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Smith CT, Wang Z, Lewis JS. Engineering antigen-presenting cells for immunotherapy of autoimmunity. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 210:115329. [PMID: 38729265 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115329] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are burdensome conditions that affect a significant fraction of the global population. The hallmark of autoimmune disease is a host's immune system being licensed to attack its tissues based on specific antigens. There are no cures for autoimmune diseases. The current clinical standard for treating autoimmune diseases is the administration of immunosuppressants, which weaken the immune system and reduce auto-inflammatory responses. However, people living with autoimmune diseases are subject to toxicity, fail to mount a sufficient immune response to protect against pathogens, and are more likely to develop infections. Therefore, there is a concerted effort to develop more effective means of targeting immunomodulatory therapies to antigen-presenting cells, which are involved in modulating the immune responses to specific antigens. In this review, we highlight approaches that are currently in development to target antigen-presenting cells and improve therapeutic outcomes in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton T Smith
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jamal S Lewis
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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2
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Miccoli A, Pianese V, Bidoli C, Fausto AM, Scapigliati G, Picchietti S. Transcriptome profiling of microdissected cortex and medulla unravels functional regionalization in the European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax thymus. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 145:109319. [PMID: 38145782 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is a sophisticated primary lymphoid organ in jawed vertebrates, but knowledge on teleost thymus remains scarce. In this study, for the first time in the European sea bass, laser capture microdissection was leveraged to collect two thymic regions based on histological features, namely the cortex and the medulla. The two regions were then processed by RNAseq and in-depth functional transcriptome analyses with the aim of revealing differential gene expression patterns and gene sets enrichments, ultimately unraveling unique microenvironments imperative for the development of functional T cells. The sea bass cortex emerged as a hub of T cell commitment, somatic recombination, chromatin remodeling, cell cycle regulation, and presentation of self antigens from autophagy-, proteasome- or proteases-processed proteins. The cortex therefore accommodated extensive thymocyte proliferation and differentiation up to the checkpoint of positive selection. The medulla instead appeared as the center stage in autoimmune regulation by negative selection and deletion of autoreactive T cells, central tolerance mechanisms and extracellular matrix organization. Region-specific canonical markers of T and non-T lineage cells as well as signals for migration to/from, and trafficking within, the thymus were identified, shedding light on the highly coordinated and exquisitely complex bi-directional interactions among thymocytes and stromal components. Markers ascribable to thymic nurse cells and poorly characterized post-aire mTEC populations were found in the cortex and medulla, respectively. An in-depth data mining also exposed previously un-annotated genomic resources with differential signatures. Overall, our findings contribute to a broader understanding of the relationship between regional organization and function in the European sea bass thymus, and provide essential insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying T-cell mediated adaptive immune responses in teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Miccoli
- National Research Council, Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), 60125, Ancona, Italy
| | - V Pianese
- Dept. for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Largo Dell'Università Snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - C Bidoli
- Dept. of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - A M Fausto
- Dept. for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Largo Dell'Università Snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - G Scapigliati
- Dept. for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Largo Dell'Università Snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - S Picchietti
- Dept. for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Largo Dell'Università Snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy.
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3
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Adiguzel Y, Mahroum N, Muller S, Blank M, Halpert G, Shoenfeld Y. Shared Pathogenicity Features and Sequences between EBV, SARS-CoV-2, and HLA Class I Molecule-binding Motifs with a Potential Role in Autoimmunity. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2023; 65:206-230. [PMID: 37505416 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-023-08962-4] [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] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are extraordinary in their ability to activate autoimmunity as well as to induce diverse autoimmune diseases. Here we reviewed the current knowledge on their relation. Further, we suggested that molecular mimicry could be a possible common mechanism of autoimmunity induction in the susceptible individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. Molecular mimicry between SARS-CoV-2 and human proteins, and EBV and human proteins, are present. Besides, relation of the pathogenicity associated with both coronavirus diseases and EBV supports the notion. As a proof-of-the-concept, we investigated 8mer sequences with shared 5mers of SARS-CoV-2, EBV, and human proteins, which were predicted as epitopes binding to the same human leukocyte antigen (HLA) supertype representatives. We identified significant number of human peptide sequences with predicted-affinities to the HLA-A*02:01 allele. Rest of the peptide sequences had predicted-affinities to the HLA-A*02:01, HLA-B*40:01, HLA-B*27:05, HLA-A*01:01, and HLA-B*39:01 alleles. Carriers of these serotypes can be under a higher risk of autoimmune response induction upon getting infected, through molecular mimicry-based mechanisms common to SARS-CoV-2 and EBV infections. We additionally reviewed established associations of the identified proteins with the EBV-related pathogenicity and with the autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yekbun Adiguzel
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Atilim University, Kizilcasar Mah. 06836 Incek, Golbasi, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Naim Mahroum
- International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Göztepe Mah, Atatürk Cd. No:40, Beykoz, Istanbul, 34810, Turkey
| | - Sylviane Muller
- Centre National de la Recherche scientifique-Université de Strasbourg, Biotechnology and Cell Signalling Unit, Neuroimmunology and Peptide Therapeutics Team, Strasbourg Drug Discovery and Development Institute, Strasbourg, France
- University of Strasbourg Institute for Advanced Study, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire OMICARE, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Miri Blank
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Tel-Hashomer, 52621, Israel
