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Teichman S, Wang H, Lee CR, Mohtashami M, Foerster E, Han J, Trotman-Grant AC, Winer S, Tsui H, Philpott DJ, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. Recent Thymic Emigrants Require RBPJ-Dependent Notch Signaling to Transition into Functionally Mature Naive T Cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:81-90. [PMID: 37154711 PMCID: PMC10330261 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Recent thymic emigrant (RTE) cells are nascent T cells that continue their post-thymic maturation in the periphery and dominate T cell immune responses in early life and in adults having undergone lymphodepletion regimens. However, the events that govern their maturation and their functionality as they transition to mature naive T cells have not been clearly defined. Using RBPJind mice, we were able to identify different stages of RTE maturation and interrogate their immune function using a T cell transfer model of colitis. As CD45RBlo RTE cells mature, they transition through a CD45RBint immature naive T (INT) cell population that is more immunocompetent but shows a bias toward IL-17 production at the expense of IFN-γ. Additionally, the levels of IFN-γ and IL-17 produced in INT cells are highly dependent on whether Notch signals are received during INT cell maturation or during their effector function. IL-17 production by INT cells showed a total requirement for Notch signaling. Loss of Notch signaling at any stage of INT cells resulted in an impaired colitogenic effect of INT cells. RNA sequencing of INT cells that had matured in the absence of Notch signals showed a reduced inflammatory profile compared with Notch-responsive INT cells. Overall, we have elucidated a previously unknown INT cell stage, revealed its intrinsic bias toward IL-17 production, and demonstrated a role for Notch signaling in INT cell peripheral maturation and effector function in the context of a T cell transfer model of colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sintia Teichman
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Helen Wang
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christina R. Lee
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Jianxun Han
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ashton C. Trotman-Grant
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shawn Winer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hubert Tsui
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Hematological Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dana J. Philpott
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Abstract
I've had serious misgivings about writing this article, because from living the experience day by day, it's hard to believe my accomplishments merit the attention. To skirt this roadblock, I forced myself to pretend I was in a conversation with my trainees, trying to distill the central driving forces of my career in science. The below chronicles my evolution from would-be astronaut/ballerina to budding developmental biologist to devoted T cell immunologist. It traces my work from a focus on intrathymic events that mold developing T cells into self-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted lymphocytes to extrathymic events that fine-tune the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire and impose the finishing touches on T cell maturation. It is a story of a few personal attributes multiplied by generous mentors, good luck, hard work, perseverance, and knowing when to step down. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Immunology, Volume 40 is April 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela J Fink
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
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3
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Cunningham CA, Hoppins S, Fink PJ. Cutting Edge: Glycolytic Metabolism and Mitochondrial Metabolism Are Uncoupled in Antigen-Activated CD8 + Recent Thymic Emigrants. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 201:1627-1632. [PMID: 30068595 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) are peripheral T cells that have most recently completed selection and thymic egress and constitute a population that is phenotypically and functionally distinct from its more mature counterpart. Ag-activated RTEs are less potent effectors than are activated mature T cells, due in part to reduced aerobic glycolysis (correctable by exogenous IL-2), which in turn impacts IFN-γ production. Mitochondria serve as nodal regulators of cell function, but their contribution to the unique biology of RTEs is unknown. In this study, we show that activated mouse RTEs have impaired oxidative phosphorylation, even in the presence of exogenous IL-2. This altered respiratory phenotype is the result of decreased CD28 signaling, reduced glutaminase induction, and diminished mitochondrial mass in RTEs relative to mature T cells. These results suggest an uncoupling whereby IL-2 tunes the rate of RTE glycolytic metabolism, whereas the unique profile of RTE mitochondrial metabolism is "hard wired."
