Manouchehri
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Victor H. Salinas
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Negar Rabi Yeganeh
- Department of Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - David Pitt
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Rehana Z. Hussain
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Olaf Stuve
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- Neurology Section, VA North Texas Health Care System, Medical Service Dallas, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Olaf Stuve
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Saghafian-Hedengren S, Sverremark-Ekström E, Nilsson A. T Cell Subsets During Early Life and Their Implication in the Treatment of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Front Immunol 2021; 12:582539. [PMID: 33763058 PMCID: PMC7982872 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.582539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a major role in recognizing and eliminating malignant cells, and this has been exploited in the development of immunotherapies aimed at either activating or reactivating the anti-tumor activity of a patient's immune system. A wide range of therapeutic approaches involving T lymphocytes, such as programmed cell death protein ligand-1 (PDL-1) inhibitors, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) blockers, and CD19-targeted T-cell therapy through chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells or CD19/CD3 bi-specific T-cell engagers, have been introduced to the field of oncology, leading to significant improvements in overall survival of adult cancer patients. During the past few years, the availability and approval of T-cell based immunotherapies have become a reality also for the treatment of childhood cancers. However, the distribution, ratio of regulatory to effector cells and the quality of T-cell responses early in life are distinct from those during adolescence and adulthood, raising the possibility that these differences impact the efficacy of immunotherapy. Herein we provide a brief overview of the properties of conventional T cell subsets during early life. Focusing on the most common cancer type during childhood, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), we describe how current conventional therapies used against ALL influence the T-cell compartment of small children. We describe early life T-cell responses in relation to immunotherapies engaging T-cell anticancer reactivity and present our opinion that it is not only immaturity of the adaptive immune system, but also the impact of an immunosuppressive environment that may prove disadvantageous in the setting of immunotherapies targeting pediatric cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanie Saghafian-Hedengren
- Division of Paediatric Oncology and Paediatric Surgery, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Sverremark-Ekström
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Nilsson
- Division of Paediatric Oncology and Paediatric Surgery, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Boda F, Banfai K, Garai K, Kovacs B, Almasi A, Scheffer D, Sinkler RL, Csonka R, Czompoly T, Kvell K. Effect of Bitis gabonica and Dendroaspis angusticeps snake venoms on apoptosis-related genes in human thymic epithelial cells. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020; 26:e20200057. [PMID: 33402885 PMCID: PMC7745260 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0057] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Certain environmental toxins permanently damage the thymic epithelium, accelerate immune senescence and trigger secondary immune pathologies. However, the exact underlying cellular mechanisms and pathways of permanent immune intoxication remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate gene expressional changes of apoptosis-related cellular pathways in human thymic epithelial cells following exposure to snake venom from Bitis gabonica and Dendroaspis angusticeps. Methods: Snake venoms were characterized by analytical methods including reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, then applied on human thymic epithelial cells (1889c) for 24 h at 10 μg/mL (as used in previous TaqMan Array study). Gene expressional changes restricted to apoptosis were assayed by TaqMan Array (Human Apoptosis Plate). Results: The most prominent gene expressional changes were shown by CASP5 (≈ 2.5 million-fold, confirmed by dedicated quantitative polymerase chain reaction) and CARD9 (0.016-fold) for B. gabonica, and BIRC7 (6.46-fold) and CASP1 (0.30-fold) for D. angusticeps. Conclusion: The observed apoptotic environment suggests that pyroptosis may be the dominant pathway through which B. gabonica and D. angusticeps snake venoms trigger thymic epithelial apoptosis following envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisc Boda
- Department F1, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Krisztina Banfai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Food Biotechnology Research Group, Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Kitti Garai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Food Biotechnology Research Group, Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Bela Kovacs
- Department F1, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Attila Almasi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dalma Scheffer
- Food Biotechnology Research Group, Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Soft Flow Ltd., Pecs, Hungary
| | - Reka Lambertne Sinkler
- Food Biotechnology Research Group, Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Soft Flow Ltd., Pecs, Hungary
| | - Robert Csonka
- Food Biotechnology Research Group, Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Soft Flow Ltd., Pecs, Hungary
| | - Tamas Czompoly
- Food Biotechnology Research Group, Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Soft Flow Ltd., Pecs, Hungary
| | - Krisztian Kvell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Food Biotechnology Research Group, Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
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10
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Cron MA, Guillochon É, Kusner L, Le Panse R. Role of miRNAs in Normal and Myasthenia Gravis Thymus. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1074. [PMID: 32587589 PMCID: PMC7297979 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01074] [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: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus, a primary lymphoid organ, provides a complex environment essential for the generation of the T-cell repertoire. Thymic alterations occur during life either in the context of thymic involution upon aging or the pathophysiological context of Myasthenia Gravis (MG). These changes involve complicated regulatory networks, in which microRNAs (miRNAs) are key players. Here, we analyzed the role of miRNAs in thymocyte maturation and differentiation sustained by thymic epithelial cells. We compared data from the literature regarding the role of mouse thymic miRNAs and original data obtained from a human thymic miRnome study. We identified a set of highly expressed miRNAs defined as ThymiRs and investigated miRNA expression in infants as compared to adults to determine those associated with human thymic involution. Thymic changes are also frequently observed in MG, an autoimmune disease which results in the production of anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies that lead to muscle weaknesses. Alterations such as thymoma in late-onset MG patients and hyperplasia with ectopic germinal centers (GCs) in early-onset (EOMG) patients are found. Thymic miRNA expression has been studied in AChR-MG patients both in thymoma-associated MG (TAMG) and EOMG, and their function through their mRNA targets investigated. Most of the dysregulated thymic miRNAs in EOMG are associated with GC development, such as miR-7, miR-24, miR-139, miR-143, miR-145, miR-146, miR-150, miR-452, miR-548 or thymic inflammation, such as miR-125b, miR-146, or miR-29. Understanding these pathways may provide therapeutic targets or biomarkers of disease manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie A Cron
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, Paris, France
| | - Émilie Guillochon
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, Paris, France
| | - Linda Kusner
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Rozen Le Panse
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, Paris, France
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11
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Guo L, Cao JH, Wei TT, Li JH, Feng YK, Wang LP, Sun Y, Chai YR. Gallic acid attenuates thymic involution in the d-galactose induced accelerated aging mice. Immunobiology 2020; 225:151870. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2019.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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12
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Hou X, Zeng P, Zhang X, Chen J, Liang Y, Yang J, Yang Y, Liu X, Diao H. Shorter TCR β-Chains Are Highly Enriched During Thymic Selection and Antigen-Driven Selection. Front Immunol 2019; 10:299. [PMID: 30863407 PMCID: PMC6399399 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The adaptive immune system uses several strategies to generate a repertoire of T cell receptors (TCR) with sufficient diversity to recognize the universe of potential pathogens. However, it remains unclear how differences in the T cell receptor (TCR) contribute to heterogeneity in T cell state. In this study, we used polychromatic flow cytometry to isolate highly pure CD4+/CD8+ naive and memory T cells, and applied deep sequencing to characterize corresponding TCR β-chain (TCRβ) complementary-determining region 3 (CDR3) repertoires. We find that shorter TCRβ CDR3s with fewer insertions were highly enriched during thymic selection. Antigen-experienced T cells (memory T cells) harbor shorter CDR3s vs. naive T cells. Moreover, the public TCRβ CDR3 clonotypes within cell subsets or interindividual tend to have shorter CDR3 length and a significantly larger size compared with “private” clonotypes. Taken together, shorter CDR3s highly enriched during thymic selection and antigen-driven selection, and further enriched in public T-cell responses. These results indicated that it may be evolutionary pressures drive short CDR3s to recognize most of antigen in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianliang Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xujun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianing Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiezuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yida Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangdong Liu