| | - Gilad Halpert
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Tel-Hashomer, 52621, Israel
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Tel-Hashomer, 52621, Israel
- Reichman University, Herzliya, 4610101, Israel
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4
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Yam-Puc JC, Hosseini Z, Horner EC, Gerber PP, Beristain-Covarrubias N, Hughes R, Lulla A, Rust M, Boston R, Ali M, Fischer K, Simmons-Rosello E, O'Reilly M, Robson H, Booth LH, Kahanawita L, Correa-Noguera A, Favara D, Ceron-Gutierrez L, Keller B, Craxton A, Anderson GSF, Sun XM, Elmer A, Saunders C, Bermperi A, Jose S, Kingston N, Mulroney TE, Piñon LPG, Chapman MA, Grigoriadou S, MacFarlane M, Willis AE, Patil KR, Spencer S, Staples E, Warnatz K, Buckland MS, Hollfelder F, Hyvönen M, Döffinger R, Parkinson C, Lear S, Matheson NJ, Thaventhiran JED. Age-associated B cells predict impaired humoral immunity after COVID-19 vaccination in patients receiving immune checkpoint blockade. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3292. [PMID: 37369658 PMCID: PMC10299999 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38810-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-associated B cells (ABC) accumulate with age and in individuals with different immunological disorders, including cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint blockade and those with inborn errors of immunity. Here, we investigate whether ABCs from different conditions are similar and how they impact the longitudinal level of the COVID-19 vaccine response. Single-cell RNA sequencing indicates that ABCs with distinct aetiologies have common transcriptional profiles and can be categorised according to their expression of immune genes, such as the autoimmune regulator (AIRE). Furthermore, higher baseline ABC frequency correlates with decreased levels of antigen-specific memory B cells and reduced neutralising capacity against SARS-CoV-2. ABCs express high levels of the inhibitory FcγRIIB receptor and are distinctive in their ability to bind immune complexes, which could contribute to diminish vaccine responses either directly, or indirectly via enhanced clearance of immune complexed-antigen. Expansion of ABCs may, therefore, serve as a biomarker identifying individuals at risk of suboptimal responses to vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Yam-Puc
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Zhaleh Hosseini
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emily C Horner
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pehuén Pereyra Gerber
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease (CITIID), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Robert Hughes
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Aleksei Lulla
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maria Rust
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rebecca Boston
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Magda Ali
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Katrin Fischer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Edward Simmons-Rosello
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin O'Reilly
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Harry Robson
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lucy H Booth
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lakmini Kahanawita
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrea Correa-Noguera
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Favara
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lourdes Ceron-Gutierrez
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Cambridge University NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Baerbel Keller
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andrew Craxton
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Georgina S F Anderson
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Xiao-Ming Sun
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anne Elmer
- NIHR Cambridge Clinical Research Facility, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Areti Bermperi
- NIHR Cambridge Clinical Research Facility, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sherly Jose
- NIHR Cambridge Clinical Research Facility, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nathalie Kingston
- NIHR BioResource, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Thomas E Mulroney
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lucia P G Piñon
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael A Chapman
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Marion MacFarlane
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anne E Willis
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kiran R Patil
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sarah Spencer
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emily Staples
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Cambridge University NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Klaus Warnatz
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthew S Buckland
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Barts Health, London, UK
- UCL GOSH Institute of Child Health Division of Infection and Immunity, Section of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, London, UK
| | | | - Marko Hyvönen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rainer Döffinger
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Cambridge University NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christine Parkinson
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sara Lear
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Cambridge University NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nicholas J Matheson
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease (CITIID), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- NHS Blood and Transplant, Cambridge, UK
| | - James E D Thaventhiran
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Cambridge University NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
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5
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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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6
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Pioli KT, Pioli PD. Thymus antibody-secreting cells: once forgotten but not lost. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1170438. [PMID: 37122712 PMCID: PMC10130419 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1170438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-secreting cells are essential contributors to the humoral response. This is due to multiple factors which include: 1) the ability to secrete thousands of antibodies per second, 2) the ability to regulate the immune response and 3) the potential to be long-lived. Not surprisingly, these cells can be found in numerous sites within the body which include organs that directly interface with potential pathogens (e.g., gut) and others that provide long-term survival niches (e.g., bone marrow). Even though antibody-secreting cells were first identified in the thymus of both humans and rodents in the 1960s, if not earlier, only recently has this population begun to be extensively investigated. In this article, we provide an update regarding the current breath of knowledge pertaining to thymus antibody-secreting cells and discuss the potential roles of these cells and their impact on health.
