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Gootjes C, Zwaginga JJ, Roep BO, Nikolic T. Defining Human Regulatory T Cells beyond FOXP3: The Need to Combine Phenotype with Function. Cells 2024; 13:941. [PMID: 38891073 PMCID: PMC11172350 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110941] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential to maintain immune homeostasis by promoting self-tolerance. Reduced Treg numbers or functionality can lead to a loss of tolerance, increasing the risk of developing autoimmune diseases. An overwhelming variety of human Tregs has been described, based on either specific phenotype, tissue compartment, or pathological condition, yet the bulk of the literature only addresses CD25-positive and CD127-negative cells, coined by naturally occurring Tregs (nTregs), most of which express the transcription factor Forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3). While the discovery of FOXP3 was seminal to understanding the origin and biology of nTregs, there is evidence in humans that not all T cells expressing FOXP3 are regulatory, and that not all Tregs express FOXP3. Namely, the activation of human T cells induces the transient expression of FOXP3, irrespective of whether they are regulatory or inflammatory effectors, while some induced T cells that may be broadly defined as Tregs (e.g., Tr1 cells) typically lack demethylation and do not express FOXP3. Furthermore, it is unknown whether and how many nTregs exist without FOXP3 expression. Several other candidate regulatory molecules, such as GITR, Lag-3, GARP, GPA33, Helios, and Neuropilin, have been identified but subsequently discarded as Treg-specific markers. Multiparametric analyses have uncovered a plethora of Treg phenotypes, and neither single markers nor combinations thereof can define all and only Tregs. To date, only the functional capacity to inhibit immune responses defines a Treg and distinguishes Tregs from inflammatory T cells (Teffs) in humans. This review revisits current knowledge of the Treg universe with respect to their heterogeneity in phenotype and function. We propose that it is unavoidable to characterize human Tregs by their phenotype in combination with their function, since phenotype alone does not unambiguously define Tregs. There is an unmet need to align the expression of specific markers or combinations thereof with a particular suppressive function to coin functional Treg entities and categorize Treg diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Gootjes
- Laboratory of Immunomodulation and Regenerative Cell Therapy, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (J.J.Z.); (T.N.)
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2
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Nakonechnaya TO, Moltedo B, Putintseva EV, Leyn S, Bolotin DA, Britanova OV, Shugay M, Chudakov DM. Convergence, plasticity, and tissue residence of regulatory T cell response via TCR repertoire prism. eLife 2024; 12:RP89382. [PMID: 38591522 PMCID: PMC11003740 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Suppressive function of regulatory T cells (Treg) is dependent on signaling of their antigen receptors triggered by cognate self, dietary, or microbial peptides presented on MHC II. However, it remains largely unknown whether distinct or shared repertoires of Treg TCRs are mobilized in response to different challenges in the same tissue or the same challenge in different tissues. Here we use a fixed TCRβ chain FoxP3-GFP mouse model to analyze conventional (eCD4) and regulatory (eTreg) effector TCRα repertoires in response to six distinct antigenic challenges to the lung and skin. This model shows highly 'digital' repertoire behavior with easy-to-track challenge-specific TCRα CDR3 clusters. For both eCD4 and eTreg subsets, we observe challenge-specific clonal expansions yielding homologous TCRα clusters within and across animals and exposure sites, which are also reflected in the draining lymph nodes but not systemically. Some CDR3 clusters are shared across cancer challenges, suggesting a response to common tumor-associated antigens. For most challenges, eCD4 and eTreg clonal response does not overlap. Such overlap is exclusively observed at the sites of certain tumor challenges, and not systematically, suggesting transient and local tumor-induced eCD4=>eTreg plasticity. This transition includes a dominant tumor-responding eCD4 CDR3 motif, as well as characteristic iNKT TCRα CDR3. In addition, we examine the homeostatic tissue residency of clonal eTreg populations by excluding the site of challenge from our analysis. We demonstrate that distinct CDR3 motifs are characteristic of eTreg cells residing in particular lymphatic tissues, regardless of the challenge. This observation reveals the tissue-resident, antigen-specific clonal Treg populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana O Nakonechnaya
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
- Genomics of Adaptive Immunity Department, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Bruno Moltedo
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute and Ludwig Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkUnited States
| | - Ekaterina V Putintseva
- Genomics of Adaptive Immunity Department, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Sofya Leyn
- Genomics of Adaptive Immunity Department, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Dmitry A Bolotin
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
- Genomics of Adaptive Immunity Department, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Olga V Britanova
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
- Genomics of Adaptive Immunity Department, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Mikhail Shugay
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
- Genomics of Adaptive Immunity Department, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Dmitriy M Chudakov
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
- Genomics of Adaptive Immunity Department, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryMoscowRussian Federation
- Central European Institute of TechnologyBrnoCzech Republic
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells CenterAbu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates
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3
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Carbone F, Russo C, Colamatteo A, La Rocca C, Fusco C, Matarese A, Procaccini C, Matarese G. Cellular and molecular signaling towards T cell immunological self-tolerance. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107134. [PMID: 38432631 PMCID: PMC10981134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107134] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The binding of a cognate antigen to T cell receptor (TCR) complex triggers a series of intracellular events controlling T cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation. Upon TCR engagement, different negative regulatory feedback mechanisms are rapidly activated to counterbalance T cell activation, thus preventing excessive signal propagation and promoting the induction of immunological self-tolerance. Both positive and negative regulatory processes are tightly controlled to ensure the effective elimination of foreign antigens while limiting surrounding tissue damage and autoimmunity. In this context, signals deriving from co-stimulatory molecules (i.e., CD80, CD86), co-inhibitory receptors (PD-1, CTLA-4), the tyrosine phosphatase CD45 and cytokines such as IL-2 synergize with TCR-derived signals to guide T cell fate and differentiation. The balance of these mechanisms is also crucial for the generation of CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, a cellular subset involved in the control of immunological self-tolerance. This review provides an overview of the most relevant pathways induced by TCR activation combined with those derived from co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules implicated in the cell-intrinsic modulation of T cell activation. In addition to the latter, we dissected mechanisms responsible for T cell-mediated suppression of immune cell activation through regulatory T cell generation, homeostasis, and effector functions. We also discuss how imbalanced signaling derived from TCR and accessory molecules can contribute to autoimmune disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fortunata Carbone
- Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale "G. Salvatore", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), Napoli, Italy; Unità di Neuroimmunologia, IRCCS-Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy
| | - Claudia Russo
- D.A.I. Medicina di Laboratorio e Trasfusionale, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandra Colamatteo
- Treg Cell Lab, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Claudia La Rocca
- Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale "G. Salvatore", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), Napoli, Italy
| | - Clorinda Fusco
- Treg Cell Lab, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Matarese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Procaccini
- Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale "G. Salvatore", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), Napoli, Italy; Unità di Neuroimmunologia, IRCCS-Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Matarese
- Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale "G. Salvatore", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), Napoli, Italy; Treg Cell Lab, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy.