- College of Materials and Textile, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Diao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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13
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Pabst R. The thymus is relevant in the migration of mature lymphocytes. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 376:19-24. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-02994-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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14
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Banfai K, Ernszt D, Pap A, Bai P, Garai K, Belharazem D, Pongracz JE, Kvell K. "Beige" Cross Talk Between the Immune System and Metabolism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:369. [PMID: 31275241 PMCID: PMC6591453 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
With thymic senescence the epithelial network shrinks to be replaced by adipose tissue. Transcription factor TBX-1 controls thymus organogenesis, however, the same TBX-1 has also been reported to orchestrate beige adipose tissue development. Given these different roles of TBX-1, we have assessed if thymic TBX-1 expression persists and demonstrates this dualism during adulthood. We have also checked whether thymic adipose involution could yield beige adipose tissue. We have used adult mouse and human thymus tissue from various ages to evaluate the kinetics of TBX-1 expression, as well as mouse (TEP1) and human (1889c) thymic epithelial cells (TECs) for our studies. Electron micrographs show multi-locular lipid deposits typical of beige adipose cells. Histology staining shows the accumulation of neutral lipid deposits. qPCR measurements show persistent and/or elevating levels of beige-specific and beige-indicative markers (TBX-1, EAR-2, UCP-1, PPAR-gamma). We have performed miRNome profiling using qPCR-based QuantStudio platform and amplification-free NanoString platform. We have observed characteristic alterations, including increased miR21 level (promoting adipose tissue development) and decreased miR34a level (bias toward beige adipose tissue differentiation). Finally, using the Seahorse metabolic platform we have recorded a metabolic profile (OCR/ECAR ratio) indicative of beige adipose tissue. In summary, our results support that thymic adipose tissue emerging with senescence is bona fide beige adipose tissue. Our data show how the borders blur between a key immune tissue (the thymus) and a key metabolic tissue (beige adipose tissue) with senescence. Our work contributes to the understanding of cross talk between the immune system and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Banfai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - David Ernszt
- Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Attila Pap
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Peter Bai
- Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- MTA-DE Cell Biology and Signaling Research Group, Debrecen, Hungary
- MTA-DE Lendulet Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism, Debrecen, Hungary
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Kitti Garai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Djeda Belharazem
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Judit E. Pongracz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Krisztian Kvell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Krisztian Kvell
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15
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Aydemir I, Kum Ş, Tuğlu Mİ. Histological investigations on thymus of male rats prenatally exposed to bisphenol A. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 206:1-8. [PMID: 29723747 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.04.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A is called as a endocrine-distrupting chemical because of the its steroid-like activity and it used in the construction of plastic containing materials. It is indicated that bisphenol A can pass the human serum, urine, follicular fluid, placenta and umblical cord as a result of the use of substances containing this agent. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of bisphenol A on the development of the thymus, a primary lymphoid organ which plays an important role in the specific immunity. The adult pregnant female rats were administered orally with bisphenol A (for 21 days) and postnatal thymus samples were obtained on day 21, 45 and 90 and were performed for histochemical and immunohistochemical staining for CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD79a and TUNEL assay for the apoptotic cells. Evaluation of all groups, CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD79a stainings were decreased in the experimental groups compared with control group. The apoptotic cells were determined in the all groups on day 90 as a result of the thymus involution. It is noted that there was not any histological and morphological damages in the rats prenatally exposed the bisphenol A. The effect of the bisphenol A is unknown in the future, but there is no problem in the adult rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Işıl Aydemir
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, Turkey.
| | - Şadiye Kum
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Mehmet İbrahim Tuğlu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
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16
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Colato RP, Brazão V, do Vale GT, Santello FH, Sampaio PA, Tirapelli CR, Pereira-da-Silva G, Do Prado JC. Cytokine modulation, oxidative stress and thymic dysfunctions: Role of age-related changes in the experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection: Age-related thymic dysfunctions and Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Cytokine 2018; 111:88-96. [PMID: 30130728 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aging is linked with a thymic oxidative damage and some infectious diseases such as Chagas' disease may aggravate this process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production of distinct cytokines as well as the antioxidant/oxidant status of the thymus and thymocytes populations during Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) infection. Young (5 weeks old) and aged (18 weeks old) male Wistar rats were inoculated with blood trypomastigotes forms of the Y strain of T. cruzi. On the 16th day after T. cruzi infection, increased concentrations of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), interleukin (IL)-12, IL-17 were detected in aged infected subjects as compared to young infected ones. Interestingly, a reduction in the production of tumor necrose factor (TNF)-α was observed in aged infected rats when compared to young infected subjects. Aged-infected rats presented increased O2- levels, compared to young counterparts. Significant raise in the generation of O2- in aged infected animals, as compared to uninfected counterparts was observed. Up-regulated expression of Nox2 in the thymus of young and aged infected animals was observed. An increased SOD2 expression was detected in the thymus of young animals infected with T. cruzi, when compared to uninfected young rats. Aged animals showed reduced thymus weight and the number of thymocytes. Decreased percentages of SPCD4+ and SPCD8+T cells were detected in aged and control groups when compared to young counterparts. In summary, this is the first data to directly examine the influence of aging on age-related dysfunctions during the acute phase of experimental Chagas disease. Concerning to oxidative stress, it is clear from our analysis that aged infected rats suffer a more intense oxidative damage when compared to young and infected ones. Age and infection triggered a dynamic interplay of cytokines, oxidative stress and thymic dysfunctions which led to impaired response from aged and infected rats. Such findings may have significant functional relevance in therapeutic strategies in order to reestablish the thymic immunological function which occurs in aged and T. cruzi infected subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Pravato Colato
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vânia Brazão
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Tavares do Vale
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Human Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology, College of Nursing of Ribeirão Preto, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabricia Helena Santello
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro Alexandre Sampaio
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Renato Tirapelli
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Human Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology, College of Nursing of Ribeirão Preto, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Pereira-da-Silva
- Department of Maternal-Infant Nursing and Public Health, Ribeirão Preto, College of Nursing, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - José Clóvis Do Prado
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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17