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7
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Homeostatic serum IgE is secreted by plasma cells in the thymus and enhances mast cell survival. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1418. [PMID: 35301301 PMCID: PMC8930980 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29032-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a risk factor for various diseases, including allergy and anaphylaxis. However, the source and ontogeny of B cells producing IgE under steady state conditions are not well defined. Here, we show plasma cells that develop in the thymus and potently secrete IgE and other immunoglobulins, including IgM, IgA, and IgG. The development of these IgE-secreting plasma cells are induced by IL-4 produced by invariant Natural Killer T cells, independent of CD1d-mediated interaction. Single-cell transcriptomics suggest the developmental landscape of thymic B cells, and the thymus supports development of transitional, mature, and memory B cells in addition to plasma cells. Furthermore, thymic plasma cells produce polyclonal antibodies without somatic hypermutation, indicating they develop via the extra-follicular pathway. Physiologically, thymic-derived IgEs increase the number of mast cells in the gut and skin, which correlates with the severity of anaphylaxis. Collectively, we define the ontogeny of thymic plasma cells and show that steady state thymus-derived IgEs regulate mast cell homeostasis, opening up new avenues for studying the genetic causes of allergic disorders. Elevated levels of IgE is associated with a range of allergic pathology but the source of such IgE producing B cells during the steady state is poorly understood. Here, Kwon et al. show that homeostatic IgE is secreted by plasma cells in the thymus and link this to mast cell survival.
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8
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Hester AK, Semwal MK, Cepeda S, Xiao Y, Rueda M, Wimberly K, Venables T, Dileepan T, Kraig E, Griffith AV. Redox regulation of age-associated defects in generation and maintenance of T cell self-tolerance and immunity to foreign antigens. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110363. [PMID: 35172147 PMCID: PMC8898380 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic atrophy reduces naive T cell production and contributes to increased susceptibility to viral infection with age. Expression of tissue-restricted antigen (TRA) genes also declines with age and has been thought to increase autoimmune disease susceptibility. We find that diminished expression of a model TRA gene in aged thymic stromal cells correlates with impaired clonal deletion of cognate T cells recognizing an autoantigen involved in atherosclerosis. Clonal deletion in the polyclonal thymocyte population is also perturbed. Distinct age-associated defects in the generation of antigen-specific T cells include a conspicuous decline in generation of T cells recognizing an immunodominant influenza epitope. Increased catalase activity delays thymic atrophy, and here, we show that it mitigates declining production of influenza-specific T cells and their frequency in lung after infection, but does not reverse declines in TRA expression or efficient negative selection. These results reveal important considerations for strategies to restore thymic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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, USA
| | - 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, USA
| | - Sergio Cepeda
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Yangming Xiao
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Meghan Rueda
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Kymberly Wimberly
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | | | - Thamotharampillai Dileepan
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Microbiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ellen Kraig
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - 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, USA.
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9
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Framme JL, Lundqvist C, Lundell AC, van Schouwenburg PA, Lemarquis AL, Thörn K, Lindgren S, Gudmundsdottir J, Lundberg V, Degerman S, Zetterström RH, Borte S, Hammarström L, Telemo E, Hultdin M, van der Burg M, Fasth A, Oskarsdóttir S, Ekwall O. Long-Term Follow-Up of Newborns with 22q11 Deletion Syndrome and Low TRECs. J Clin Immunol 2022; 42:618-633. [PMID: 35080750 PMCID: PMC9016018 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-021-01201-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background Population-based neonatal screening using T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) identifies infants with profound T lymphopenia, as seen in cases of severe combined immunodeficiency, and in a subgroup of infants with 22q11 deletion syndrome (22q11DS). Purpose To investigate the long-term prognostic value of low levels of TRECs in newborns with 22q11DS. Methods Subjects with 22q11DS and low TRECs at birth (22q11Low, N=10), matched subjects with 22q11DS and normal TRECs (22q11Normal, N=10), and matched healthy controls (HC, N=10) were identified. At follow-up (median age 16 years), clinical and immunological characterizations, covering lymphocyte subsets, immunoglobulins, TRECs, T-cell receptor repertoires, and relative telomere length (RTL) measurements were performed. Results At follow-up, the 22q11Low group had lower numbers of naïve T-helper cells, naïve T-regulatory cells, naïve cytotoxic T cells, and persistently lower TRECs compared to healthy controls. Receptor repertoires showed skewed V-gene usage for naïve T-helper cells, whereas for naïve cytotoxic T cells, shorter RTL and a trend towards higher clonality were found. Multivariate discriminant analysis revealed a clear distinction between the three groups and a skewing towards Th17 differentiation of T-helper cells, particularly in the 22q11Low individuals. Perturbations of B-cell subsets were found in both the 22q11Low and 22q11Normal group compared to the HC group, with larger proportions of naïve B cells and lower levels of memory B cells, including switched memory B cells. Conclusions This long-term follow-up study shows that 22q11Low individuals have persistent immunologic aberrations and increased risk for immune dysregulation, indicating the necessity of lifelong monitoring. Clinical Implications This study elucidates the natural history of childhood immune function in newborns with 22q11DS and low TRECs, which may facilitate the development of programs for long-term monitoring and therapeutic choices. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10875-021-01201-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Lingman Framme
- Department of Pediatrics, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Pediatrics, Halland Hospital Halmstad, Halmstad, Region Halland, Sweden.
