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Ruiz Pérez M, Vandenabeele P, Tougaard P. The thymus road to a T cell: migration, selection, and atrophy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1443910. [PMID: 39257583 PMCID: PMC11384998 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1443910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The thymus plays a pivotal role in generating a highly-diverse repertoire of T lymphocytes while preventing autoimmunity. Thymus seeding progenitors (TSPs) are a heterogeneous group of multipotent progenitors that migrate to the thymus via CCR7 and CCR9 receptors. While NOTCH guides thymus progenitors toward T cell fate, the absence or disruption of NOTCH signaling renders the thymus microenvironment permissive to other cell fates. Following T cell commitment, developing T cells undergo multiple selection checkpoints by engaging with the extracellular matrix, and interacting with thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and other immune subsets across the different compartments of the thymus. The different selection checkpoints assess the T cell receptor (TCR) performance, with failure resulting in either repurposing (agonist selection), or cell death. Additionally, environmental cues such as inflammation and endocrine signaling induce acute thymus atrophy, contributing to the demise of most developing T cells during thymic selection. We discuss the occurrence of acute thymus atrophy in response to systemic inflammation. The thymus demonstrates high plasticity, shaping inflammation by abrogating T cell development and undergoing profound structural changes, and facilitating regeneration and restoration of T cell development once inflammation is resolved. Despite the challenges, thymic selection ensures a highly diverse T cell repertoire capable of discerning between self and non-self antigens, ultimately egressing to secondary lymphoid organs where they complete their maturation and exert their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Ruiz Pérez
- Molecular Signaling and Cell Death Unit, VIB-UGent, Center for Inflammation Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Vandenabeele
- Molecular Signaling and Cell Death Unit, VIB-UGent, Center for Inflammation Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Tougaard
- Molecular Signaling and Cell Death Unit, VIB-UGent, Center for Inflammation Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Mucosal Immunology, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
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2
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Kiernozek E, Bieńkowska A, Markowska M, Kozlowska E, Drela N. Dexamethasone affects day/night development and function of thymus-derived T regulatory cells. Immunobiology 2019; 224:614-624. [PMID: 31427114 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Thymus-derived T regulatory (tTregs) cells play a crucial role in the maintenance of tolerance and immune homeostasis. Mechanisms and factors regulating tTreg development and function are widely investigated, but to a large degree still remain unclear. Our previous findings demonstrated that, in physiological conditions, the development and suppressive function of tTregs demonstrated day/night rhythmicity, which correlated with the concentration of plasma corticosterone and the expression of glucocorticoid receptors. In this study we ask whether synthetic glucocorticoids commonly used to inhibit excessive activity of the immune system, can modulate the development and suppressive function of tTregs in vivo depending on the time of administration. Young C57BL/6 male and female mice were injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of dexamethasone at two time points of the day: 7.00-8.00 a.m. and 7.00-8.00 p.m. The experimental can be used to indicate on the potentially expected positive or adverse side effects and can constitute also a good model for the assessment of the effects of long-term therapy. The results of our studies demonstrated the increase of the percentage of tTregs at both time points in male mice, but only in the evening in females. The suppressive activity of tTregs increased independently on the day time of in female mice, but in the morning only in males. We concluded that in the condition of dexamethasone supplementation, the elevated suppressive potential of tTregs is balanced by the induction apoptosis in order to prevent excessive suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Kiernozek
- Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Department of Immunology, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Bieńkowska
- Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Department of Immunology, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Markowska
- Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Department of Animal Physiology, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Kozlowska
- Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Department of Immunology, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Nadzieja Drela
- Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Department of Immunology, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland.
