1
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Root SH, Matthews BG, Torreggiani E, Aguila HL, Kalajzic I. Hematopoietic and stromal DMP1-Cre labeled cells form a unique niche in the bone marrow. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22403. [PMID: 38104230 PMCID: PMC10725438 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49713-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: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletogenesis and hematopoiesis are interdependent. Niches form between cells of both lineages where microenvironmental cues support specific lineage commitment. Because of the complex topography of bone marrow (BM), the identity and function of cells within specialized niches has not been fully elucidated. Dentin Matrix Protein 1 (DMP1)-Cre mice have been utilized in bone studies as mature osteoblasts and osteocytes express DMP1. DMP1 has been identified in CXCL12+ cells and an undefined CD45+ population. We crossed DMP1-Cre with Ai9 reporter mice and analyzed the tdTomato+ (tdT+) population in BM and secondary hematopoietic organs. CD45+tdT+ express myeloid markers including CD11b and are established early in ontogeny. CD45+tdT+ cells phagocytose, respond to LPS and are radioresistant. Depletion of macrophages caused a significant decrease in tdT+CD11b+ myeloid populations. A subset of CD45+tdT+ cells may be erythroid island macrophages (EIM) which are depleted after G-CSF treatment. tdT+CXCL12+ cells are in direct contact with F4/80 macrophages, express RANKL and form a niche with B220+ B cells. A population of resident cells within the thymus are tdT+ and express myeloid markers and RANKL. In conclusion, in addition to targeting osteoblast/osteocytes, DMP1-Cre labels unique cell populations of macrophage and stromal cells within BM and thymus niches and expresses key microenvironmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra H Root
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Development, MC 3705, School of Dental Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA.
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, MC1610, School of Dental Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA.
| | - Brya G Matthews
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Development, MC 3705, School of Dental Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Elena Torreggiani
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Development, MC 3705, School of Dental Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | | | - Ivo Kalajzic
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Development, MC 3705, School of Dental Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA.
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2
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Su X, Li X, Wang S, Xue X, Liu R, Bai X, Gong P, Feng C, Cao L, Wang T, Ding Y, Jiang J, Chen Y, Shi Y, Shao C. Nitric oxide-dependent immunosuppressive function of thymus-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells. Biol Direct 2023; 18:59. [PMID: 37723551 PMCID: PMC10506207 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00415-4] [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: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The thymus is required for T cell development and the formation of the adaptive immunity. Stromal cells, which include thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), are essential for thymic function. However, the immunomodulatory function of thymus-derived MSCs (T-MSCs) has not been fully explored. METHODS MSCs were isolated from mouse thymus and their general characteristics including surface markers and multi-differentiation potential were characterized. The immunomodulatory function of T-MSCs stimulated by IFN-γ and TNF-α was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of MSCs in the thymus was interrogated by using tdTomato-flox mice corssed to various MSC lineage Cre recombinase lines. RESULTS A subset of T-MSCs express Nestin, and are mainly distributed in the thymic medulla region and cortical-medulla junction, but not in the capsule. The Nestin-positive T-MSCs exhibit typical immunophenotypic characteristics and differentiation potential. Additionally, when stimulated with IFN-γ and TNF-α, they can inhibit activated T lymphocytes as efficiently as BM-MSCs, and this function is dependent on the production of nitric oxide (NO). Additionally, the T-MSCs exhibit a remarkable therapeutic efficacy in acute liver injury and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). CONCLUSIONS Nestin-positive MSCs are mainly distributed in medulla and cortical-medulla junction in thymus and possess immunosuppressive ability upon stimulation by inflammatory cytokines. The findings have implications in understanding the physiological function of MSCs in thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Su
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Xiaolei Li
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Shiqing Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Xiaotong Xue
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Rui Liu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Xiaojing Bai
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Pixia Gong
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Chao Feng
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Lijuan Cao
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Yayun Ding
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Junjie Jiang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Yongjing Chen
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Yufang Shi
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
| | - Changshun Shao
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
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3
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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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4
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Nitta T, Ota A, Iguchi T, Muro R, Takayanagi H. The fibroblast: An emerging key player in thymic T cell selection. Immunol Rev 2021; 302:68-85. [PMID: 34096078 PMCID: PMC8362222 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts have recently attracted attention as a key stromal component that controls the immune responses in lymphoid tissues. The thymus has a unique microenvironment comprised of a variety of stromal cells, including fibroblasts and thymic epithelial cells (TECs), the latter of which is known to be important for T cell development because of their ability to express self‐antigens. Thymic fibroblasts contribute to thymus organogenesis during embryogenesis and form the capsule and medullary reticular network in the adult thymus. However, the immunological significance of thymic fibroblasts has thus far only been poorly elucidated. In this review, we will summarize the current views on the development and functions of thymic fibroblasts as revealed by new technologies such as multicolor flow cytometry and single cell–based transcriptome profiling. Furthermore, the recently discovered role of medullary fibroblasts in the establishment of T cell tolerance by producing a unique set of self‐antigens will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Nitta
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayami Ota
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Iguchi
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryunosuke Muro
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takayanagi
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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5
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de Barros SC, Suterwala BT, He C, Ge S, Chick B, Blumberg GK, Kim K, Klein S, Zhu Y, Wang X, Casero D, Crooks GM. Pleiotropic Roles of VEGF in the Microenvironment of the Developing Thymus. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:2423-2436. [PMID: 32989093 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neonatal life marks the apogee of murine thymic growth. Over the first few days after birth, growth slows and the murine thymus switches from fetal to adult morphology and function; little is known about the cues driving this dramatic transition. In this study, we show for the first time (to our knowledge) the critical role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on thymic morphogenesis beyond its well-known role in angiogenesis. During a brief window a few days after birth, VEGF inhibition induced rapid and profound remodeling of the endothelial, mesenchymal and epithelial thymic stromal compartments, mimicking changes seen during early adult maturation. Rapid transcriptional changes were seen in each compartment after VEGF inhibition, including genes involved in migration, chemotaxis, and cell adhesion as well as induction of a proinflammatory and proadipogenic signature in endothelium, pericytes, and mesenchyme. Thymocyte numbers fell subsequent to the stromal changes. Expression patterns and functional blockade of the receptors VEGFR2 and NRP1 demonstrated that VEGF mediates its pleiotropic effects through distinct receptors on each microenvironmental compartment of the developing mouse thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C de Barros
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Batul T Suterwala
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Chongbin He
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Shundi Ge
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Brent Chick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Garrett K Blumberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Kenneth Kim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Sam Klein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Yuhua Zhu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - David Casero
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Gay M Crooks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095; .,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095; and.,Broad Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
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6
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Dohr D, Engelmann R, Müller-Hilke B. A novel method to efficiently isolate medullary thymic epithelial cells from murine thymi based on UEA-1 MicroBeads. J Immunol Methods 2019; 467:12-18. [PMID: 30735690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2019.02.001] [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: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The central mechanism for establishing a self-tolerant and functional T cell repertoire includes the promiscuous expression of otherwise tissue-restricted proteins by medullary thymic epithelial cells (TEC). We here demonstrate a novel and highly efficient method for isolating this rare key cell type. METHODS We combined the enrichment of medullary TEC via UEA-1 MicroBeads with the subsequent depletion of residual CD45+ hematopoietic cells via specific size exclusion and compared our results to the standard Percoll enrichment method and isolation procedure via flow cytometric cell sorting. RESULTS The addition of 2 μl UEA-1 MicroBeads per 108 thymus cells turned out best for optimal enrichment (an average of 22% purity compared to 1.2% for Percoll) and yield (an average of 1.73 × 105 medullary TEC per thymus compared to 5.16 × 104 for Percoll). After depletion of residual CD45+ cells, our method not only reached a purity of 75.5% but also turned out less stressful for the cells as compared to flow cytometric cell sorting. CONCLUSION We here provide a fast and versatile procedure for enriching medullary TEC that yields higher purity and recovery rates than the standard Percoll enrichment method Our enrichment procedure in combination with CD45+ depletion via specific size exclusion is comparable to the current gold standard flow cytometric cell sorting method. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We developed a fast and versatile procedure to isolate a high number medullary TEC to investigate the biochemical processes of medullary TEC in more depths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Dohr
- AG Clinical Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Robby Engelmann
- AG Clinical Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany..