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Odinokov D, Hamblin MR. Aging of lymphoid organs: Can photobiomodulation reverse age-associated thymic involution via stimulation of extrapineal melatonin synthesis and bone marrow stem cells? JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2018; 11:e201700282. [PMID: 29227581 PMCID: PMC5995606 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201700282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Thymic atrophy and the subsequent reduction in T-cell production are the most noticeable age-related changes affecting lymphoid organs in the immune system. In fact, thymic involution has been described as "programmed aging." New therapeutic approaches, such as photobiomodulation (PBM), may reduce or reverse these changes. PBM (also known as low-level laser therapy) involves the delivery of non-thermal levels of red or near-infrared light that are absorbed by mitochondrial chromophores, in order to prevent tissue death and stimulate healing and regeneration. PBM may reverse or prevent thymic involution due to its ability to induce extrapineal melatonin biosynthesis via cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) or NF-kB activation, or alternatively by stimulating bone marrow stem cells that can regenerate the thymus. This perspective puts forward a hypothesis that PBM can alter thymic involution, improve immune functioning in aged people and even extend lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Odinokov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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18
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Ernszt D, Banfai K, Kellermayer Z, Pap A, Lord JM, Pongracz JE, Kvell K. PPARgamma Deficiency Counteracts Thymic Senescence. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1515. [PMID: 29163553 PMCID: PMC5681731 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic senescence contributes to increased incidence of infection, cancer and autoimmunity at senior ages. This process manifests as adipose involution. As with other adipose tissues, thymic adipose involution is also controlled by PPARgamma. This is supported by observations reporting that systemic PPARgamma activation accelerates thymic adipose involution. Therefore, we hypothesized that decreased PPARgamma activity could prevent thymic adipose involution, although it may trigger metabolic adverse effects. We have confirmed that both human and murine thymic sections show marked staining for PPARgamma at senior ages. We have also tested the thymic lobes of PPARgamma haplo-insufficient and null mice. Supporting our working hypothesis both adult PPARgamma haplo-insufficient and null mice show delayed thymic senescence by thymus histology, thymocyte mouse T-cell recombination excision circle qPCR and peripheral blood naive T-cell ratio by flow-cytometry. Delayed senescence showed dose-response with respect to PPARgamma deficiency. Functional immune parameters were also evaluated at senior ages in PPARgamma haplo-insufficient mice (null mice do not reach senior ages due to metabolic adverse affects). As expected, sustained and elevated T-cell production conferred oral tolerance and enhanced vaccination efficiency in senior PPARgamma haplo-insufficient, but not in senior wild-type littermates according to ELISA IgG measurements. Of note, humans also show increased oral intolerance issues and decreased protection by vaccines at senior ages. Moreover, PPARgamma haplo-insufficiency also exists in human known as a rare disease (FPLD3) causing metabolic adverse effects, similar to the mouse. When compared to age- and metabolic disorder-matched other patient samples (FPLD2 not affecting PPARgamma activity), FPLD3 patients showed increased human Trec (hTrec) values by qPCR (within healthy human range) suggesting delayed thymic senescence, in accordance with mouse results and supporting our working hypothesis. In summary, our experiments prove that systemic decrease of PPARgamma activity prevents thymic senescence, albeit with metabolic drawbacks. However, thymic tissue-specific PPARgamma antagonism would likely solve the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ernszt
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Banfai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Kellermayer
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Attila Pap
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Janet M Lord
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Inflammation and Aging, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Judit E Pongracz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Krisztian Kvell
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
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19
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Csaba G. The Role of Brain –Pineal –Thymus System in the Determination of Lifespan: The Autoimmune Aging Theory. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.3233/nib-160118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Csaba
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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20
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Interleukin-7 and Immunosenescence. J Immunol Res 2017; 2017:4807853. [PMID: 28484723 PMCID: PMC5397725 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4807853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The age of an individual is an important, independent risk factor for many of the most common diseases afflicting modern societies. Interleukin-7 (IL-7) plays a central, critical role in the homeostasis of the immune system. Recent studies support a critical role for IL-7 in the maintenance of a vigorous healthspan. We describe the role of IL-7 and its receptor in immunosenescence, the aging of the immune system. An understanding of the role that IL-7 plays in aging may permit parsimonious preventative or therapeutic solutions for diverse conditions. Perhaps IL-7 might be used to "tune" the immune system to optimize human healthspan and longevity.
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21
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Ansari AR, Liu H. Acute Thymic Involution and Mechanisms for Recovery. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2017; 65:401-420. [PMID: 28331940 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-017-0462-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Acute thymic involution (ATI) is usually regarded as a virulence trait. It is caused by several infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi) and other factors, including stress, pregnancy, malnutrition and chemotherapy. However, the complex mechanisms that operate during ATI differ substantially from each other depending on the causative agent. For instance, a transient reduction in the size and weight of the thymus and depletion of populations of T cell subsets are hallmarks of ATI in many cases, whereas severe disruption of the anatomical structure of the organ is also associated with some factors, including fungal, parasitic and viral infections. However, growing evidence shows that ATI may be therapeutically halted or reversed. In this review, we highlight the current progress in this field with respect to numerous pathological factors and discuss the possible mechanisms. Moreover, these new observations also show that ATI can be mechanistically reversed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdur Rahman Ansari
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (CVAS), Jhang, Pakistan.,University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Huazhen Liu
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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22
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Truffault F, de Montpreville V, Eymard B, Sharshar T, Le Panse R, Berrih-Aknin S. Thymic Germinal Centers and Corticosteroids in Myasthenia Gravis: an Immunopathological Study in 1035 Cases and a Critical Review. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2017; 52:108-124. [PMID: 27273086 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-016-8558-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The most common form of Myasthenia gravis (MG) is due to anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies and is frequently associated with thymic pathology. In this review, we discuss the immunopathological characteristics and molecular mechanisms of thymic follicular hyperplasia, the effects of corticosteroids on this thymic pathology, and the role of thymic epithelial cells (TEC), a key player in the inflammatory thymic mechanisms. This review is based not only on the literature data but also on thymic transcriptome results and analyses of pathological and immunological correlations in a vast cohort of 1035 MG patients without thymoma. We show that among patients presenting a thymic hyperplasia with germinal centers (GC), 80 % are females, indicating that thymic follicular hyperplasia is mainly a disease of women. The presence of anti-AChR antibodies is correlated with the degree of follicular hyperplasia, suggesting that the thymus is a source of anti-AChR antibodies. The degree of hyperplasia is not dependent upon the time from the onset, implying that either the antigen is chronically expressed and/or that the mechanisms of the resolution of the GC are not efficiently controlled. Glucocorticoids, a conventional therapy in MG, induce a significant reduction in the GC number, together with changes in the expression of chemokines and angiogenesis. These changes are likely related to the acetylation molecular process, overrepresented in corticosteroid-treated patients, and essential for gene regulation. Altogether, based on the pathological and molecular thymic abnormalities found in MG patients, this review provides some explanations for the benefit of thymectomy in early-onset MG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédérique Truffault
- INSERM U974, Paris, France.,CNRS FRE3617, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Paris, France.,AIM, Institut de myologie, Paris, France
| | | | - Bruno Eymard
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, CHU Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Tarek Sharshar
- General Intensive Care Medicine, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, 92380, Garches, France
| | - Rozen Le Panse
- INSERM U974, Paris, France.,CNRS FRE3617, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Paris, France.,AIM, Institut de myologie, Paris, France
| | - Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- INSERM U974, Paris, France. .,CNRS FRE3617, Paris, France. .,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Paris, France. .,AIM, Institut de myologie, Paris, France. .,UMRS 974 UPMC, INSERM, FRE 3617 CNRS, AIM, Center of Research in Myology, 105 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, Paris, 75013, France.