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3
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Kiuchi Z, Nishibori Y, Kutsuna S, Kotani M, Hada I, Kimura T, Fukutomi T, Fukuhara D, Ito-Nitta N, Kudo A, Takata T, Ishigaki Y, Tomosugi N, Tanaka H, Matsushima S, Ogasawara S, Hirayama Y, Takematsu H, Yan K. GLCCI1 is a novel protector against glucocorticoid‐induced apoptosis in T cells. FASEB J 2019; 33:7387-7402. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201800344rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zentaro Kiuchi
- Department of PediatricsKyorin University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yukino Nishibori
- Department of PediatricsKyorin University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Satoru Kutsuna
- Department of PediatricsKyorin University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Masashi Kotani
- Department of PediatricsKyorin University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Ichiro Hada
- Department of PediatricsKyorin University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Toru Kimura
- Department of Toxicology and PharmacologyKyorin University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Toshiyuki Fukutomi
- Department of Toxicology and PharmacologyKyorin University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Daisuke Fukuhara
- Department of PediatricsKyorin University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Noriko Ito-Nitta
- Department of PediatricsKyorin University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Akihiko Kudo
- Department of AnatomyKyorin University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Takanobu Takata
- Medical Research InstituteKanazawa Medical UniversityUchinada-machiJapan
| | - Yasuhito Ishigaki
- Medical Research InstituteKanazawa Medical UniversityUchinada-machiJapan
| | - Naohisa Tomosugi
- Medical Research InstituteKanazawa Medical UniversityUchinada-machiJapan
| | - Hirotoshi Tanaka
- Department of RheumatologyCenter for Antibody and Vaccine TherapyInstitute of Medical ScienceUniversity of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Satsuki Matsushima
- Department of Laboratory MedicineKyorin University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Shinya Ogasawara
- Research and Development DepartmentDenka Seiken Company, LimitedGosenJapan
| | - Yoshiaki Hirayama
- Research and Development DepartmentDenka Seiken Company, LimitedGosenJapan
| | - Hiromu Takematsu
- Department of Biological ChemistryHuman Health ScienceKyoto University Graduate School of MedicineKyotoJapan
- Department of Molecular Cell BiologyFaculty of Medical TechnologyGraduate School of Health SciencesFujita Health University
| | - Kunimasa Yan
- Department of PediatricsKyorin University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
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4
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Cari L, De Rosa F, Nocentini G, Riccardi C. Context-Dependent Effect of Glucocorticoids on the Proliferation, Differentiation, and Apoptosis of Regulatory T Cells: A Review of the Empirical Evidence and Clinical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E1142. [PMID: 30845709 PMCID: PMC6429178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used to treat several diseases because of their powerful anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects on immune cells and non-lymphoid tissues. The effects of GCs on T cells are the most relevant in this regard. In this review, we analyze how GCs modulate the survival, maturation, and differentiation of regulatory T (Treg) cell subsets into both murine models and humans. In this way, GCs change the Treg cell number with an impact on the mid-term and long-term efficacy of GC treatment. In vitro studies suggest that the GC-dependent expansion of Treg cells is relevant when they are activated. In agreement with this observation, the GC treatment of patients with established autoimmune, allergic, or (auto)inflammatory diseases causes an expansion of Treg cells. An exception to this appears to be the local GC treatment of psoriatic lesions. Moreover, the effects on Treg number in patients with multiple sclerosis are uncertain. The effects of GCs on Treg cell number in healthy/diseased subjects treated with or exposed to allergens/antigens appear to be context-dependent. Considering the relevance of this effect in the maturation of the immune system (tolerogenic response to antigens), the success of vaccination (including desensitization), and the tolerance to xenografts, the findings must be considered when planning GC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Cari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia I-06129, Italy.
| | - Francesca De Rosa
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia I-06129, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Nocentini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia I-06129, Italy.
| | - Carlo Riccardi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia I-06129, Italy.