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody A Cunningham
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109; and
| | - Suzanne Hoppins
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Pamela J Fink
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109; and
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4
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Cunningham CA, Helm EY, Fink PJ. Reinterpreting recent thymic emigrant function: defective or adaptive? Curr Opin Immunol 2018; 51:1-6. [PMID: 29257954 PMCID: PMC5943149 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) are those peripheral T cells that have most recently completed thymic development and egress. Over the past decade, significant advances have been made in understanding the cell-extrinsic and cell-intrinsic requirements for RTE maturation to mature naïve (MN) T cells and in detailing the functional differences that characterize these two T cell populations. Much of this work has suggested that RTEs are hypo-functional versions of more mature T cells. However, recent evidence has indicated that rather than being defective T cells, RTEs are exquisitely adapted to their cellular niche. In this review, we argue that RTEs are not flawed mature T cells but are adapted to fill an underpopulated T cell compartment, while maintaining self tolerance and possessing the capacity to mount robust immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody A Cunningham
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
| | - Eric Y Helm
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
| | - Pamela J Fink
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States.
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5
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Zhang S, Zhang X, Wang K, Xu X, Li M, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Hao J, Sun X, Chen Y, Liu X, Chang Y, Jin R, Wu H, Ge Q. Newly Generated CD4 + T Cells Acquire Metabolic Quiescence after Thymic Egress. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 200:1064-1077. [PMID: 29288207 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1700721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mature naive T cells circulate through the secondary lymphoid organs in an actively enforced quiescent state. Impaired cell survival and cell functions could be found when T cells have defects in quiescence. One of the key features of T cell quiescence is low basal metabolic activity. It remains unclear at which developmental stage T cells acquire this metabolic quiescence. We compared mitochondria among CD4 single-positive (SP) T cells in the thymus, CD4+ recent thymic emigrants (RTEs), and mature naive T cells in the periphery. The results demonstrate that RTEs and naive T cells had reduced mitochondrial content and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species when compared with SP thymocytes. This downregulation of mitochondria requires T cell egress from the thymus and occurs early after young T cells enter the circulation. Autophagic clearance of mitochondria, but not mitochondria biogenesis or fission/fusion, contributes to mitochondrial downregulation in RTEs. The enhanced apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1/MAPKs and reduced mechanistic target of rapamycin activities in RTEs relative to SP thymocytes may be involved in this mitochondrial reduction. These results indicate that the gain of metabolic quiescence is one of the important maturation processes during SP-RTE transition. Together with functional maturation, it promotes the survival and full responsiveness to activating stimuli in young T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shusong Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xinwei Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xi Xu
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Mingyang Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jie Hao
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiuyuan Sun
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yingyu Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yingjun Chang
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; and
| | - Rong Jin
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; .,Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hounan Wu
- Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qing Ge
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; .,Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
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6
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Lang MJ, Mori M, Ruer-Laventie J, Pieters J. A Coronin 1–Dependent Decision Switch in Juvenile Mice Determines the Population of the Peripheral Naive T Cell Compartment. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 199:2421-2431. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1700438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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7
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van Hoeven V, Drylewicz J, Westera L, den Braber I, Mugwagwa T, Tesselaar K, Borghans JAM, de Boer RJ. Dynamics of Recent Thymic Emigrants in Young Adult Mice. Front Immunol 2017; 8:933. [PMID: 28824653 PMCID: PMC5545745 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The peripheral naive T-cell pool is generally thought to consist of a subpopulation of recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) and a subpopulation of mature naive (MN) T cells with different dynamics. Thymus transplantation and adoptive transfer studies in mice have provided contradicting results, with some studies suggesting that RTEs are relatively short-lived cells, while another study suggested that RTEs have a survival advantage. We here estimate the death rates of RTE and MN T cells by performing both thymus transplantations and deuterium labeling experiments in mice of at least 12 weeks old, an age at which the size of the T-cell pool has stabilized. For CD4+ T cells, we found the total loss rate from the RTE compartment (by death and maturation) to be fourfold faster than that of MN T cells. We estimate the death rate of CD4+ RTE to be 0.046 per day, which is threefold faster than the total loss rate from the MN T-cell compartment. For CD8+ T cells, we found no evidence for kinetic differences between RTE and MN T cells. Thus, our data support the notion that in young adult mice, CD4+ RTE are relatively short-lived cells within the naive CD4+ T-cell pool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera van Hoeven
