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Giardino G, Borzacchiello C, De Luca M, Romano R, Prencipe R, Cirillo E, Pignata C. T-Cell Immunodeficiencies With Congenital Alterations of Thymic Development: Genes Implicated and Differential Immunological and Clinical Features. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1837. [PMID: 32922396 PMCID: PMC7457079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Combined Immunodeficiencies (CID) are rare congenital disorders characterized by defective T-cell development that may be associated with B- and NK-cell deficiency. They are usually due to alterations in genes expressed in hematopoietic precursors but in few cases, they are caused by impaired thymic development. Athymia was classically associated with DiGeorge Syndrome due to TBX1 gene haploinsufficiency. Other genes, implicated in thymic organogenesis include FOXN1, associated with Nude SCID syndrome, PAX1, associated with Otofaciocervical Syndrome type 2, and CHD7, one of the genes implicated in CHARGE syndrome. More recently, chromosome 2p11.2 microdeletion, causing FOXI3 haploinsufficiency, has been identified in 5 families with impaired thymus development. In this review, we will summarize the main genetic, clinical, and immunological features related to the abovementioned gene mutations. We will also focus on different therapeutic approaches to treat SCID in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Giardino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Borzacchiello
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina De Luca
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Romano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Prencipe
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Cirillo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Pignata
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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2
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Yang J, Restori KH, Xu M, Song EH, Zhao L, Hu S, Lyu P, Wang WB, Xiong N. Preferential Perinatal Development of Skin-Homing NK1.1 + Innate Lymphoid Cells for Regulation of Cutaneous Microbiota Colonization. iScience 2020; 23:101014. [PMID: 32283522 PMCID: PMC7155142 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper immune cell development at early ontogenic stages is critical for life-long health. How resident immune cells are established in barrier tissues at neonatal stages to provide early protection is an important but still poorly understood question. We herein report that a developmentally programmed preferential generation of skin-homing group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s) at perinatal stages helps regulate early skin microbiota colonization. We found that a population of skin-homing NK1.1+ ILC1s was preferentially generated in the perinatal thymi of mice. Unique thymic environments and progenitor cells are responsible for the preferential generation of skin-homing NK1.1+ ILC1s at perinatal stages. In the skin, NK1.1+ ILC1s regulate proper microbiota colonization and control the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa in neonatal mice. These findings provide insight into the development and function of tissue-specific immune cells at neonatal stages, a critical temporal window for establishment of local tissue immune homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Katherine H Restori
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Eun Hyeon Song
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Luming Zhao
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Shaomin Hu
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Pingyun Lyu
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Wei-Bei Wang
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Na Xiong
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Department of Medicine-Division of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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3
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Otsuka R, Wada H, Tsuji H, Sasaki A, Murata T, Itoh M, Baghdadi M, Seino KI. Efficient generation of thymic epithelium from induced pluripotent stem cells that prolongs allograft survival. Sci Rep 2020; 10:224. [PMID: 31937817 PMCID: PMC6959230 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57088-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus plays a significant role in establishing immunological self-tolerance. Previous studies have revealed that host immune reaction to allogeneic transplants could be regulated by thymus transplantation. However, physiological thymus involution hinders the clinical application of these insights. Here, we report an efficient generation of thymic epithelial-like tissue derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and its potential to regulate immune reaction in allogeneic transplantation. We established an iPSC line which constitutively expresses mouse Foxn1 gene and examined the effect of its expression during in vitro differentiation of thymic epithelial cells (TECs). We found that Foxn1 expression enhances the differentiation induction of cells expressing TEC-related cell surface molecules along with upregulation of endogenous Foxn1. iPSC-derived TECs (iPSC-TECs) generated T cells in nude recipient mice after renal subcapsular transplantation. Moreover, iPSC-TEC transplantation to immuno-competent recipients significantly prolonged the survival of allogeneic skin. Our study provides a novel concept for allogeneic transplantation in the setting of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Otsuka
- Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15, Nishi-7, Sapporo, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Haruka Wada
- Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15, Nishi-7, Sapporo, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Hyuma Tsuji
- Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15, Nishi-7, Sapporo, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Airi Sasaki
- Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15, Nishi-7, Sapporo, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Tomoki Murata
- Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15, Nishi-7, Sapporo, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Mizuho Itoh
- Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15, Nishi-7, Sapporo, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Muhammad Baghdadi
- Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15, Nishi-7, Sapporo, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichiro Seino
- Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15, Nishi-7, Sapporo, 060-0815, Japan.