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4
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Wu Q, Carlos AR, Braza F, Bergman ML, Kitoko JZ, Bastos-Amador P, Cuadrado E, Martins R, Oliveira BS, Martins VC, Scicluna BP, Landry JJ, Jung FE, Ademolue TW, Peitzsch M, Almeida-Santos J, Thompson J, Cardoso S, Ventura P, Slot M, Rontogianni S, Ribeiro V, Domingues VDS, Cabral IA, Weis S, Groth M, Ameneiro C, Fidalgo M, Wang F, Demengeot J, Amsen D, Soares MP. Ferritin heavy chain supports stability and function of the regulatory T cell lineage. EMBO J 2024; 43:1445-1483. [PMID: 38499786 PMCID: PMC11021483 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00064-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (TREG) cells develop via a program orchestrated by the transcription factor forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3). Maintenance of the TREG cell lineage relies on sustained FOXP3 transcription via a mechanism involving demethylation of cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG)-rich elements at conserved non-coding sequences (CNS) in the FOXP3 locus. This cytosine demethylation is catalyzed by the ten-eleven translocation (TET) family of dioxygenases, and it involves a redox reaction that uses iron (Fe) as an essential cofactor. Here, we establish that human and mouse TREG cells express Fe-regulatory genes, including that encoding ferritin heavy chain (FTH), at relatively high levels compared to conventional T helper cells. We show that FTH expression in TREG cells is essential for immune homeostasis. Mechanistically, FTH supports TET-catalyzed demethylation of CpG-rich sequences CNS1 and 2 in the FOXP3 locus, thereby promoting FOXP3 transcription and TREG cell stability. This process, which is essential for TREG lineage stability and function, limits the severity of autoimmune neuroinflammation and infectious diseases, and favors tumor progression. These findings suggest that the regulation of intracellular iron by FTH is a stable property of TREG cells that supports immune homeostasis and limits the pathological outcomes of immune-mediated inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wu
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
- International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ana Rita Carlos
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Centro de Ecologia, Evolução e Alterações Ambientais, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Faouzi Braza
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | | | | | | | - Eloy Cuadrado
- Department of Hematopoiesis and Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rui Martins
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | | | | | - Brendon P Scicluna
- Department of Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Mater Dei Hospital, and Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Jonathan Jm Landry
- Genomic Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ferris E Jung
- Genomic Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Mirko Peitzsch
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Manon Slot
- Department of Hematopoiesis and Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stamatia Rontogianni
- Department of Hematopoiesis and Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vanessa Ribeiro
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Centro de Ecologia, Evolução e Alterações Ambientais, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | | | - Sebastian Weis
- Department for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Institute for Infectious Disease and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll Institute-HKI, Jena, Germany
| | - Marco Groth
- Leibniz Institute on Aging-Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Cristina Ameneiro
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela-Health Research Institute (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Miguel Fidalgo
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela-Health Research Institute (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Fudi Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | | | - Derk Amsen
- Department of Hematopoiesis and Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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5
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Borna S, Meffre E, Bacchetta R. FOXP3 deficiency, from the mechanisms of the disease to curative strategies. Immunol Rev 2024; 322:244-258. [PMID: 37994657 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13289] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
FOXP3 gene is a key transcription factor driving immune tolerance and its deficiency causes immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy X-linked syndrome (IPEX), a prototypic primary immune regulatory disorder (PIRD) with defective regulatory T (Treg) cells. Although life-threatening, the increased awareness and early diagnosis have contributed to improved control of the disease. IPEX currently comprises a broad spectrum of clinical autoimmune manifestations from severe early onset organ involvement to moderate, recurrent manifestations. This review focuses on the mechanistic advancements that, since the IPEX discovery in early 2000, have informed the role of the human FOXP3+ Treg cells in controlling peripheral tolerance and shaping the overall immune landscape of IPEX patients and carrier mothers, contributing to defining new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Borna
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Eric Meffre
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Rosa Bacchetta
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine (CDCM), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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6
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Eggert J, Zinzow-Kramer WM, Hu Y, Kolawole EM, Tsai YL, Weiss A, Evavold BD, Salaita K, Scharer CD, Au-Yeung BB. Cbl-b mitigates the responsiveness of naive CD8 + T cells that experience extensive tonic T cell receptor signaling. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eadh0439. [PMID: 38319998 PMCID: PMC10897907 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adh0439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Naive T cells experience tonic T cell receptor (TCR) signaling in response to self-antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in secondary lymphoid organs. We investigated how relatively weak or strong tonic TCR signals influence naive CD8+ T cell responses to stimulation with foreign antigens. The heterogeneous expression of Nur77-GFP, a transgenic reporter of tonic TCR signaling, in naive CD8+ T cells suggests variable intensities or durations of tonic TCR signaling. Although the expression of genes associated with acutely stimulated T cells was increased in Nur77-GFPHI cells, these cells were hyporesponsive to agonist TCR stimulation compared with Nur77-GFPLO cells. This hyporesponsiveness manifested as diminished activation marker expression and decreased secretion of IFN-γ and IL-2. The protein abundance of the ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b, a negative regulator of TCR signaling, was greater in Nur77-GFPHI cells than in Nur77-GFPLO cells, and Cbl-b deficiency partially restored the responsiveness of Nur77-GFPHI cells. Our data suggest that the cumulative effects of previously experienced tonic TCR signaling recalibrate naive CD8+ T cell responsiveness. These changes include gene expression changes and negative regulation partially dependent on Cbl-b. This cell-intrinsic negative feedback loop may enable the immune system to restrain naive CD8+ T cells with higher self-reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Eggert
- Division of Immunology, Lowance Center for Human Immunology, Department of Medicine, Emory University; Atlanta, 30322, USA
| | - Wendy M. Zinzow-Kramer
- Division of Immunology, Lowance Center for Human Immunology, Department of Medicine, Emory University; Atlanta, 30322, USA
| | - Yuesong Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University; Atlanta, 30322, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Kolawole
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, 84112, USA
| | - Yuan-Li Tsai
- Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Departments of Medicine and of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, 94143, USA
| | - Arthur Weiss
- Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Departments of Medicine and of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, 94143, USA
| | - Brian D. Evavold
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, 84112, USA
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University; Atlanta, 30322, USA
| | | | - Byron B. Au-Yeung
- Division of Immunology, Lowance Center for Human Immunology, Department of Medicine, Emory University; Atlanta, 30322, USA
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Abstract
The thymus is an evolutionarily conserved organ that supports the development of T cells. Not only does the thymic environment support the rearrangement and expression of diverse T cell receptors but also provides a unique niche for the selection of appropriate T cell clones. Thymic selection ensures that the repertoire of available T cells is both useful (being MHC-restricted) and safe (being self-tolerant). The unique antigen-presentation features of the thymus ensure that the display of self-antigens is optimal to induce tolerance to all types of self-tissue. MHC class-specific functions of CD4+ T helper cells, CD8+ killer T cells and CD4+ regulatory T cells are also established in the thymus. Finally, the thymus provides signals for the development of several minor T cell subsets that promote immune and tissue homeostasis. This Review provides an introductory-level overview of our current understanding of the sophisticated thymic selection mechanisms that ensure T cells are useful and safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Maude Ashby
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Arias C, Sepúlveda P, Castillo RL, Salazar LA. Relationship between Hypoxic and Immune Pathways Activation in the Progression of Neuroinflammation: Role of HIF-1α and Th17 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043073. [PMID: 36834484 PMCID: PMC9964721 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a common event in degenerative diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, triggered by alterations in the immune system or inflammatory cascade. The pathophysiology of these disorders is multifactorial, whereby the therapy available has low clinical efficacy. This review propounds the relationship between the deregulation of T helper cells and hypoxia, mainly Th17 and HIF-1α molecular pathways, events that are involved in the occurrence of the neuroinflammation. The clinical expression of neuroinflammation is included in prevalent pathologies such as multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease, among others. In addition, therapeutic targets are analyzed in relation to the pathways that induced neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Consuelo Arias
- Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Odontología y Ciencias de la Rehabilitación, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago 7500922, Chile
| | - Paulina Sepúlveda
- Departamento de Ciencias Preclínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Rodrigo L. Castillo
- Departamento de Medicina Interna Oriente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7500922, Chile
| | - Luis A. Salazar
- Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Correspondence:
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Eggert J, Zinzow-Kramer WM, Hu Y, Tsai YL, Weiss A, Salaita K, Scharer CD, Au-Yeung BB. Accumulation of TCR signaling from self-antigens in naive CD8 T cells mitigates early responsiveness. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.27.525946. [PMID: 36747815 PMCID: PMC9900884 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.27.525946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The cumulative effects of T cell receptor (TCR) signal transduction over extended periods of time influences T cell biology, such as the positive selection of immature thymocytes or the proliferative responses of naive T cells. Naive T cells experience recurrent TCR signaling in response to self-antigens in the steady state. However, how these signals influence the responsiveness of naive CD8+ T cells to subsequent agonist TCR stimulation remains incompletely understood. We investigated how naive CD8+ T cells that experienced relatively low or high levels of TCR signaling in response to self-antigens respond to stimulation with foreign antigens. A transcriptional reporter of Nr4a1 (Nur77-GFP) revealed substantial heterogeneity of the amount of TCR signaling naive CD8+ T cells accumulate in the steady state. Nur77-GFPHI cells exhibited diminished T cell activation and secretion of IFNγ and IL-2 relative to Nur77-GFPLO cells in response to agonist TCR stimulation. Differential gene expression analyses revealed upregulation of genes associated with acutely stimulated T cells in Nur77-GFPHI cells but also increased expression of negative regulators such as the phosphatase Sts1. Responsiveness of Nur77-GFPHI cells to TCR stimulation was partially restored at the level of IFNγ secretion by deficiency of Sts1 or the ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b. Our data suggest that extensive accumulation of TCR signaling during steady state conditions induces a recalibration of the responsiveness of naive CD8+ T cells through gene expression changes and negative regulation, at least in part, dependent on Sts1 and Cbl-b. This cell-intrinsic negative feedback loop may allow the immune system to limit the autoreactive potential of highly self-reactive naive CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Eggert
- Division of Immunology, Lowance Center for Human Immunology, Department of Medicine, Emory University
| | - Wendy M. Zinzow-Kramer
- Division of Immunology, Lowance Center for Human Immunology, Department of Medicine, Emory University
| | - Yuesong Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University
| | - Yuan-Li Tsai
- Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Departments of Medicine and of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Arthur Weiss
- Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Departments of Medicine and of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco
| | | | | | - Byron B. Au-Yeung
- Division of Immunology, Lowance Center for Human Immunology, Department of Medicine, Emory University
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Heimli M, Flåm ST, Hjorthaug HS, Trinh D, Frisk M, Dumont KA, Ribarska T, Tekpli X, Saare M, Lie BA. Multimodal human thymic profiling reveals trajectories and cellular milieu for T agonist selection. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1092028. [PMID: 36741401 PMCID: PMC9895842 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1092028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
To prevent autoimmunity, thymocytes expressing self-reactive T cell receptors (TCRs) are negatively selected, however, divergence into tolerogenic, agonist selected lineages represent an alternative fate. As thymocyte development, selection, and lineage choices are dependent on spatial context and cell-to-cell interactions, we have performed Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by sequencing (CITE-seq) and spatial transcriptomics on paediatric human thymus. Thymocytes expressing markers of strong TCR signalling diverged from the conventional developmental trajectory prior to CD4+ or CD8+ lineage commitment, while markers of different agonist selected T cell populations (CD8αα(I), CD8αα(II), T(agonist), Treg(diff), and Treg) exhibited variable timing of induction. Expression profiles of chemokines and co-stimulatory molecules, together with spatial localisation, supported that dendritic cells, B cells, and stromal cells contribute to agonist selection, with different subsets influencing thymocytes at specific developmental stages within distinct spatial niches. Understanding factors influencing agonist T cells is needed to benefit from their immunoregulatory effects in clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marte Heimli
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siri Tennebø Flåm
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Don Trinh
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Michael Frisk
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,KG Jebsen Centre for Cardiac Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karl-Andreas Dumont
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Teodora Ribarska
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Xavier Tekpli
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mario Saare
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Benedicte Alexandra Lie
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,*Correspondence: Benedicte Alexandra Lie,
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11
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Ishina IA, Zakharova MY, Kurbatskaia IN, Mamedov AE, Belogurov AA, Gabibov AG. MHC Class II Presentation in Autoimmunity. Cells 2023; 12:314. [PMID: 36672249 PMCID: PMC9856717 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Antigen presentation by major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) molecules is crucial for eliciting an efficient immune response by CD4+ T cells and maintaining self-antigen tolerance. Some MHC-II alleles are known to be positively or negatively associated with the risk of the development of different autoimmune diseases (ADs), including those characterized by the emergence of autoreactive T cells. Apparently, the MHC-II presentation of self-antigens contributes to the autoimmune T cell response, initiated through a breakdown of central tolerance to self-antigens in the thymus. The appearance of autoreactive T cell might be the result of (i) the unusual interaction between T cell receptors (TCRs) and self-antigens presented on MHC-II; (ii) the posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of self-antigens; (iii) direct loading of the self-antigen to classical MHC-II without additional nonclassical MHC assistance; (iv) the proinflammatory environment effect on MHC-II expression and antigen presentation; and (v) molecular mimicry between foreign and self-antigens. The peculiarities of the processes involved in the MHC-II-mediated presentation may have crucial importance in the elucidation of the mechanisms of triggering and developing ADs as well as for clarification on the protective effect of MHC-II alleles that are negatively associated with ADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina A. Ishina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Y. Zakharova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Inna N. Kurbatskaia
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Azad E. Mamedov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey A. Belogurov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, 127473 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander G. Gabibov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Life Sciences, Higher School of Economics, 101000 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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12
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Zhang M, Zhang X. T cells in ocular autoimmune uveitis: Pathways and therapeutic approaches. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 114:109565. [PMID: 36535124 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune uveitis is a non-infectious intraocular condition that affects the uveal tract of the eye and threatens vision if not treated properly. Increasing evidence suggests that activated CD4+ T cells are associated with progressive and permanent destruction of photoreceptors in ocular autoimmune diseases. As such, the purpose of this review is to offer an overview of the role of CD4+ T cells in autoimmune uveitis as well as a justification for the current development and assessment of innovative autoimmune uveitis medications targeting CD4+ T cells. With an emphasis on T helper (Th)17, Th1, and Th2 cells, follicular helper CD4+ T cells, and regulatory T cells, this review presents a summary of recent research related to the pathways and signaling that encourage CD4+ T cells to develop into specialized effector cells. We also describe immunotherapeutic approaches based on CD4+ T cell subsets and their potential as therapeutic agents for autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China.