| | - Christina Lundqvist
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna-Carin Lundell
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pauline A van Schouwenburg
- Department of Pediatrics, Laboratory for Pediatric Immunology, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Andri L Lemarquis
- Department of Pediatrics, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karolina Thörn
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Susanne Lindgren
- Department of Pediatrics, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Judith Gudmundsdottir
- Department of Pediatrics, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Children's Medical Center, National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Vanja Lundberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sofie Degerman
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Rolf H Zetterström
- Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stephan Borte
- ImmunoDeficiencyCenter Leipzig (IDCL), Municipal Hospital St. Georg Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lennart Hammarström
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Neo, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Esbjörn Telemo
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Hultdin
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mirjam van der Burg
- Department of Pediatrics, Laboratory for Pediatric Immunology, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anders Fasth
- Department of Pediatrics, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sólveig Oskarsdóttir
- Department of Pediatrics, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Olov Ekwall
- Department of Pediatrics, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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10
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Castañeda J, Hidalgo Y, Sauma D, Rosemblatt M, Bono MR, Núñez S. The Multifaceted Roles of B Cells in the Thymus: From Immune Tolerance to Autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:766698. [PMID: 34790201 PMCID: PMC8591215 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.766698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is home to a significant number of resident B cells which possess several unique characteristics regarding their origin, phenotype and function. Evidence shows that they originate both from precursors that mature intrathymically and as the entry of recirculating mature B cells. Under steady-state conditions they exhibit hallmark signatures of activated B cells, undergo immunoglobulin class-switch, and express the Aire transcription factor. These features are imprinted within the thymus and enable B cells to act as specialized antigen-presenting cells in the thymic medulla that contribute negative selection of self-reactive T cells. Though, most studies have focused on B cells located in the medulla, a second contingent of B cells is also present in non-epithelial perivascular spaces of the thymus. This latter group of B cells, which includes memory B cells and plasma cells, is not readily detected in the thymus of infants or young mice but gradually accumulates during normal aging. Remarkably, in many autoimmune diseases the thymus suffers severe structural atrophy and infiltration of B cells in the perivascular spaces, which organize into follicles similar to those typically found in secondary lymphoid organs. This review provides an overview of the pathways involved in thymic B cell origin and presents an integrated view of both thymic medullary and perivascular B cells and their respective physiological and pathological roles in central tolerance and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Castañeda
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Yessia Hidalgo
- Cells for cells-Consorcio Regenero, Universidad de Los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniela Sauma
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario Rosemblatt
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Fundación Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Rosa Bono
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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11
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Wolff ASB, Braun S, Husebye ES, Oftedal BE. B Cells and Autoantibodies in AIRE Deficiency. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1274. [PMID: 34572460 PMCID: PMC8466229 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1) is a rare but severe monogenetic autoimmune endocrine disease caused by failure of the Autoimmune Regulator (AIRE). AIRE regulates the negative selection of T cells in the thymus, and the main pathogenic mechanisms are believed to be T cell-mediated, but little is known about the role of B cells. Here, we give an overview of the role of B cells in thymic and peripheral tolerance in APS-1 patients and different AIRE-deficient mouse models. We also look closely into which autoantibodies have been described for this disorder, and their implications. Based on what is known about B cell therapy in other autoimmune disorders, we outline the potential of B cell therapies in APS-1 and highlight the unresolved research questions to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette S. B. Wolff
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (A.S.B.W.); (S.B.); (E.S.H.)
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- KG Jebsen Center for Autoimmune Disorders, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Sarah Braun
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (A.S.B.W.); (S.B.); (E.S.H.)
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eystein S. Husebye
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (A.S.B.W.); (S.B.); (E.S.H.)
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- KG Jebsen Center for Autoimmune Disorders, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Bergithe E. Oftedal
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (A.S.B.W.); (S.B.); (E.S.H.)
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- KG Jebsen Center for Autoimmune Disorders, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
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12
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Camus V, Bigenwald C, Ribrag V, Lazarovici J, Jardin F, Sarkozy C. Pembrolizumab in the treatment of refractory primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma: safety and efficacy. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2021; 21:941-956. [PMID: 34233557 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2021.1953986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBL) is a rare subtype of lymphoma, clinically and biologically distinct from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that shows overlapping features with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). If first-line strategies lead to 80-85% of curability, relapse occurs early with a chemo-refractory disease and a poor outcome. The presence of 9p24.1 rearrangement, conducting to the overexpression of the immune checkpoint molecules PDL1 and 2, has paved the way for immune checkpoint blockers development in these entities. Pembrolizumab, an anti PD-1 checkpoint antibody, was initially approved in solid cancer and later on in the lymphoma field in cHL.Areas covered: We summarize the biology and clinical need in PMBL, leading to the rationale for checkpoint inhibitors development, as well as pembrolizumab clinical studies in this entity. To do so, we performed a PubMed search using the terms: 'PMBCL,' 'lymphoma,' 'Immune checkpoint,' and 'Pembrolizumab.'Expert opinion: Pembrolizumab showed tolerable safety profile and efficacy data in patients with PMBL who have relapsed after, or are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Some combination strategies have shown promising preliminary results, while others are currently being conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Camus
- Département D'hématologie, Centre Henri Becquerel, Rouen, France
| | - Camille Bigenwald