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5
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Panettieri RA, Schaafsma D, Amrani Y, Koziol-White C, Ostrom R, Tliba O. Non-genomic Effects of Glucocorticoids: An Updated View. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2018; 40:38-49. [PMID: 30497693 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid (GC) anti-inflammatory effects generally require a prolonged onset of action and involve genomic processes. Because of the rapidity of some of the GC effects, however, the concept that non-genomic actions may contribute to GC mechanisms of action has arisen. While the mechanisms have not been completely elucidated, the non-genomic effects may play a role in the management of inflammatory diseases. For instance, we recently reported that GCs 'rapidly' enhanced the effects of bronchodilators, agents used in the treatment of allergic asthma. In this review article, we discuss (i) the non-genomic effects of GCs on pathways relevant to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and (ii) the putative role of the membrane GC receptor. Since GC side effects are often considered to be generated through its genomic actions, understanding GC non-genomic effects will help design GCs with a better therapeutic index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reynold A Panettieri
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | - Yassine Amrani
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Institute for Lung Health, Leicester Biomedical Research Center Respiratory, Leicester, UK
| | - Cynthia Koziol-White
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Rennolds Ostrom
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Omar Tliba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Brookville, NY, USA.
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The regulation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by glucocorticoid receptor in collaboration with Bcl-2 family proteins in developing T cells. Apoptosis 2018; 22:239-253. [PMID: 27888447 PMCID: PMC5306359 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-016-1320-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GC) are important in the regulation of selection and apoptosis of CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) thymocytes. The pronounced GC-sensitivity of DP thymocytes, observed earlier, might be due to the combination of classical (genomic) and alternative (non-genomic) glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling events modifying activation or apoptotic pathways. In particular, the previously demonstrated mitochondrial translocation of activated GR in DP thymocytes offered a fascinating explanation for their pronounced GC-induced apoptosis sensitivity. However, the fine molecular details how the mitochondrial translocation of GR might regulate apoptosis remained unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we intended to examine which apoptotic pathways could be involved in GC-induced thymocyte apoptosis. Furthermore we investigated the potential relationship between the GR and Bcl-2 proteins. Using an in vitro test system, thymocytes from 4-week-old BALB/c mice, were treated with the GC-analogue dexamethasone (DX). Bax accumulated in mitochondria upon DX treatment. Mitochondrial GR showed association with members of the Bcl-2 family: Bak, Bim, Bcl-xL. Elevated Cytochrome C, and active caspase-3, -8, and -9 levels were detected in thymocytes after DX treatment. These results support the hypothesis that in early phases of GC-induced thymocyte apoptosis, the mitochondrial pathway plays a crucial role, confirmed by the release of Cytochrome C and the activation of caspase-9. The activation of caspase-8 was presumably due to cross-talk between apoptotic signaling pathways. We propose that the GC-induced mitochondrial accumulation of Bax and the interaction between the GR and Bim, Bcl-xL and Bak could play a role in the regulation of thymocyte apoptosis.
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D’Attilio L, Santucci N, Bongiovanni B, Bay ML, Bottasso O. Tuberculosis, the Disrupted Immune-Endocrine Response and the Potential Thymic Repercussion As a Contributing Factor to Disease Physiopathology. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:214. [PMID: 29765355 PMCID: PMC5938357 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon the pathogen encounter, the host seeks to ensure an adequate inflammatory reaction to combat infection but at the same time tries to prevent collateral damage, through several regulatory mechanisms, like an endocrine response involving the production of adrenal steroid hormones. Our studies show that active tuberculosis (TB) patients present an immune-endocrine imbalance characterized by an impaired cellular immunity together with increased plasma levels of cortisol, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and decreased amounts of dehydroepiandrosterone. Studies in patients undergoing specific treatment revealed that cortisol levels remained increased even after several months of initiating therapy. In addition to the well-known metabolic and immunological effects, glucocorticoids are involved in thymic cortical depletion with immature thymocytes being quite sensitive to such an effect. The thymus is a central lymphoid organ supporting thymocyte T-cell development, i.e., lineage commitment, selection events and thymic emigration. While thymic TB is an infrequent manifestation of the disease, several pieces of experimental and clinical evidence point out that the thymus can be infected by mycobacteria. Beyond this, the thymic microenvironment during TB may be also altered because of the immune-hormonal alterations. The thymus may be then an additional target of organ involvement further contributing to a deficient control of infection and disease immunopathology.