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13
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Yi J, Miller AT, Archambault AS, Jones AJ, Bradstreet TR, Bandla S, Hsu YS, Edelson BT, Zhou YW, Fremont DH, Egawa T, Singh N, Wu GF, Hsieh CS. Antigen-specific depletion of CD4 + T cells by CAR T cells reveals distinct roles of higher- and lower-affinity TCRs during autoimmunity. Sci Immunol 2022; 7:eabo0777. [PMID: 36206355 PMCID: PMC9867937 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abo0777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Both higher- and lower-affinity self-reactive CD4+ T cells are expanded in autoimmunity; however, their individual contribution to disease remains unclear. We addressed this question using peptide-MHCII chimeric antigen receptor (pMHCII-CAR) T cells to specifically deplete peptide-reactive T cells in mice. Integration of improvements in CAR engineering with TCR repertoire analysis was critical for interrogating in vivo the role of TCR affinity in autoimmunity. Our original MOG35-55 pMHCII-CAR, which targeted only higher-affinity TCRs, could prevent the induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, pMHCII-CAR enhancements to pMHCII stability, as well as increased survivability via overexpression of a dominant-negative Fas, were required to target lower-affinity MOG-specific T cells and reverse ongoing clinical EAE. Thus, these data suggest a model in which higher-affinity autoreactive T cells are required to provide the "activation energy" for initiating neuroinflammatory injury, but lower-affinity cells are sufficient to maintain ongoing disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeu Yi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Co-first authors
| | - Aidan T. Miller
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Co-first authors
| | - Angela S. Archambault
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Andrew J. Jones
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Tara R. Bradstreet
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sravanthi Bandla
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Yu-Sung Hsu
- Division of Oncology, Section of Stem Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63105, USA
| | - Brian T. Edelson
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - You W. Zhou
- Wugen Inc, 4340 Duncan Ave, St Louis MO 63110, USA
| | - Daved H. Fremont
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Takeshi Egawa
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Nathan Singh
- Division of Oncology, Section of Stem Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63105, USA
| | - Gregory F. Wu
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Correspondence: and
| | - Chyi-Song Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Correspondence: and
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14
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Semwal MK, Hester AK, Xiao Y, Udeaja C, Cepeda S, Verschelde JS, Jones N, Wedemeyer SA, Emtage S, Wimberly K, Griffith AV. Redox status regulates autophagy in thymic stromal cells and promotes T cell tolerance. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2204296119. [PMID: 36161925 PMCID: PMC9549397 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204296119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic stromal cells (TSCs) are critical regulators of T cell tolerance, but their basic biology has remained under-characterized because they are relatively rare and difficult to isolate. Recent work has revealed that constitutive autophagy in TSCs is required for self-antigen presentation and central T cell tolerance induction; however, the mechanisms regulating constitutive autophagy in TSCs are not well understood. Hydrogen peroxide has been shown to increase autophagy flux in other tissues, and we previously identified conspicuously low expression of the hydrogen peroxide-quenching enzyme catalase in TSCs. We investigated whether the redox status of TSCs established by low catalase expression regulates their basal autophagy levels and their capacity to impose central T cell tolerance. Transgenic overexpression of catalase diminished autophagy in TSCs and impaired thymocyte clonal deletion, concomitant with increased frequencies of spontaneous lymphocytic infiltrates in lung and liver and of serum antinuclear antigen reactivity. Effects on clonal deletion and autoimmune indicators were diminished in catalase transgenic mice when autophagy was rescued by expression of the Becn1F121A/F121A knock-in allele. These results suggest a metabolic mechanism by which the redox status of TSCs may regulate central T cell tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manpreet K. Semwal
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Allison K. Hester
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
- Department of Medicine, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Yangming Xiao
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Chioma Udeaja
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Sergio Cepeda
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - John S. Verschelde
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Nicholas Jones
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Sarah A. Wedemeyer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Simon Emtage
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Kymberly Wimberly
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Ann V. Griffith
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
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15
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Raveney BJE, El‐Darawish Y, Sato W, Arinuma Y, Yamaoka K, Hori S, Yamamura T, Oki S. Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) expression distinguishes self-reactive helper T cells in systemic autoimmune disease. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e15864. [PMID: 36069030 PMCID: PMC9549730 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202215864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic T helper cells (Th cells) that respond to self-antigen cannot be easily distinguished from beneficial Th cells. These cells can generate systemic autoimmune disease in response to widely expressed self-antigens. In this study, we have identified neuropilin-1 (NRP1) as a cell surface marker of self-reactive Th cells. NRP1+ Th cells, absent in non-regulatory T cell subsets in normal mice, appeared in models of systemic autoimmune disease and strongly correlated with disease symptoms. NRP1+ Th cells were greatly reduced in Nr4a2 cKO mice, which have reduced self-reactive responses but showed normal responses against exogenous antigens. Transfer of NRP1+ Th cells was sufficient to initiate or accelerate systemic autoimmune disease, and targeting NRP1-expressing Th cells therapeutically ameliorated SLE-like autoimmune symptoms in BXSB-Yaa mice. Peripheral NRP1+ Th cells were significantly increased in human SLE patients. Our data suggest that self-reactive Th cells can be phenotypically distinguished within the Th cell pool. These findings offer a novel approach to identify self-reactive Th cells and target them to treat systemic autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben JE Raveney
- Department of ImmunologyNational Institute of NeuroscienceTokyoJapan
| | - Yosif El‐Darawish
- Department of ImmunologyNational Institute of NeuroscienceTokyoJapan
| | - Wakiro Sato
- Department of ImmunologyNational Institute of NeuroscienceTokyoJapan
| | - Yoshiyuki Arinuma
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious DiseasesKitasato University School of MedicineSagamiharaJapan
| | - Kunihiro Yamaoka
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious DiseasesKitasato University School of MedicineSagamiharaJapan
| | - Shohei Hori
- Laboratory for Immunology and MicrobiologyGraduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Takashi Yamamura
- Department of ImmunologyNational Institute of NeuroscienceTokyoJapan
| | - Shinji Oki
- Department of ImmunologyNational Institute of NeuroscienceTokyoJapan
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16
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Benlaribi R, Gou Q, Takaba H. Thymic self-antigen expression for immune tolerance and surveillance. Inflamm Regen 2022; 42:28. [PMID: 36056452 PMCID: PMC9440513 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-022-00211-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells are a group of lymphocytes that play a central role in the immune system, notably, eliminating pathogens and attacking cancer while being tolerant of the self. Elucidating how immune tolerance is ensured has become a significant research issue for understanding the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases as well as cancer immunity. T cell immune tolerance is established mainly in the thymic medulla by the removal of self-responsive T cells and the generation of regulatory T cells, this process depends mainly on the expression of a variety of tissue restricted antigens (TRAs) by medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs). The expression of TRAs is known to be regulated by at least two independent factors, Fezf2 and Aire, which play non-redundant and complementary roles by different mechanisms. In this review, we introduce the molecular logic of thymic self-antigen expression that underlies T cell selection for the prevention of autoimmunity and the establishment of immune surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayene Benlaribi
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Qiao Gou
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Takaba
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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17
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Ciapă MA, Șalaru DL, Stătescu C, Sascău RA, Bogdănici CM. Optic Neuritis in Multiple Sclerosis—A Review of Molecular Mechanisms Involved in the Degenerative Process. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:3959-3979. [PMID: 36135184 PMCID: PMC9497878 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44090272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating disease with a wide range of clinical symptoms, ocular involvement being frequently marked by the presence of optic neuritis (ON). The emergence and progression of ON in multiple sclerosis is based on various pathophysiological mechanisms, disease progression being secondary to inflammation, demyelination, or axonal degeneration. Early identification of changes associated with axonal degeneration or further investigation of the molecular processes underlying remyelination are current concerns of researchers in the field in view of the associated therapeutic potential. This article aims to review and summarize the scientific literature related to the main molecular mechanisms involved in defining ON as well as to analyze existing data in the literature on remyelination strategies in ON and their impact on long-term prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Delia Lidia Șalaru
- Cardiology Clinic, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 700503 Iași, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Cristian Stătescu
- Cardiology Clinic, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 700503 Iași, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Radu Andy Sascău
- Cardiology Clinic, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 700503 Iași, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Camelia Margareta Bogdănici
- Department of Surgical Specialties (II), University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Saint Spiridon Hospital, Iași 700111, Romania
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18
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Mark M, Reich-Zeliger S, Greenstein E, Reshef D, Madi A, Chain B, Friedman N. A hierarchy of selection pressures determines the organization of the T cell receptor repertoire. Front Immunol 2022; 13:939394. [PMID: 35967295 PMCID: PMC9372880 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.939394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We systematically examine the receptor repertoire in T cell subsets in young, adult, and LCMV-infected mice. Somatic recombination generates diversity, resulting in the limited overlap between nucleotide sequences of different repertoires even within the same individual. However, statistical features of the repertoire, quantified by the V gene and CDR3 k-mer frequency distributions, are highly conserved. A hierarchy of immunological processes drives the evolution of this structure. Intra-thymic divergence of CD4+ and CD8+ lineages imposes subtle but dominant differences observed across repertoires of all subpopulations in both young and adult mice. Differentiation from naive through memory to effector phenotype imposes an additional gradient of repertoire diversification, which is further influenced by age in a complex and lineage-dependent manner. The distinct repertoire of CD4+ regulatory T cells is more similar to naive cells in young mice and to effectors in adults. Finally, we describe divergent (naive and memory) and convergent (CD8+ effector) evolution of the repertoire following acute infection with LCMV. This study presents a quantitative framework that captures the structure of the repertoire in terms of its fundamental statistical properties and describes how this structure evolves as individual T cells differentiate, migrate and mature in response to antigen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Mark