- Département D'hématologie, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Vincent Ribrag
- Département D'hématologie, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.,Département d'Innovation Thérapeutique Et Des Essais Précoces (DITEP), Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Julien Lazarovici
- Département D'hématologie, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Fabrice Jardin
- Département D'hématologie, Centre Henri Becquerel, Rouen, France
| | - Clémentine Sarkozy
- Département d'Innovation Thérapeutique Et Des Essais Précoces (DITEP), Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
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13
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Ghosh D, Jiang W, Mukhopadhyay D, Mellins ED. New insights into B cells as antigen presenting cells. Curr Opin Immunol 2021; 70:129-137. [PMID: 34242927 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In addition to their role as antibody producing cells, B cells make a critical contribution to adaptive immune responses by functioning as professional antigen-presenting cells (APC). Distinctive features of B cells as APC include the expression of the B cell receptor (BCR) for antigen and regulated expression of HLA-DO. Here, we discuss recent progress in investigation of B cells as APC. We start with an update on the canonical MHC class II antigen presentation pathway in B cells and alternative pathways, including generation of extracellular vesicles. Turning to APC function, we highlight the roles of B cells as thymic APC, as APC for T follicular helper (TFH), as APC for CD4 memory T cells and as presenters of idiotypic BCR determinants. We also note recent examples that link B cell Ag-presentation to disease. Emerging evidence indicates that, in addition to unique features of B cells compared to other professional APC, there is appreciable heterogeneity among B cells, arising from, for example, B cell activation state or the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Ghosh
- Department of Pediatrics, Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Dhriti Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Tuba City Regional Health Care, Tuba City, AZ 86045, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Mellins
- Department of Pediatrics, Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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14
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Marx A, Yamada Y, Simon-Keller K, Schalke B, Willcox N, Ströbel P, Weis CA. Thymus and autoimmunity. Semin Immunopathol 2021; 43:45-64. [PMID: 33537838 PMCID: PMC7925479 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-021-00842-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The thymus prevents autoimmune diseases through mechanisms that operate in the cortex and medulla, comprising positive and negative selection and the generation of regulatory T-cells (Tregs). Egress from the thymus through the perivascular space (PVS) to the blood is another possible checkpoint, as shown by some autoimmune/immunodeficiency syndromes. In polygenic autoimmune diseases, subtle thymic dysfunctions may compound genetic, hormonal and environmental cues. Here, we cover (a) tolerance-inducing cell types, whether thymic epithelial or tuft cells, or dendritic, B- or thymic myoid cells; (b) tolerance-inducing mechanisms and their failure in relation to thymic anatomic compartments, and with special emphasis on human monogenic and polygenic autoimmune diseases and the related thymic pathologies, if known; (c) polymorphisms and mutations of tolerance-related genes with an impact on positive selection (e.g. the gene encoding the thymoproteasome-specific subunit, PSMB11), promiscuous gene expression (e.g. AIRE, PRKDC, FEZF2, CHD4), Treg development (e.g. SATB1, FOXP3), T-cell migration (e.g. TAGAP) and egress from the thymus (e.g. MTS1, CORO1A); (d) myasthenia gravis as the prototypic outcome of an inflamed or disordered neoplastic ‘sick thymus’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Marx
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Yosuke Yamada
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Katja Simon-Keller
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Berthold Schalke
- Department of Neurology, Bezirkskrankenhaus, University of Regensburg, 93042, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nick Willcox
- Neurosciences Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurology, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Philipp Ströbel
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttigen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Cleo-Aron Weis
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
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15
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Xu L, Luo H, Wang R, Wu WW, Phue JN, Shen RF, Juhl H, Wu L, Alterovitz WL, Simonyan V, Pelosof L, Rosenberg AS. Novel reference genes in colorectal cancer identify a distinct subset of high stage tumors and their associated histologically normal colonic tissues. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 20:138. [PMID: 31409279 PMCID: PMC6693228 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-019-0867-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Reference genes are often interchangeably called housekeeping genes due to 1) the essential cellular functions their proteins provide and 2) their constitutive expression across a range of normal and pathophysiological conditions. However, given the proliferative drive of malignant cells, many reference genes such as beta-actin (ACTB) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase (GAPDH) which play critical roles in cell membrane organization and glycolysis, may be dysregulated in tumors versus their corresponding normal controls Methods Because Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology has several advantages over hybridization-based technologies, such as independent detection and quantitation of transcription levels, greater sensitivity, and increased dynamic range, we evaluated colorectal cancers (CRC) and their histologically normal tissue counterparts by NGS to evaluate the expression of 21 “classical” reference genes used as normalization standards for PCR based methods. Seventy-nine paired tissue samples of CRC and their patient matched healthy colonic tissues were subjected to NGS analysis of their mRNAs. Results We affirmed that 17 out of 21 classical reference genes had upregulated expression in tumors compared to normal colonic epithelial tissue and dramatically so in some cases. Indeed, tumors were distinguished from normal controls in both unsupervised hierarchical clustering analyses (HCA) and principal component analyses (PCA). We then identified 42 novel potential reference genes with minimal coefficients of variation (CV) across 79 CRC tumor pairs. Though largely consistently expressed across tumors and normal control tissues, a subset of high stage tumors (HSTs) as well as some normal tissue samples (HSNs) located adjacent to these HSTs demonstrated dysregulated expression, thus identifying a subset of tumors with a potentially distinct and aggressive biological profile. Conclusion While classical CRC reference genes were found to be differentially expressed between tumors and normal controls, novel reference genes, identified via NGS, were more consistently expressed across malignant and normal colonic tissues. Nonetheless, a subset of HST had profound dysregulation of such genes as did many of the histologically normal tissues adjacent to such HSTs, indicating that the HSTs so distinguished may have unique biological properties and that their histologically normal tissues likely harbor a small population of microscopically undetected but metabolically active tumors. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12881-019-0867-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai Xu
- OBP/DBRR-III, CDER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA. .,Office of Hematology and Oncology Products CDER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA. .,, Silver Spring, USA.