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Bosticardo M, Yamazaki Y, Cowan J, Giardino G, Corsino C, Scalia G, Prencipe R, Ruffner M, Hill DA, Sakovich I, Yemialyanava I, Tam JS, Padem N, Elder ME, Sleasman JW, Perez E, Niebur H, Seroogy CM, Sharapova S, Gebbia J, Kleiner GI, Peake J, Abbott JK, Gelfand EW, Crestani E, Biggs C, Butte MJ, Hartog N, Hayward A, Chen K, Heimall J, Seeborg F, Bartnikas LM, Cooper MA, Pignata C, Bhandoola A, Notarangelo LD. Heterozygous FOXN1 Variants Cause Low TRECs and Severe T Cell Lymphopenia, Revealing a Crucial Role of FOXN1 in Supporting Early Thymopoiesis. Am J Hum Genet 2019; 105:549-561. [PMID: 31447097 PMCID: PMC6731368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2019.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXN1 is the master regulatory gene of thymic epithelium development. FOXN1 deficiency leads to thymic aplasia, alopecia, and nail dystrophy, accounting for the nude/severe combined immunodeficiency (nu/SCID) phenotype in humans and mice. We identified several newborns with low levels of T cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and T cell lymphopenia at birth, who carried heterozygous loss-of-function FOXN1 variants. Longitudinal analysis showed persistent T cell lymphopenia during infancy, often associated with nail dystrophy. Adult individuals with heterozygous FOXN1 variants had in most cases normal CD4+ but lower than normal CD8+ cell counts. We hypothesized a FOXN1 gene dosage effect on the function of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and thymopoiesis and postulated that these effects would be more prominent early in life. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed TEC subset frequency and phenotype, early thymic progenitor (ETP) cell count, and expression of FOXN1 target genes (Ccl25, Cxcl12, Dll4, Scf, Psmb11, Prss16, and Cd83) in Foxn1nu/+ (nu/+) mice and age-matched wild-type (+/+) littermate controls. Both the frequency and the absolute count of ETP were significantly reduced in nu/+ mice up to 3 weeks of age. Analysis of the TEC compartment showed reduced expression of FOXN1 target genes and delayed maturation of the medullary TEC compartment in nu/+ mice. These observations establish a FOXN1 gene dosage effect on thymic function and identify FOXN1 haploinsufficiency as an important genetic determinant of T cell lymphopenia at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marita Bosticardo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, IDGS, DIR, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yasuhiro Yamazaki
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, IDGS, DIR, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jennifer Cowan
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Giuliana Giardino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences Federico II University, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Cristina Corsino
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, IDGS, DIR, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Giulia Scalia
- Laboratory of Clinical research and Advanced Diagnostics, CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Rosaria Prencipe
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences Federico II University, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Melanie Ruffner
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David A Hill
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Inga Sakovich
- Immunology Lab, Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk 223053, Belarus
| | - Irma Yemialyanava
- Immunology Lab, Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk 223053, Belarus
| | - Jonathan S Tam
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Nurcicek Padem
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Melissa E Elder
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - John W Sleasman
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Elena Perez
- Allergy Associates of the Palm Beaches, North Palm Beach, FL 33408, USA
| | - Hana Niebur
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Christine M Seroogy
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Svetlana Sharapova
- Immunology Lab, Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk 223053, Belarus
| | - Jennifer Gebbia
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Gary Ira Kleiner
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Jane Peake
- Division of Paediatric Immunology and Allergy, Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, University of Queensland School of Medicine, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Jordan K Abbott
- Immunodeficiency Diagnosis and Treatment Program, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Erwin W Gelfand
- Immunodeficiency Diagnosis and Treatment Program, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Elena Crestani
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Catherine Biggs
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3, Canada
| | - Manish J Butte
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Nicholas Hartog
- Spectrum Health Allergy and Immunology, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, USA
| | - Anthony Hayward
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02905, USA