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- *Correspondence: Michal Mark, ; Benny Chain,
| | | | - Erez Greenstein
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dan Reshef
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Asaf Madi
- Department of Pathology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Benny Chain
- Department of Computer Science, University College London, UCL, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Michal Mark, ; Benny Chain,
| | - Nir Friedman
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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19
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Jiang Z, Wu C. Reciprocal Interactions Between Regulatory T Cells and Intestinal Epithelial Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:951339. [PMID: 35860233 PMCID: PMC9289291 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.951339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been well established that Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) play a crucial role for immune repression and tolerance, protecting the body from autoimmunity and inflammation. Previous studies indicate that intestinal Treg cells are one specialized population of Treg cells, distinct from those in other organ compartments, both functionally and phenotypically. Specific external and internal signals, particularly the presence of microbiota, shape these Treg cells to better cooperate with the gut ecosystem, controlling intestinal physiology. The integrity of intestinal epithelial barrier represents a key feature of gut immune tolerance, which can be regulated by multiple factors. Emerging evidence suggests that bidirectional interactions between gut epithelium and resident T cells significantly contribute to intestinal barrier function. Understanding how Treg cells regulate intestinal barrier integrity provides insights into immune tolerance-mediated mucosal homeostasis, which can further illuminate potential therapeutic strategies for treating inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Jiang
- Sun-Yat Sen University, School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiqiang Jiang, ; Chuan Wu,
| | - Chuan Wu
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Zhiqiang Jiang, ; Chuan Wu,
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20
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Wang C, Daley SR. How Thymocyte Deletion in the Cortex May Curtail Antigen-Specific T-Regulatory Cell Development in the Medulla. Front Immunol 2022; 13:892498. [PMID: 35693793 PMCID: PMC9176388 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.892498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+ T cell responses to self-antigens are pivotal for immunological self-tolerance. Activation of Foxp3– T-conventional (T-conv) cells can precipitate autoimmune disease, whereas activation of Foxp3+ T-regulatory (T-reg) cells is essential to prevent autoimmune disease. This distinction indicates the importance of the thymus in controlling the differentiation of self-reactive CD4+ T cells. Thymocytes and thymic antigen-presenting cells (APC) depend on each other for normal maturation and differentiation. In this Hypothesis and Theory article, we propose this mutual dependence dictates which self-antigens induce T-reg cell development in the thymic medulla. We postulate self-reactive CD4+ CD8– thymocytes deliver signals that stabilize and amplify the presentation of their cognate self-antigen by APC in the thymic medulla, thereby seeding a niche for the development of T-reg cells specific for the same self-antigen. By limiting the number of antigen-specific CD4+ thymocytes in the medulla, thymocyte deletion in the cortex may impede the formation of medullary T-reg niches containing certain self-antigens. Susceptibility to autoimmune disease may arise from cortical deletion creating a “hole” in the self-antigen repertoire recognized by T-reg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Wang
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephen R Daley
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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21
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Huseby ES, Teixeiro E. The perception and response of T cells to a changing environment are based on the law of initial value. Sci Signal 2022; 15:eabj9842. [PMID: 35639856 PMCID: PMC9290192 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abj9842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
αβ T cells are critical components of the adaptive immune system and are capable of inducing sterilizing immunity after pathogen infection and eliminating transformed tumor cells. The development and function of T cells are controlled through the T cell antigen receptor, which recognizes peptides displayed on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Here, we review how T cells generate the ability to recognize self-peptide-bound MHC molecules and use signals derived from these interactions to instruct cellular development, activation thresholds, and functional specialization in the steady state and during immune responses. We argue that the basic tenants of T cell development and function follow Weber-Fetcher's law of just noticeable differences and Wilder's law of initial value. Together, these laws argue that the ability of a system to respond and the quality of that response are scalable to the basal state of that system. Manifestation of these laws in T cells generates clone-specific activation thresholds that are based on perceivable differences between homeostasis and pathogen encounter (self versus nonself discrimination), as well as poised states for subsequent differentiation into specific effector cell lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric S. Huseby
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Emma Teixeiro
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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22
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Jing Y, Kong Y, McGinty J, Blahnik-Fagan G, Lee T, Orozco-Figueroa S, Bettini ML, James EA, Bettini M. T-Cell Receptor/HLA Humanized Mice Reveal Reduced Tolerance and Increased Immunogenicity of Posttranslationally Modified GAD65 Epitope. Diabetes 2022; 71:1012-1022. [PMID: 35179565 PMCID: PMC9044133 DOI: 10.2337/db21-0993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence supports a critical role for posttranslationally modified (PTM) islet neoantigens in type 1 diabetes. However, our understanding regarding thymic development and peripheral activation of PTM autoantigen-reactive T cells is still limited. Using HLA-DR4 humanized mice, we observed that deamidation of GAD65115-127 generates a more immunogenic epitope that recruits T cells with promiscuous recognition of both the deamidated and native epitopes and reduced frequency of regulatory T cells. Using humanized HLA/T-cell receptor (TCR) mice, we observed that TCRs reactive to the native or deamidated GAD65115-127 led to efficient development of CD4+ effector T cells; however, regulatory T-cell development was reduced in mice expressing the PTM-reactive TCR, which was partially restored with exogenous PTM peptide. Upon priming, both the native-specific and the deamidated-specific T cells accumulated in pancreatic islets, suggesting that both specificities can recognize endogenous GAD65 and contribute to anti-β-cell responses. Collectively, our observations in polyclonal and single TCR systems suggest that while effector T-cell responses can exhibit cross-reactivity between native and deamidated GAD65 epitopes, regulatory T-cell development is reduced in response to the deamidated epitope, pointing to regulatory T-cell development as a key mechanism for loss of tolerance to PTM antigenic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Jing
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
- Section of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Yuelin Kong
- Section of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - John McGinty
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Thomas Lee
- Section of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Stephanie Orozco-Figueroa
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Matthew L. Bettini
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
- Section of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Eddie A. James
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, WA
| | - Maria Bettini
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
- Section of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX
- Corresponding author: Maria Bettini,
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23
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Lisovska N. Multilevel mechanism of immune checkpoint inhibitor action in solid tumors: History, present issues and future development (Review). Oncol Lett 2022; 23:190. [PMID: 35527781 PMCID: PMC9073577 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors (antibodies that target and block immune checkpoints in the tumor microenvironment) is included in the standard of care for patients with different types of malignancy, such as melanoma, renal cell and urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer etc. The introduction of this new immunotherapy has altered the view on potential targets for treatment of solid tumors from tumor cells themselves to their immune microenvironment; this has led to a reconsideration of the mechanisms of tumor-associated immunity. However, only a subset of patients benefit from immunotherapy and patient response is often unpredictable, even with known initial levels of prognostic markers; the biomarkers for favorable response are still being investigated. Mechanisms of immune checkpoint inhibitors efficiency, as well as the origins of treatment failure, require further investigation. From a clinical standpoint, discrepancies between the theoretical explanation of inhibitors of immune checkpoint actions at the cellular level and their deployment at a tissue/organ level impede the effective clinical implementation of novel immune therapy. The present review assessed existing experimental and clinical data on functional activity of inhibitors of immune checkpoints to provide a more comprehensive picture of their mechanisms of action on a cellular and higher levels of biological organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya Lisovska
- Chemotherapy Department, Center of Oncology, ‘Cyber Clinic of Spizhenko’, Kapitanovka, Kyiv 08112, Ukraine
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24
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Tan J, Taitz J, Sun SM, Langford L, Ni D, Macia L. Your Regulatory T Cells Are What You Eat: How Diet and Gut Microbiota Affect Regulatory T Cell Development. Front Nutr 2022; 9:878382. [PMID: 35529463 PMCID: PMC9067578 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.878382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern industrial practices have transformed the human diet over the last century, increasing the consumption of processed foods. Dietary imbalance of macro- and micro-nutrients and excessive caloric intake represent significant risk factors for various inflammatory disorders. Increased ingestion of food additives, residual contaminants from agricultural practices, food processing, and packaging can also contribute deleteriously to disease development. One common hallmark of inflammatory disorders, such as autoimmunity and allergies, is the defect in anti-inflammatory regulatory T cell (Treg) development and/or function. Treg represent a highly heterogeneous population of immunosuppressive immune cells contributing to peripheral tolerance. Tregs either develop in the thymus from autoreactive thymocytes, or in the periphery, from naïve CD4+ T cells, in response to environmental antigens and cues. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that various dietary factors can directly regulate Treg development. These dietary factors can also indirectly modulate Treg differentiation by altering the gut microbiota composition and thus the production of bacterial metabolites. This review provides an overview of Treg ontogeny, both thymic and peripherally differentiated, and highlights how diet and gut microbiota can regulate Treg development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Tan
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jemma Taitz
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shir Ming Sun
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lachlan Langford
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Duan Ni
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Laurence Macia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Cytometry, The University of Sydney and The Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Laurence Macia
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25
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Tang M, Jia F, Nan F, Zuo F, Yuan Z, Zhang D. Role of Cytokines in Thymic Regulatory T Cell Generation: Overview and Updates. Front Immunol 2022; 13:883560. [PMID: 35432378 PMCID: PMC9008509 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.883560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Regulatory (Treg) T cells are mainly generated within the thymus. However, the mechanism of thymic Treg cell (tTreg cell) generation remains to be fully revealed. Although the functions of TCR/CD28 co-stimulation have been widely accepted, the functions of cytokines in the generation of tTreg cells remain highly controversial. In this review, we summarize the existing studies on cytokine regulation of tTreg cell generation. By integrating the key findings of cytokines in tTreg cell generation, we have concluded that four members of γc family cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-7 and IL-15), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and three members of TNF superfamily cytokines (GITRL, OX40L and TNF-α) play vitally important roles in regulating tTreg cell generation. We also point out all disputed points and highlight critical scientific questions that need to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Tang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fuya Jia
