1
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Szwarc MM, Hai L, Maurya VK, Rajapakshe K, Perera D, Ittmann MM, Mo Q, Lin Y, Bettini ML, Coarfa C, Lydon JP. Histopathologic and transcriptomic phenotypes of a conditional RANKL transgenic mouse thymus. Cytokine 2022; 160:156022. [PMID: 36099756 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.156022] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Although conventional knockout and transgenic mouse models have significantly advanced our understanding of Receptor Activator of NF-κB Ligand (RANKL) signaling in intra-thymic crosstalk that establishes self-tolerance and later stages of lymphopoiesis, the unique advantages of conditional mouse transgenesis have yet to be explored. A main advantage of conditional transgenesis is the ability to express a transgene in a spatiotemporal restricted manner, enabling the induction (or de-induction) of transgene expression during predetermined stages of embryogenesis or during defined postnatal developmental or physiological states, such as puberty, adulthood, and pregnancy. Here, we describe the K5: RANKL bigenic mouse, in which transgene derived RANKL expression is induced by doxycycline and targeted to cytokeratin 5 positive medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs). Short-term doxycycline induction reveals that RANKL transgene expression is significantly induced in the thymic medulla and only in response to doxycycline. Prolonged doxycycline induction in the K5: RANKL bigenic results in a significantly enlarged thymus in which mTECs are hyperproliferative. Flow cytometry showed that there is a marked enrichment of CD4+ and CD8+ single positive thymocytes with a concomitant depletion of CD4+ CD8+ double positives. Furthermore, there is an increase in the number of FOXP3+ T regulatory (Treg) cells and Ulex Europaeus Agglutinin 1+ (UEA1+) mTECs. Transcriptomics revealed that a remarkable array of signals-cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, transcription factors, and morphogens-are governed by RANKL and drive in part the K5: RANKL thymic phenotype. Extended doxycycline administration to 6-weeks results in a K5: RANKL thymus that begins to display distinct histopathological features, such as medullary epithelial hyperplasia, extensive immune cell infiltration, and central tissue necrosis. As there are intense efforts to develop clinical approaches to restore thymic medullary function in the adult to treat immunopathological conditions in which immune cell function is compromised following cancer therapy or toxin exposure, an improved molecular understanding of RANKL's involvement in thymic medulla enlargement will be required. We believe the versatility of the conditional K5: RANKL mouse represents a tractable model system to assist in addressing this requirement as well as many other questions related to RANKL's role in thymic normal physiology and disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Szwarc
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, United States
| | - Lan Hai
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, United States
| | - Vineet K Maurya
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, United States
| | | | - Dimuthu Perera
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, United States
| | - Michael M Ittmann
- Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Qianxing Mo
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Yong Lin
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Matthew L Bettini
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, United States
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, United States.
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2
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Liu P, Li Y, Wang W, Bai Y, Jia H, Yuan Z, Yang Z. Role and mechanisms of the NF-ĸB signaling pathway in various developmental processes. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113513. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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3
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Gulla S, Reddy MC, Reddy VC, Chitta S, Bhanoori M, Lomada D. Role of thymus in health and disease. Int Rev Immunol 2022; 42:347-363. [PMID: 35593192 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2022.2064461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ, essential for the development of T-cells that will protect from invading pathogens, immune disorders, and cancer. The thymus decreases in size and cellularity with age referred to as thymus involution or atrophy. This involution causes decreased T-cell development and decreased naive T-cell emigration to the periphery, increased proportion of memory T cells, and a restricted, altered T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. The changes in composition and function of the circulating T cell pool as a result of thymic involution led to increased susceptibility to infectious diseases including the recent COVID and a higher risk for autoimmune disorders and cancers. Thymic involution consisting of both structural and functional loss of the thymus has a deleterious effect on T cell development, T cell selection, and tolerance. The mechanisms which act on the structural (cortex and medulla) matrix of the thymus, the gradual accumulation of genetic mutations, and altered gene expressions may lead to immunosenescence as a result of thymus involution. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind thymic involution is critical for identifying diagnostic biomarkers and targets for treatment help to develop strategies to mitigate thymic involution-associated complications. This review is focused on the consequences of thymic involution in infections, immune disorders, and diseases, identifying potential checkpoints and potential approaches to sustain or restore the function of the thymus particularly in elderly and immune-compromised individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendra Gulla