| | - Karin Chen
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jennifer Heimall
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Filiz Seeborg
- Section of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology & Center for Human Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lisa M Bartnikas
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Megan A Cooper
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Claudio Pignata
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences Federico II University, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Avinash Bhandoola
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, IDGS, DIR, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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5
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Luan R, Liang Z, Zhang Q, Sun L, Zhao Y. Molecular regulatory networks of thymic epithelial cell differentiation. Differentiation 2019; 107:42-49. [PMID: 31238242 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Functional mature T cells are generated in the thymus. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) provide the essential microenvironment for T cell development and maturation. According to their function and localization, TECs are roughly divided into cortical TECs (cTECs) and medullary TECs (mTECs), which are responsible for positive and negative selection, respectively. This review summarizes the current understanding of TEC biology, the identification of fetal and adult bipotent TEC progenitors, and the signaling pathways that control the development and maturation of TECs. The understanding of the ontogeny, differentiation, maturation and function of cTECs lags behind that of mTECs. Better understanding TEC biology will provide clues about TEC development and the applications of thymus engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Luan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liguang Sun
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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6
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Valero-Rubio D, Jiménez KM, Fonseca DJ, Payán-Gómez C, Laissue P. Transcriptomic analysis of FUCA1
knock-down in keratinocytes reveals new insights into the pathogenesis of fucosidosis skin lesions. Exp Dermatol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.13532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Danyela Valero-Rubio
- Center For Research in Genetics and Genomics-CIGGUR; GENIUROS Research Group; School of Medicine and Health Sciences; Universidad del Rosario; Bogotá Colombia
| | - Karen Marcela Jiménez
- Center For Research in Genetics and Genomics-CIGGUR; GENIUROS Research Group; School of Medicine and Health Sciences; Universidad del Rosario; Bogotá Colombia
| | - Dora Janeth Fonseca
- Center For Research in Genetics and Genomics-CIGGUR; GENIUROS Research Group; School of Medicine and Health Sciences; Universidad del Rosario; Bogotá Colombia
| | - César Payán-Gómez
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas; Universidad del Rosario; Bogotá Colombia
| | - Paul Laissue
- Center For Research in Genetics and Genomics-CIGGUR; GENIUROS Research Group; School of Medicine and Health Sciences; Universidad del Rosario; Bogotá Colombia
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7
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Gallo V, Cirillo E, Giardino G, Pignata C. FOXN1 Deficiency: from the Discovery to Novel Therapeutic Approaches. J Clin Immunol 2017; 37:751-758. [DOI: 10.1007/s10875-017-0445-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Uddin MM, Ohigashi I, Motosugi R, Nakayama T, Sakata M, Hamazaki J, Nishito Y, Rode I, Tanaka K, Takemoto T, Murata S, Takahama Y. Foxn1-β5t transcriptional axis controls CD8 + T-cell production in the thymus. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14419. [PMID: 28176764 PMCID: PMC5309848 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is an organ that produces functionally competent T cells that protect us from pathogens and malignancies. Foxn1 is a transcription factor that is essential for thymus organogenesis; however, the direct target for Foxn1 to actuate thymic T-cell production is unknown. Here we show that a Foxn1-binding cis-regulatory element promotes the transcription of β5t, which has an essential role in cortical thymic epithelial cells to induce positive selection of functionally competent CD8+ T cells. A point mutation in this genome element results in a defect in β5t expression and CD8+ T-cell production in mice. The results reveal a Foxn1-β5t transcriptional axis that governs CD8+ T-cell production in the thymus. Foxn1 is involved in thymic epithelial cell (TEC) and CD8+ T cell development. Here the authors show this development requires Foxn1 binding proximal to, and inducing transcription of, the gene encoding β5t in cortical TECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Myn Uddin
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Ryo Motosugi
- Laboratory of Protein Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Tomomi Nakayama
- Laboratory of Protein Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Mie Sakata
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Jun Hamazaki