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Nan
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fengqiong Zuo
- Department of Immunology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dunfang Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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26
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Krovi SH, Loh L, Spengler A, Brunetti T, Gapin L. Current insights in mouse iNKT and MAIT cell development using single cell transcriptomics data. Semin Immunol 2022; 60:101658. [PMID: 36182863 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Innate T (Tinn) cells are a collection of T cells with important regulatory functions that have a crucial role in immunity towards tumors, bacteria, viruses, and in cell-mediated autoimmunity. In mice, the two main αβ Tinn cell subsets include the invariant NKT (iNKT) cells that recognize glycolipid antigens presented by non-polymorphic CD1d molecules and the mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells that recognize vitamin B metabolites presented by the non-polymorphic MR1 molecules. Due to their ability to promptly secrete large quantities of cytokines either after T cell antigen receptor (TCR) activation or upon exposure to tissue- and antigen-presenting cell-derived cytokines, Tinn cells are thought to act as a bridge between the innate and adaptive immune systems and have the ability to shape the overall immune response. Their swift response reflects the early acquisition of helper effector programs during their development in the thymus, independently of pathogen exposure and prior to taking up residence in peripheral tissues. Several studies recently profiled, in an unbiased manner, the transcriptomes of mouse thymic iNKT and MAIT cells at the single cell level. Based on these data, we re-examine in this review how Tinn cells develop in the mouse thymus and undergo effector differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liyen Loh
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | | | - Tonya Brunetti
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Laurent Gapin
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA.
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27
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Mucosal tissue regulatory T cells are integral in balancing immunity and tolerance at portals of antigen entry. Mucosal Immunol 2022; 15:398-407. [PMID: 34845322 PMCID: PMC8628059 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-021-00471-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subset of CD4+ T cells that exert suppressive control over other immune cells. Tregs are critical for preventing systemic autoimmunity and maintaining peripheral tolerance, and yet they also assist in orchestration of immunity to pathogenic insult, wherein they limit collateral immunopathology and assist in facilitating a fine balance between immune tolerance and effector activity. Tregs have been extensively studied in lymphoid tissues, and a growing body of work has characterized phenotypically distinct Tregs localized in various nonlymphoid tissue compartments. These tissue Tregs can perform location-specific, alternative functions, highlighting their dynamic, context-dependent roles. Tregs have also been identified in mucosal tissues where specialized physiological functions are paramount, including helping the host to respond appropriately to pathogenic versus innocuous antigens that are abundant at mucosal portals of antigen entry. As in other tissue Treg compartments, mucosal Tregs in the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts are distinct from circulating counterparts and can carry out mucosa-specific functions as well as classic suppressive functions that are the hallmark of Tregs. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding mucosal Tregs in both health and disease.
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28
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Laghmouchi A, Graça NAG, Voorberg J. Emerging Concepts in Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. Front Immunol 2021; 12:757192. [PMID: 34858410 PMCID: PMC8631936 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.757192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is an autoimmune disorder of which the etiology is not fully understood. Autoantibodies targeting ADAMTS13 in iTTP patients have extensively been studied, the immunological mechanisms leading to the breach of tolerance remain to be uncovered. This review addresses the current knowledge on genetic factors associated with the development of iTTP and the interplay between the patient’s immune system and environmental factors in the induction of autoimmunity against ADAMTS13. HLA-DRB1*11 has been identified as a risk factor for iTTP in the Caucasian population. Interestingly, HLA-DRB1*08:03 was recently identified as a risk factor in the Japanese population. Combined in vitro and in silico MHC class II peptide presentation approaches suggest that an ADAMTS13-derived peptide may bind to both HLA-DRB1*11 and HLA-DRB1*08:03 through different anchor-residues. It is apparent that iTTP is associated with the presence of infectious microorganisms, viruses being the most widely associated with development of iTTP. Infections may potentially lead to loss of tolerance resulting in the shift from immune homeostasis to autoimmunity. In the model we propose in this review, infections disrupt the epithelial barriers in the gut or lung, promoting exposure of antigen presenting cells in the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue to the microorganisms. This may result in breach of tolerance through the presentation of microorganism-derived peptides that are homologous to ADAMTS13 on risk alleles for iTTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aicha Laghmouchi
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin-Academic Medical Center Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nuno A G Graça
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin-Academic Medical Center Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jan Voorberg
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin-Academic Medical Center Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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29
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Shevyrev D, Tereshchenko V, Kozlov V. Immune Equilibrium Depends on the Interaction Between Recognition and Presentation Landscapes. Front Immunol 2021; 12:706136. [PMID: 34394106 PMCID: PMC8362327 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.706136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we described the structure and organization of antigen-recognizing repertoires of B and T cells from the standpoint of modern immunology. We summarized the latest advances in bioinformatics analysis of sequencing data from T and B cell repertoires and also presented contemporary ideas about the mechanisms of clonal diversity formation at different stages of organism development. At the same time, we focused on the importance of the allelic variants of the HLA genes and spectra of presented antigens for the formation of T-cell receptors (TCR) landscapes. The main idea of this review is that immune equilibrium and proper functioning of immunity are highly dependent on the interaction between the recognition and the presentation landscapes of antigens. Certain changes in these landscapes can occur during life, which can affect the protective function of adaptive immunity. We described some mechanisms associated with these changes, for example, the conversion of effector cells into regulatory cells and vice versa due to the trans-differentiation or bystander effect, changes in the clonal organization of the general TCR repertoire due to homeostatic proliferation or aging, and the background for the altered presentation of some antigens due to SNP mutations of MHC, or the alteration of the presenting antigens due to post-translational modifications. The authors suggest that such alterations can lead to an increase in the risk of the development of oncological and autoimmune diseases and influence the sensitivity of the organism to different infectious agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniil Shevyrev
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunopathology, Research Institute for Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Valeriy Tereshchenko
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute for Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Vladimir Kozlov
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunopathology, Research Institute for Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, Novosibirsk, Russia
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30
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Liu X, Tian N, Huang Q, Xu Z, Cheng H, Liu X, Li D, Liang R, Li B, Dai X. hnRNPA1 enhances FOXP3 stability to promote the differentiation and functions of regulatory T cells. FEBS Lett 2021; 595:1962-1974. [PMID: 34080184 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are indispensable for the maintenance of immunological self-tolerance and homeostasis. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1) is required for optimal Treg induction. Here, we reveal that human-induced Tregs (iTregs) lacking hnRNPA1 show reduced expression of the transcription factor FOXP3, increased ubiquitination level of FOXP3, and impaired suppressive abilities. Human naïve CD4 T cells with hnRNPA1 knockdown show a decreased Treg differentiation ratio. hnRNPA1 could interact with FOXP3 as well as with the E3 ligase Stub1. The phosphorylation at hnRNPA1 S199 could increase both interactions. The overexpression of FOXP3 in Tregs containing shhnRNPA1 could not recover the phenotype caused by hnRNPA1 knockdown. Therefore, there might be multiple essential pathways regulated by hnRNPA1 in Tregs. In conclusion, we present a new role of hnRNPA1 in promoting Treg function, indicating it as a promising target for tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology & Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Na Tian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, China
| | - Qianru Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology & Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Zhan Xu
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology & Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Hao Cheng
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology & Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Xinnan Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology & Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Dan Li
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology & Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Rui Liang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology & Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Bin Li
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology & Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Xueyu Dai
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology & Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
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31
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This S, Valbon SF, Lebel MÈ, Melichar HJ. Strength and Numbers: The Role of Affinity and Avidity in the 'Quality' of T Cell Tolerance. Cells 2021; 10:1530. [PMID: 34204485 PMCID: PMC8234061 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of T cells to identify foreign antigens and mount an efficient immune response while limiting activation upon recognition of self and self-associated peptides is critical. Multiple tolerance mechanisms work in concert to prevent the generation and activation of self-reactive T cells. T cell tolerance is tightly regulated, as defects in these processes can lead to devastating disease; a wide variety of autoimmune diseases and, more recently, adverse immune-related events associated with checkpoint blockade immunotherapy have been linked to a breakdown in T cell tolerance. The quantity and quality of antigen receptor signaling depend on a variety of parameters that include T cell receptor affinity and avidity for peptide. Autoreactive T cell fate choices (e.g., deletion, anergy, regulatory T cell development) are highly dependent on the strength of T cell receptor interactions with self-peptide. However, less is known about how differences in the strength of T cell receptor signaling during differentiation influences the 'function' and persistence of anergic and regulatory T cell populations. Here, we review the literature on this subject and discuss the clinical implications of how T cell receptor signal strength influences the 'quality' of anergic and regulatory T cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien This
- Centre de Recherche de l’Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada; (S.T.); (S.F.V.); (M.-È.L.)