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Julia Drylewicz
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Liset Westera
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ineke den Braber
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Tendai Mugwagwa
- Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kiki Tesselaar
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - José A M Borghans
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Rob J de Boer
- Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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8
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Cunningham CA, Bergsbaken T, Fink PJ. Cutting Edge: Defective Aerobic Glycolysis Defines the Distinct Effector Function in Antigen-Activated CD8 + Recent Thymic Emigrants. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 198:4575-4580. [PMID: 28507025 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1700465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) are the youngest peripheral T cells that have completed thymic selection and egress to the lymphoid periphery. RTEs are functionally distinct from their more mature but still naive T cell counterparts, because they exhibit dampened proliferation and reduced cytokine production upon activation. In this article, we show that, compared with more mature but still naive T cells, RTEs are impaired in their ability to perform aerobic glycolysis following activation. Impaired metabolism underlies the reduced IFN-γ production observed in activated RTEs. This failure to undergo Ag-induced aerobic glycolysis is caused by reduced mTORC1 activity and diminished Myc induction in RTEs. Critically, exogenous IL-2 restores Myc expression in RTEs, driving aerobic glycolysis and IFN-γ production to the level of mature T cells. These results reveal a previously unknown metabolic component to postthymic T cell maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody A Cunningham
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Tessa Bergsbaken
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Pamela J Fink
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
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9
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Zlamy M, Almanzar G, Parson W, Schmidt C, Leierer J, Weinberger B, Jeller V, Unsinn K, Eyrich M, Würzner R, Prelog M. Efforts of the human immune system to maintain the peripheral CD8+ T cell compartment after childhood thymectomy. IMMUNITY & AGEING 2016; 13:3. [PMID: 26839574 PMCID: PMC4736487 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-016-0058-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Homeostatic mechanisms to maintain the T cell compartment diversity indicate an ongoing process of thymic activity and peripheral T cell renewal during human life. These processes are expected to be accelerated after childhood thymectomy and by the influence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) inducing a prematurely aged immune system. The study aimed to investigate proportional changes and replicative history of CD8+ T cells, of recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) and CD103+ T cells (mostly gut-experienced) and the role of Interleukin-(IL)-7 and IL-7 receptor (CD127)-expressing T cells in thymectomized patients compared to young and old healthy controls. Results Decreased proportions of naive and CD31 + CD8+ T cells were demonstrated after thymectomy, with higher proliferative activity of CD127-expressing T cells and significantly shorter relative telomere lengths (RTLs) and lower T cell receptor excision circles (TRECs). Increased circulating CD103+ T cells and a skewed T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire were found after thymectomy similar to elderly persons. Naive T cells were influenced by age at thymectomy and further decreased by CMV. Conclusions After childhood thymectomy, the immune system demonstrated constant efforts of the peripheral CD8+ T cell compartment to maintain homeostasis. Supposedly it tries to fill the void of RTEs by peripheral T cell proliferation, by at least partly IL-7-mediated mechanisms and by proportional increase of circulating CD103+ T cells, reminiscent of immune aging in elderly. Although other findings were less significant compared to healthy elderly, early thymectomy demonstrated immunological alterations of CD8+ T cells which mimic features of premature immunosenescence in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Zlamy
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Giovanni Almanzar
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Wuerzburg, University of Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Walther Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria ; Penn State Eberly College of Science, University Park, PA USA
| | - Christian Schmidt
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Johannes Leierer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Birgit Weinberger
- Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Verena Jeller
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Karin Unsinn
- Department of Radiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Matthias Eyrich
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Wuerzburg, University of Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Würzner