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Savino W, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Lepletier A, Dardenne M. Hormonal control of T-cell development in health and disease. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2016; 12:77-89. [PMID: 26437623 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2015.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The physiology of the thymus, the primary lymphoid organ in which T cells are generated, is controlled by hormones. Data from animal models indicate that several peptide and nonpeptide hormones act pleiotropically within the thymus to modulate the proliferation, differentiation, migration and death by apoptosis of developing thymocytes. For example, growth hormone and prolactin can enhance thymocyte proliferation and migration, whereas glucocorticoids lead to the apoptosis of these developing cells. The thymus undergoes progressive age-dependent atrophy with a loss of cells being generated and exported, therefore, hormone-based therapies are being developed as an alternative strategy to rejuvenate the organ, as well as to augment thymocyte proliferation and the export of mature T cells to peripheral lymphoid organs. Some hormones (such as growth hormone and progonadoliberin-1) are also being used as therapeutic agents to treat immunodeficiency disorders associated with thymic atrophy, such as HIV infection. In this Review, we discuss the accumulating data that shows the thymus gland is under complex and multifaceted hormonal control that affects the process of T-cell development in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Savino
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenue Brasil 4365, 21045-900, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenue Brasil 4365, 21045-900, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ailin Lepletier
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenue Brasil 4365, 21045-900, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mireille Dardenne
- Hôpital Necker, CNRS UMR 8147, Université Paris Descartes, 75015 Paris, France
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9
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Talaber G, Jondal M, Okret S. Local glucocorticoid production in the thymus. Steroids 2015; 103:58-63. [PMID: 26102271 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Revised: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Besides generating immunocompetent T lymphocytes, the thymus is an established site of de novo extra-adrenal glucocorticoid (GC) production. Among the compartments of the thymus, both stromal thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and thymocytes secrete biologically active GCs. Locally produced GCs secreted by the various thymic cellular compartments have been suggested to have different impact on thymic homeostasis. TEC-derived GCs may regulate thymocyte differentiation whereas thymocyte-derived GCs might regulate age-dependent involution. However the full biological significance of thymic-derived GCs is still not fully understood. In this review, we summarize and describe recent advances in the understanding of local GC production in the thymus and immunoregulatory steroid production by peripheral T cells and highlight the possible role of local GCs for thymus function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Talaber
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Mikael Jondal
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Insitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sam Okret
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Huddinge, Sweden
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10
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Talabér G, Jondal M, Okret S. Extra-adrenal glucocorticoid synthesis: immune regulation and aspects on local organ homeostasis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 380:89-98. [PMID: 23707789 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Revised: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Systemic glucocorticoids (GCs) mainly originate from de novo synthesis in the adrenal cortex under the control of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis. However, research during the last 1-2 decades has revealed that additional organs express the necessary enzymes and have the capacity for de novo synthesis of biologically active GCs. This includes the thymus, intestine, skin and the brain. Recent research has also revealed that locally synthesized GCs most likely act in a paracrine or autocrine manner and have significant physiological roles in local homeostasis, cell development and immune cell activation. In this review, we summarize the nature, regulation and known physiological roles of extra-adrenal GC synthesis. We specifically focus on the thymus in which GC production (by both developing thymocytes and epithelial cells) has a role in the maintenance of proper immunological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Talabér
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