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Madhava C Reddy
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Vajra C Reddy
- Katuri Medical College and Hospital, Chinnakondrupadu, Guntur, India
| | | | - Manjula Bhanoori
- Department of Biochemistry, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India
| | - Dakshayani Lomada
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India
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4
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Borelli A, Irla M. Lymphotoxin: from the physiology to the regeneration of the thymic function. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:2305-2314. [PMID: 34290396 PMCID: PMC8329281 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00834-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The members of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) superfamily, the ligand lymphotoxin α1β2 (LTα1β2) and its unique receptor lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR), play a pivotal role in the establishment and regulation of the immune system by allowing a tight communication between lymphocytes and stromal cells. Recent advances using transgenic mice harboring a specific deletion of the Ltbr gene in distinct stromal cells have revealed important roles for LTβR signaling in the thymic function that ensures the generation of a diverse and self-tolerant T-cell repertoire. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge on this signaling axis in the thymic homing of lymphoid progenitors and peripheral antigen-presenting cells, the trafficking and egress of thymocytes, the differentiation of medullary thymic epithelial cells, and the establishment of central tolerance. We also highlight the importance of LTα1β2/LTβR axis in controlling the recovery of the thymic function after myeloablative conditioning regimen, opening novel perspectives in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Borelli
- grid.417850.f0000 0004 0639 5277Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d’Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Magali Irla
- grid.417850.f0000 0004 0639 5277Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d’Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
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5
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Wang HX, Zhang Q, Zhang J, Luan R, Liang Z, Tan L, Xu Y, Zhang P, Zheng L, Zhao Y, Qiu YR. CD74 regulates cellularity and maturation of medullary thymic epithelial cells partially by activating the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21535. [PMID: 33817835 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100139r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are indispensable for T cell development, T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire selection, and specific lineage differentiation. Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), which account for the majority of TECs in adults, are critical for thymocyte selection and self-tolerance. CD74 is a nonpolymorphic transmembrane glycoprotein of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) that is expressed in TECs. However, the exact role of CD74 in regulating the development of mTEC is poorly defined. In this research, we found that loss of CD74 resulted in a significant diminution in the medulla, a selective reduction in the cell number of mature mTECs expressing CD80 molecules, which eventually led to impaired thymic CD4+ T cell development. Moreover, RNA-sequence analysis showed that CD74 deficiency obviously downregulated the canonical nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway in mTECs. Our results suggest that CD74 positively controls mTEC cellularity and maturation partially by activating the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xia Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Luan
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanfeng Liang
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Tan
- Department of Urological Organ Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanan Xu
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Rong Qiu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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6
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Moirangthem RD, Ma K, Lizot S, Cordesse A, Olivré J, de Chappedelaine C, Joshi A, Cieslak A, Tchen J, Cagnard N, Asnafi V, Rausell A, Simons L, Zuber J, Taghon T, Staal FJT, Pflumio F, Six E, Cavazzana M, Lagresle-Peyrou C, Soheili T, André I. A DL-4- and TNFα-based culture system to generate high numbers of nonmodified or genetically modified immunotherapeutic human T-lymphoid progenitors. Cell Mol Immunol 2021; 18:1662-1676. [PMID: 34117371 PMCID: PMC8245454 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00706-8] [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: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Several obstacles to the production, expansion and genetic modification of immunotherapeutic T cells in vitro have restricted the widespread use of T-cell immunotherapy. In the context of HSCT, delayed naïve T-cell recovery contributes to poor outcomes. A novel approach to overcome the major limitations of both T-cell immunotherapy and HSCT would be to transplant human T-lymphoid progenitors (HTLPs), allowing reconstitution of a fully functional naïve T-cell pool in the patient thymus. However, it is challenging to produce HTLPs in the high numbers required to meet clinical needs. Here, we found that adding tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) to a DL-4-based culture system led to the generation of a large number of nonmodified or genetically modified HTLPs possessing highly efficient in vitro and in vivo T-cell potential from either CB HSPCs or mPB HSPCs through accelerated T-cell differentiation and enhanced HTLP cell cycling and survival. This study provides a clinically suitable cell culture platform to generate high numbers of clinically potent nonmodified or genetically modified HTLPs for accelerating immune recovery after HSCT and for T-cell-based immunotherapy (including CAR T-cell therapy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjita Devi Moirangthem