- Department of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martina Prelog
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Wuerzburg, University of Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
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Hsu FC, Belmonte PJ, Constans MM, Chen MW, McWilliams DC, Hiebert SW, Shapiro VS. Histone Deacetylase 3 Is Required for T Cell Maturation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 195:1578-90. [PMID: 26163592 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1500435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Recent thymic emigrants are newly generated T cells that need to undergo postthymic maturation to gain functional competency and enter the long-lived naive T cell pool. The mechanism of T cell maturation remains incompletely understood. Previously, we demonstrated that the transcriptional repressor NKAP is required for T cell maturation. Because NKAP associates with histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), we examined whether HDAC3 is also required for T cell maturation. Although thymic populations are similar in CD4-cre HDAC3 conditional knockout mice compared with wild-type mice, the peripheral numbers of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells are dramatically decreased. In the periphery, the majority of HDAC3-deficient naive T cells are recent thymic emigrants, indicating a block in T cell maturation. CD55 upregulation during T cell maturation is substantially decreased in HDAC3-deficient T cells. Consistent with a block in functional maturation, HDAC3-deficient peripheral T cells have a defect in TNF licensing after TCR/CD28 stimulation. CD4-cre HDAC3 conditional knockout mice do not have a defect in intrathymic migration, thymic egress, T cell survival, or homeostasis. In the periphery, similar to immature NKAP-deficient peripheral T cells, HDAC3-deficient peripheral T cells were bound by IgM and complement proteins, leading to the elimination of these cells. In addition, HDAC3-deficient T cells display decreases in the sialic acid modifications on the cell surface that recruit natural IgM to initiate the classical complement pathway. Therefore, HDAC3 is required for T cell maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan-Chi Hsu
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905; and
| | - Paul J Belmonte
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905; and
| | | | - Meibo W Chen
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905; and
| | | | - Scott W Hiebert
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232
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11
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Bielas H, Jud A, Lips U, Reichenbach J, Wieser I, Landolt MA. Preliminary Evidence for a Compromised T-Cell Compartment in Maltreated Children with Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Neuroimmunomodulation 2015; 22:303-10. [PMID: 25721746 DOI: 10.1159/000369349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adverse childhood experiences, such as maltreatment, and affective disorders are associated with a proinflammatory state and/or variably compromised counts in lymphocyte subsets in adults. Animal models of social stress indicate that recent thymic emigrant cells (RTE), which maintain the T-cell compartment, are affected. METHODS In this study, we examined the association between lymphocyte subsets, and depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among 16 maltreated children (aged 6-17 years) 1-3 years after the intervention by the Child Protection Team and among 14 healthy age-matched controls. The participants completed psychological assessment and had blood drawn for fluorescent-activated cell sorting analysis. RESULTS Among maltreated children and adolescents, depression was associated with lower counts of RTEs and T-helper cells after controlling for age. We found additional trends and large effect sizes with regard to the percentages of these cells, as well as for related lymphocyte subsets. Similar effects were found for PTSD, i.e. lower counts of naïve T cells, which was also supported by a trend for their percentage. Compared to controls, maltreated participants with a clinical level of depression had decreased percentages of RTEs, with a similar trend for PTSD. CONCLUSION Limited by the nature of a pilot study and the small sample size, these preliminary findings of a compromised T-cell compartment related to psychiatric symptoms in maltreated children and adolescents need to be further studied; particularly the role of RTEs needs further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Bielas
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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12
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Hsu FC, Shapiro MJ, Chen MW, McWilliams DC, Seaburg LM, Tangen SN, Shapiro VS. Immature recent thymic emigrants are eliminated by complement. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 193:6005-15. [PMID: 25367120 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1401871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) must undergo phenotypic and functional maturation to become long-lived mature naive T cells. In CD4-cre NKAP conditional knockout mice, NKAP-deficient RTEs fail to complete T cell maturation. In this study, we demonstrate that NKAP-deficient immature RTEs do not undergo apoptosis, but are eliminated by complement. C3, C4, and C1q are bound to NKAP-deficient peripheral T cells, demonstrating activation of the classical arm of the complement pathway. As thymocytes mature and exit to the periphery, they increase sialic acid incorporation into cell surface glycans. This is essential to peripheral lymphocyte survival, as stripping sialic acid with neuraminidase leads to the binding of natural IgM and complement fixation. NKAP-deficient T cells have a defect in sialylation on cell surface glycans, leading to IgM recruitment. We demonstrate that the defect in sialylation is due to aberrant α2,8-linked sialylation, and the expression of three genes (ST8sia1, ST8sia4, and ST8sia6) that mediate α2,8 sialylation are downregulated in NKAP-defcient RTEs. The maturation of peripheral NKAP-deficient T cells is partially rescued in a C3-deficient environment. Thus, sialylation during T cell maturation is critical to protect immature RTEs from complement in the periphery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan-Chi Hsu