| | - Helen Luo
- OBP/DBRR-III, CDER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Rong Wang
- OBP/DBRR-III, CDER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Wells W Wu
- Facility for Biotechnology Resources CBER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Je-Nie Phue
- Facility for Biotechnology Resources CBER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Rong-Fong Shen
- Facility for Biotechnology Resources CBER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | | | - Leihong Wu
- OCS/NCTR/DBB, FDA, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | | | | | - Lorraine Pelosof
- Office of Hematology and Oncology Products CDER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
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16
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Gabrielsen ISM, Helgeland H, Akselsen H, D. Aass HC, Sundaram AYM, Snowhite IV, Pugliese A, Flåm ST, Lie BA. Transcriptomes of antigen presenting cells in human thymus. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218858. [PMID: 31261375 PMCID: PMC6602790 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Antigen presenting cells (APCs) in the thymus play an essential role in the establishment of central tolerance, i.e. the generation of a repertoire of functional and self-tolerant T cells to prevent autoimmunity. In this study, we have compared the transcriptomes of four primary APCs from human thymus (mTECs, CD19+ B cells, CD141+ and CD123+ DCs). We investigated a set of genes including the HLA genes, genes encoding transcriptional regulators and finally, tissue-enriched genes, i.e, genes with a five-fold higher expression in a particular human tissue. We show that thymic CD141+ DCs express the highest levels of all classical HLA genes and 67% (14/21) of the HLA class I and II pathway genes investigated in this study. CD141+ DCs also expressed the highest levels of the transcriptional regulator DEAF1, whereas AIRE and FEZF2 expression were mainly found in primary human mTECs. We found expression of "tissue enriched genes" from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) in all four APC types, but the mTECs were clearly dominating in the number of uniquely expressed tissue enriched genes (20% in mTECs, 7% in CD19+ B cells, 4% in CD123+ DCs and 2% in CD141+ DCs). The tissue enriched genes also overlapped with reported human autoantigens. This is, to our knowledge, the first study that performs RNA sequencing of mTECs, CD19+ B cells, CD141+ and CD123+ DCs isolated from the same individuals and provides insight into the transcriptomes of these human thymic APCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingvild S. M. Gabrielsen
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- K. G. Jebsen Inflammation Research Centre, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanna Helgeland
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- K. G. Jebsen Inflammation Research Centre, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helle Akselsen
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hans Christian D. Aass
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arvind Y. M. Sundaram
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Isaac V. Snowhite
- Diabetes Research Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Alberto Pugliese
- Diabetes Research Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Siri T. Flåm
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- K. G. Jebsen Inflammation Research Centre, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Benedicte A. Lie
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- K. G. Jebsen Inflammation Research Centre, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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17
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Paraneoplastic and Therapy-Related Immune Complications in Thymic Malignancies. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2019; 20:62. [DOI: 10.1007/s11864-019-0661-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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18
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Lundqvist C, Camponeschi A, Visentini M, Telemo E, Ekwall O, Mårtensson IL. Switched CD21–/low B cells with an antigen-presenting phenotype in the infant thymus. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2019; 143:1616-1620.e7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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19
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Kijimoto-Ochiai S, Kamimura K, Koda T. Neu-medullocytes, sialidase-positive B cells in the thymus, express autoimmune regulator (AIRE). Sci Rep 2019; 9:858. [PMID: 30696872 PMCID: PMC6351566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37225-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neu-medullocytes, which were previously identified and named by our group, are sialidase (neuraminidase)-positive B cells that express immunoglobulin and Mac-1 in the mouse thymus. Recently, B cells that migrated into the thymus were reported to express autoimmune regulator (AIRE) and to contribute to self-tolerance. We sought to determine whether Neu-medullocytes also express AIRE. We obtained positive results by triple staining Neu-medullocytes for in situ sialidase activity, anti-AIRE, and either anti-IgG or anti-IgM antibodies and observing the staining with confocal microscopy. Additional molecules including CD5, IgM, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class II, and neuraminidase 1 (NEU1) were found in sialidase-positive cells independently. The real-time PCR results suggest that the primary sialidase in AIRE-positive cells is neuraminidase 2 (NEU2). Furthermore, some of the AIRE-positive medullary thymic epithelial cells also clearly showed sialidase activity when a triple staining of sialidase activity, anti-AIRE, and Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1 (UEA-1) was performed. Neu-medullocytes may present Aire-dependent antigens for negative selection. We discuss the negative selection steps in consideration of sialidases and sialic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeko Kijimoto-Ochiai
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, N21 W11, Kitaku, Sapporo, 001-0021, Japan.