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23
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Wada H, Hyun H, Kang H, Gravier J, Henary M, Bordo MW, Choi HS, Frangioni JV. Intraoperative Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Thymus in Preclinical Models. Ann Thorac Surg 2016; 103:1132-1141. [PMID: 27964920 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2016.09.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are currently no thymus-specific contrast agents for biomedical imaging. Thus, finding ectopic thymic tissue during certain operations is extremely difficult. The purpose of the present study was to determine if near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging could provide high sensitivity, real-time identification of thymic tissue during the operation. METHODS After initial in vivo screening of a 315-compound NIR fluorophore library for thymic uptake, methylene blue and five different 700-nm emitting candidate molecules were injected into CD-1 mice for quantitation of the signal-to-background ratio as a function of kinetics and dosing. Results were confirmed in 35-kg Yorkshire pigs. Dual-channel NIR imaging was also performed using a variety of 800-nm emitting NIR fluorophores targeted to various tissues in the mediastinum and neck. RESULTS The compound Oxazine 170 demonstrated the highest signal-to-background ratio (≥3) for thymic tissue relative to mediastinal fat, heart, lung, muscle, thyroid gland, and parathyroid gland, with peak signal-to-background ratio occurring 4 h after 1 intravenous injection of a human equivalent dose of approximately 7 mg. Simultaneous dual-channel NIR imaging permitted unambiguous identification of the thymus from surrounding tissues, such as endocrine glands and lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS In mouse and pig, NIR fluorescence imaging using Oxazine 170 permits high sensitivity, real-time identification of thymic tissue for surgical procedures requiring its resection or avoidance. The performance of Oxazine 170 for imaging human thymic tissue is currently not known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideyuki Wada
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hoon Hyun
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Homan Kang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Julien Gravier
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maged Henary
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Hak Soo Choi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - John V Frangioni
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Curadel, LLC, Marlborough, Massachusetts; Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
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24
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- INSERM U974; Paris France
- CNRS FRE3617; Paris France
- Sorbonne University; UPMC Univ Paris 06; Paris France
- AIM; Institute of Myology; Paris France
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Tajima A, Pradhan I, Trucco M, Fan Y. Restoration of Thymus Function with Bioengineered Thymus Organoids. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2016; 2:128-139. [PMID: 27529056 PMCID: PMC4982700 DOI: 10.1007/s40778-016-0040-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is the primary site for the generation of a diverse repertoire of T-cells that are essential to the efficient function of adaptive immunity. Numerous factors varying from aging, chemotherapy, radiation exposure, virus infection and inflammation contribute to thymus involution, a phenomenon manifested as loss of thymus cellularity, increased stromal fibrosis and diminished naïve T-cell output. Rejuvenating thymus function is a challenging task since it has limited regenerative capability and we still do not know how to successfully propagate thymic epithelial cells (TECs), the predominant population of the thymic stromal cells making up the thymic microenvironment. Here, we will discuss recent advances in thymus regeneration and the prospects of applying bioengineered artificial thymus organoids in regenerative medicine and solid organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Tajima
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
| | - Isha Pradhan
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
| | - Massimo Trucco
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Yong Fan
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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van den Broek T, Delemarre EM, Janssen WJM, Nievelstein RAJ, Broen JC, Tesselaar K, Borghans JAM, Nieuwenhuis EES, Prakken BJ, Mokry M, Jansen NJG, van Wijk F. Neonatal thymectomy reveals differentiation and plasticity within human naive T cells. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:1126-36. [PMID: 26901814 DOI: 10.1172/jci84997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The generation of naive T cells is dependent on thymic output, but in adults, the naive T cell pool is primarily maintained by peripheral proliferation. Naive T cells have long been regarded as relatively quiescent cells; however, it was recently shown that IL-8 production is a signatory effector function of naive T cells, at least in newborns. How this functional signature relates to naive T cell dynamics and aging is unknown. Using a cohort of children and adolescents who underwent neonatal thymectomy, we demonstrate that the naive CD4+ T cell compartment in healthy humans is functionally heterogeneous and that this functional diversity is lost after neonatal thymectomy. Thymic tissue regeneration later in life resulted in functional restoration of the naive T cell compartment, implicating the thymus as having functional regenerative capacity. Together, these data shed further light on functional differentiation within the naive T cell compartment and the importance of the thymus in human naive T cell homeostasis and premature aging. In addition, these results affect and alter our current understanding on the identification of truly naive T cells and recent thymic emigrants.