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Kuiying Ma
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Sabrina Lizot
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Anne Cordesse
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Olivré
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Corinne de Chappedelaine
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Akshay Joshi
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Agata Cieslak
- grid.412134.10000 0004 0593 9113Laboratory of Onco-Hematology, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades., Paris, France ,grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Université de Paris, Institut Necker-Enfants Malades (INEM), INSERM UMR 1151, Paris, France
| | - John Tchen
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Cagnard
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Plateforme Bio-informatique, Université Paris Descartes, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Necker, INSERM US24/CNRS UMS 3633, Paris, France
| | - Vahid Asnafi
- grid.412134.10000 0004 0593 9113Laboratory of Onco-Hematology, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades., Paris, France ,grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Université de Paris, Institut Necker-Enfants Malades (INEM), INSERM UMR 1151, Paris, France
| | - Antonio Rausell
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Clinical Bioinformatics, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Laura Simons
- grid.412134.10000 0004 0593 9113Department of Biotherapy Clinical Investigation Center, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Julien Zuber
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France ,grid.412134.10000 0004 0593 9113Department of Adult Kidney Transplantation, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker, Paris, France
| | - Tom Taghon
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium ,grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank J. T. Staal
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Immunohematology & Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Françoise Pflumio
- grid.7429.80000000121866389Team Niche and Cancer in Hematopoiesis, Université de Paris and Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, iRCM/IBFJ CEA, UMR Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Emmanuelle Six
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Marina Cavazzana
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France ,grid.412134.10000 0004 0593 9113Department of Biotherapy Clinical Investigation Center, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Chantal Lagresle-Peyrou
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France ,grid.412134.10000 0004 0593 9113Department of Biotherapy Clinical Investigation Center, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Tayebeh Soheili
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle André
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
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7
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Liao HQ, Han MT, Cheng W, Zhang C, Li H, Li MQ, Zhu R. Decidual-derived RANKL facilitates macrophages accumulation and residence at the maternal-fetal interface in human early pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13406. [PMID: 33629434 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM During the first trimester, the accumulation of macrophages, which is the second largest decidual leukocyte population (~20%) at the maternal-fetal interface, is quite vital for a successful pregnancy, including embryo implantation, trophoblast invasion, and vascular remodeling. The mechanism of the enrichment and redistribution of macrophages in the uterine decidua of early pregnancy is largely unclear. METHOD OF STUDY A total of 37 women with normal early pregnancies were included. Primary decidual macrophages (dMφs) (n = 37) and primary decidual stromal cells (DSCs) (n = 37) were isolated, and the adhesion molecules were analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). Adhesive experiment was carried out to evaluate the adhesion capacity by counting cell numbers of dMφs adhered to DSCs in a co-culture system. RESULTS We found that RANK+ dMφs was the dominating subtype at the maternal-fetal interface. The expression of adhesion molecules (eg, CD29, CD31, CD54, and CD62L) on the surface of RANK+ dMφs was higher than that of RANK- dMφs. After co-culture with DSCs, the expression of adhesion molecules on dMφs was up-regulated in a RANKL-dependent manner. Meanwhile, dMφs promoted the releasing of RANKL on DSCs after co-culture. Consistently, dMφs exhibited the lessoned capacity of adhesion to DSCs when blocking the crosstalk of RANKL-RANK between the DSCs and dMφs in vitro. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the interaction of RANKL-RANK up-regulates the expression of adhesion molecules on the surface of dMφs, contributing to the accumulation and residence of dMφs in human early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Qiong Liao
- Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mu-Tian Han
- Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ce Zhang
- Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Li
- Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Zhu
- Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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8