| | - Brigitte Müller-Hilke
- AG Clinical Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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7
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Villegas JA, Gradolatto A, Truffault F, Roussin R, Berrih-Aknin S, Le Panse R, Dragin N. Cultured Human Thymic-Derived Cells Display Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cell Phenotype and Functionality. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1663. [PMID: 30083154 PMCID: PMC6064927 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells are one of the main components of the thymic microenvironment required for T-cell development. In this work, we describe an efficient method free of enzymatic and Facs-sorted methods to culture human medullary thymic epithelial cells without affecting the cell phenotypic, physiologic and functional features. Human medulla thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) are obtained by culturing thymic biopsies explants. After 7 days of primo-culture, mTECs keep their ability to express key molecules involved in immune tolerance processes such as autoimmune regulator, tissue-specific antigens, chemokines, and cytokines. In addition, the cells sensor their cultured environment and consequently adjust their gene expression network. Therefore, we describe and provide a human mTEC model that may be used to test the effect of various molecules on thymic epithelial cell homeostasis and physiology. This method should allow the investigations of the specificities and the knowledge of human mTECs in normal or pathological conditions and therefore discontinue the extrapolations done on the murine models.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Villegas
- INSERM, AIM, Center of Research in Myology, UMRS974, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Angeline Gradolatto
- INSERM, AIM, Center of Research in Myology, UMRS974, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Frédérique Truffault
- INSERM, AIM, Center of Research in Myology, UMRS974, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | | | - Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- INSERM, AIM, Center of Research in Myology, UMRS974, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Rozen Le Panse
- INSERM, AIM, Center of Research in Myology, UMRS974, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Nadine Dragin
- INSERM, AIM, Center of Research in Myology, UMRS974, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,Inovarion, Paris, France
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8
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Hirakawa M, Nagakubo D, Kanzler B, Avilov S, Krauth B, Happe C, Swann JB, Nusser A, Boehm T. Fundamental parameters of the developing thymic epithelium in the mouse. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11095. [PMID: 30038304 PMCID: PMC6056470 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29460-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The numbers of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and thymocytes steadily increase during embryogenesis. To examine this dynamic, we generated several TEC-specific transgenic mouse lines, which express fluorescent proteins in the nucleus, the cytosol and in the membranes under the control of the Foxn1 promoter. These tools enabled us to determine TEC numbers in tissue sections by confocal fluorescent microscopy, and in the intact organ by light-sheet microscopy. Compared to histological procedures, flow cytometric analysis of thymic cellularity is shown to underestimate the numbers of TECs by one order of magnitude; using enzymatic digestion of thymic tissue, the loss of cortical TECs (cTECs) is several fold greater than that of medullary TECs (mTECs), although different cTEC subsets appear to be still present in the final preparation. Novel reporter lines driven by Psmb11 and Prss16 promoters revealed the trajectory of differentiation of cTEC-like cells, and, owing to the additional facility of conditional cell ablation, allowed us to follow the recovery of such cells after their depletion during embryogenesis. Multiparametric histological analyses indicate that the new transgenic reporter lines not only reveal the unique morphologies of different TEC subsets, but are also conducive to the analysis of the complex cellular interactions in the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Hirakawa
- Department of Developmental Immunology, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daisuke Nagakubo
- Department of Developmental Immunology, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108, Freiburg, Germany.,Division of Health and Hygienic Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Himeji Dokkyo University, 7-2-1 Kamiohno, Himeji, Hyogo, 670-8524, Japan
| | - Benoît Kanzler
- Transgenic Mouse Core Facility, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sergiy Avilov
- Imaging Facility, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Brigitte Krauth
- Department of Developmental Immunology, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christiane Happe
- Department of Developmental Immunology, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jeremy B Swann
- Department of Developmental Immunology, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Nusser
- Department of Developmental Immunology, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Boehm
- Department of Developmental Immunology, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108, Freiburg, Germany.
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9
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Abstract
About two decades ago, cloning of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene materialized one of the most important actors on the scene of self-tolerance. Thymic transcription of genes encoding tissue-specific antigens (ts-ags) is activated by AIRE protein and embodies the essence of thymic self-representation. Pathogenic AIRE variants cause the autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1, which is a rare and complex disease that is gaining attention in research on autoimmunity. The animal models of disease, although not identically reproducing the human picture, supply fundamental information on mechanisms and extent of AIRE action: thanks to its multidomain structure, AIRE localizes to chromatin enclosing the target genes, binds to histones, and offers an anchorage to multimolecular complexes involved in initiation and post-initiation events of gene transcription. In addition, AIRE enhances mRNA diversity by favoring alternative mRNA splicing. Once synthesized, ts-ags are presented to, and cause deletion of the self-reactive thymocyte clones. However, AIRE function is not restricted to the activation of gene transcription. AIRE would control presentation and transfer of self-antigens for thymic cellular interplay: such mechanism is aimed at increasing the likelihood of engagement of the thymocytes that carry the corresponding T-cell receptors. Another fundamental role of AIRE in promoting self-tolerance is related to the development of thymocyte anergy, as thymic self-representation shapes at the same time the repertoire of regulatory T cells. Finally, AIRE seems to replicate its action in the secondary lymphoid organs, albeit the cell lineage detaining such property has not been fully characterized. Delineation of AIRE functions adds interesting data to the knowledge of the mechanisms of self-tolerance and introduces exciting perspectives of therapeutic interventions against the related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Perniola
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care, Vito Fazzi Regional Hospital, Lecce, Italy
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10
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Miragaia RJ, Zhang X, Gomes T, Svensson V, Ilicic T, Henriksson J, Kar G, Lönnberg T. Single-cell RNA-sequencing resolves self-antigen expression during mTEC development. Sci Rep 2018; 8:685. [PMID: 29330484 PMCID: PMC5766627 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-19100-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The crucial capability of T cells for discrimination between self and non-self peptides is based on negative selection of developing thymocytes by medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs). The mTECs purge autoreactive T cells by expression of cell-type specific genes referred to as tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs). Although the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) protein is known to promote the expression of a subset of TRAs, its mechanism of action is still not fully understood. The expression of TRAs that are not under the control of AIRE also needs further characterization. Furthermore, expression patterns of TRA genes have been suggested to change over the course of mTEC development. Herein we have used single-cell RNA-sequencing to resolve patterns of TRA expression during mTEC development. Our data indicated that mTEC development consists of three distinct stages, correlating with previously described jTEC, mTEChi and mTEClo phenotypes. For each subpopulation, we have identified marker genes useful in future studies. Aire-induced TRAs were switched on during jTEC-mTEC transition and were expressed in genomic clusters, while otherwise the subsets expressed largely overlapping sets of TRAs. Moreover, population-level analysis of TRA expression frequencies suggested that such differences might not be necessary to achieve efficient thymocyte selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo J Miragaia
- European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Xiuwei Zhang
- European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
- University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Tomás Gomes
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Valentine Svensson
- European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
| | - Tomislav Ilicic
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Johan Henriksson
- European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
| | - Gozde Kar
- European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
| | - Tapio Lönnberg
- European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, United Kingdom.
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom.
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.
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11
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Sakata M, Ohigashi I, Takahama Y. Cellularity of Thymic Epithelial Cells in the Postnatal Mouse. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 200:1382-1388. [PMID: 29298829 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The molecular and cellular biology of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) often relies on the analysis of TECs isolated in enzymatically digested single-cell suspensions derived from mouse thymus. Many independent studies have reported that the estimated cellularity of total TECs isolated from one adult mouse is on the order of up to 105 However, these numbers appear extremely small given that the cellularity of total thymocytes exceeds 108 and that TECs play multiple roles in thymocyte development and repertoire formation. In the present study, we aimed to measure the numbers of β5t-expressing cortical TECs and Aire-expressing medullary TECs in postnatal mouse thymus in situ without enzymatic digestion. The numbers of these TECs were manually counted in individual thymic sections and were three-dimensionally summed throughout the entire thymic lobes. The results show that the cellularity of total TECs in one 5-wk-old female mouse exceeds 106, containing ∼9 × 105 β5t+ cortical TECs and ∼1.1 × 106 Aire+ medullary TECs. These results suggest that the use of conventional enzymatic digestion methods for the isolation of TECs may have resulted in the underestimation of the cellularity, and possibly the biology, of TECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mie Sakata
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
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12
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Sheridan JM, Keown A, Policheni A, Roesley SN, Rivlin N, Kadouri N, Ritchie ME, Jain R, Abramson J, Heng TS, Gray DH. Thymospheres Are Formed by Mesenchymal Cells with the Potential to Generate Adipocytes, but Not Epithelial Cells. Cell Rep 2017; 21:934-942. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.09.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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13
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Ki S, Thyagarajan HM, Hu Z, Lancaster JN, Ehrlich LIR. EBI2 contributes to the induction of thymic central tolerance in mice by promoting rapid motility of medullary thymocytes. Eur J Immunol 2017; 47:1906-1917. [PMID: 28741728 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201747020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Maturing thymocytes enter the thymic medulla, where they encounter numerous self-antigens presented by antigen presenting cells (APCs). Those thymocytes that are strongly self-reactive undergo either negative selection or diversion into the regulatory T-cell lineage. Although the majority of the proteome is expressed in the medulla, many self-antigens are expressed by only a minor fraction of medullary APCs; thus, thymocytes must efficiently enter the medulla and scan APCs to ensure central tolerance. Chemokine receptors promote lymphocyte migration, organization within tissues, and interactions with APCs in lymphoid organs. The chemokine receptor EBI2 governs localization of T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells (DCs) during immune responses in secondary lymphoid organs. However, the role of EBI2 in thymocyte development has not been elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that EBI2 is expressed by murine CD4+ single positive (CD4SP) thymocytes and thymic DCs. EBI2 deficiency alters the TCR repertoire, but does not grossly impact thymocyte cellularity or subset distribution. EBI2 deficiency also impairs negative selection of OT-II TCR transgenic thymocytes responding to an endogenous self-antigen. Two-photon imaging revealed that EBI2 deficiency results in reduced migration and impaired medullary accumulation of CD4SP thymocytes. These data identify a role for EBI2 in promoting efficient thymic central tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghee Ki
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Hiran M Thyagarajan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Zicheng Hu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jessica N Lancaster
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Lauren I R Ehrlich
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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14
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Effect of cryopreservation on viability and growth efficiency of stromal-epithelial cells derived from neonatal human thymus. Cryobiology 2017; 78:70-79. [PMID: 28668447 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is the major site of T lymphocyte generation and so is critical for a functional adaptive immune system. Since, thymectomy is a component of neonatal surgery for congenital heart diseases, it provides great potential for collection and storage of thymic tissue for autologous transplantation. However, specific investigation into the optimum parameters for thymic tissue cryopreservation have not been conducted. In this research, we evaluated the effect of different cryoprotective media compositions, which included penetrating (Me2SO, glycerol) and non-penetrating (dextran-40, sucrose, hydroxyethyl starch) components, on the viability and functionality of frozen-thawed human thymic samples to select an optimal cryoprotective medium suitable for long-term storage of thymic tissue and a stromal-epithelial enriched population. Our primary focus was on receiving, low-temperature storage, culturing and evaluation of thymic tissue samples from newborns and infants with congenital heart diseases, who had undergone thymectomy as a part of standard surgical procedure. Thus, this work builds the platform for autologous clinical intervention into the thymus-deficient patients with congenital heart diseases. From our data, we conclude that although there were no significant differences in efficiency of tested cryoprotective media compositions, the combination of Me2SO and dextran-40 compounds was the most suitable for long-term storage both thymic cell suspensions and thymic fragments based on the viability of CD326+ epithelial cells and stromal-epithelial cell monolayer formation.