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Silva SL, Sousa AE. Establishment and Maintenance of the Human Naïve CD4 + T-Cell Compartment. Front Pediatr 2016; 4:119. [PMID: 27843891 PMCID: PMC5086629 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2016.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The naïve CD4+ T-cell compartment is considered essential to guarantee immune competence throughout life. Its replenishment with naïve cells with broad diverse receptor repertoire, albeit with reduced self-reactivity, is ensured by the thymus. Nevertheless, cumulative data support a major requirement of post-thymic proliferation both for the establishment of the human peripheral naïve compartment during the accelerated somatic growth of childhood, as well as for its lifelong maintenance. Additionally, a dynamic equilibrium is operating at the cell level to fine-tune the T-cell receptor threshold to activation and survival cues, in order to counteract the continuous naïve cell loss by death or conversion into memory/effector cells. The main players in these processes are low-affinity self-peptide/MHC and cytokines, particularly IL-7. Moreover, although naïve CD4+ T-cells are usually seen as a homogeneous population regarding stage of maturation and cell differentiation, increasing evidence points to a variety of phenotypic and functional subsets with distinct homeostatic requirements. The paradigm of cells committed to a distinct lineage in the thymus are the naïve regulatory T-cells, but other functional subpopulations have been identified based on their time span after thymic egress, phenotypic markers, such as CD31, or cytokine production, namely IL-8. Understanding the regulation of these processes is of utmost importance to promote immune reconstitution in several clinical settings, namely transplantation, persistent infections, and aging. In this mini review, we provide an overview of the mechanisms underlying human naïve CD4+ T-cell homeostasis, combining clinical data, experimental studies, and modeling approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana L Silva
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Centro de Imunodeficiências Primárias, Lisboa, Portugal; Clinica Universitária de Imunoalergologia, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana E Sousa
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Centro de Imunodeficiências Primárias, Lisboa, Portugal
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28
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Wang Y, Zhao Z, Yang Y, Zhao Y, Ge RL. Thymocytes maintain immune activity through telomere elongation in rats under hypoxic conditions. Exp Ther Med 2015; 10:1877-1882. [PMID: 26640565 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the change in thymocyte telomere length of rats exposed to different hypoxic conditions for different periods of time, as well as its effect on the immune system. A total of 110 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of the three following groups: i) Sea level (SL) group, in which 10 rats were maintained at an altitude of 10 m; ii) moderate altitude (MA) group, in which 50 rats were maintained at an altitude of 2,260 m and then randomly sacrificed on days 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 (n=10 each); and iii) simulated high altitude (SHA) group, in which 50 rats were maintained at a simulated altitude of 5,000 m, and then randomly sacrificed on days 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 (n=10 each). The morphological changes of the thymus were observed, while the telomere length, the mRNA and protein expression levels of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), and the peripheral blood lymphocyte count were measured. The results indicated that hypoxia induced morphological changes and apoptosis in thymocytes, as well as atrophy of the thymus tissue, and resulted in a significant increase in telomere length and TERT mRNA and protein expression levels. This effect appeared to be more pronounced in the SHA group compared with that in the MA group; however, no statistically significant changes were observed in the peripheral blood lymphocyte count. Based on these findings, the hypoxia-associated loss of thymic function appears to be only quantitative and not qualitative, and the thymus may be able to maintain its immune function even under hypoxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Wang
- Department of Digestion, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, Xining, Qinghai 810007, P.R. China ; Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Medical College of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai 810001, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Zhao
- Department of Digestion, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, Xining, Qinghai 810007, P.R. China
| | - Yingzhong Yang
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Medical College of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai 810001, P.R. China
| | - Yanxia Zhao
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Medical College of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai 810001, P.R. China
| | - Ri-Li Ge
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Medical College of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai 810001, P.R. China
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Abstract
Age-related regression of the thymus is associated with a decline in naïve T cell output. This is thought to contribute to the reduction in T cell diversity seen in older individuals and linked with increased susceptibility to infection, autoimmune disease, and cancer. Thymic involution is one of the most dramatic and ubiquitous changes seen in the aging immune system, but the mechanisms which underlying this process are poorly understood. However, a picture is emerging, implicating the involvement of both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. In this review we assess the role of the thymic microenvironment as a potential target that regulates thymic involution, question whether thymocyte development in the aged thymus is functionally impaired, and explore the kinetics of thymic involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald B Palmer
- Infection and Immunity Group, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London , London , UK
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van der Weerd K, Dik WA, Schrijver B, Bogers AJJC, Maat APWM, van Nederveen FH, van Hagen PM, van Dongen JJM, Langerak AW, Staal FJT. Combined TCRG and TCRA TREC analysis reveals increased peripheral T-lymphocyte but constant intra-thymic proliferative history upon ageing. Mol Immunol 2012; 53:302-12. [PMID: 23000520 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2012.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Revised: 08/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire diversity, thymic output, clonal size and peripheral T-lymphocyte numbers largely depend on intra-thymic and post-thymic T-lymphocyte proliferation. However, quantitative insight into thymocyte and T-lymphocyte proliferation is still lacking. We developed a new TCRG-based TCR excision circle (TREC) assay, the Vγ-Jγ TREC assay, which we used together with an adjusted δREC-ψJα TREC assay to quantify the proliferative history of human thymocyte and T-lymphocyte subpopulations from children and adults. This revealed that thymocytes undergo ∼6-8 intra-thymic cell divisions from the double negative (DN) 3 developmental stage onwards, which appeared independent of age. Thus thymocyte proliferation after the DN3 developmental stages is stable and therefore not contributing to the reduced thymic output upon ageing. Cord blood naive T lymphocytes had already undergone ∼2-3 post-thymic cell divisions, which increased to ∼6-7 cell divisions in naive T lymphocytes of middle-aged adults, indicating the importance of homeostatic naive T-lymphocyte proliferation from a young age onwards in the maintenance of peripheral T-lymphocyte numbers. In conclusion, our data provide quantitative insight into the proliferative history of thymocyte and T-lymphocyte subpopulations and alterations herein upon ageing. This novel TREC assay approach could prove valuable in immune status monitoring in a variety of conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim van der Weerd
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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31
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Veile A, Winking J, Gurven M, Greaves RD, Kramer KL. Infant growth and the thymus: data from two South American native societies. Am J Hum Biol 2012; 24:768-75. [PMID: 22915311 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.22314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Revised: 03/31/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus plays an important role in the development of the immune system, yet little is known about the patterns and sources of variation in postnatal thymic development. The aim of this study is to contribute cross-cultural data on thymus size in infants from two South American native populations, the Tsimane of Bolivia and the Pumé of Venezuela. Thymic ultrasonography was performed and standard anthropometric measures collected from 86 Tsimane and Pumé infants. Patterns of infant growth and thymus size were compared between the two populations and the relationship between nutritional status and thymus size was assessed. Despite nearly identical anthropometric trajectories, Tsimane infants had larger thymuses than Pumé infants at all ages. Population, infant age, and infant mid-upper arm circumference were significant predictors of thymus area in the Tsimane and Pumé infants. This finding reveals a cross-cultural difference in thymus size that is not driven by nutritional status. We suggest that future studies focus on isolating prenatal and postnatal environmental factors underlying cross-cultural variation in thymic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Veile
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge Massachusetts 02138, USA.