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Liu D, Kousa AI, O'Neill KE, Rouse P, Popis M, Farley AM, Tomlinson SR, Ulyanchenko S, Guillemot F, Seymour PA, Jørgensen MC, Serup P, Koch U, Radtke F, Blackburn CC. Canonical Notch signaling controls the early thymic epithelial progenitor cell state and emergence of the medullary epithelial lineage in fetal thymus development. Development 2020; 147:dev.178582. [PMID: 32467237 PMCID: PMC7328009 DOI: 10.1242/dev.178582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Thymus function depends on the epithelial compartment of the thymic stroma. Cortical thymic epithelial cells (cTECs) regulate T cell lineage commitment and positive selection, while medullary (m) TECs impose central tolerance on the T cell repertoire. During thymus organogenesis, these functionally distinct sub-lineages are thought to arise from a common thymic epithelial progenitor cell (TEPC). However, the mechanisms controlling cTEC and mTEC production from the common TEPC are not understood. Here, we show that emergence of the earliest mTEC lineage-restricted progenitors requires active NOTCH signaling in progenitor TEC and that, once specified, further mTEC development is NOTCH independent. In addition, we demonstrate that persistent NOTCH activity favors maintenance of undifferentiated TEPCs at the expense of cTEC differentiation. Finally, we uncover a cross-regulatory relationship between NOTCH and FOXN1, a master regulator of TEC differentiation. These data establish NOTCH as a potent regulator of TEPC and mTEC fate during fetal thymus development, and are thus of high relevance to strategies aimed at generating/regenerating functional thymic tissue in vitro and in vivo. Summary: Notch signaling regulates the initial emergence of medullary thymic epithelial sublineage, implicating Notch in the maintenance of primitive thymic epithelial progenitors and uncovering its cross-interaction with Foxn1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Liu
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, 5, Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Anastasia I Kousa
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, 5, Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Kathy E O'Neill
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, 5, Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Paul Rouse
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, 5, Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Martyna Popis
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, 5, Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Alison M Farley
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, 5, Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Simon R Tomlinson
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, 5, Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Svetlana Ulyanchenko
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Philip A Seymour
- NNF Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Alle 14, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Mette C Jørgensen
- NNF Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Alle 14, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Palle Serup
- NNF Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Alle 14, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Ute Koch
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Freddy Radtke
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - C Clare Blackburn
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, 5, Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
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9
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Wang HX, Pan W, Zheng L, Zhong XP, Tan L, Liang Z, He J, Feng P, Zhao Y, Qiu YR. Thymic Epithelial Cells Contribute to Thymopoiesis and T Cell Development. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3099. [PMID: 32082299 PMCID: PMC7005006 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is the primary lymphoid organ responsible for the generation and maturation of T cells. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) account for the majority of thymic stromal components. They are further divided into cortical and medullary TECs based on their localization within the thymus and are involved in positive and negative selection, respectively. Establishment of self-tolerance in the thymus depends on promiscuous gene expression (pGE) of tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs) by TECs. Such pGE is co-controlled by the autoimmune regulator (Aire) and forebrain embryonic zinc fingerlike protein 2 (Fezf2). Over the past two decades, research has found that TECs contribute greatly to thymopoiesis and T cell development. In turn, signals from T cells regulate the differentiation and maturation of TECs. Several signaling pathways essential for the development and maturation of TECs have been discovered. New technology and animal models have provided important observations on TEC differentiation, development, and thymopoiesis. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in classification, development, and maintenance of TECs and mechanisms that control TEC functions during thymic involution and central tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xia Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenrong Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Taihe Branch of Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Zhong
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Liang Tan
- Department of Urological Organ Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing He
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pingfeng Feng
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Rong Qiu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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10