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15
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Calvo-Asensio I, Barthlott T, von Muenchow L, Lowndes NF, Ceredig R. Differential Response of Mouse Thymic Epithelial Cell Types to Ionizing Radiation-Induced DNA Damage. Front Immunol 2017; 8:418. [PMID: 28450862 PMCID: PMC5389985 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are the main components of the thymic stroma that support and control T-cell development. Preparative regimens using DNA-damaging agents, such as total body irradiation and/or chemotherapeutic drugs, that are necessary prior to bone marrow transplantation (BMT) have profound deleterious effects on the hematopoietic system, including the thymic stroma, which may be one of the main causes for the prolonged periods of T-cell deficiency and the inefficient T cell reconstitution that are common following BMT. The DNA damage response (DDR) is a complex signaling network that allows cells to respond to all sorts of genotoxic insults. Hypoxia is known to modulate the DDR and play a role affecting the survival capacity of different cell types. In this study, we have characterized in detail the DDR of cortical and medullary TEC lines and their response to ionizing radiation, as well as the effects of hypoxia on their DDR. Although both mTECs and cTECs display relatively high radio-resistance, mTEC cells have an increased survival capacity to ionizing radiation (IR)-induced DNA damage, and hypoxia specifically decreases the radio-resistance of mTECs by upregulating the expression of the pro-apoptotic factor Bim. Analysis of the expression of TEC functional factors by primary mouse TECs showed a marked decrease of highly important genes for TEC function and confirmed cTECs as the most affected cell type by IR. These findings have important implications for improving the outcomes of BMT and promoting successful T cell reconstitution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Calvo-Asensio
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.,Genome Stability Laboratory, Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Thomas Barthlott
- Pediatric Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University Children's Hospital (UKBB) and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lilly von Muenchow
- Developmental and Molecular Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Noel F Lowndes
- Genome Stability Laboratory, Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Rhodri Ceredig
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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16
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Barsanti M, Lim JMC, Hun ML, Lister N, Wong K, Hammett MV, Lepletier A, Boyd RL, Giudice A, Chidgey AP. A novel Foxn1
eGFP/+
mouse model identifies Bmp4‐induced maintenance of
Foxn1
expression and thymic epithelial progenitor populations. Eur J Immunol 2016; 47:291-304. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.201646553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Barsanti
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Joanna M. C. Lim
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Michael L. Hun
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Natalie Lister
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Kahlia Wong
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Maree V. Hammett
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Ailin Lepletier
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Richard L. Boyd
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Antonietta Giudice
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Ann P. Chidgey
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
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17
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Wang HX, Cheng JS, Chu S, Qiu YR, Zhong XP. mTORC2 in Thymic Epithelial Cells Controls Thymopoiesis and T Cell Development. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 197:141-50. [PMID: 27233961 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1502698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) play important roles in T cell generation. Mechanisms that control TEC development and function are still not well defined. The mammalian or mechanistic target of rapamycin complex (mTORC)2 signals to regulate cell survival, nutrient uptake, and metabolism. We report in the present study that mice with TEC-specific ablation of Rictor, a critical and unique adaptor molecule in mTORC2, display thymic atrophy, which accompanies decreased TEC numbers in the medulla. Moreover, generation of multiple T cell lineages, including conventional TCRαβ T cells, regulatory T cells, invariant NKT cells, and TCRγδ T cells, was reduced in TEC-specific Rictor-deficient mice. Our data demonstrate that mTORC2 in TECs is important for normal thymopoiesis and efficient T cell generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xia Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Joyce S Cheng
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710; Pre-Med (BS/MD) Health Scholar Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19222
| | - Shuai Chu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Yu-Rong Qiu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China;
| | - Xiao-Ping Zhong
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710; Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710; and Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapies Program, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
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18
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Dragin N, Bismuth J, Cizeron-Clairac G, Biferi MG, Berthault C, Serraf A, Nottin R, Klatzmann D, Cumano A, Barkats M, Le Panse R, Berrih-Aknin S. Estrogen-mediated downregulation of AIRE influences sexual dimorphism in autoimmune diseases. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:1525-37. [PMID: 26999605 PMCID: PMC4811157 DOI: 10.1172/jci81894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases affect 5% to 8% of the population, and females are more susceptible to these diseases than males. Here, we analyzed human thymic transcriptome and revealed sex-associated differences in the expression of tissue-specific antigens that are controlled by the autoimmune regulator (AIRE), a key factor in central tolerance. We hypothesized that the level of AIRE is linked to sexual dimorphism susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. In human and mouse thymus, females expressed less AIRE (mRNA and protein) than males after puberty. These results were confirmed in purified murine thymic epithelial cells (TECs). We also demonstrated that AIRE expression is related to sexual hormones, as male castration decreased AIRE thymic expression and estrogen receptor α-deficient mice did not show a sex disparity for AIRE expression. Moreover, estrogen treatment resulted in downregulation of AIRE expression in cultured human TECs, human thymic tissue grafted to immunodeficient mice, and murine fetal thymus organ cultures. AIRE levels in human thymus grafted in immunodeficient mice depended upon the sex of the recipient. Estrogen also upregulated the number of methylated CpG sites in the AIRE promoter. Together, our results indicate that in females, estrogen induces epigenetic changes in the AIRE gene, leading to reduced AIRE expression under a threshold that increases female susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Dragin
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University of Paris 06, Paris, France
- INSERM U974, Paris, France
- CNRS FRE 3617, Paris, France
- AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France
| | - Jacky Bismuth
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University of Paris 06, Paris, France
- INSERM U974, Paris, France
- CNRS FRE 3617, Paris, France
- AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France
| | | | - Maria Grazia Biferi
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University of Paris 06, Paris, France
- INSERM U974, Paris, France
- CNRS FRE 3617, Paris, France
- AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France
| | - Claire Berthault
- INSERM U668, Unit for Lymphopoiesis, Immunology Department, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Cellule Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Alain Serraf
- Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis–Robinson, France
| | - Rémi Nottin
- Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis–Robinson, France
| | - David Klatzmann
- Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Biotherapy, Paris, France
| | - Ana Cumano
- INSERM U668, Unit for Lymphopoiesis, Immunology Department, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
| | - Martine Barkats
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University of Paris 06, Paris, France
- INSERM U974, Paris, France
- CNRS FRE 3617, Paris, France
- AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France
| | - Rozen Le Panse
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University of Paris 06, Paris, France
- INSERM U974, Paris, France
- CNRS FRE 3617, Paris, France
- AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France
| | - Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University of Paris 06, Paris, France
- INSERM U974, Paris, France
- CNRS FRE 3617, Paris, France
- AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France
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19
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Intercellular Protein Transfer from Thymocytes to Thymic Epithelial Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152641. [PMID: 27022746 PMCID: PMC4811443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Promiscuous expression of tissue restricted antigens (TRAs) in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) is crucial for negative selection of self-reactive T cells to establish central tolerance. Intercellular transfer of self-peptide-MHC complexes from mTECs to thymic dendritic cells (DCs) allows DCs to acquire TRAs, which in turn contributes to negative selection and regulatory T cell generation. However, mTECs are unlikely to express all TRAs, such as immunoglobulins generated only in B cells after somatic recombination, hyper-mutation, or class-switches. We report here that both mTECs and cortical TECs can efficiently acquire not only cell surface but also intracellular proteins from thymocytes. This reveals a previously unappreciated intercellular sharing of molecules from thymocytes to TECs, which may broaden the TRA inventory in mTECs for establishing a full spectrum of central tolerance.