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32
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Takahashi M, Tsujimura N, Otsuka K, Yoshino T, Mori T, Matsunaga T, Nakasono S. Comprehensive evaluation of leukocyte lineage derived from human hematopoietic cells in humanized mice. J Biosci Bioeng 2012; 113:529-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2011.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2011] [Revised: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 11/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Jeppesen DL, Ersbøll AK, Nielsen SD, Hoppe TU, Valerius NH. Low thymic size in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit, a possible marker of infection? A prospective study from birth to 1 year of age. Acta Paediatr 2011; 100:1319-25. [PMID: 21517961 DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2011.02329.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM To study the growth of the thymus in preterm infants. METHODS Ultrasonographic thymic size (Ti) was studied in 80 preterm infants (gestational age 24-36 weeks) from birth to discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Thirty-three of these infants were followed to 1 year of age. RESULTS At birth, the median Ti was 5.2 compared with 11.8 in term infants. At discharge, the median Ti was 10.0 and not significantly different from Ti in term infants at birth (p = 0.22). The size of the thymus was significantly associated with postmenstrual age and weight (both p < 0.01). Infections during admission were negatively associated with the size of the thymus (p < 0.01). During the first 3 months after discharge, preterm infants had a significantly higher frequency of infections than did term infants (p = 0.002); hereafter, the preterm infants had significantly fewer infections than term infants (p = 0.002). The median Ti in preterm infants and term infants at 1 year of age was 21.1 and 17.3, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.41). CONCLUSIONS Growth of thymus was not compromised by preterm birth. Ti is negatively associated with the frequency of infections in preterm neonates submitted to NICU.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Jeppesen
- Department of Paediatrics, Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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34
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It's not all equal: a multiphasic theory of thymic involution. Biogerontology 2011; 13:77-81. [PMID: 21773717 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-011-9349-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Accepted: 07/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Regression of the thymus is a key feature of immunosenescence, which coincides with a decrease in T cell output and contributes to the restriction of the T cell repertoire in the elderly, leading to increased susceptibility to illness and disease. However, the mechanisms involved in thymic involution are still not fully known. Although, it is often believed that thymic involution occurs during the onset of puberty, increasing data suggests alterations to the thymus happen much earlier in life. Therefore, the changes in the thymus and subsequent thymic function may not just be an ageing phenomenon. In this article, we propose that there are several, non-linear, phases to thymic atrophy, which are regulated by different mechanisms, including the familiar age-dependent thymic involution and a much earlier growth-dependent thymic involution.
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35
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Long-term restoration of the human T-cell compartment after thymectomy during infancy: a role for thymic regeneration? Blood 2011; 118:627-34. [PMID: 21628415 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-03-341396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymectomy during early childhood is generally thought to have serious consequences for the establishment of the T-cell compartment. In the present study, we investigated the composition of the T-cell pool in the first 3 decades after thymectomy during infancy due to cardiac surgery. In the first 5 years after thymectomy, naive and total CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell numbers in the blood and T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC) levels in CD4(+) T cells were significantly lower than in healthy age-matched controls. In the first years after thymectomy, plasma IL-7 levels were significantly elevated and peripheral T-cell proliferation levels were increased by ∼ 2-fold. From 5 years after thymectomy onward, naive CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell counts and TRECs were within the normal range. Because TREC levels are expected to decline continuously in the absence of thymic output, we investigated whether normalization of the naive T-cell pool could be due to regeneration of thymic tissue. In the majority of individuals who had been thymectomized during infancy, thymic tissue could indeed be identified on magnetic resonance imaging scans. Whereas thymectomy has severe effects on the establishment of the naive T-cell compartment during early childhood, our data suggest that functional regrowth of thymic tissue can limit its effects in subsequent years.
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36
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Abstract
As a result of age-associated thymic atrophy, T cell production declines with age. Some studies suggest that production undergoes an exponential decline starting at birth, while others consider the decline to be in a biphasic manner with a rapid reduction in output occurring before middle age followed by a phase in which output declines at a regular, albeit much slower, rate. Both approaches provide estimations of the time of termination of thymic output, but on the basis of limited amounts of data. We have analysed blood from more than 200 individuals between the ages of 58 and 104 years to determine changes in thymic output using signal-joint T cell receptor excision circles (sjTREC)/T cells as our measure. To reduce any potential geographical or nutritional bias we have obtained samples from five different European countries. Our results reveal that while the absolute number of T cells per microlitre of blood does not change significantly across the age range we tested, the values of sjTREC per microlitre show wide variation and reveal an age-associated decline in thymic output. In addition we show gender differences, with notably higher thymic output in females than males at each decade. More importantly, we noted a significant decline in sjTREC/T cell levels in those more than 90 years of age in both males and females. Our results provide information about the potential end-point for thymic output and suggest that sjTREC analysis may be a biomarker of effective ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- W A Mitchell
- Department of Immunology, Imperial College, London Translational Medicine Group, Cranfield University, Beds, UK
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37
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van Tilburg CM, van Gent R, Bierings MB, Otto SA, Sanders EAM, Nibbelke EE, Gaiser JF, Janssens-Korpela PL, Wolfs TFW, Bloem AC, Borghans JAM, Tesselaar K. Immune reconstitution in children following chemotherapy for haematological malignancies: a long-term follow-up. Br J Haematol 2010; 152:201-10. [PMID: 21114483 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2010.08478.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Modern intensive chemotherapy for childhood haematological malignancies has led to high cure rates, but has detrimental effects on the immune system. There is little knowledge concerning long-term recovery of the adaptive immune system. Here we studied the long-term reconstitution of the adaptive immune system in 31 children treated for haematological malignancies between July 2000 and October 2006. We performed detailed phenotypical and functional analyses of the various B and T cell subpopulations until 5 years after chemotherapy. We show that recovery of newly-developed transitional B cells and naive B and T cells occurred rapidly, within months, whereas recovery of the different memory B and T cell subpopulations was slower and incomplete, even after 5 years post-chemotherapy. The speed of B and T cell recovery was age-independent, despite a significant contribution of the thymus to T cell recovery. Plasmablast B cell levels remained above normal and immunoglobulin levels normalised within 1 week. Functional T cell responses were normal, even within the first year post-chemotherapy. This study shows that after intensive chemotherapy for haematological malignancies in children, numbers of several memory B and T cell subpopulations were decreased on the long term, while functional T cell responses were not compromised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelis M van Tilburg