- Laboratory of Protein Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Nishito
- Core Technology and Research Center, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Immanuel Rode
- Division of Cellular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Keiji Tanaka
- Laboratory of Protein Metabolism, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Takemoto
- Laboratory for Embryology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Shigeo Murata
- Laboratory of Protein Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
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9
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Rota IA, Dhalla F. FOXN1 deficient nude severe combined immunodeficiency. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2017; 12:6. [PMID: 28077132 PMCID: PMC5225657 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-016-0557-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nude severe combined immunodeficiency is a rare inherited disease caused by autosomal recessive loss-of-function mutations in FOXN1. This gene encodes a transcription factor essential for the development of the thymus, the primary lymphoid organ that supports T-cell development and selection. To date nine cases have been reported presenting with the clinical triad of absent thymus resulting in severe T-cell immunodeficiency, congenital alopecia universalis and nail dystrophy. Diagnosis relies on testing for FOXN1 mutations, which allows genetic counselling and guides therapeutic management. Options for treating the underlying immune deficiency include HLA-matched genoidentical haematopoietic cell transplantation containing mature donor T-cells or thymus tissue transplantation. Experience from other severe combined immune deficiency syndromes suggests that early diagnosis, supportive care and definitive management result in better patient outcomes. Without these the prognosis is poor due to early-onset life threatening infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna A Rota
- Developmental Immunology Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fatima Dhalla
- Developmental Immunology Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Department of Clinical Immunology, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK.
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10
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Palamaro L, Romano R, Fusco A, Giardino G, Gallo V, Pignata C. FOXN1 in Organ Development and Human Diseases. Int Rev Immunol 2014; 33:83-93. [DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2013.870171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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11
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Romano R, Palamaro L, Fusco A, Giardino G, Gallo V, Del Vecchio L, Pignata C. FOXN1: A Master Regulator Gene of Thymic Epithelial Development Program. Front Immunol 2013; 4:187. [PMID: 23874334 PMCID: PMC3709140 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell ontogeny is a sophisticated process, which takes place within the thymus through a series of well-defined discrete stages. The process requires a proper lympho-stromal interaction. In particular, cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells (cTECs, mTECs) drive T cell differentiation, education, and selection processes, while the thymocyte-dependent signals allow thymic epithelial cells (TECs) to maturate and provide an appropriate thymic microenvironment. Alterations in genes implicated in thymus organogenesis, including Tbx1, Pax1, Pax3, Pax9, Hoxa3, Eya1, and Six1, affect this well-orchestrated process, leading to disruption of thymic architecture. Of note, in both human and mice, the primordial TECs are yet unable to fully support T cell development and only after the transcriptional activation of the Forkhead-box n1 (FOXN1) gene in the thymic epithelium this essential function is acquired. FOXN1 is a master regulator in the TEC lineage specification in that it down-stream promotes transcription of genes, which, in turn, regulate TECs differentiation. In particular, FOXN1 mainly regulates TEC patterning in the fetal stage and TEC homeostasis in the post-natal thymus. An inborn null mutation in FOXN1 leads to Nude/severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) phenotype in mouse, rat, and humans. In Foxn1−/− nude animals, initial formation of the primordial organ is arrested and the primordium is not colonized by hematopoietic precursors, causing a severe primary T cell immunodeficiency. In humans, the Nude/SCID phenotype is characterized by congenital alopecia of the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes, nail dystrophy, and a severe T cell immunodeficiency, inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder. Aim of this review is to summarize all the scientific information so far available to better characterize the pivotal role of the master regulator FOXN1 transcription factor in the TEC lineage specifications and functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Romano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, "Federico II" University , Naples , Italy
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12