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20
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Wang HX, Shin J, Wang S, Gorentla B, Lin X, Gao J, Qiu YR, Zhong XP. mTORC1 in Thymic Epithelial Cells Is Critical for Thymopoiesis, T-Cell Generation, and Temporal Control of γδT17 Development and TCRγ/δ Recombination. PLoS Biol 2016; 14:e1002370. [PMID: 26889835 PMCID: PMC4758703 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymus is crucial for generation of a diverse repertoire of T cells essential for adaptive immunity. Although thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are crucial for thymopoiesis and T cell generation, how TEC development and function are controlled is poorly understood. We report here that mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) in TECs plays critical roles in thymopoiesis and thymus function. Acute deletion of mTORC1 in adult mice caused severe thymic involution. TEC-specific deficiency of mTORC1 (mTORC1KO) impaired TEC maturation and function such as decreased expression of thymotropic chemokines, decreased medullary TEC to cortical TEC ratios, and altered thymic architecture, leading to severe thymic atrophy, reduced recruitment of early thymic progenitors, and impaired development of virtually all T-cell lineages. Strikingly, temporal control of IL-17-producing γδT (γδT17) cell differentiation and TCRVγ/δ recombination in fetal thymus is lost in mTORC1KO thymus, leading to elevated γδT17 differentiation and rearranging of fetal specific TCRVγ/δ in adulthood. Thus, mTORC1 is central for TEC development/function and establishment of thymic environment for proper T cell development, and modulating mTORC1 activity can be a strategy for preventing thymic involution/atrophy. The thymus is essential for making T cells but undergoes age- or stress-associated atrophy. This study demonstrates that mTOR complex 1 in thymic epithelial cells is crucial for correct thymic architecture and the production of mature T cells. The thymus is the primary organ for T cell generation. Abnormal thymus function profoundly affects host immunity and numerous diseases. Thymopoiesis and thymus function rely on orchestrated interaction between multiple cell types representing different origins. Among them, thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are crucial for thymus development and maintenance and T cell generation. How TEC development and function are regulated is poorly understood. The mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine/threonine kinase, signals with two complexes, mTORC1 and mTOC2, to control metabolism, growth, proliferation, and survival. Using a mouse model with mTORC1 selectively ablated in TECs, we demonstrate that mTORC1 in TECs plays critical roles in thymopoiesis and thymus function. Absence of mTORC1 results in impaired TEC maturation and function, altered thymic architecture, severe thymic atrophy, and impaired development of virtually all T-cell lineages. Moreover, it also causes increased generation of IL-17–producing γδT (γδT17) cells and fetal-specific γδT subsets in adult thymus, revealing that mTORC1 in TECs is central for temporal control of γδT17 differentiation and TCRVγ/δ recombination. Our results establish mTORC1 as a central regulator for TEC development/function and for the establishment of normal thymic environment for proper T cell development. We suggest modulating mTORC1 activity as a strategy for preventing thymic involution/atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xia Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinwook Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Shang Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Balachandra Gorentla
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Xingguang Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jimin Gao
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu-Rong Qiu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (XPZ); (YQ)
| | - Xiao-Ping Zhong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapies Program, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail: (XPZ); (YQ)
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21
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Endogenous dendritic cells from the tumor microenvironment support T-ALL growth via IGF1R activation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E1016-25. [PMID: 26862168 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1520245113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cells require stromal-derived signals to survive. Although many studies have identified cell-intrinsic alterations in signaling pathways that promote T-ALL growth, the identity of endogenous stromal cells and their associated signals in the tumor microenvironment that support T-ALL remains unknown. By examining the thymic tumor microenvironments in multiple murine T-ALL models and primary patient samples, we discovered the emergence of prominent epithelial-free regions, enriched for proliferating tumor cells and dendritic cells (DCs). Systematic evaluation of the functional capacity of tumor-associated stromal cells revealed that myeloid cells, primarily DCs, are necessary and sufficient to support T-ALL survival ex vivo. DCs support T-ALL growth both in primary thymic tumors and at secondary tumor sites. To identify a molecular mechanism by which DCs support T-ALL growth, we first performed gene expression profiling, which revealed up-regulation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (Pdgfrb) and insulin-like growth factor I receptor (Igf1r) on T-ALL cells, with concomitant expression of their ligands by tumor-associated DCs. Both Pdgfrb and Igf1r were activated in ex vivo T-ALL cells, and coculture with tumor-associated, but not normal thymic DCs, sustained IGF1R activation. Furthermore, IGF1R signaling was necessary for DC-mediated T-ALL survival. Collectively, these studies provide the first evidence that endogenous tumor-associated DCs supply signals driving T-ALL growth, and implicate tumor-associated DCs and their mitogenic signals as auspicious therapeutic targets.
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22
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Sun L, Sun C, Liang Z, Li H, Chen L, Luo H, Zhang H, Ding P, Sun X, Qin Z, Zhao Y. FSP1(+) fibroblast subpopulation is essential for the maintenance and regeneration of medullary thymic epithelial cells. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14871. [PMID: 26445893 PMCID: PMC4597222 DOI: 10.1038/srep14871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) form a 3-dimentional network supporting thymocyte development and maturation. Besides epithelium and thymocytes, heterogeneous fibroblasts are essential components in maintaining thymic microenvironments. However, thymic fibroblast characteristics, development and function remain to be determined. We herein found that thymic non-hematopoietic CD45(-)FSP1(+) cells represent a unique Fibroblast specific protein 1 (FSP1)(-)fibroblast-derived cell subset. Deletion of these cells in FSP1-TK transgenic mice caused thymus atrophy due to the loss of TECs, especially mature medullary TECs (MHCII(high), CD80(+) and Aire(+)). In a cyclophosphamide-induced thymus injury and regeneration model, lack of non-hematopoietic CD45(-)FSP1(+) fibroblast subpopulation significantly delayed thymus regeneration. In fact, thymic FSP1(+) fibroblasts released more IL-6, FGF7 and FSP1 in the culture medium than their FSP1(-) counterparts. Further experiments showed that the FSP1 protein could directly enhance the proliferation and maturation of TECs in the in vitro culture systems. FSP1 knockout mice had significantly smaller thymus size and less TECs than their control. Collectively, our studies reveal that thymic CD45(-)FSP1(+) cells are a subpopulation of fibroblasts, which is crucial for the maintenance and regeneration of TECs especially medullary TECs through providing IL-6, FGF7 and FSP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chenming Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongran Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haiying Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pengbo Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoning Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihai Qin
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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23
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Hu Z, Lancaster JN, Sasiponganan C, Ehrlich LIR. CCR4 promotes medullary entry and thymocyte-dendritic cell interactions required for central tolerance. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 212:1947-65. [PMID: 26417005 PMCID: PMC4612092 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20150178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Hu et al. show that the chemokine receptor CCR4 is involved in thymocyte medullary entry, interactions with dendritic cells, and negative selection. In the absence of CCR4, central tolerance is not established, promoting autoimmunity. Autoimmunity results from a breakdown in central or peripheral tolerance. To establish central tolerance, developing T cells must enter the thymic medulla, where they scan antigen-presenting cells (APCs) displaying a diverse array of autoantigens. If a thymocyte is activated by a self-antigen, the cell undergoes either deletion or diversion into the regulatory T cell (T reg) lineage, thus maintaining self-tolerance. Mechanisms promoting thymocyte medullary entry and interactions with APCs are incompletely understood. CCR4 is poised to contribute to central tolerance due to its expression by post-positive selection thymocytes, and expression of its ligands by medullary thymic dendritic cells (DCs). Here, we use two-photon time-lapse microscopy to demonstrate that CCR4 promotes medullary entry of the earliest post-positive selection thymocytes, as well as efficient interactions between medullary thymocytes and DCs. In keeping with the contribution of thymic DCs to central tolerance, CCR4 is involved in regulating negative selection of polyclonal and T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic thymocytes. In the absence of CCR4, autoreactive T cells accumulate in secondary lymphoid organs and autoimmunity ensues. These studies reveal a previously unappreciated role for CCR4 in the establishment of central tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zicheng Hu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
| | - Jessica N Lancaster
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
| | - Chayanit Sasiponganan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
| | - Lauren I R Ehrlich
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
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24
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Linhares-Lacerda L, Palu CC, Ribeiro-Alves M, Paredes BD, Morrot A, Garcia-Silva MR, Cayota A, Savino W. Differential Expression of microRNAs in Thymic Epithelial Cells from Trypanosoma cruzi Acutely Infected Mice: Putative Role in Thymic Atrophy. Front Immunol 2015; 6:428. [PMID: 26347748 PMCID: PMC4543887 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A common feature seen in acute infections is a severe atrophy of the thymus. This occurs in the murine model of acute Chagas disease. Moreover, in thymuses from Trypanosoma cruzi acutely infected mice, thymocytes exhibit an increase in the density of fibronectin and laminin integrin-type receptors, with an increase in migratory response ex vivo. Thymic epithelial cells (TEC) play a major role in the intrathymic T cell differentiation. To date, the consequences of molecular changes promoted by parasite infection upon thymus have not been elucidated. Considering the importance of microRNA for gene expression regulation, 85 microRNAs (mRNAs) were analyzed in TEC from T. cruzi acutely infected mice. The infection significantly modulated 29 miRNAs and modulation of 9 was also dependent whether TEC sorted out from the thymus exhibited cortical or medullary phenotype. In silico analysis revealed that these miRNAs may control target mRNAs known to be responsible for chemotaxis, cell adhesion, and cell death. Considering that we sorted TEC in the initial phase of thymocyte loss, it is conceivable that changes in TEC miRNA expression profile are functionally related to thymic atrophy, providing new clues to better understanding the mechanisms of the thymic involution seen in experimental Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandra Linhares-Lacerda
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Institute Oswaldo Cruz, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Cintia Cristina Palu
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Institute Oswaldo Cruz, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Marcelo Ribeiro-Alves
- HIV/AIDS Clinical Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Bruno Diaz Paredes
- The National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | | | - Alfonso Cayota
- Functional Genomics Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo , Montevideo , Uruguay
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Institute Oswaldo Cruz, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
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25
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Lopes N, Sergé A, Ferrier P, Irla M. Thymic Crosstalk Coordinates Medulla Organization and T-Cell Tolerance Induction. Front Immunol 2015; 6:365. [PMID: 26257733 PMCID: PMC4507079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus ensures the generation of a functional and highly diverse T-cell repertoire. The thymic medulla, which is mainly composed of medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) and dendritic cells (DCs), provides a specialized microenvironment dedicated to the establishment of T-cell tolerance. mTECs play a privileged role in this pivotal process by their unique capacity to express a broad range of peripheral self-antigens that are presented to developing T cells. Reciprocally, developing T cells control mTEC differentiation and organization. These bidirectional interactions are commonly referred to as thymic crosstalk. This review focuses on the relative contributions of mTEC and DC subsets to the deletion of autoreactive T cells and the generation of natural regulatory T cells. We also summarize current knowledge regarding how hematopoietic cells conversely control the composition and complex three-dimensional organization of the thymic medulla.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noëlla Lopes
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, INSERM, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, Aix-Marseille Université UM2 , Marseille , France
| | - Arnauld Sergé
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Aix-Marseille Université UM105 , Marseille , France
| | - Pierre Ferrier
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, INSERM, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, Aix-Marseille Université UM2 , Marseille , France
| | - Magali Irla
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, INSERM, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, Aix-Marseille Université UM2 , Marseille , France
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26
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Inhibins tune the thymocyte selection process by regulating thymic stromal cell differentiation. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:837859. [PMID: 25973437 PMCID: PMC4418002 DOI: 10.1155/2015/837859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Revised: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibins and Activins are members of the TGF-β superfamily that regulate the differentiation of several cell types. These ligands were initially identified as hormones that regulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis; however, increasing evidence has demonstrated that they are key regulators in the immune system. We have previously demonstrated that Inhibins are the main Activin ligands expressed in the murine thymus and that they regulate thymocyte differentiation, promoting the DN3-DN4 transition and the selection of SP thymocytes. As Inhibins are mainly produced by thymic stromal cells, which also express Activin receptors and Smad proteins, we hypothesized that Inhibins might play a role in stromal cell differentiation and function. Here, we demonstrate that, in the absence of Inhibins, thymic conventional dendritic cells display reduced levels of MHC Class II (MHCII) and CD86. In addition, the ratio between cTECs and mTECs was affected, indicating that mTEC differentiation was favoured and cTEC diminished in the absence of Inhibins. These changes appeared to impact thymocyte selection leading to a decreased selection of CD4SP thymocytes and increased generation of natural regulatory T cells. These findings demonstrate that Inhibins tune the T cell selection process by regulating both thymocyte and stromal cell differentiation.