- Département de Microbiologie, Immunologie et Infectiologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Stefanie F. Valbon
- Centre de Recherche de l’Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada; (S.T.); (S.F.V.); (M.-È.L.)
- Département de Microbiologie, Immunologie et Infectiologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Lebel
- Centre de Recherche de l’Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada; (S.T.); (S.F.V.); (M.-È.L.)
| | - Heather J. Melichar
- Centre de Recherche de l’Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada; (S.T.); (S.F.V.); (M.-È.L.)
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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32
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Diverse functions and mechanisms of regulatory T cell in ischemic stroke. Exp Neurol 2021; 343:113782. [PMID: 34116055 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The inflammatory and immune processes are key pathophysiological processes in the ischemic stroke, including leukocyte infiltration and destruction of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB), which further lead to increased post-ischemic inflammation. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specific subset of T lymphocytes that play a pivotal role in suppressing the activation of immune system, maintaining immune homeostasis, and regulating inflammation induced by pathogens and environmental toxins. We would like to discuss the paradox function of Tregs in ischemic stroke. The accumulating data indicate that Tregs are involved in the immune regulation and self-tolerance after ischemic stroke, contributing the outcome of ischemic stroke. Tregs could resist immune response overactivation, and were supposed to be the endogenous regulatory factors to control the immune response of ischemic brain. Although, there are still some controversies and unresolved issues about the functions and mechanisms of Tregs in ischemic stroke. More and more attention has been paid to Tregs in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke and it might be a potential therapeutic target in the future. In this review, we will summarize the recent findings on the specific functions and mechanisms of Tregs and discuss its potential therapeutic role in ischemic stroke.
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33
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Fulford TS, Grumont R, Wirasinha RC, Ellis D, Barugahare A, Turner SJ, Naeem H, Powell D, Lyons PA, Smith KGC, Scheer S, Zaph C, Klein U, Daley SR, Gerondakis S. c-Rel employs multiple mechanisms to promote the thymic development and peripheral function of regulatory T cells in mice. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:2006-2026. [PMID: 33960413 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The NF-κB transcription factor c-Rel is a critical regulator of Treg ontogeny, controlling multiple points of the stepwise developmental pathway. Here, we found that the thymic Treg defect in c-Rel-deficient (cRel-/- ) mice is quantitative, not qualitative, based on analyses of TCR repertoire and TCR signaling strength. However, these parameters are altered in the thymic Treg-precursor population, which is also markedly diminished in cRel-/- mice. Moreover, c-Rel governs the transcriptional programme of both thymic and peripheral Tregs, controlling a core of genes involved with immune signaling, and separately in the periphery, cell cycle progression. Last, the immune suppressive function of peripheral cRel-/- tTregs is diminished in a lymphopenic model of T cell proliferation and is associated with decreased stability of Foxp3 expression. Collectively, we show that c-Rel is a transcriptional regulator that controls multiple aspects of Treg development, differentiation, and function via distinct mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas S Fulford
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Raelene Grumont
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rushika C Wirasinha
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Darcy Ellis
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adele Barugahare
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Monash Bioinformatics Platform, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen J Turner
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Haroon Naeem
- Monash Bioinformatics Platform, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Powell
- Monash Bioinformatics Platform, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul A Lyons
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK.,Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - Kenneth G C Smith
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK.,Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - Sebastian Scheer
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Colby Zaph
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ulf Klein
- Division of Haematology & Immunology, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 7TF
| | - Stephen R Daley
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Steve Gerondakis
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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34
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Klawon DEJ, Gilmore DC, Leonard JD, Miller CH, Chao JL, Walker MT, Duncombe RK, Tung KS, Adams EJ, Savage PA. Altered selection on a single self-ligand promotes susceptibility to organ-specific T cell infiltration. J Exp Med 2021; 218:212038. [PMID: 33914024 PMCID: PMC8091134 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20200701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
For the large array of self-peptide/MHC class II (pMHC-II) complexes displayed in the body, it is unclear whether CD4+ T cell tolerance must be imparted for each individual complex or whether pMHC-II–nonspecific bystander mechanisms are sufficient to confer tolerance by acting broadly on T cells reactive to multiple self-pMHC-II ligands. Here, via reconstitution of T cell–deficient mice, we demonstrate that altered T cell selection on a single prostate-specific self-pMHC-II ligand renders recipient mice susceptible to prostate-specific T cell infiltration. Mechanistically, this self-pMHC-II complex is required for directing antigen-specific cells into the Foxp3+ regulatory T cell lineage but does not induce clonal deletion to a measurable extent. Thus, our data demonstrate that polyclonal T reg cells are unable to functionally compensate for a breach in tolerance to a single self-pMHC-II complex in this setting, revealing vulnerabilities in antigen-nonspecific bystander mechanisms of immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dana C Gilmore
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - John D Leonard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Jaime L Chao
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Ryan K Duncombe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Kenneth S Tung
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Erin J Adams
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Peter A Savage
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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35
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Thomas R, Oh J, Wang W, Su DM. Thymic atrophy creates holes in Treg-mediated immuno-regulation via impairment of an antigen-specific clone. Immunology 2021; 163:478-492. [PMID: 33786850 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related thymic atrophy results in reduced output of naïve conventional T (Tcon) cells. However, its impact on regulatory T (Treg) cells is insufficiently understood. Given evidence that thymic Treg (tTreg) cell generation is enhanced in the aged, atrophy thymus and that the aged periphery accumulates peripheral Treg (pTreg) cells, we asked why these Treg cells are unable to effectively attenuate increased autoreactivity-induced chronic inflammation in the elderly. We designed a mock-self-antigen chimera mouse model, in which membrane-bound ovalbumin (mOVA) transgenic mice, bearing a FoxN1-floxed gene for induction of conditional thymic atrophy, received OVA-specific (OT-II) T-cell receptor (TCR) transgenic progenitor cells. The chimeric mice with thymic atrophy exhibited a significant decrease in OVA-specific tTreg and pTreg cells but not polyclonal (pan)-Treg cells. These OVA-specific pTreg cells were significantly less able to suppress OVA-specific stimulation-induced proliferation in vitro and exhibited lower FoxP3 expression. Additionally, we conducted preliminary TCR repertoire diversity sequencing for Treg cells among recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) from RagGFP -FoxP3RFP dual-reporter mice and observed a trend for decreased diversity in mice with thymic atrophy compared to littermates with normal thymus. These data indicate that although the effects of age-related thymic atrophy do not affect pan-Treg generation, certain tissue-specific Treg clones may experience abnormal agonist selection. This, combined with enhanced pan-pTreg cells, may greatly contribute to age-related chronic inflammation, even in the absence of acute autoimmune disease in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Thomas
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Jiyoung Oh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Weikan Wang
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Dong-Ming Su
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
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36
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Zhang Q, Liang Z, Zhang J, Lei T, Dong X, Su H, Chen Y, Zhang Z, Tan L, Zhao Y. Sirt6 Regulates the Development of Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cells and Contributes to the Establishment of Central Immune Tolerance. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:655552. [PMID: 33869219 PMCID: PMC8044826 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.655552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although some advances have been made in understanding the molecular regulation of mTEC development, the role of epigenetic regulators in the development and maturation of mTEC is poorly understood. Here, using the TEC-specific Sirt6 knockout mice, we found the deacetylase Sirtuin 6 (Sirt6) is essential for the development of functionally competent mTECs. First of all, TEC-specific Sirt6 deletion dramatically reduces the mTEC compartment, which is caused by reduced DNA replication and subsequent impaired proliferation ability of Sirt6-deficient mTECs. Secondly, Sirt6 deficiency specifically accelerates the differentiation of mTECs from CD80–Aire– immature population to CD80+Aire– intermediate mature population by promoting the expression of Spib. Finally, Sirt6 ablation in TECs markedly interferes the proper expression of tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs) and impairs the development of thymocytes and nTreg cells. In addition, TEC conditional knockout of Sirt6 results in severe autoimmune disease manifested by reduced body weight, the infiltration of lymphocytes and the presence of autoantibodies. Collectively, this study reveals that the expression of epigenetic regulator Sirt6 in TECs is crucial for the development and differentiation of mTECs, which highlights the importance of Sirt6 in the establishment of central immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Zhanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Lei