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Zhang Z, Burnley P, Coder B, Su DM. Insights on FoxN1 biological significance and usages of the "nude" mouse in studies of T-lymphopoiesis. Int J Biol Sci 2012; 8:1156-67. [PMID: 23091413 PMCID: PMC3477685 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.5033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutation in the “nude” gene, i.e. the FoxN1 gene, induces a hairless phenotype and a rudimentary thymus gland in mice (nude mouse) and humans (T-cell related primary immunodeficiency). Conventional FoxN1 gene knockout and transgenic mouse models have been generated for studies of FoxN1 gene function related to skin and immune diseases, and for cancer models. It appeared that FoxN1's role was fully understood and the nude mouse model was fully utilized. However, in recent years, with the development of inducible gene knockout/knockin mouse models with the loxP-Cre(ERT) and diphtheria toxin receptor-induced cell abolished systems, it appears that the complete repertoire of FoxN1's roles and deep-going usage of nude mouse model in immune function studies have just begun. Here we summarize the research progress made by several recent works studying the role of FoxN1 in the thymus and utilizing nude and “second (conditional) nude” mouse models for studies of T-cell development and function. We also raise questions and propose further consideration of FoxN1 functions and utilizing this mouse model for immune function studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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Synergistic, context-dependent, and hierarchical functions of epithelial components in thymic microenvironments. Cell 2012; 149:159-72. [PMID: 22464328 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2012.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Revised: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Specialized niche environments specify and maintain stem and progenitor cells, but little is known about the identities and functional interactions of niche components in vivo. Here, we describe a modular system for the generation of artificial thymopoietic environments in the mouse embryo. Thymic epithelium that lacks hematopoietic function but is physiologically accessible for hematopoietic progenitor cells is functionalized by individual and combinatorial expression of four factors, the chemokines Ccl25 and Cxcl12, the cytokine Scf, and the Notch ligand DLL4. The distinct phenotypes and variable numbers of hematopoietic cells in the resulting epithelial environments reveal synergistic, context-dependent, and hierarchical interactions among effector molecules. The surprisingly simple rules determining hematopoietic properties enable the in vivo engineering of artificial environments conducive to the presence of distinct myeloid or T or B lymphoid lineage precursors; moreover, synthetic environments facilitate the procurement of physiological progenitor cell types for analytical purposes and future therapeutic applications.
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Nowell CS, Bredenkamp N, Tetélin S, Jin X, Tischner C, Vaidya H, Sheridan JM, Stenhouse FH, Heussen R, Smith AJH, Blackburn CC. Foxn1 regulates lineage progression in cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells but is dispensable for medullary sublineage divergence. PLoS Genet 2011; 7:e1002348. [PMID: 22072979 PMCID: PMC3207875 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The forkhead transcription factor Foxn1 is indispensable for thymus development, but the mechanisms by which it mediates thymic epithelial cell (TEC) development are poorly understood. To examine the cellular and molecular basis of Foxn1 function, we generated a novel and revertible hypomorphic allele of Foxn1. By varying levels of its expression, we identified a number of features of the Foxn1 system. Here we show that Foxn1 is a powerful regulator of TEC differentiation that is required at multiple intermediate stages of TE lineage development in the fetal and adult thymus. We find no evidence for a role for Foxn1 in TEC fate-choice. Rather, we show it is required for stable entry into both the cortical and medullary TEC differentiation programmes and subsequently is needed at increasing dosage for progression through successive differentiation states in both cortical and medullary TEC. We further demonstrate regulation by Foxn1 of a suite of genes with diverse roles in thymus development and/or function, suggesting it acts as a master regulator of the core thymic epithelial programme rather than regulating a particular aspect of TEC biology. Overall, our data establish a genetics-based model of cellular hierarchies in the TE lineage and provide mechanistic insight relating titration of a single transcription factor to control of lineage progression. Our novel revertible hypomorph system may be similarly applied to analyzing other regulators of development. The thymus is the specialized organ responsible for generating T cells, which are required to regulate and effect immune responses. The unique functions of the thymus are mediated by a diverse array of specialized epithelial cells found only within this organ. These specialized, functionally mature thymic epithelial cells are generated from immature epithelial progenitor cells present in the fetal and