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27
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Abstract
Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is a recently described IL-10 family cytokine that is produced by T helper (Th) 17 cells, γδ T cells, NKT cells, and newly described innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). Knowledge of IL-22 biology has evolved rapidly since its discovery in 2000, and a role for IL-22 has been identified in numerous tissues, including the intestines, lung, liver, kidney, thymus, pancreas, and skin. IL-22 primarily targets nonhematopoietic epithelial and stromal cells, where it can promote proliferation and play a role in tissue regeneration. In addition, IL-22 regulates host defense at barrier surfaces. However, IL-22 has also been linked to several conditions involving inflammatory tissue pathology. In this review, we assess the current understanding of this cytokine, including its physiologic and pathologic effects on epithelial cell function.
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28
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Dewas C, Chen X, Honda T, Junttila I, Linton J, Udey MC, Porcella SF, Sturdevant DE, Feigenbaum L, Koo L, Williams J, Paul WE. TSLP expression: analysis with a ZsGreen TSLP reporter mouse. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 194:1372-80. [PMID: 25539812 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1400519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a type I cytokine that plays a central role in induction of allergic inflammatory responses. Its principal targets have been reported to be dendritic cells and/or CD4 T cells; epithelial cells are a principal source. We report in this study the development of a reporter mouse (TSLP-ZsG) in which a ZsGreen (ZsG)-encoding construct has been inserted by recombineering into a bacterial artificial chromosome immediately at the translation initiating ATG of TSLP. The expression of ZsG by mice transgenic for the recombinant BAC appears to be a faithful surrogate for TSLP expression, particularly in keratinocytes and medullary thymic epithelial cells. Limited ZsG and TSLP mRNA was observed in bone marrow-derived mast cells, basophils, and dendritic cells. Using the TSLP-ZsG reporter mouse, we show that TNF-α and IL-4/IL-13 are potent inducers of TSLP expression by keratinocytes and that local activation of Th2 and Th1 cells induces keratinocyte TSLP expression. We suggest that the capacity of TSLP to both induce Th2 differentiation and to be induced by activated Th2 cells raises the possibility that TSLP may be involved in a positive feedback loop to enhance allergic inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Dewas
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Xi Chen
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Tetsuya Honda
- Laboratory of Systems Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Ilkka Junttila
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Jay Linton
- Dermatology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Mark C Udey
- Dermatology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Stephen F Porcella
- Research Technology Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Daniel E Sturdevant
- Research Technology Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Lionel Feigenbaum
- Laboratory Animal Science Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892; and
| | - Lily Koo
- Research Technology Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Joy Williams
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - William E Paul
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892;
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29
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Jain R, Gray DH. Isolation of Thymic Epithelial Cells and Analysis by Flow Cytometry. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 107:3.26.1-3.26.15. [DOI: 10.1002/0471142735.im0326s107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reema Jain
- Molecular Genetics of Cancer Division and Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Parkville Victoria Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Daniel H.D. Gray
- Molecular Genetics of Cancer Division and Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Parkville Victoria Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
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30
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O'Reilly LA, Hughes P, Lin A, Waring P, Siebenlist U, Jain R, Gray DHD, Gerondakis S, Strasser A. Loss of c-REL but not NF-κB2 prevents autoimmune disease driven by FasL mutation. Cell Death Differ 2014; 22:767-78. [PMID: 25361085 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2014.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
FASL/FAS signaling imposes a critical barrier against autoimmune disease and lymphadenopathy. Mutant mice unable to produce membrane-bound FASL (FasL(Δm/Δm)), a prerequisite for FAS-induced apoptosis, develop lymphadenopathy and systemic autoimmune disease with immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis. Prior to disease onset, FasL(Δm/Δm) mice contain abnormally high numbers of leukocytes displaying activated and elevated NF-κB-regulated cytokine levels, indicating that NF-κB-dependent inflammation may be a key pathological driver in this multifaceted autoimmune disease. We tested this hypothesis by genetically impairing canonical or non-canonical NF-κB signaling in FasL(Δm/Δm) mice by deleting the c-Rel or NF-κB2 genes, respectively. Although the loss of NF-κB2 reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines and autoantibodies, the impact on animal survival was minor due to substantially accelerated and exacerbated lymphoproliferative disease. In contrast, a marked increase in lifespan resulting from the loss of c-REL coincided with a striking reduction in classical parameters of autoimmune pathology, including the levels of cytokines and antinuclear autoantibodies. Notably, the decrease in regulatory T-cell numbers associated with loss of c-REL did not exacerbate autoimmunity in FasL(Δm/Δm)c-rel(-/-) mice. These findings indicate that selective inhibition of c-REL may be an attractive strategy for the treatment of autoimmune pathologies driven by defects in FASL/FAS signaling that would be expected to circumvent many of the complications caused by pan-NF-κB inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A O'Reilly
- 1] Molecular Genetics of Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia [2] Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - P Hughes
- 1] Molecular Genetics of Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia [2] Department of Nephrology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - A Lin
- Molecular Genetics of Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - P Waring
- Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010 Victoria, Australia
| | - U Siebenlist
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - R Jain
- 1] Molecular Genetics of Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia [2] Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - D H D Gray
- 1] Molecular Genetics of Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia [2] Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - S Gerondakis
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases and Department of Clinical Hematology, Monash University Central Clinical School, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - A Strasser
- 1] Molecular Genetics of Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia [2] Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
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31
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Velardi E, Tsai JJ, Holland AM, Wertheimer T, Yu VWC, Zakrzewski JL, Tuckett AZ, Singer NV, West ML, Smith OM, Young LF, Kreines FM, Levy ER, Boyd RL, Scadden DT, Dudakov JA, van den Brink MRM. Sex steroid blockade enhances thymopoiesis by modulating Notch signaling. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 211:2341-9. [PMID: 25332287 PMCID: PMC4235646 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20131289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Velardi et al. show that sex steroids regulate thymopoiesis by directly modulating Notch signaling, and provide a novel clinical strategy to boost immune regeneration. Paradoxical to its importance for generating a diverse T cell repertoire, thymic function progressively declines throughout life. This process has been at least partially attributed to the effects of sex steroids, and their removal promotes enhanced thymopoiesis and recovery from immune injury. We show that one mechanism by which sex steroids influence thymopoiesis is through direct inhibition in cortical thymic epithelial cells (cTECs) of Delta-like 4 (Dll4), a Notch ligand crucial for the commitment and differentiation of T cell progenitors in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with this, sex steroid ablation (SSA) led to increased expression of Dll4 and its downstream targets. Importantly, SSA induced by luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) receptor antagonism bypassed the surge in sex steroids caused by LHRH agonists, the gold standard for clinical ablation of sex steroids, thereby facilitating increased Dll4 expression and more rapid promotion of thymopoiesis. Collectively, these findings not only reveal a novel mechanism underlying improved thymic regeneration upon SSA but also offer an improved clinical strategy for successfully boosting immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Velardi
- Immunology Program, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065 Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, 06122 Perugia, Italy
| | - Jennifer J Tsai
- Immunology Program, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065 Department of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021
| | - Amanda M Holland
- Immunology Program, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065 Department of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021 MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, England, UK
| | - Tobias Wertheimer
- Immunology Program, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065 Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Freiburg University Medical Center, Albert-Ludwigs-University, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Vionnie W C Yu
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138 Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Johannes L Zakrzewski
- Immunology Program, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065 Immunology Program, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Andrea Z Tuckett
- Immunology Program, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Natalie V Singer
- Immunology Program, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Mallory L West
- Immunology Program, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Odette M Smith
- Immunology Program, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Lauren F Young
- Immunology Program, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Fabiana M Kreines
- Immunology Program, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Emily R Levy
- Immunology Program, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Richard L Boyd
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia
| | - David T Scadden
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138 Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Jarrod A Dudakov
- Immunology Program, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065 Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia
| | - Marcel R M van den Brink
- Immunology Program, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065 Immunology Program, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065 Department of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021
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32