- Life Space COSMOS, Hirosaki, 036-8222, Japan.
| | - Keiko Kamimura
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, N21 W11, Kitaku, Sapporo, 001-0021, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Koda
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, N21 W11, Kitaku, Sapporo, 001-0021, Japan.
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20
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Moreira-Filho CA, Bando SY, Bertonha FB, Ferreira LR, Vinhas CDF, Oliveira LHB, Zerbini MCN, Furlanetto G, Chaccur P, Carneiro-Sampaio M. Minipuberty and Sexual Dimorphism in the Infant Human Thymus. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13169. [PMID: 30177771 PMCID: PMC6120939 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31583-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIRE expression in thymus is downregulated by estrogen after puberty, what probably renders women more susceptible to autoimmune disorders. Here we investigated the effects of minipuberty on male and female infant human thymic tissue in order to verify if this initial transient increase in sex hormones - along the first six months of life - could affect thymic transcriptional network regulation and AIRE expression. Gene co-expression network analysis for differentially expressed genes and miRNA-target analysis revealed sex differences in thymic tissue during minipuberty, but such differences were not detected in the thymic tissue of infants aged 7-18 months, i.e. the non-puberty group. AIRE expression was essentially the same in both sexes in minipuberty and in non-puberty groups, as assessed by genomic and immunohistochemical assays. However, AIRE-interactors networks showed several differences in all groups regarding gene-gene expression correlation. Therefore, minipuberty and genomic mechanisms interact in shaping thymic sexual dimorphism along the first six months of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Yumi Bando
- Departament of Pediatrics, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paulo Chaccur
- Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Magda Carneiro-Sampaio
- Departament of Pediatrics, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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21
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Hocaoğlu M, Durmuş H, Özkan B, Yentür SP, Doğan Ö, Parman Y, Deymeer F, Saruhan-Direskeneli G. Increased costimulatory molecule expression of thymic and peripheral B cells and a sensitivity to IL-21 in myasthenia gravis. J Neuroimmunol 2018; 323:36-42. [PMID: 30196831 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
B cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis with anti-acetylcholine antibodies (AChR+ MG) by co-stimulation or selection of T cells. In this study, we investigated costimulatory molecules on B cells in the blood and in the thymus as well as by TLR9 and IL-21 stimulations in AChR+ MG patients with or without immunosuppressive treatment and controls. CD80 and CD86 expression on B cells was increased in the peripheral blood and in the thymus of untreated patients. CD86 was further amplified by IL-21. A role for activated B cells, active thymic environment and IL-21 is implicated in MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Hocaoğlu
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hacer Durmuş
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Berker Özkan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sibel P Yentür
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Öner Doğan
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yeşim Parman
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Feza Deymeer
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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22
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Cepeda S, Cantu C, Orozco S, Xiao Y, Brown Z, Semwal MK, Venables T, Anderson MS, Griffith AV. Age-Associated Decline in Thymic B Cell Expression of Aire and Aire-Dependent Self-Antigens. Cell Rep 2018; 22:1276-1287. [PMID: 29386114 PMCID: PMC5813500 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although autoimmune disorders are a significant source of morbidity and mortality in older individuals, the mechanisms governing age-associated increases in susceptibility remain incompletely understood. Central T cell tolerance is mediated through presentation of self-antigens by cells constituting the thymic microenvironment, including epithelial cells, dendritic cells, and B cells. Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) and B cells express distinct cohorts of self-antigens, including tissue-restricted self-antigens (TRAs), such that developing T cells are tolerized to antigens from peripheral tissues. We find that expression of the TRA transcriptional regulator Aire, as well as Aire-dependent genes, declines with age in thymic B cells in mice and humans and that cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic mechanisms contribute to the diminished capacity of peripheral B cells to express Aire within the thymus. Our findings indicate that aging may diminish the ability of thymic B cells to tolerize T cells, revealing a potential mechanistic link between aging and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Cepeda
- Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Carolina Cantu
- Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Stephanie Orozco
- Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Yangming Xiao
- Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Zoe Brown
- Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Manpreet K Semwal
- Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Thomas Venables
- Immunology and Microbial Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Mark S Anderson
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Ann V Griffith
- Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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23