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Lee SR, Kim HK, Song IS, Youm J, Dizon LA, Jeong SH, Ko TH, Heo HJ, Ko KS, Rhee BD, Kim N, Han J. Glucocorticoids and their receptors: insights into specific roles in mitochondria. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 112:44-54. [PMID: 23603102 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2013.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Revised: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) affect most physiological systems and are the most frequently used drugs for multiple disorders and organ transplantation. GC functions depend on a balance between circulating GC and cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptor II (GR). Mitochondria individually enclose circular, double-stranded DNA that is expressed and replicated in response to nuclear-encoded factors imported from the cytoplasm. Fine-tuning and response to cellular demands should be coordinately regulated by the nucleus and mitochondria; thus mitochondrial-nuclear interaction is vital to optimal mitochondrial function. Elucidation of the direct and indirect effects of steroids, including GCs, on mitochondria is an important and emerging field of research. Mitochondria may also be under GC control because GRs are present in mitochondria, and glucocorticoid response elements (GREs) reside in the mitochondrial genome. Therefore, mitochondrial gene expression can be regulated by GCs via at least two different mechanisms: direct action on mitochondrial DNA and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) genes, or by an indirect effect through interaction with nuclear genes. In this review, we outline possible mechanisms of regulation of mitochondrial genes in response to GCs in view of translocation of the GR into mitochondria and the possible regulation of OXPHOS genes by GREs in the mitochondrial genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Ryul Lee
- National Research Laboratory for Mitochondrial Signaling, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, 633-165 Gaegeum-Dong, Busanjin-Gu, 613-735 Busan, Republic of Korea
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12
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Jones HP. Immune cells listen to what stress is saying: neuroendocrine receptors orchestrate immune function. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 934:77-87. [PMID: 22933141 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-071-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Over the past three decades, the field of psychoneuroimmunology research has blossomed into a major field of study, gaining interests of researchers across all traditionally accepted disciplines of scientific research. This chapter provides an overview of our current understanding in defining neuroimmune interactions with a primary focus of discussing the neuroendocrine receptor activity by immune cells. This chapter highlights the necessity of neuroimmune responses as it relates to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harlan P Jones
- Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA.
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13
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Dezitter X, Masselot B, Tardivel M, Mereau-Richard C, Formstecher P, Idziorek T. Macromolecular synthesis inhibitors perturb glucocorticoid receptor trafficking. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2011; 126:104-12. [PMID: 21569845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2011.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2010] [Revised: 04/21/2011] [Accepted: 04/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The ability of inhibitors of transcription and translation to prevent glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis has been interpreted to indicate that the cell death machinery requires de novo protein synthesis. The transcriptional inhibitors actinomycin D (Act D) and DRB as well as the translational inhibitors CHX and puromycin inhibited early loss of mitochondrial membrane integrity in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was not observed with the transcriptional inhibitor α-amanitin suggesting they may have additional effects. Their role in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) intracellular trafficking was therefore investigated. Here, we show that Act D and CHX reduced glucocorticoid binding, GR turnover and impaired GR nuclear translocation. We performed the same experiments in different thymocyte subpopulations of Balb/c mice. At the highest dose tested, actinomycin D and cycloheximide abolished glucocorticoid-induced cell death of CD4+CD8+ and CD4+CD8-. In all subsets, Act D, DRB, as well as CHX and puromycin prevented receptor nuclear translocation, indicating a general alteration of GR trafficking. Overall, our data support a direct effect of macromolecular inhibitors on GR activation and trafficking. Finally, direct alterations of the functional properties of the glucocorticoid receptor might be responsible for cell death prevention by actinomycin D, DRB, cycloheximide and puromycin.