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Bredenkamp N, Ulyanchenko S, O'Neill KE, Manley NR, Vaidya HJ, Blackburn CC. An organized and functional thymus generated from FOXN1-reprogrammed fibroblasts. Nat Cell Biol 2014; 16:902-8. [PMID: 25150981 PMCID: PMC4153409 DOI: 10.1038/ncb3023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A central goal of regenerative medicine is to generate transplantable organs from cells derived or expanded in vitro. Although numerous studies have demonstrated the production of defined cell types in vitro, the creation of a fully intact organ has not been reported. The transcription factor forkhead box N1 (FOXN1) is critically required for development of thymic epithelial cells (TECs), a key cell type of the thymic stroma. Here, we show that enforced Foxn1 expression is sufficient to reprogramme fibroblasts into functional TECs, an unrelated cell type across a germ-layer boundary. These FOXN1-induced TECs (iTECs) supported efficient development of both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in vitro. On transplantation, iTECs established a complete, fully organized and functional thymus, that contained all of the TEC subtypes required to support T-cell differentiation and populated the recipient immune system with T cells. iTECs thus demonstrate that cellular reprogramming approaches can be used to generate an entire organ, and open the possibility of widespread use of thymus transplantation to boost immune function in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Bredenkamp
- 1] Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, SCRM Building, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK [2]
| | - Svetlana Ulyanchenko
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, SCRM Building, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Kathy Emma O'Neill
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, SCRM Building, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Nancy Ruth Manley
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - Harsh Jayesh Vaidya
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, SCRM Building, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Catherine Clare Blackburn
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, SCRM Building, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
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33
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Xing Y, Hogquist KA. Isolation, identification, and purification of murine thymic epithelial cells. J Vis Exp 2014:e51780. [PMID: 25145384 DOI: 10.3791/51780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is a vital organ for T lymphocyte development. Of thymic stromal cells, thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are particularly crucial at multiple stages of T cell development: T cell commitment, positive selection and negative selection. However, the function of TECs in the thymus remains incompletely understood. In the article, we provide a method to isolate TEC subsets from fresh mouse thymus using a combination of mechanical disruption and enzymatic digestion. The method allows thymic stromal cells and thymocytes to be efficiently released from cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix connections and to form a single-cell suspension. Using the isolated cells, multiparameter flow cytometry can be applied to identification and characterization of TECs and dendritic cells. Because TECs are a rare cell population in the thymus, we also describe an effective way to enrich and purify TECs by depleting thymocytes, the most abundant cell type in the thymus. Following the enrichment, cell sorting time can be decreased so that loss of cell viability can be minimized during purification of TECs. Purified cells are suitable for various downstream analyses like Real Time-PCR, Western blot and gene expression profiling. The protocol will promote research of TEC function and as well as the development of in vitro T cell reconstitution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xing
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota;
| | - Kristin A Hogquist
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota
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34
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Bredenkamp N, Nowell CS, Blackburn CC. Regeneration of the aged thymus by a single transcription factor. Development 2014; 141:1627-37. [PMID: 24715454 PMCID: PMC3978836 DOI: 10.1242/dev.103614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Thymic involution is central to the decline in immune system function that occurs with age. By regenerating the thymus, it may therefore be possible to improve the ability of the aged immune system to respond to novel antigens. Recently, diminished expression of the thymic epithelial cell (TEC)-specific transcription factor Forkhead box N1 (FOXN1) has been implicated as a component of the mechanism regulating age-related involution. The effects of upregulating FOXN1 function in the aged thymus are, however, unknown. Here, we show that forced, TEC-specific upregulation of FOXN1 in the fully involuted thymus of aged mice results in robust thymus regeneration characterized by increased thymopoiesis and increased naive T cell output. We demonstrate that the regenerated organ closely resembles the juvenile thymus in terms of architecture and gene expression profile, and further show that this FOXN1-mediated regeneration stems from an enlarged TEC compartment, rebuilt from progenitor TECs. Collectively, our data establish that upregulation of a single transcription factor can substantially reverse age-related thymic involution, identifying FOXN1 as a specific target for improving thymus function and, thus, immune competence in patients. More widely, they demonstrate that organ regeneration in an aged mammal can be directed by manipulation of a single transcription factor, providing a provocative paradigm that may be of broad impact for regenerative biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Bredenkamp
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, SCRM Building, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
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Pan B, Liu J, Zhang Y, Sun Y, Wu Q, Zhao K, Zeng L, Xu K. Acute ablation of DP thymocytes induces up-regulation of IL-22 and Foxn1 in TECs. Clin Immunol 2014; 150:101-8. [PMID: 24333537 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2013] [Revised: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) provide the basic architecture for the development of thymocytes. TEC is regenerative after impairment in thymus of young mice. However, how this regeneration program is governed remains unclear. Transcription factor Foxn1 is a central mediator of the differentiation and function of TEC. We examined the relation between thymic injury and Foxn1 in TEC. Total body irradiation (TBI) treatments induced up-regulation of Foxn1 in TEC, which was abolished when thymic function recovered. Specific depletion of double positive (DP) thymocytes triggered the up-regulation of Foxn1. On the other hand, extracellular IL-22 is a potential regulator of homeostasis of TEC. We demonstrated that TBI treatments also induced the up-regulation of intrathymic IL-22. Expression pattern of Foxn1 shares similar characteristics with IL-22. Furthermore, Foxn1 related genes that regulate the function of TEC were also up-regulated. Thus, our data reveal that TBI treatment triggers regeneration program of TEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Pan
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Laboratory of Transplant Immunology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yuqi Sun
- Laboratory of Transplant Immunology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qingyun Wu
- Laboratory of Transplant Immunology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Laboratory of Transplant Immunology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, China
| | - Lingyu Zeng
- Laboratory of Transplant Immunology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kailin Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, China; Laboratory of Transplant Immunology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, China.
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36
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Williams JA, Zhang J, Jeon H, Nitta T, Ohigashi I, Klug D, Kruhlak MJ, Choudhury B, Sharrow SO, Granger L, Adams A, Eckhaus MA, Jenkinson SR, Richie ER, Gress RE, Takahama Y, Hodes RJ. Thymic medullary epithelium and thymocyte self-tolerance require cooperation between CD28-CD80/86 and CD40-CD40L costimulatory pathways. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 192:630-40. [PMID: 24337745 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
A critical process during thymic development of the T cell repertoire is the induction of self-tolerance. Tolerance in developing T cells is highly dependent on medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC), and mTEC development in turn requires signals from mature single-positive thymocytes, a bidirectional relationship termed thymus crosstalk. We show that CD28-CD80/86 and CD40-CD40L costimulatory interactions, which mediate negative selection and self-tolerance, upregulate expression of LTα, LTβ, and receptor activator for NF-κB in the thymus and are necessary for medullary development. Combined absence of CD28-CD80/86 and CD40-CD40L results in profound deficiency in mTEC development comparable to that observed in the absence of single-positive thymocytes. This requirement for costimulatory signaling is maintained even in a TCR transgenic model of high-affinity TCR-ligand interactions. CD4 thymocytes maturing in the altered thymic epithelial environment of CD40/CD80/86 knockout mice are highly autoreactive in vitro and are lethal in congenic adoptive transfer in vivo, demonstrating a critical role for these costimulatory pathways in self-tolerance as well as thymic epithelial development. These findings demonstrate that cooperativity between CD28-CD80/86 and CD40-CD40L pathways is required for normal medullary epithelium and for maintenance of self-tolerance in thymocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy A Williams
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
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37
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TRAF3 enforces the requirement for T cell cross-talk in thymic medullary epithelial development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:21107-12. [PMID: 24324158 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1314859111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Induction of self-tolerance in developing T cells depends on medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), whose development, in turn, requires signals from single-positive (SP) thymocytes. Thus, the absence of SP thymocytes in Tcra(-/-) mice results in a profound deficiency in mTECs. Here, we have probed the mechanism that underlies this requirement for cross-talk with thymocytes in medullary development. Previous studies have implicated nonclassical NF-κB as a pathway important in the development of mTECs, because mice lacking RelB, NIK, or IKKα, critical components of this pathway, have an almost complete absence of mTECs, with resulting autoimmune pathology. We therefore assessed the effect of selective deletion in TEC of TNF receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3), an inhibitor of nonclassical NF-κB signaling. Deletion of TRAF3 in thymic epithelial cells allowed RelB-dependent development of normal numbers of AIRE-expressing mTECs in the complete absence of SP thymocytes. Thus, mTEC development can occur in the absence of cross-talk with SP thymocytes, and signals provided by SP T cells are needed to overcome TRAF3-imposed arrest in mTEC development mediated by inhibition of nonclassical NF-κB. We further observed that TRAF3 deletion is also capable of overcoming all requirements for LTβR and CD40, which are otherwise necessary for mTEC development, but is not sufficient to overcome the requirement for RANKL, indicating a role for RANKL that is distinct from the signals provided by SP thymocytes. We conclude that TRAF3 plays a central role in regulation of mTEC development by imposing requirements for SP T cells and costimulation-mediated cross-talk in generation of the medullary compartment.