adult thymus through a highly regulated process, termed differentiation, that is tightly controlled by specific genes. Foxn1, a protein that is expressed in thymic epithelial cells, is a transcription factor—a protein that regulates how other genes are expressed. Here, we have investigated the role of Foxn1 in generating mature thymic epithelial cells from immature progenitors. We find that Foxn1 is required throughout this process, from the onset of differentiation in progenitor thymic epithelial cells in the developing fetus to the final differentiation steps through which thymic epithelial cells mature to acquire their full functionality. We further find that Foxn1 controls the expression of a variety of genes with different functions in thymic epithelial cells. Overall, our study defines the role of Foxn1 in thymus development at the cellular level and provides insight into how it mediates these functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig S. Nowell
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Bredenkamp
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stéphanie Tetélin
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Xin Jin
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Christin Tischner
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Harsh Vaidya
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Julie M. Sheridan
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Frances Hogg Stenhouse
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Raphaela Heussen
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. H. Smith
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - C. Clare Blackburn
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Overexpression of Foxn1 attenuates age-associated thymic involution and prevents the expansion of peripheral CD4 memory T cells. Blood 2011; 118:5723-31. [PMID: 21908422 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-03-342097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The forkhead box n1 (Foxn1) transcription factor is essential for thymic organogenesis during embryonic development; however, a functional role of Foxn1 in the postnatal thymus is less well understood. We developed Foxn1 transgenic mice (Foxn1Tg), in which overexpression of Foxn1 is driven by the human keratin-14 promoter. Expression of the Foxn1 transgene increased the endogenous Foxn1 levels. In aged mice, overexpression of Foxn1 in the thymus attenuated the decline in thymocyte numbers, prevented the decline in frequency of early thymic progenitors, and generated a higher number of signal joint TCR excised circle. Histologic studies revealed that structural alterations associated with thymic involution were diminished in aged Foxn1 Tg. Total numbers of EpCAM+ MHC II+ and MHC II(hi) thymic epithelial cells were higher in young and old Foxn1Tg and more EpCAM+ MHC II(hi) TEC expressed Ki-67 in aged Foxn1Tg compared with WT. Furthermore, Foxn1Tg displayed a significant reduction in the expansion of splenic CD4+ memory compartments and attenuated the decline in CD4+ and CD8+ naive compartments. Our data indicate that manipulation of Foxn1 expression in the thymus ameliorates thymopoiesis in aged mice and offer a strategy to combat the age-associated decline in naive T-cell production and CD4 naive/memory ratios in the elderly.
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Mori K, Itoi M, Tsukamoto N, Amagai T. Foxn1 is essential for vascularization of the murine thymus anlage. Cell Immunol 2010; 260:66-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2009.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2009] [Revised: 09/23/2009] [Accepted: 09/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Gene expression profile of the third pharyngeal pouch reveals role of mesenchymal MafB in embryonic thymus development. Blood 2009; 113:2976-87. [PMID: 19164599 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2008-06-164921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus provides a microenvironment that induces the differentiation of T-progenitor cells into functional T cells and that establishes a diverse yet self-tolerant T-cell repertoire. However, the mechanisms that lead to the development of the thymus are incompletely understood. We report herein the results of screening for genes that are expressed in the third pharyngeal pouch, which contains thymic primordium. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based cDNA subtraction screening for genes expressed in microdissected tissues of the third pharyngeal pouch rather than the second pharyngeal arch yielded one transcription factor, MafB, which was predominantly expressed in CD45(-)IA(-)PDGFRalpha(+) mesenchymal cells and was detectable even in the third pharyngeal pouch of FoxN1-deficient nude mice. Interestingly, the number of CD45(+) cells that initially accumulated in the embryonic thymus was significantly decreased in MafB-deficient mice. Alterations of gene expression in the embryonic thymi of MafB-deficient mice included the reduced expression of Wnt3 and BMP4 in mesenchymal cells and of CCL21 and CCL25 in epithelial cells. These results suggest that MafB expressed in third pharyngeal pouch mesenchymal cells critically regulates lymphocyte accumulation in the embryonic thymus.