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Passos GA, Speck‐Hernandez CA, Assis AF, Mendes‐da‐Cruz DA. Update on Aire and thymic negative selection. Immunology 2018; 153:10-20. [PMID: 28871661 PMCID: PMC5721245 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Twenty years ago, the autoimmune regulator (Aire) gene was associated with autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy, and was cloned and sequenced. Its importance goes beyond its abstract link with human autoimmune disease. Aire identification opened new perspectives to better understand the molecular basis of central tolerance and self-non-self distinction, the main properties of the immune system. Since 1997, a growing number of immunologists and molecular geneticists have made important discoveries about the function of Aire, which is essentially a pleiotropic gene. Aire is one of the functional markers in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), controlling their differentiation and expression of peripheral tissue antigens (PTAs), mTEC-thymocyte adhesion and the expression of microRNAs, among other functions. With Aire, the immunological tolerance became even more apparent from the molecular genetics point of view. Currently, mTECs represent the most unusual cells because they express almost the entire functional genome but still maintain their identity. Due to the enormous diversity of PTAs, this uncommon gene expression pattern was termed promiscuous gene expression, the interpretation of which is essentially immunological - i.e. it is related to self-representation in the thymus. Therefore, this knowledge is strongly linked to the negative selection of autoreactive thymocytes. In this update, we focus on the most relevant results of Aire as a transcriptional and post-transcriptional controller of PTAs in mTECs, its mechanism of action, and its influence on the negative selection of autoreactive thymocytes as the bases of the induction of central tolerance and prevention of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldo A. Passos
- Molecular Immunogenetics GroupDepartment of GeneticsRibeirão Preto Medical SchoolUniversity of São PauloRibeirão PretoSPBrazil
- Discipline of Genetics and Molecular BiologyDepartment of Morphology, Physiology and Basic PathologySchool of Dentistry of Ribeirão PretoUniversity of São PauloRibeirão PretoSPBrazil
| | - Cesar A. Speck‐Hernandez
- Graduate Programme in Basic and Applied ImmunologyRibeirão Preto Medical SchoolUniversity of São PauloRibeirão PretoSPBrazil
| | - Amanda F. Assis
- Molecular Immunogenetics GroupDepartment of GeneticsRibeirão Preto Medical SchoolUniversity of São PauloRibeirão PretoSPBrazil
| | - Daniella A. Mendes‐da‐Cruz
- Laboratory on Thymus ResearchOswaldo Cruz InstituteOswaldo Cruz FoundationRio de JaneiroRJBrazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on NeuroimmunomodulationRio de JaneiroRJBrazil
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24
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Gies V, Guffroy A, Korganow AS. [Thymic B cells: not simple bystanders of T cell lymphopoiesis]. Med Sci (Paris) 2017; 33:771-778. [PMID: 28945568 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20173308023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is the central site for the differentiation and selection of T cells. It has been known for decades that B lymphocytes reside in the thymus, but little attention has been paid to this unique population. Thymic B cells are mainly located in the medulla and at the cortico-medullary junction. They develop intrathymically, do not recirculate and harbor a distinct phenotype in comparison to peripheral B cells. Furthermore, because of their activated phenotype and their precise histological localization, they have been suspected to play a role in the selection of self-reactive T cells. But it is only during this last decade that murine and human studies have highlighted their functions, such as antigen-presenting cells shaping the T cell repertoire. These works have demonstrated the major role of thymic B cells in the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Gies
- CNRS UPR 3572, Immunopathologie et chimie thérapeutique, Laboratoire d'Excellence Médalis, Institut de biologie moléculaire et cellulaire (IBMC), 67000 Strasbourg, France. Service d'immunologie clinique et de médecine interne, Centre national de référence des maladies auto-immunes rares, Hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Aurélien Guffroy
- CNRS UPR 3572, Immunopathologie et chimie thérapeutique, Laboratoire d'Excellence Médalis, Institut de biologie moléculaire et cellulaire (IBMC), 67000 Strasbourg, France. Service d'immunologie clinique et de médecine interne, Centre national de référence des maladies auto-immunes rares, Hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Korganow
- CNRS UPR 3572, Immunopathologie et chimie thérapeutique, Laboratoire d'Excellence Médalis, Institut de biologie moléculaire et cellulaire (IBMC), 67000 Strasbourg, France. Service d'immunologie clinique et de médecine interne, Centre national de référence des maladies auto-immunes rares, Hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France
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25
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Gutierrez MJ, Gilson J, Zacharias J, Ishmael F, Bingham CA. Childhood Polyarthritis As Early Manifestation of Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy with Candidiasis and Ectodermal Dystrophy Syndrome. Front Immunol 2017; 8:377. [PMID: 28458664 PMCID: PMC5394715 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy with candidiasis and ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) is a rare disorder of immune dysregulation caused by mutations in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene. Individuals affected with APECED develop a clinical syndrome characterized by ectodermal abnormalities, autoantibody production, and organ-specific autoimmune manifestations. Inflammatory arthritis is usually not described as a part of the syndrome, and only sporadic cases are reported. We describe the case of a preschool-age girl who presented with hypoparathyroidism, hepatitis, interstitial pneumonitis, and chronic polyarthritis at 4 years of age and was found to have two compound heterozygous disease-associated mutations in the AIRE gene. We also conducted a literature review of the main characteristics of inflammatory arthritis in APECED patients. Our case and review demonstrate that (1) inflammatory arthritis, although rare, can be an early manifestation of APECED; (2) the diagnosis of APECED should be considered if mucocutaneous candidiasis, multiple organ-specific autoimmune manifestations, polyendocrinopathy, especially hypoparathyroidism or adrenal failure, or ectodermal dystrophy accompany joint symptoms; and (3) genotyping interpretation should take into account that mutations are found in the 14 exons of the gene, compound heterozygosity is common, and in some cases, only one or no mutated alleles are found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Gutierrez
- Division of Pediatric Allergy Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Jamie Zacharias
- Section of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Faoud Ishmael
- Section of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - C April Bingham
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Penn State Children's Hospital, Hershey, PA, USA
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