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Luan R, Liang Z, Zhang Q, Sun L, Zhao Y. Molecular regulatory networks of thymic epithelial cell differentiation. Differentiation 2019; 107:42-49. [PMID: 31238242 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Functional mature T cells are generated in the thymus. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) provide the essential microenvironment for T cell development and maturation. According to their function and localization, TECs are roughly divided into cortical TECs (cTECs) and medullary TECs (mTECs), which are responsible for positive and negative selection, respectively. This review summarizes the current understanding of TEC biology, the identification of fetal and adult bipotent TEC progenitors, and the signaling pathways that control the development and maturation of TECs. The understanding of the ontogeny, differentiation, maturation and function of cTECs lags behind that of mTECs. Better understanding TEC biology will provide clues about TEC development and the applications of thymus engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Luan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liguang Sun
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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11
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Sobacchi C, Menale C, Villa A. The RANKL-RANK Axis: A Bone to Thymus Round Trip. Front Immunol 2019; 10:629. [PMID: 30984193 PMCID: PMC6450200 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and its cognate receptor Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK) during a search for novel tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily members has dramatically changed the scenario of bone biology by providing the functional and biochemical proof that RANKL signaling via RANK is the master factor for osteoclastogenesis. In parallel, two independent studies reported the identification of mouse RANKL on activated T cells and of a ligand for osteoprotegerin on a murine bone marrow-derived stromal cell line. After these seminal findings, accumulating data indicated RANKL and RANK not only as essential players for the development and activation of osteoclasts, but also for the correct differentiation of medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) that act as mediators of the central tolerance process by which self-reactive T cells are eliminated while regulatory T cells are generated. In light of the RANKL-RANK multi-task function, an antibody targeting this pathway, denosumab, is now commonly used in the therapy of bone loss diseases including chronic inflammatory bone disorders and osteolytic bone metastases; furthermore, preclinical data support the therapeutic application of denosumab in the framework of a broader spectrum of tumors. Here, we discuss advances in cellular and molecular mechanisms elicited by RANKL-RANK pathway in the bone and thymus, and the extent to which its inhibition or augmentation can be translated in the clinical arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Sobacchi
- Milan Unit, Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research (CNR-IRGB), Milan, Italy.,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Ciro Menale
- Milan Unit, Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research (CNR-IRGB), Milan, Italy.,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Anna Villa
- Milan Unit, Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research (CNR-IRGB), Milan, Italy.,San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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12
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Franchini A. Adaptive Immunity and Skin Wound Healing in Amphibian Adults. Open Life Sci 2019; 14:420-426. [PMID: 33817177 PMCID: PMC7874748 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2019-0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Regeneration and repair with scarring of the skin are two different responses to tissue injury that proceed depending on the animal species. Several studies in multiple organisms have shown that the effectiveness of tissue repair gradually decreases with age in most vertebrates, while the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the diverse potentials remain incompletely understood. It is clear, however, that immune system actively participates in the whole process and immune-related activities can mediate both negative and positive roles to influence the quality and diversity of tissue response to damage. Compared with innate immunity, our understanding of the significance of adaptive immune cells in normal repair outcome is limited and deserves further investigation. Here, experimental evidence supporting the contribution of lymphocytes and the involvement of lymphoid organs in skin wound healing are discussed, focusing on the findings emerged in adult amphibians, key animal models for tissue repair and regeneration research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Franchini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, via Campi 213/D, 41125 Modena, Italy
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13
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Apavaloaei A, Brochu S, Dong M, Rouette A, Hardy MP, Villafano G, Murata S, Melichar HJ, Perreault C. PSMB11 Orchestrates the Development of CD4 and CD8 Thymocytes via Regulation of Gene Expression in Cortical Thymic Epithelial Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 202:966-978. [PMID: 30567730 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
T cell development depends on sequential interactions of thymocytes with cortical thymic epithelial cells (cTECs) and medullary thymic epithelial cells. PSMB11 is a catalytic proteasomal subunit present exclusively in cTECs. Because proteasomes regulate transcriptional activity, we asked whether PSMB11 might affect gene expression in cTECs. We report that PSMB11 regulates the expression of 850 cTEC genes that modulate lymphostromal interactions primarily via the WNT signaling pathway. cTECs from Psmb11 -/- mice 1) acquire features of medullary thymic epithelial cells and 2) retain CD8 thymocytes in the thymic cortex, thereby impairing phase 2 of positive selection, 3) perturbing CD8 T cell development, and 4) causing dramatic oxidative stress leading to apoptosis of CD8 thymocytes. Deletion of Psmb11 also causes major oxidative stress in CD4 thymocytes. However, CD4 thymocytes do not undergo apoptosis because, unlike CD8 thymocytes, they upregulate expression of chaperones and inhibitors of apoptosis. We conclude that PSMB11 has pervasive effects on both CD4 and CD8 thymocytes via regulation of gene expression in cTECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Apavaloaei