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Cen D, Hu G, Zhou Y, Yang L, Chen S, Schmidt CA, Li Y. Enhancement of specific cellular immune response induced by DNA vaccines encoding PML-RARalpha and hIL-2 genes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 15:88-95. [PMID: 20423569 DOI: 10.1179/102453310x125833470096589073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A DNA vaccine encoding PML-RAR alpha fusion gene is thought to be a promising approach for acute promyelocytic leukemia patients to enhance immune responses after attaining complete remission. In this study, we sought to enhance cellular immunity by coexpressing human interleukin (hIL)-2 genes. Successfully constructed plasmids PML-RAR alpha-hIL-2-pIRES, PML-RAR alpha-pIRES and hIL-2-pIRES were delivered intramuscularly in BALB/C mice at 14-day intervals for three cycles. The cellular immune responses with respect to the specific cytotoxicity of spleen cells; interferon-gamma secretion in sera, and the T-cell receptor rearrangement excision circles of thymocyte were significantly increased from PML-RARalpha-hIL-2-pIRES immunized mice. Our results indicate that a DNA vaccine with PML fusion gene segment and hIL-2 together might elicit increased cellular immune responses in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongzhi Cen
- Institute of Hematology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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39
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40
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The effect of age on the phenotype and function of developing thymocytes. J Comp Pathol 2009; 142 Suppl 1:S45-59. [PMID: 20003987 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2009.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2009] [Accepted: 10/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The immune system declines with age leading to a progressive deterioration in the ability to respond to infection and vaccination. Age-associated thymic involution is one of the most recognized changes in the ageing immune system and is believed to be a major contributor towards immunosenescence; however, the precise mechanisms involved in age-associated thymic involution remain unclear. In order to gain further insight into the effect of ageing on T-cell development, steady-state thymopoiesis was studied in mice ranging from 1 to 18 months of age. There was a decrease in thymic cellularity with age, but the most dramatic loss occurred early in life. Although there were no alterations in the proportion of the major thymocyte subsets, there was a significant decline in the expression of other key molecules including CD3 and CD24. There was a decline in the ability of thymocytes from older mice to respond to mitogens, which was demonstrated by a failure to up-regulate expression of the activation marker CD69 and to enter the G(2)--M phase of the cell cycle. This was concurrent with an increased resistance to apoptosis in thymocytes from aged animals. Together, these results suggest that T cells may be flawed even before exiting to the periphery and that this could contribute to the age-associated decline in immune function.
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41
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Mello Coelho VD, Bunbury A, Rangel LB, Giri B, Weeraratna A, Morin PJ, Bernier M, Taub DD. Fat-storing multilocular cells expressing CCR5 increase in the thymus with advancing age: potential role for CCR5 ligands on the differentiation and migration of preadipocytes. Int J Med Sci 2009; 7:1-14. [PMID: 20046229 PMCID: PMC2792732 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.7.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2009] [Accepted: 12/03/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-associated thymic involution is characterized by decreased thymopoiesis, adipocyte deposition and changes in the expression of various thymic microenvironmental factors. In this work, we characterized the distribution of fat-storing cells within the aging thymus. We found an increase of unilocular adipocytes, ERTR7(+) and CCR5(+ )fat-storing multilocular cells in the thymic septa and parenchymal regions, thus suggesting that mesenchymal cells could be immigrating and differentiating in the aging thymus. We verified that the expression of CCR5 and its ligands, CCL3, CCL4 and CCL5, were increased in the thymus with age. Hypothesizing that the increased expression of chemokines and the CCR5 receptor may play a role in adipocyte recruitment and/or differentiation within the aging thymus, we examined the potential role for CCR5 signaling on adipocyte physiology using 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte cell line. Increased expression of the adipocyte differentiation markers, PPARgamma2 and aP2 in 3T3-L1 cells was observed under treatment with CCR5 ligands. Moreover, 3T3-L1 cells demonstrated an ability to migrate in vitro in response to CCR5 ligands. We believe that the increased presence of fat-storing cells expressing CCR5 within the aging thymus strongly suggests that these cells may be an active component of the thymic stromal cell compartment in the physiology of thymic aging. Moreover, we found that adipocyte differentiation appear to be influenced by the proinflammatory chemokines, CCL3, CCL4 and CCL5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria de Mello Coelho
- Laboratories of Immunology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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42
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Salas J, Montiel M, Jiménez E, Valenzuela M, Valderrama JF, Castillo R, González S, El Bekay R. Angiogenic properties of adult human thymus fat. Cell Tissue Res 2009; 338:313-8. [PMID: 19760288 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-009-0867-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2009] [Accepted: 08/23/2009] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The endogenous proangiogenic properties of adipose tissue are well recognized. Although the adult human thymus has long been known to degenerate into fat tissue, it has never been considered as a potential source of angiogenic factors. We have investigated the expression of diverse angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor A and B, angiopoietin 1, and tyrosine-protein kinase receptor-2 (an angiopoietin receptor), and then analyzed their physiological role on endothelial cell migration and proliferation, two relevant events in angiogenesis. The detection of the gene and protein expression of the various proteins has been performed by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. We show, for the first time, that adult thymus fat produces a variety of angiogenic factors and induces the proliferation and migration of human umbilical cord endothelial cells. Based on these findings, we suggest that this fat has a potential angiogenic function that might affect thymic function and ongoing adipogenesis within the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián Salas
- Departamento de Cirugía Cardiovascular, Hospital Regional Universitario Carlos Haya, Avda. Carlos Haya s/n, Málaga, Spain.
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Bains I, Thiébaut R, Yates AJ, Callard R. Quantifying thymic export: combining models of naive T cell proliferation and TCR excision circle dynamics gives an explicit measure of thymic output. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 183:4329-36. [PMID: 19734223 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0900743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Understanding T cell homeostasis requires knowledge of the export rate of new T cells from the thymus, a rate that has been surprisingly difficult to estimate. TCR excision circle (TREC) content has been used as a proxy for thymic export, but this quantity is influenced by cell division and loss of naive T cells and is not a direct measure of thymic export. We present in this study a method for quantifying thymic export in humans by combining two simple mathematical models. One uses Ki67 data to calculate the rate of peripheral naive T cell production, whereas the other tracks the dynamics of TRECs. Combining these models allows the contributions of the thymus and cell division to the daily production rate of T cells to be disentangled. The method is illustrated with published data on Ki67 expression and TRECs within naive CD4+ T cells in healthy individuals. We obtain a quantitative estimate for thymic export as a function of age from birth to 20 years. The export rate of T cells from the thymus follows three distinct phases, as follows: an increase from birth to a peak at 1 year, followed by rapid involution until approximately 8 years, and then a more gradual decline until 20 years. The rate of involution shown by our model is compatible with independent estimates of thymic function predicted by thymic epithelial space. Our method allows nonintrusive estimation of thymic output on an individual basis and may provide a means of assessing the role of the thymus in diseases such as HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iren Bains
- Immunobiology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom.