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Koch U, Fiorini E, Benedito R, Besseyrias V, Schuster-Gossler K, Pierres M, Manley NR, Duarte A, Macdonald HR, Radtke F. Delta-like 4 is the essential, nonredundant ligand for Notch1 during thymic T cell lineage commitment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 205:2515-23. [PMID: 18824585 PMCID: PMC2571927 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20080829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 335] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Thymic T cell lineage commitment is dependent on Notch1 (N1) receptor–mediated signaling. Although the physiological ligands that interact with N1 expressed on thymic precursors are currently unknown, in vitro culture systems point to Delta-like 1 (DL1) and DL4 as prime candidates. Using DL1- and DL4-lacZ reporter knock-in mice and novel monoclonal antibodies to DL1 and DL4, we show that DL4 is expressed on thymic epithelial cells (TECs), whereas DL1 is not detected. The function of DL4 was further explored in vivo by generating mice in which DL4 could be specifically inactivated in TECs or in hematopoietic progenitors. Although loss of DL4 in hematopoietic progenitors did not perturb thymus development, inactivation of DL4 in TECs led to a complete block in T cell development coupled with the ectopic appearance of immature B cells in the thymus. These immature B cells were phenotypically indistinguishable from those developing in the thymus of conditional N1 mutant mice. Collectively, our results demonstrate that DL4 is the essential and nonredundant N1 ligand responsible for T cell lineage commitment. Moreover, they strongly suggest that N1-expressing thymic progenitors interact with DL4-expressing TECs to suppress B lineage potential and to induce the first steps of intrathymic T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Koch
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
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19
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Abstract
The epithelial architecture of the thymus fosters growth, differentiation, and T cell receptor repertoire selection of large numbers of immature T cells that continuously feed the mature peripheral T cell pool. Failure to build or to maintain a proper thymus structure can lead to defects ranging from immunodeficiency to autoimmunity. There has been long-standing interest in unraveling the cellular and molecular basis of thymus organogenesis. Earlier studies gave important morphological clues on thymus development. More recent cell biological and genetic approaches yielded new and conclusive insights regarding the germ layer origin of the epithelium and the composition of the medulla as a mosaic of clonally derived islets. The existence of epithelial progenitors common for cortex and medulla with the capacity for forming functional thymus after birth has been uncovered. In addition to the thymus in the chest, mice can have a cervical thymus that is small, but functional, and produces T cells only after birth. It will be important to elucidate the pathways from putative thymus stem cells to mature thymus epithelial cells, and the properties and regulation of these pathways from ontogeny to thymus involution.
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Itoi M, Tsukamoto N, Yoshida H, Amagai T. Mesenchymal cells are required for functional development of thymic epithelial cells. Int Immunol 2007; 19:953-64. [PMID: 17625108 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxm060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions have essential roles in thymus organogenesis. Mesenchymal cells are known to be required for epithelial cell proliferation. However, the contribution of mesenchymal cells to thymic epithelial cell differentiation is still unclear. In the present study, we have investigated the roles of mesenchymal cells in functional development of epithelial cells in the thymus anlage in patch (ph) mutant mice, which have a primarily defect in mesenchymal cells caused by the absence of platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha expression. In the ph/ph thymus anlage, T cell progenitors migrate normally among the epithelial cells, however, they are severely impaired to proliferate and differentiate to CD25-positive cells. Epithelial cells of the ph/ph thymus anlage show severely impaired proliferation and expression of functional molecules, such as SCF, Delta-like 4 and MHC class II, which have crucial roles in T cell development. Moreover, the cultured ph/ph thymus anlage fails to develop into a mature organ supporting full T cell development. Addition of intact thymic mesenchymal cells to organ culture induces development of the ph/ph thymus anlage. In the cultured lobes, added mesenchymal cells contribute to form not only the capsule but also the meshwork structure mingled with epithelial cells. Our present results strongly suggest the roles of mesenchymal cells in functional development of epithelial cells in thymus organogenesis. In addition, our data suggest that mesenchymal cells are required to create the thymic microenvironment and to maintain epithelial architecture and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manami Itoi
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Meiji University of Oriental Medicine, Hiyoshi-cho, Nantan, Kyoto 629-0392, Japan.