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38
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Van Laethem F, Tikhonova AN, Pobezinsky LA, Tai X, Kimura MY, Le Saout C, Guinter TI, Adams A, Sharrow SO, Bernhardt G, Feigenbaum L, Singer A. Lck availability during thymic selection determines the recognition specificity of the T cell repertoire. Cell 2013; 154:1326-41. [PMID: 24034254 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Thymic selection requires signaling by the protein tyrosine kinase Lck to generate T cells expressing αβ T cell antigen receptors (TCR). For reasons not understood, the thymus selects only αβTCR that are restricted by major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-encoded determinants. Here, we report that Lck proteins that were coreceptor associated promoted thymic selection of conventionally MHC-restricted TCR, but Lck proteins that were coreceptor free promoted thymic selection of MHC-independent TCR. Transgenic TCR with MHC-independent specificity for CD155 utilized coreceptor-free Lck to signal thymic selection in the absence of MHC, unlike any transgenic TCR previously described. Thus, the thymus can select either MHC-restricted or MHC-independent αβTCR depending on whether Lck is coreceptor associated or coreceptor free. We conclude that the intracellular state of Lck determines the specificity of thymic selection and that Lck association with coreceptor proteins during thymic selection is the mechanism by which MHC restriction is imposed on a randomly generated αβTCR repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Van Laethem
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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39
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A flow cytometric method for the analysis of macrophages in the vascular wall. J Immunol Methods 2013; 396:33-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2013.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Revised: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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40
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Sun L, Li H, Luo H, Zhang L, Hu X, Yang T, Sun C, Chen H, Zhang L, Zhao Y. Phosphatase Wip1 Is Essential for the Maturation and Homeostasis of Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cells in Mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 191:3210-20. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1300363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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41
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Epithelial cytoprotection sustains ectopic expression of tissue-restricted antigens in the thymus during murine acute GVHD. Blood 2013; 122:837-41. [PMID: 23719300 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2012-12-474759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) predisposes to chronic GVHD with autoimmune manifestations. A characteristic of experimental aGVHD is the de novo generation of autoreactive T cells. Central tolerance is dependent on the intrathymic expression of tissue-restricted peripheral self-antigens (TRA), which is in mature medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC(high)) partly controlled by the autoimmune regulator (Aire). Because TECs are targets of donor T-cell alloimmunity, we tested whether murine aGVHD interfered with the capacity of recipient Aire(+)mTEC(high) to sustain TRA diversity. We report that aGVHD weakens the platform for central tolerance induction because individual TRAs are purged from the total repertoire secondary to a decline in the Aire(+)mTEC(high) cell pool. Peritransplant administration of an epithelial cytoprotective agent, fibroblast growth factor-7, maintained a stable pool of Aire(+)mTEC(high), with an improved TRA transcriptome despite aGVHD. Taken together, our data provide a mechanism for how autoimmunity may develop in the context of antecedent alloimmunity.
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42
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Martin KR, Layton D, Seach N, Corlett A, Barallobre MJ, Arbonés ML, Boyd RL, Scott B, Pritchard MA. Upregulation of RCAN1 causes Down syndrome-like immune dysfunction. J Med Genet 2013; 50:444-54. [PMID: 23644448 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2013-101522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with Down syndrome (DS) are more susceptible to infections and autoimmune disease, but the molecular genetic basis for these immune defects remains undetermined. In this study, we tested whether increased expression of the chromosome 21 gene RCAN1 contributes to immune dysregulation. METHODS We investigated the immune phenotype of a mouse model that overexpresses RCAN1. RCAN1 transgenic (TG) mice exhibit T cell abnormalities that bear a striking similarity to the abnormalities described in individuals with DS. RESULTS RCAN1-TG mice display T cell developmental defects in the thymus and peripheral immune tissues. Thymic cellularity is reduced by substantial losses of mature CD4 and CD8 thymocytes and medullary epithelium. In peripheral immune organs T lymphocytes are reduced in number and exhibit reduced proliferative capacity and aberrant cytokine production. These T cell defects are stem cell intrinsic in that transfer of wild type bone marrow into RCAN1-TG recipients restored medullary thymic epithelium and T cell numbers in the thymus, spleen and lymph nodes. However, bone marrow transplantation failed to improve T cell function, suggesting an additional role for RCAN1 in the non-haemopoietic compartment. CONCLUSIONS RCAN1 therefore facilitates T cell development and function, and when overexpressed, may contribute to immune dysfunction in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R Martin
- Department Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
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43
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Guerri L, Peguillet I, Geraldo Y, Nabti S, Premel V, Lantz O. Analysis of APC types involved in CD4 tolerance and regulatory T cell generation using reaggregated thymic organ cultures. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:2102-10. [PMID: 23365074 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1202883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tolerance to self-Ags is generated in the thymus. Both epithelial and hematopoietic thymic stromal cells play an active and essential role in this process. However, the role of each of the various stromal cell types remains unresolved. To our knowledge, we describe the first comparative analysis of several types of thymic hematopoietic stromal cells (THSCs) for their ability to induce CD4 tolerance to self, in parallel with the thymic epithelium. The THSCs--two types of conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), plasmacytoid dendritic cells, macrophages (MΦs), B lymphocytes, and eosinophils--were first characterized and quantified in adult mouse thymus. They were then examined in reaggregated thymic organ cultures containing mixtures of monoclonal and polyclonal thymocytes. This thymocyte mixture allows for the analysis of Ag-specific events while avoiding the extreme skewing frequently seen in purely monoclonal systems. Our data indicate that thymic epithelium alone is capable of promoting self-tolerance by eliminating autoreactive CD4 single-positive thymocytes and by supporting regulatory T cell (Treg) development. We also show that both non-Treg CD4 single-positive thymocytes and Tregs are efficiently deleted by the two populations of cDCs present in the thymus, as well as to a lesser extent by MΦs. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells, B lymphocytes, and eosinophils were not able to do so. Finally, cDCs were also the most efficient THSCs at supporting Treg development in the thymus, suggesting that although they may share some characteristics required for negative selection with MΦs, they do not share those required for the support of Treg development, making cDCs a unique cell subset in the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Guerri
- INSERM U932 and Centre d'Investigation Clinique, CIC-BT507, Institut Curie, Paris 75005, France.
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44
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Danso-Abeam D, Staats KA, Franckaert D, Van Den Bosch L, Liston A, Gray DHD, Dooley J. Aire mediates thymic expression and tolerance of pancreatic antigens via an unconventional transcriptional mechanism. Eur J Immunol 2013; 43:75-84. [PMID: 23041971 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201242761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Revised: 08/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The autoimmune regulator (Aire), mediates central tolerance of peripheral self. Its activity in thymic epithelial cells (TECs) directs the ectopic expression of thousands of tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs), causing the deletion of autoreactive thymocytes. The molecular mechanisms orchestrating the breadth of transcriptional regulation by Aire remain unknown. One prominent model capable of explaining both the uniquely high number of Aire-dependent targets and their specificity posits that tissue-specific transcription factors induced by Aire directly activate their canonical targets, exponentially adding to the total number of Aire-dependent TRAs. To test this "Hierarchical Transcription" model, we analysed mice deficient in the pancreatic master transcription factor pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1), specifically in TECs (Pdx1(ΔFoxn1) ), for the expression and tolerance of pancreatic TRAs. Surprisingly, we found that lack of Pdx1 in TECs did not reduce the transcription of insulin or somatostatin, or alter glucagon expression. Moreover, in a model of thymic deletion driven by a neo-TRA under the control of the insulin promoter, Pdx1 in TECs was not required to affect thymocyte deletion or the generation of regulatory T (Treg) cells. These findings suggest that the capacity of Aire to regulate expression of a huge array of TRAs relies solely on an unconventional transcriptional mechanism, without intermediary transcription factors.