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Shanley DP, Aw D, Manley NR, Palmer DB. An evolutionary perspective on the mechanisms of immunosenescence. Trends Immunol 2009; 30:374-81. [PMID: 19541538 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2009.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2009] [Revised: 04/12/2009] [Accepted: 05/11/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
There is an accumulating body of evidence that a decline in immune function with age is common to most if not all vertebrates. For instance, age-associated thymic involution seems to occur in all species that possess a thymus, indicating that this process is evolutionary ancient and conserved. The precise mechanisms regulating immunosenescence remain to be resolved, but much of what we do know is consistent with modern evolutionary theory. In this review, we assess our current knowledge from an evolutionary perspective on the occurrence of immunosenescence, we show that life history trade-offs play a key role and we highlight the possible advantages of the age-related decline in thymic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daryl P Shanley
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK
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Aw D, Silva AB, Palmer DB. Is thymocyte development functional in the aged? Aging (Albany NY) 2009; 1:146-53. [PMID: 20157506 PMCID: PMC2806005 DOI: 10.18632/aging.100027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2009] [Accepted: 02/10/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
T cells are an
integral part of a functional immune system with the majority being produced
in the thymus. Of all the changes related to immunosenescence, regression of the thymus is
considered one of the most universally recognised alterations. Despite the reduction of
thymic size, there is evidence to suggest that T cell output is still
present into old age, albeit much diminished; leading to the assumption
that thymocyte development is normal. However, current data suggests that
recent thymic emigrant from the aged thymus are functionally less
responsive, giving rise to the possibility that the generation of
naïve T cell may be intrinsically impaired in the elderly. In light of
these findings we discuss the evidence that suggest aged T cells may be
flawed even before exiting to the periphery and could contribute to the
age-associated decline in immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Aw
- Infection & Immunity and Genes & Development Group, Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, UK
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Mouiseddine M, Mathieu N, Stefani J, Demarquay C, Bertho JM. Characterization and histological localization of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells in the human postnatal thymus. Stem Cells Dev 2009; 17:1165-74. [PMID: 19006457 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2007.0252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to characterize multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in the postnatal human thymus and to localize these MSCs in the organ. Adherent cells isolated from thymus samples were characterized by cell-surface antigen expression. This showed that adherent cells have a MSC profile as assessed by the expression of CD73 and CD105 markers and the lack of CD45 expression. These cells are able to differentiate in vitro into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes and to inhibit mixed lymphocyte reaction. This indicates that isolated cells have all of the characteristics of MSC. The fibroblast colony-forming unit (CFU-F) assay was used to determine their frequency in the postnatal thymus. This frequency was 60.9 +/- 14.8 CFU-F per 1 x 10(5) freshly isolated mononuclear cells. Moreover, taking advantage of CD34 and CD105 expression, immunohistological staining allowed us to localize MSC within interlobular trabeculae in close contact with the outer cortex. Polymerase chain reaction experiments indicated that thymic MSC expressed interleukin-7 and stromal cell-derived factor-1 messenger RNA. Overall, these results confirm previous findings of the presence in the adult human thymus of multipotent MSCs with a phenotype similar to adipose-derived adult stem cells. These results also show for the first time a histological localization of MSC in an organ. This suggests a possible role of thymic MSC in intrathymic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moubarak Mouiseddine
- Laboratoire de Thérapie Cellulaire et de Radioprotection Accidentelle, IRSN, Fontenay aux Roses, France
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Phenotypical and morphological changes in the thymic microenvironment from ageing mice. Biogerontology 2008; 10:311-22. [PMID: 18931936 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-008-9182-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2008] [Accepted: 09/25/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is crucial for T-cell output and the age-associated involution of this organ, is thought to have a major impact in the decline in immunity that is seen in later life. The mechanism that underlines thymic involution is not known, however, we have evidence to suggest that this is may be due to changes in the thymic microenvironment. To further test this hypothesis, we quantified the in situ changes to markers that identify cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells. This analysis revealed an age-dependent decline in cortical and medullary markers together with an increase in Notch and Delta expression, in older mice, as judged by immunohistochemistry. This was accompanied by alterations of the archetypal staining patterns and three dimensional analysis revealed changes in the morphology of the thymic microenvironment. These studies suggest that there are age-associated alterations in the thymic microenvironment, which may therefore play a role in thymic involution.
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Le Panse R, Cizeron-Clairac G, Cuvelier M, Truffault F, Bismuth J, Nancy P, De Rosbo NK, Berrih-Aknin S. Regulatory and pathogenic mechanisms in human autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2008; 1132:135-42. [PMID: 18567863 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1405.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is frequently hyperplastic in young female myasthenia gravis (MG) patients presenting with anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies. This thymic pathology is characterized by the presence of ectopic germinal centers (GCs) containing B cells involved at least partially in the production of pathogenic anti-AChR antibodies. Our recent studies have furthered our understanding of the mechanisms leading to GC formation in the hyperplastic thymus. First, we showed that CXCL13 and CCL21, chemokines involved in GC formation, are overexpressed in MG thymus. Second, we demonstrated an increase in pro-inflammatory activity in the thymus from MG patients and its partial normalization by glucocorticoids, as evidenced by gene expression profile. Third, we found that pro-inflammatory cytokines are able to upregulate the expression of AChR subunits in thymic epithelial and myoid cells. Fourth, we showed that the function of T regulatory (Treg) cells, whose role is to downregulate the immune response, is severely impaired in the thymus of MG patients; such a defect could explain the chronic immune activation observed consistently in MG thymic hyperplasia. Altogether, these new data suggest that CXCL13 and CCL21, which are produced in excess in MG thymus, attract peripheral B cells and activated T cells, which are maintained chronically activated in the inflammatory thymic environment because of the defect in suppressive activity of Treg cells. Presence of AChR in the thymus and upregulation of its expression by the pro-inflammatory environment contribute to the triggering and maintenance of the anti-AChR autoimmune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozen Le Panse
- UMR CNRS/UPS 8162, Avenue de la Résistance, Le Plessis-Robinson 92350, France
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Ströbel P, Moritz R, Leite MI, Willcox N, Chuang WY, Gold R, Nix W, Schalke B, Kiefer R, Müller-Hermelink HK, Jaretzki III A, Newsom-Davis J, Marx A. The ageing and myasthenic thymus: A morphometric study validating a standard procedure in the histological workup of thymic specimens. J Neuroimmunol 2008; 201-202:64-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2008.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2008] [Revised: 06/12/2008] [Accepted: 06/12/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Battaglia A, Evoli A, Scambia G, Fattorossi A. Comment on “Cutting Edge: Human CD4−CD8− Thymocytes Express FOXP3 in the Absence of a TCR”. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 181:857-8; author reply 858. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.181.2.857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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