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Sylvie Brochu
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Mengqi Dong
- Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada.,Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Alexandre Rouette
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Marie-Pierre Hardy
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Geno Villafano
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269; and
| | - Shigeo Murata
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Heather J Melichar
- Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada.,Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Claude Perreault
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada; .,Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
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14
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Wu H, Qin X, Dai H, Zhang Y. Time-course transcriptome analysis of medullary thymic epithelial cells in the early phase of thymic involution. Mol Immunol 2018; 99:87-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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15
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Passos GA, Speck‐Hernandez CA, Assis AF, Mendes‐da‐Cruz DA. Update on Aire and thymic negative selection. Immunology 2018; 153:10-20. [PMID: 28871661 PMCID: PMC5721245 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Twenty years ago, the autoimmune regulator (Aire) gene was associated with autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy, and was cloned and sequenced. Its importance goes beyond its abstract link with human autoimmune disease. Aire identification opened new perspectives to better understand the molecular basis of central tolerance and self-non-self distinction, the main properties of the immune system. Since 1997, a growing number of immunologists and molecular geneticists have made important discoveries about the function of Aire, which is essentially a pleiotropic gene. Aire is one of the functional markers in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), controlling their differentiation and expression of peripheral tissue antigens (PTAs), mTEC-thymocyte adhesion and the expression of microRNAs, among other functions. With Aire, the immunological tolerance became even more apparent from the molecular genetics point of view. Currently, mTECs represent the most unusual cells because they express almost the entire functional genome but still maintain their identity. Due to the enormous diversity of PTAs, this uncommon gene expression pattern was termed promiscuous gene expression, the interpretation of which is essentially immunological - i.e. it is related to self-representation in the thymus. Therefore, this knowledge is strongly linked to the negative selection of autoreactive thymocytes. In this update, we focus on the most relevant results of Aire as a transcriptional and post-transcriptional controller of PTAs in mTECs, its mechanism of action, and its influence on the negative selection of autoreactive thymocytes as the bases of the induction of central tolerance and prevention of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldo A. Passos
- Molecular Immunogenetics GroupDepartment of GeneticsRibeirão Preto Medical SchoolUniversity of São PauloRibeirão PretoSPBrazil
- Discipline of Genetics and Molecular BiologyDepartment of Morphology, Physiology and Basic PathologySchool of Dentistry of Ribeirão PretoUniversity of São PauloRibeirão PretoSPBrazil
| | - Cesar A. Speck‐Hernandez
- Graduate Programme in Basic and Applied ImmunologyRibeirão Preto Medical SchoolUniversity of São PauloRibeirão PretoSPBrazil
| | - Amanda F. Assis
- Molecular Immunogenetics GroupDepartment of GeneticsRibeirão Preto Medical SchoolUniversity of São PauloRibeirão PretoSPBrazil
| | - Daniella A. Mendes‐da‐Cruz
- Laboratory on Thymus ResearchOswaldo Cruz InstituteOswaldo Cruz FoundationRio de JaneiroRJBrazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on NeuroimmunomodulationRio de JaneiroRJBrazil
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16
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Haljasorg U, Dooley J, Laan M, Kisand K, Bichele R, Liston A, Peterson P. Irf4 Expression in Thymic Epithelium Is Critical for Thymic Regulatory T Cell Homeostasis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 198:1952-1960. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1601698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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17
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Laan M, Haljasorg U, Kisand K, Salumets A, Peterson P. Pregnancy-induced thymic involution is associated with suppression of chemokines essential for T-lymphoid progenitor homing. Eur J Immunol 2016; 46:2008-17. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.201646309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martti Laan
- Molecular Pathology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine; Tartu University; Tartu Estonia
| | - Uku Haljasorg
- Molecular Pathology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine; Tartu University; Tartu Estonia
| | - Kai Kisand
- Molecular Pathology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine; Tartu University; Tartu Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine; Tartu University; Tartu Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies; Tartu University; Tartu Estonia
| | - Pärt Peterson
- Molecular Pathology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine; Tartu University; Tartu Estonia
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