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14
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Talaber G, Kvell K, Varecza Z, Boldizsar F, Parnell SM, Jenkinson EJ, Anderson G, Berki T, Pongracz JE. Wnt-4 protects thymic epithelial cells against dexamethasone-induced senescence. Rejuvenation Res 2011; 14:241-8. [PMID: 21453014 PMCID: PMC3136744 DOI: 10.1089/rej.2010.1110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2010] [Accepted: 09/11/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are widely used immunosuppressive drugs in treatment of autoimmune diseases and hematological malignancies. Glucocorticoids are particularly effective immune suppressants, because they induce rapid peripheral T cell and thymocyte apoptosis resulting in impaired T cell-dependent immune responses. Although glucocorticoids can induce apoptotic cell death directly in developing thymocytes, how exogenous glucocorticoids affect the thymic epithelial network that provides the microenvironment for T cell development is still largely unknown. In the present work, we show that primary thymic epithelial cells (TECs) express glucocorticoid receptors and that high-dosage dexamethasone induces degeneration of the thymic epithelium within 24 h of treatment. Changes in organ morphology are accompanied by a decrease in the TEC transcription factor FoxN1 and its regulator Wnt-4 parallel with upregulation of lamina-associated polypeptide 2α and peroxisome proliferator activator receptor γ, two characteristic molecular markers for adipose thymic involution. Overexpression of Wnt-4, however, can prevent upregulation of adipose differentiation-related aging markers, suggesting an important role of Wnt-4 in thymic senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Talaber
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, University of Pecs, Faculty of Medicine, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Krisztian Kvell
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, University of Pecs, Faculty of Medicine, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Varecza
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, University of Pecs, Faculty of Medicine, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Boldizsar
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, University of Pecs, Faculty of Medicine, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Sonia M. Parnell
- Department of Anatomy, Institute for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Eric J. Jenkinson
- Department of Anatomy, Institute for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Anderson
- Department of Anatomy, Institute for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Timea Berki
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, University of Pecs, Faculty of Medicine, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Judit E. Pongracz
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, University of Pecs, Faculty of Medicine, Pecs, Hungary
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Boldizsar F, Talaber G, Szabo M, Bartis D, Palinkas L, Nemeth P, Berki T. Emerging pathways of non-genomic glucocorticoid (GC) signalling in T cells. Immunobiology 2009; 215:521-6. [PMID: 19906460 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2009.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2009] [Revised: 10/09/2009] [Accepted: 10/13/2009] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade new glucocorticoid (GC)-signalling mechanisms have emerged. The evolving field of non-genomic GC actions was precipitated from two major directions: (i) some rapid/acute clinical GC applications could not be explained based on the relatively slowly appearing genomic GC action and (ii) accumulating evidence came to light about the discrepancy in the apoptosis sensitivity and GR expression of thymocytes and other lymphoid cell types. Herein, we attempt to sample the latest information in the field of non-genomic GC signalling in T cells, and correlate it with results from our laboratory. We discuss some aspects of the regulation of thymocyte apoptosis by GCs, paying special interest to the potential role(s) of mitochondrial GR signalling. The interplay between the T cell receptor (TcR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signalling pathways is described in more detail, focusing on ZAP-70, which is a novel target of rapid GC action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Boldizsar
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.
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Talabér G, Boldizsár F, Bartis D, Pálinkás L, Szabó M, Berta G, Sétáló G, Németh P, Berki T. Mitochondrial translocation of the glucocorticoid receptor in double-positive thymocytes correlates with their sensitivity to glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis. Int Immunol 2009; 21:1269-76. [PMID: 19737783 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxp093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling plays an important role in the selection and apoptosis of thymocytes. Besides nuclear translocation, mitochondrial translocation of the ligand-bound GR in lymphoid cells was also shown, which might determine glucocorticoid (GC)-induced apoptosis sensitivity. In the present work, we followed the ligand-induced GR trafficking in CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) thymocytes. Using confocal microscopy, we found that upon short-term in vitro GC analog [dexamethasone (DX)] treatment, the GR translocates into the mitochondria but not into the nucleus in DP cells. We also analyzed the GR redistribution in cytosolic, nuclear and mitochondrial fractions of unseparated thymocytes by western blot and confirmed that in DX-treated cells a significant fraction of the GR translocates into the mitochondria. DX reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential of DP cells within 30 min, measured by flow cytometry, which refers to a direct modulatory activity of mitochondrial GR translocation. The abundant mitochondrial GR found in DP cells well correlates with their high GC-induced apoptosis sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Talabér
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pecs, Szigeti ut. 12, Hungary
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