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huiting Su
- Department of Central Laboratory and Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yifang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Tan
- Center of Organ Transplantation, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 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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37
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Santamaria JC, Borelli A, Irla M. Regulatory T Cell Heterogeneity in the Thymus: Impact on Their Functional Activities. Front Immunol 2021; 12:643153. [PMID: 33643324 PMCID: PMC7904894 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.643153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) maintain the integrity of the organism by preventing excessive immune responses. These cells protect against autoimmune diseases but are also important regulators of other immune responses including inflammation, allergy, infection, and tumors. Furthermore, they exert non-immune functions such as tissue repair and regeneration. In the periphery, Foxp3+ Treg have emerged as a highly heterogeneous cell population with distinct molecular and functional properties. Foxp3+ Treg mainly develop within the thymus where they receive instructive signals for their differentiation. Recent studies have revealed that thymic Treg are also heterogeneous with two distinct precursors that give rise to mature Foxp3+ Treg exhibiting non-overlapping regulatory activities characterized by a differential ability to control different types of autoimmune reactions. Furthermore, the thymic Treg cell pool is not only composed of newly developing Treg, but also contain a large fraction of recirculating peripheral cells. Here, we review the two pathways of thymic Treg cell differentiation and their potential impact on Treg activity in the periphery. We also summarize our current knowledge on recirculating peripheral Treg in the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy C Santamaria
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Alexia Borelli
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Magali Irla
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
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38
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Thymic origins of autoimmunity-lessons from inborn errors of immunity. Semin Immunopathol 2021; 43:65-83. [PMID: 33532929 PMCID: PMC7925499 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00835-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
During their intrathymic development, nascent T cells are empowered to protect against pathogens and to be operative for a life-long acceptance of self. While autoreactive effector T (Teff) cell progenitors are eliminated by clonal deletion, the intrathymic mechanisms by which thymic regulatory T cell (tTreg) progenitors maintain specificity for self-antigens but escape deletion to exert their regulatory functions are less well understood. Both tTreg and Teff development and selection result from finely coordinated interactions between their clonotypic T cell receptors (TCR) and peptide/MHC complexes expressed by antigen-presenting cells, such as thymic epithelial cells and thymic dendritic cells. tTreg function is dependent on expression of the FOXP3 transcription factor, and induction of FOXP3 gene expression by tTreg occurs during their thymic development, particularly within the thymic medulla. While initial expression of FOXP3 is downstream of TCR activation, constitutive expression is fixed by interactions with various transcription factors that are regulated by other extracellular signals like TCR and cytokines, leading to epigenetic modification of the FOXP3 gene. Most of the understanding of the molecular events underlying tTreg generation is based on studies of murine models, whereas gaining similar insight in the human system has been very challenging. In this review, we will elucidate how inborn errors of immunity illuminate the critical non-redundant roles of certain molecules during tTreg development, shedding light on how their abnormal development and function cause well-defined diseases that manifest with autoimmunity alone or are associated with states of immune deficiency and autoinflammation.
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39
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Mannie MD, DeOca KB, Bastian AG, Moorman CD. Tolerogenic vaccines: Targeting the antigenic and cytokine niches of FOXP3 + regulatory T cells. Cell Immunol 2020; 355:104173. [PMID: 32712270 PMCID: PMC7444458 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2020.104173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) constitute a critical barrier that enforces tolerance to both the self-peptidome and the extended-self peptidome to ensure tissue-specific resistance to autoimmune, allergic, and other inflammatory disorders. Here, we review intuitive models regarding how T cell antigen receptor (TCR) specificity and antigen recognition efficiency shape the Treg and conventional T cell (Tcon) repertoires to adaptively regulate T cell maintenance, tissue-residency, phenotypic stability, and immune function in peripheral tissues. Three zones of TCR recognition efficiency are considered, including Tcon recognition of specific low-efficiency self MHC-ligands, Treg recognition of intermediate-efficiency agonistic self MHC-ligands, and Tcon recognition of cross-reactive high-efficiency agonistic foreign MHC-ligands. These respective zones of TCR recognition efficiency are key to understanding how tissue-resident immune networks integrate the antigenic complexity of local environments to provide adaptive decisions setting the balance of suppressive and immunogenic responses. Importantly, deficiencies in the Treg repertoire appear to be an important cause of chronic inflammatory disease. Deficiencies may include global deficiencies in Treg numbers or function, subtle 'holes in the Treg repertoire' in tissue-resident Treg populations, or simply Treg insufficiencies that are unable to counter an overwhelming molecular mimicry stimulus. Tolerogenic vaccination and Treg-based immunotherapy are two therapeutic modalities meant to restore dominance of Treg networks to reverse chronic inflammatory disease. Studies of these therapeutic modalities in a preclinical setting have provided insight into the Treg niche, including the concept that intermediate-efficiency TCR signaling, high IFN-β concentrations, and low IL-2 concentrations favor Treg responses and active dominant mechanisms of immune tolerance. Overall, the purpose here is to assimilate new and established concepts regarding how cognate TCR specificity of the Treg repertoire and the contingent cytokine networks provide a foundation for understanding Treg suppressive strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Mannie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, United States.
| | - Kayla B DeOca
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, United States
| | - Alexander G Bastian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, United States
| | - Cody D Moorman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, United States
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40
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Fernandes RA, Li C, Wang G, Yang X, Savvides CS, Glassman CR, Dong S, Luxenberg E, Sibener LV, Birnbaum ME, Benoist C, Mathis D, Garcia KC. Discovery of surrogate agonists for visceral fat Treg cells that modulate metabolic indices in vivo. eLife 2020; 9:58463. [PMID: 32773038 PMCID: PMC7440915 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
T regulatory (Treg) cells play vital roles in modulating immunity and tissue homeostasis. Their actions depend on TCR recognition of peptide-MHC molecules; yet the degree of peptide specificity of Treg-cell function, and whether Treg ligands can be used to manipulate Treg cell biology are unknown. Here, we developed an Ab-peptide library that enabled unbiased screening of peptides recognized by a bona fide murine Treg cell clone isolated from the visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and identified surrogate agonist peptides, with differing affinities and signaling potencies. The VAT-Treg cells expanded in vivo by one of the surrogate agonists preserved the typical VAT-Treg transcriptional programs. Immunization with this surrogate, especially when coupled with blockade of TNFα signaling, expanded VAT-Treg cells, resulting in protection from inflammation and improved metabolic indices, including promotion of insulin sensitivity. These studies suggest that antigen-specific targeting of VAT-localized Treg cells could eventually be a strategy for improving metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo A Fernandes
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Chaoran Li
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School; and Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School; and Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Xinbo Yang
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Christina S Savvides
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Caleb R Glassman
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Shen Dong
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Eric Luxenberg
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University School of Engineering, Stanford, United States
| | - Leah V Sibener
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Michael E Birnbaum
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Christophe Benoist
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School; and Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Diane Mathis
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School; and Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - K Christopher Garcia
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
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41
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Usharauli D, Kamala T. Could cross-reactivity rescue Foxp3+ regulatory T cell precursors from thymic deletion? Scand J Immunol 2020; 93:e12940. [PMID: 32776320 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Thymocytes that bind with high affinity to peptides displayed by MHC class II (pMHC-II) are deleted while low-affinity binders differentiate into naive CD4+ T cells. However, Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) seem to defy this binary choice as their precursors require high-affinity interaction with pMHC-II for maturation in the thymus. Here, we rely on the antigen-specific interpretive framework, SPIRAL (Specific ImmunoRegulatory Algorithm), to propose that Tregs escape thymic deletion by forming dyads with IL-2-producing T cells via antigen cross-reactivity. This interpretation reconciles contradictions related to Treg ontogeny in the thymus and their role in modulating antigen-specific immune responses.