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905
| | | | - Meibo W Chen
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905
| | | | | | - Sarah N Tangen
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905
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13
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Cabrera-Perez J, Condotta SA, Badovinac VP, Griffith TS. Impact of sepsis on CD4 T cell immunity. J Leukoc Biol 2014; 96:767-77. [PMID: 24791959 PMCID: PMC4197564 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.5mr0114-067r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Revised: 03/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis remains the primary cause of death from infection in hospital patients, despite improvements in antibiotics and intensive-care practices. Patients who survive severe sepsis can display suppressed immune function, often manifested as an increased susceptibility to (and mortality from) nosocomial infections. Not only is there a significant reduction in the number of various immune cell populations during sepsis, but there is also decreased function in the remaining lymphocytes. Within the immune system, CD4 T cells are important players in the proper development of numerous cellular and humoral immune responses. Despite sufficient clinical evidence of CD4 T cell loss in septic patients of all ages, the impact of sepsis on CD4 T cell responses is not well understood. Recent findings suggest that CD4 T cell impairment is a multipronged problem that results from initial sepsis-induced cell loss. However, the subsequent lymphopenia-induced numerical recovery of the CD4 T cell compartment leads to intrinsic alterations in phenotype and effector function, reduced repertoire diversity, changes in the composition of naive antigen-specific CD4 T cell pools, and changes in the representation of different CD4 T cell subpopulations (e.g., increases in Treg frequency). This review focuses on sepsis-induced alterations within the CD4 T cell compartment that influence the ability of the immune system to control secondary heterologous infections. The understanding of how sepsis affects CD4 T cells through their numerical loss and recovery, as well as function, is important in the development of future treatments designed to restore CD4 T cells to their presepsis state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Cabrera-Perez
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology Graduate Program Medical Scientist Training Program
| | | | - Vladimir P Badovinac
- Department of Pathology and Interdisciplinary Program in Immunology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Thomas S Griffith
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology Graduate Program Center for Immunology, and Department of Urology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minneapolis Veterans Administration Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; and
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14
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Xu X, Ge Q. Maturation and migration of murine CD4 single positive thymocytes and thymic emigrants. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2014; 9:e201403003. [PMID: 24757506 PMCID: PMC3995209 DOI: 10.5936/csbj.201403003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Revised: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
T lymphopoiesis in the thymus was thought to be completed once they reach the single positive (SP) stage, when they are “fully mature” and wait to be exported at random or follow a “first in-first out” manner. Recently, accumulating evidence has revealed that newly generated SP thymocytes undergo further maturation in the thymic medulla before they follow a tightly regulated emigrating process to become recent thymic emigrants (RTEs). RTEs in the periphery then experience a post-thymic maturation and peripheral tolerance and eventually become licensed as mature naïve T cells. This review summarizes the recent progress in the late stage T cell development in and outside of the thymus. The regulation of this developmental process is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health. Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Beijing 100191, P R China
| | - Qing Ge
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health. Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Beijing 100191, P R China
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15
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Maturation and emigration of single-positive thymocytes. Clin Dev Immunol 2013; 2013:282870. [PMID: 24187562 PMCID: PMC3804360 DOI: 10.1155/2013/282870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
T lymphopoiesis in the thymus was thought to be completed once it reaches the single positive (SP)
stage, a stage when T cells are “fully mature” and waiting to be exported at random or follow a “first-in-first-out” manner. Recent evidence, however, has revealed that the newly generated SP thymocytes undergo a multistage maturation program in the thymic medulla. Such maturation is followed by a tightly regulated emigration process and a further postthymic maturation of recent thymic emigrants (RTEs). This review summarizes recent progress in the late stage T cell development. The regulation of this developmental process is discussed.