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45
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Seach N, Hammett M, Chidgey A. Isolation, characterization, and reaggregate culture of thymic epithelial cells. Methods Mol Biol 2013; 945:251-272. [PMID: 23097111 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-125-7_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The thymus organ is composed of a three-dimensional (3D) network of adjoining epithelium and stromal cells. Bone marrow-derived T cell precursors, upon entering the thymus, interact with and migrate through this cellular network as they differentiate and mature. An essential component of the stroma is the thymic epithelial cells (TEC), which play a vital role in T cell development and induction of self-tolerance for adaptive immunity. TEC can be isolated from the embryonic and adult thymus by a series of gentle enzymatic digestions and characterized into discrete subpopulations based on their expression of surface markers by flow cytometry. Enrichment of adult TEC can be achieved by depletion of hematopoietic cells, allowing sufficient numbers to be purified for subsequent functional and molecular analysis. Although monolayer cultures have been used to study TEC phenotype and T cell interaction, methods that mimic the 3D thymic microenvironment, such as fetal and reaggregate thymic organ cultures, are more accurate for the analysis of TEC function and support more complete T cell development. Herein, we describe methods for the efficient isolation and enrichment of TEC for downstream analyses as well as the reaggregation of embryonic progenitor epithelium to form a functional thymus graft under the kidney capsule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Seach
- Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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46
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Lai KP, Lai JJ, Chang P, Altuwaijri S, Hsu JW, Chuang KH, Shyr CR, Yeh S, Chang C. Targeting thymic epithelia AR enhances T-cell reconstitution and bone marrow transplant grafting efficacy. Mol Endocrinol 2012; 27:25-37. [PMID: 23250486 DOI: 10.1210/me.2012-1244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although thymic involution has been linked to the increased testosterone in males after puberty, its detailed mechanism and clinical application related to T-cell reconstitution in bone marrow transplantation (BMT) remain unclear. By performing studies with reciprocal BMT and cell-specific androgen receptor (AR) knockout mice, we found that AR in thymic epithelial cells, but not thymocytes or fibroblasts, played a more critical role to determine thymic cellularity. Further dissecting the mechanism using cell-specific thymic epithelial cell-AR knockout mice bearing T-cell receptor transgene revealed that elevating thymocyte survival was due to the enhancement of positive selection resulting in increased positively selected T-cells in both male and female mice. Targeting AR, instead of androgens, either via genetic knockout of thymic epithelial AR or using an AR-degradation enhancer (ASC-J9®), led to increased BMT grafting efficacy, which may provide a new therapeutic approach to boost T-cell reconstitution in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Pao Lai
- George H Whipple Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA
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47
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CCX-CKR deficiency alters thymic stroma impairing thymocyte development and promoting autoimmunity. Blood 2012; 121:118-28. [PMID: 23152546 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2012-06-434886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The atypical chemokine receptor CCX-CKR regulates bioavailability of CCL19, CCL21, and CCL25, homeostatic chemokines that play crucial roles in thymic lymphopoiesis. Deletion of CCX-CKR results in accelerated experimental autoimmunity induced by immunization. Here we show that CCX-CKR deletion also increases incidence of a spontaneous Sjögren's syndrome-like pathology, characterized by lymphocytic infiltrates in salivary glands and liver of CCX-CKR(-/-) mice, suggestive of a defect in self-tolerance when CCX-CKR is deleted. This prompted detailed examination of the thymus in CCX-CKR(-/-) mice. Negatively selected mature SP cells were less abundant in CCX-CKR(-/-) thymi, yet expansion of both DP and immature SP cells was apparent. Deletion of CCX-CKR also profoundly reduced proportions of DN3 thymocyte precursors and caused DN2 cells to accumulate within the medulla. These effects are likely driven by alterations in thymic stroma as CCX-CKR(-/-) mice have fewer cTECs per thymocyte, and cTECs express the highest level of CCX-CKR in the thymus. A profound decrease in CCL25 within the thymic cortex was observed in CCX-CKR(-/-) thymi, likely accounting for their defects in thymocyte distribution and frequency. These findings identify a novel role for CCX-CKR in regulating cTEC biology, which promotes optimal thymocyte development and selection important for self-tolerant adaptive immunity.
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Seach N, Wong K, Hammett M, Boyd RL, Chidgey AP. Purified enzymes improve isolation and characterization of the adult thymic epithelium. J Immunol Methods 2012; 385:23-34. [PMID: 22910002 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2012.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2012] [Revised: 07/28/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The reproducible isolation and accurate characterization of thymic epithelial cell (TEC) subsets is of critical importance to the ongoing study of thymopoiesis and its functional decline with age. The study of adult TEC, however, is significantly hampered due to the severely low stromal to hematopoietic cell ratio. Non-biased digestion and enrichment protocols are thus essential to ensure optimal cell yield and accurate representation of stromal subsets, as close as possible to their in vivo representation. Current digestion protocols predominantly involve diverse, relatively impure enzymatic variants of crude collagenase and collagenase/dispase (col/disp) preparations, which have variable efficacy and are often suboptimal in their ability to mediate complete digestion of thymus tissue. To address these issues we compared traditional col/disp preparations with the latest panel of Liberase products that contain a blend of highly purified collagenase and neutral protease enzymes. Liberase enzymes revealed a more rapid, complete dissociation of thymus tissue; minimizing loss of viability and increasing recovery of thymic stromal cell (TSC) elements. In particular, the recovery and viability of TEC, notably the rare cortical subsets, were significantly enhanced with Liberase products containing medium to high levels of thermolysin. The improved stromal dissociation led to numerically increased TEC yield and total TEC RNA isolated from pooled digests of adult thymus. Furthermore, the increased recovery of TEC enhanced resolution and quantification of TEC subsets in both adult and aged mice, facilitating flow cytometric analysis on a per thymus basis. We further refined the adult TEC phenotype by correlating surface expression of known TEC markers, with expression of intracellular epithelial lineage markers, Keratin 5 and Keratin 8. The data reveal more extensive expression of K8 than previously recognized and indicates considerable heterogeneity still exists within currently defined adult TEC subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Seach
- Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories, Level 3, STRIP-1, Building 75, Monash University, Wellington Rd. Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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49
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Dudakov JA, Hanash AM, Jenq RR, Young LF, Ghosh A, Singer NV, West ML, Smith OM, Holland AM, Tsai JJ, Boyd RL, van den Brink MR. Interleukin-22 drives endogenous thymic regeneration in mice. Science 2012; 336:91-5. [PMID: 22383805 PMCID: PMC3616391 DOI: 10.1126/science.1218004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 273] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous thymic regeneration is a crucial function that allows for renewal of immune competence after stress, infection, or immunodepletion. However, the mechanisms governing this regeneration remain poorly understood. We detail such a mechanism, centered on interleukin-22 (IL-22) and triggered by the depletion of CD4(+)CD8(+) double-positive thymocytes. Intrathymic levels of IL-22 were increased after thymic insult, and thymic recovery was impaired in IL-22-deficient mice. IL-22, which signaled through thymic epithelial cells and promoted their proliferation and survival, was up-regulated by radio-resistant RORγ(t)(+)CCR6(+)NKp46(-) lymphoid tissue inducer cells after thymic injury in an IL-23-dependent manner. Administration of IL-22 enhanced thymic recovery after total body irradiation. These studies reveal mechanisms of endogenous thymic repair and offer innovative regenerative strategies for improving immune competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarrod A. Dudakov
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
- Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories (MISCL), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia 3800
| | - Alan M. Hanash
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Robert R. Jenq
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021
| | - Lauren F. Young
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Arnab Ghosh
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Natalie V. Singer
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Mallory L. West
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Odette M. Smith
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Amanda M. Holland
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021
| | - Jennifer J. Tsai
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021
| | - Richard L. Boyd
- Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories (MISCL), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia 3800
| | - Marcel R.M. van den Brink
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021
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50
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Nowell CS, Bredenkamp N, Tetélin S, Jin X, Tischner C, Vaidya H, Sheridan JM, Stenhouse FH, Heussen R, Smith AJH, Blackburn CC. Foxn1 regulates lineage progression in cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells but is dispensable for medullary sublineage divergence. PLoS Genet 2011; 7:e1002348. [PMID: 22072979 PMCID: PMC3207875 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The forkhead transcription factor Foxn1 is indispensable for thymus development, but the mechanisms by which it mediates thymic epithelial cell (TEC) development are poorly understood. To examine the cellular and molecular basis of Foxn1 function, we generated a novel and revertible hypomorphic allele of Foxn1. By varying levels of its expression, we identified a number of features of the Foxn1 system. Here we show that Foxn1 is a powerful regulator of TEC differentiation that is required at multiple intermediate stages of TE lineage development in the fetal and adult thymus. We find no evidence for a role for Foxn1 in TEC fate-choice. Rather, we show it is required for stable entry into both the cortical and medullary TEC differentiation programmes and subsequently is needed at increasing dosage for progression through successive differentiation states in both cortical and medullary TEC. We further demonstrate regulation by Foxn1 of a suite of genes with diverse roles in thymus development and/or function, suggesting it acts as a master regulator of the core thymic epithelial programme rather than regulating a particular aspect of TEC biology. Overall, our data establish a genetics-based model of cellular hierarchies in the TE lineage and provide mechanistic insight relating titration of a single transcription factor to control of lineage progression. Our novel revertible hypomorph system may be similarly applied to analyzing other regulators of development. The thymus is the specialized organ responsible for generating T cells, which are required to regulate and effect immune responses. The unique functions of the thymus are mediated by a diverse array of specialized epithelial cells found only within this organ. These specialized, functionally mature thymic epithelial cells are generated from immature epithelial progenitor cells present in the fetal and adult thymus through a highly regulated process, termed differentiation, that is tightly controlled by specific genes. Foxn1, a protein that is expressed in thymic epithelial cells, is a transcription factor—a protein that regulates how other genes are expressed. Here, we have investigated the role of Foxn1 in generating mature thymic epithelial cells from immature progenitors. We find that Foxn1 is required throughout this process, from the onset of differentiation in progenitor thymic epithelial cells in the developing fetus to the final differentiation steps through which thymic epithelial cells mature to acquire their full functionality. We further find that Foxn1 controls the expression of a variety of genes with different functions in thymic epithelial cells. Overall, our study defines the role of Foxn1 in thymus development at the cellular level and provides insight into how it mediates these functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig S. Nowell
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Bredenkamp
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stéphanie Tetélin
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Xin Jin
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Christin Tischner
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Harsh Vaidya
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Julie M. Sheridan
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Frances Hogg Stenhouse
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Raphaela Heussen
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. H. Smith
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - C. Clare Blackburn
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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