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Besseyrias V, Fiorini E, Strobl LJ, Zimber-Strobl U, Dumortier A, Koch U, Arcangeli ML, Ezine S, Macdonald HR, Radtke F. Hierarchy of Notch-Delta interactions promoting T cell lineage commitment and maturation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 204:331-43. [PMID: 17261636 PMCID: PMC2118717 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20061442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Notch1 (N1) receptor signaling is essential and sufficient for T cell development, and recently developed in vitro culture systems point to members of the Delta family as being the physiological N1 ligands. We explored the ability of Delta1 (DL1) and DL4 to induce T cell lineage commitment and/or maturation in vitro and in vivo from bone marrow (BM) precursors conditionally gene targeted for N1 and/or N2. In vitro DL1 can trigger T cell lineage commitment via either N1 or N2. N1- or N2-mediated T cell lineage commitment can also occur in the spleen after short-term BM transplantation. However, N2-DL1-mediated signaling does not allow further T cell maturation beyond the CD25(+) stage due to a lack of T cell receptor beta expression. In contrast to DL1, DL4 induces and supports T cell commitment and maturation in vitro and in vivo exclusively via specific interaction with N1. Moreover, comparative binding studies show preferential interaction of DL4 with N1, whereas binding of DL1 to N1 is weak. Interestingly, preferential N1-DL4 binding reflects reduced dependence of this interaction on Lunatic fringe, a glycosyl transferase that generally enhances the avidity of Notch receptors for Delta ligands. Collectively, our results establish a hierarchy of Notch-Delta interactions in which N1-DL4 exhibits the greatest capacity to induce and support T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Besseyrias
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
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Boehm T, Bleul CC. Thymus-homing precursors and the thymic microenvironment. Trends Immunol 2006; 27:477-84. [PMID: 16920024 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2006.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2006] [Revised: 07/18/2006] [Accepted: 08/09/2006] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
T cells develop in the thymus from precursors that are generated in the bone marrow and continuously seed the thymus through the blood. During evolution, 'outsourcing' the development of one blood lineage, namely the T-cell lineage, to an anatomically distinct hematopoietic organ required the generation of migratory precursors in the bone marrow, their homing to specialized, precursor-retaining thymic niches and their subsequent differentiation. Niche building and precursor homing are therefore intricately linked and should be viewed in context. In this review, we discuss recent findings on the developmental and genetic events that prepare the thymic epithelial microenvironment for its complex tasks, and highlight recent progress in the definition of the thymus-settling cells and the homing process that leads them into the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Boehm
- Department of Developmental Immunology, Max Planck-Institute of Immunobiology, Stuebeweg, 51 D-79108, Freiburg, Germany.
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Holländer G, Gill J, Zuklys S, Iwanami N, Liu C, Takahama Y. Cellular and molecular events during early thymus development. Immunol Rev 2006; 209:28-46. [PMID: 16448532 DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-2896.2006.00357.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The thymic stromal compartment consists of several cell types that collectively enable the attraction, survival, expansion, migration, and differentiation of T-cell precursors. The thymic epithelial cells constitute the most abundant cell type of the thymic microenvironment and can be differentiated into morphologically, phenotypically, and functionally separate subpopulations of the postnatal thymus. All thymic epithelial cells are derived from the endodermal lining of the third pharyngeal pouch. Very soon after the formation of a thymus primordium and prior to its vascularization, thymic epithelial cells orchestrate the first steps of intrathymic T-cell development, including the attraction of lymphoid precursor cells to the thymic microenvironment. The correct segmentation of pharyngeal epithelial cells and their subsequent crosstalk with cells in the pharyngeal arches are critical prerequisites for the formation of a thymus anlage. Mutations in several transcription factors and their target genes have been informative to detail some of the complex mechanisms that control the development of the thymus anlage. This review highlights recent findings related to the genetic control of early thymus organogenesis and provides insight into the molecular basis by which lymphocyte precursors are attracted to the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Holländer
- Pediatric Immunology, The Center for Biomedicine, Department of Clinical-Biological Sciences, University of Basel, and The University Children's Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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