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16
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela J. Fink
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195;
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17
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Dong J, Chen Y, Xu X, Jin R, Teng F, Yan F, Tang H, Li P, Sun X, Li Y, Wu H, Zhang Y, Ge Q. Homeostatic properties and phenotypic maturation of murine CD4+ pre-thymic emigrants in the thymus. PLoS One 2013; 8:e56378. [PMID: 23409179 PMCID: PMC3569422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
After a tightly regulated developmental program in the thymus, “mature” single positive (SP) thymocytes leave the thymus and enter the periphery. These newly arrived recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) are phenotypically and functionally immature, and will complete a dynamic maturation in the peripheral lymphoid organs before being licensed to be resident naïve T cells. To study the early events occurring in the RTE maturation process, we identified the phenotype of CD4+ pre-RTEs, a population of CD4+ SP thymocytes that have acquired the thymus egress capability. Compared to peripheral naïve T cells, CD4+ pre-RTEs displayed superior survival capability in lymphoreplete mice and faster proliferation under lymphopenic condition. The differences in Bcl2/Bim expression and/or heightened IL-7 signaling pathway may account for the pre-RTEs’ better responsiveness to homeostatic signals. Qa2, the expression of which indicates the phenotypic maturation of SPs and RTEs, was found to be upregulated in CD4+ pre-RTEs in thymic perivascular space. Migratory dendritic cells that surround this region contribute to Qa2 expression in pre-RTEs. The dendritic cell-driven Qa2 induction of CD4+ pre-RTEs is independent of MHC class II and Aire molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dong
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Jin
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Teng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Tang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Pingping Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuyuan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hounan Wu
- Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (QG); (YZ); (HW)
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (QG); (YZ); (HW)
| | - Qing Ge
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (QG); (YZ); (HW)
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18
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Nobrega C, Nunes-Alves C, Cerqueira-Rodrigues B, Roque S, Barreira-Silva P, Behar SM, Correia-Neves M. T cells home to the thymus and control infection. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:1646-58. [PMID: 23315077 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1202412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is a target of multiple pathogens. How the immune system responds to thymic infection is largely unknown. Despite being considered an immune-privileged organ, we detect a mycobacteria-specific T cell response in the thymus following dissemination of Mycobacterium avium or Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This response includes proinflammatory cytokine production by mycobacteria-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, which stimulates infected cells and controls bacterial growth in the thymus. Importantly, the responding T cells are mature peripheral T cells that recirculate back to the thymus. The recruitment of these cells is associated with an increased expression of Th1 chemokines and an enrichment of CXCR3(+) mycobacteria-specific T cells in the thymus. Finally, we demonstrate it is the mature T cells that home to the thymus that most efficiently control mycobacterial infection. Although the presence of mature T cells in the thymus has been recognized for some time, to our knowledge, these data are the first to show that T cell recirculation from the periphery to the thymus is a mechanism that allows the immune system to respond to thymic infection. Maintaining a functional thymic environment is essential to maintain T cell differentiation and prevent the emergence of central tolerance to the invading pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Nobrega
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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