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42
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Waickman AT, Keller HR, Kim TH, Luckey MA, Tai X, Hong C, Molina-París C, Walsh STR, Park JH. The Cytokine Receptor IL-7Rα Impairs IL-2 Receptor Signaling and Constrains the In Vitro Differentiation of Foxp3 + Treg Cells. iScience 2020; 23:101421. [PMID: 32791329 PMCID: PMC7424196 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
IL-7 receptor signaling is essential for the generation and maintenance of conventional T cells. Immunosuppressive Foxp3+ Treg cells, however, express uniquely low amounts of the IL-7-proprietary IL-7Rα so that they are impaired in IL-7 signaling. Because Treg cells depend on IL-2, the loss of IL-7Rα has been considered irrelevant for Treg cells. In contrast, here, we report that IL-7Rα downregulation is necessary to maximize IL-2R signaling. Although IL-7Rα overexpression promoted IL-7 signaling, unexpectedly, IL-2 signaling was suppressed in the same cells. Mechanistically, we found that γc, which is a receptor subunit shared by IL-7R and IL-2R, directly binds and pre-associates with IL-7Rα, thus limiting its availability for IL-2R binding. Consequently, overexpression of signaling-deficient, tailless IL-7Rα proteins inhibited IL-2R signaling, demonstrating that IL-7Rα sequesters γc and suppresses IL-2R signaling by extracellular interactions. Collectively, these results reveal a previously unappreciated regulatory mechanism of IL-2 receptor signaling that is governed by IL-7Rα abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam T Waickman
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hilary R Keller
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Department of Surgery, Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA, USA
| | - Tae-Hyoun Kim
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Megan A Luckey
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Xuguang Tai
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Changwan Hong
- Department of Anatomy, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan 50612, South Korea
| | - Carmen Molina-París
- Department of Applied Mathematics, School of Mathematics, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Scott T R Walsh
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jung-Hyun Park
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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43
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Loo CS, Gatchalian J, Liang Y, Leblanc M, Xie M, Ho J, Venkatraghavan B, Hargreaves DC, Zheng Y. A Genome-wide CRISPR Screen Reveals a Role for the Non-canonical Nucleosome-Remodeling BAF Complex in Foxp3 Expression and Regulatory T Cell Function. Immunity 2020; 53:143-157.e8. [PMID: 32640256 PMCID: PMC7341821 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells play a pivotal role in suppressing auto-reactive T cells and maintaining immune homeostasis. Treg cell development and function are dependent on the transcription factor Foxp3. Here, we performed a genome-wide CRISPR loss-of-function screen to identify Foxp3 regulators in mouse primary Treg cells. Foxp3 regulators were enriched in genes encoding subunits of the SWI/SNF nucleosome-remodeling and SAGA chromatin-modifying complexes. Among the three SWI/SNF-related complexes, the Brd9-containing non-canonical (nc) BAF complex promoted Foxp3 expression, whereas the PBAF complex was repressive. Chemical-induced degradation of Brd9 led to reduced Foxp3 expression and reduced Treg cell function in vitro. Brd9 ablation compromised Treg cell function in inflammatory disease and tumor immunity in vivo. Furthermore, Brd9 promoted Foxp3 binding and expression of a subset of Foxp3 target genes. Our findings provide an unbiased analysis of the genetic networks regulating Foxp3 and reveal ncBAF as a target for therapeutic manipulation of Treg cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-San Loo
- NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA; Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jovylyn Gatchalian
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yuqiong Liang
- NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mathias Leblanc
- NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mingjun Xie
- NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Josephine Ho
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Bhargav Venkatraghavan
- NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Diana C Hargreaves
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Ye Zheng
- NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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44
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Godoy GJ, Paira DA, Olivera C, Breser ML, Sanchez LR, Motrich RD, Rivero VE. Differences in T regulatory cells between mouse strains frequently used in immunological research. Immunol Lett 2020; 223:17-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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45
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Wing JB, Lim EL, Sakaguchi S. Control of foreign Ag-specific Ab responses by Treg and Tfr. Immunol Rev 2020; 296:104-119. [PMID: 32564426 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing the transcription factor Foxp3 play a critical role in the control of immune homeostasis including the regulation of humoral immunity. Recently, it has become clear that a specialized subset of Tregs, T-follicular regulatory cells (Tfr), have a particular role in the control of T-follicular helper (Tfh) cell-driven germinal center (GC) responses. Following similar differentiation signals as received by Tfh, Tfr gain expression of characteristic chemokine receptors and transcription factors such as CXCR5 and BCL6 allowing them to travel to the B-cell follicle and deliver in situ suppression. It seems clear that Tfr are critical for the prevention of autoimmune antibody induction. However, their role in the control of foreign antigen-specific antibody responses appears more complex with various reports demonstrating either increased or decreased antigen-specific antibody responses following inhibition of Tfr function. Due to their recent discovery, our understanding of Tfr formation and function still has many gaps. In this review, we discuss our current knowledge of both Tregs and Tfr in the context of humoral immunity and how these cells might be manipulated in order to better control vaccine responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Wing
- Laboritory of Human Immunology (Single Cell Immunology), Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Ee Lyn Lim
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Shimon Sakaguchi
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Department of Experimental Pathology, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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46
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Honaker Y, Hubbard N, Xiang Y, Fisher L, Hagin D, Sommer K, Song Y, Yang SJ, Lopez C, Tappen T, Dam EM, Khan I, Hale M, Buckner JH, Scharenberg AM, Torgerson TR, Rawlings DJ. Gene editing to induce FOXP3 expression in human CD4+ T cells leads to a stable regulatory phenotype and function. Sci Transl Med 2020; 12:12/546/eaay6422. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aay6422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Thymic regulatory T cells (tTregs) are potent inhibitors of autoreactive immune responses, and loss of tTreg function results in fatal autoimmune disease. Defects in tTreg number or function are also implicated in multiple autoimmune diseases, leading to growing interest in use of Treg as cell therapies to establish immune tolerance. Because tTregs are present at low numbers in circulating blood and may be challenging to purify and expand and also inherently defective in some subjects, we designed an alternative strategy to create autologous Treg-like cells from bulk CD4+ T cells. We used homology-directed repair (HDR)–based gene editing to enforce expression of FOXP3, the master transcription factor for tTreg. Targeted insertion of a robust enhancer/promoter proximal to the first coding exon bypassed epigenetic silencing, permitting stable and robust expression of endogenous FOXP3. HDR-edited T cells, edTregs, manifested a transcriptional program leading to sustained expression of canonical markers and suppressive activity of tTreg. Both human and murine edTregs mediated immunosuppression in vivo in models of inflammatory disease. Further, this engineering strategy permitted generation of antigen-specific edTreg with robust in vitro and in vivo functional activity. Last, edTreg could be enriched and expanded at scale using clinically relevant methods. Together, these findings suggest that edTreg production may permit broad future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchi Honaker
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Nicholas Hubbard
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Yufei Xiang
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Logan Fisher
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - David Hagin
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Karen Sommer
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Yumei Song
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | | | - Christina Lopez
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Tori Tappen
- Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | | | - Iram Khan
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Malika Hale
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Jane H. Buckner
- Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Andrew M. Scharenberg
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Troy R. Torgerson
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - David J. Rawlings
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
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47
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Owen DL, Sjaastad LE, Farrar MA. Regulatory T Cell Development in the Thymus. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 203:2031-2041. [PMID: 31591259 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Development of a comprehensive regulatory T (Treg) cell compartment in the thymus is required to maintain immune homeostasis and prevent autoimmunity. In this study, we review cellular and molecular determinants of Treg cell development in the thymus. We focus on the evidence for a self-antigen-focused Treg cell repertoire as well as the APCs responsible for presenting self-antigens to developing thymocytes. We also cover the contribution of different cytokines to thymic Treg development and the cellular populations that produce these cytokines. Finally, we update the originally proposed "two-step" model of thymic Treg differentiation by incorporating new evidence demonstrating that Treg cells develop from two Treg progenitor populations and discuss the functional importance of Treg cells generated via either progenitor pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Owen
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455; and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Louisa E Sjaastad
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455; and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Michael A Farrar
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455; and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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48
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Recent insights of T cell receptor-mediated signaling pathways for T cell activation and development. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:750-761. [PMID: 32439954 PMCID: PMC7272404 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-0435-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell activation requires extracellular stimulatory signals that are mainly mediated by T cell receptor (TCR) complexes. The TCR recognizes antigens on major histocompatibility complex molecules with the cooperation of CD4 or CD8 coreceptors. After recognition, TCR-induced signaling cascades that propagate signals via various molecules and second messengers are induced. Consequently, many features of T cell-mediated immune responses are determined by these intracellular signaling cascades. Furthermore, differences in the magnitude of TCR signaling direct T cells toward distinct effector linages. Therefore, stringent regulation of T cell activation is crucial for T cell homeostasis and proper immune responses. Dysregulation of TCR signaling can result in anergy or autoimmunity. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the pathways that govern how the TCR complex transmits signals into cells and the roles of effector molecules that are involved in these pathways.
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49
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Rakebrandt N, Joller N. Infection History Determines Susceptibility to Unrelated Diseases. Bioessays 2020; 41:e1800191. [PMID: 31132173 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201800191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological data suggest that previous infections can alter an individual's susceptibility to unrelated diseases. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. Substantial research efforts have expanded the classical concept of immune memory to also include long-lasting changes in innate immunity and antigen-independent reactivation of adaptive immunity. Collectively, these processes provide possible explanations on how acute infections might induce long-term changes that also affect immunity to unrelated diseases. Here, we review lasting changes the immune compartment undergoes upon infection and how infection experience alters the responsiveness of immune cells towards universal signals. This heightened state of alert enhances the ability of the immune system to combat even unrelated infections but may also increase susceptibility to autoimmunity. At the same time, infection-induced changes in the regulatory compartment may dampen subsequent immune responses and promote pathogen persistence. The concepts presented here outline how infection-induced changes in the immune system may affect human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas Rakebrandt
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Joller
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
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50
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Ko A, Watanabe M, Nguyen T, Shi A, Achour A, Zhang B, Sun X, Wang Q, Zhuang Y, Weng NP, Hodes RJ. TCR Repertoires of Thymic Conventional and Regulatory T Cells: Identification and Characterization of Both Unique and Shared TCR Sequences. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 204:858-867. [PMID: 31924652 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Thymic regulatory T cells (tTreg) are critical in the maintenance of normal T cell immunity and tolerance. The role of TCR in tTreg selection remains incompletely understood. In this study, we assessed TCRα and TCRβ sequences of mouse tTreg and thymic conventional CD4+ T cells (Tconv) by high-throughput sequencing. We identified αβ TCR sequences that were unique to either tTreg or Tconv and found that these were distinct as recognized by machine learning algorithm and by preferentially used amino acid trimers in αβ CDR3 of tTreg. In addition, a proportion of αβ TCR sequences expressed by tTreg were also found in Tconv, and machine learning classified the great majority of these shared αβ TCR sequences as characteristic of Tconv and not tTreg. These findings identify two populations of tTreg, one in which the regulatory T cell fate is associated with unique properties of the TCR and another with TCR properties characteristic of Tconv for which tTreg fate is determined by factors beyond TCR sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Ko
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 21224
| | - Masashi Watanabe
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Thomas Nguyen
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 21224
| | - Alvin Shi
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139; and
| | - Achouak Achour
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 21224
| | - Baojun Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Xiaoping Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 21224
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Immunology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Yuan Zhuang
- Department of Immunology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Nan-Ping Weng
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 21224;
| | - Richard J Hodes
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892;
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