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Theofilatos D, Ho T, Waitt G, Äijö T, Schiapparelli LM, Soderblom EJ, Tsagaratou A. Deciphering the TET3 interactome in primary thymic developing T cells. iScience 2024; 27:109782. [PMID: 38711449 PMCID: PMC11070343 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins are DNA dioxygenases that mediate active DNA demethylation. TET3 is the most highly expressed TET protein in thymic developing T cells. TET3, either independently or in cooperation with TET1 or TET2, has been implicated in T cell lineage specification by regulating DNA demethylation. However, TET-deficient mice exhibit complex phenotypes, suggesting that TET3 exerts multifaceted roles, potentially by interacting with other proteins. We performed liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry in primary developing T cells to identify TET3 interacting partners in endogenous, in vivo conditions. We discover TET3 interacting partners. Our data establish that TET3 participates in a plethora of fundamental biological processes, such as transcriptional regulation, RNA polymerase elongation, splicing, DNA repair, and DNA replication. This resource brings in the spotlight emerging functions of TET3 and sets the stage for systematic studies to dissect the precise mechanistic contributions of TET3 in shaping T cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Theofilatos
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tricia Ho
- Duke Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facility, Duke Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Greg Waitt
- Duke Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facility, Duke Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tarmo Äijö
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Erik J. Soderblom
- Duke Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facility, Duke Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ageliki Tsagaratou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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2
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Li X, Liang X, Gu X, Zou M, Cao W, Liu C, Wang X. Ursodeoxycholic acid and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid alleviate ethinylestradiol-induced cholestasis via downregulating RORγt and CXCR3 signaling pathway in iNKT cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 96:105782. [PMID: 38244730 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Estrogen-induced intrahepatic cholestasis (IHC) is a mild but potentially serious risk and urges for new therapeutic targets and effective treatment. Our previous study demonstrated that RORγt and CXCR3 signaling pathway of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) 17 cells play pathogenic roles in 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE)-induced IHC. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) present a protective effect on IHC partially due to their immunomodulatory properties. Hence in present study, we aim to investigate the effectiveness of UDCA and 18β-GA in vitro and verify the accessibility of the above targets. Biochemical index measurement indicated that UDCA and 18β-GA presented efficacy to alleviate EE-induced cholestatic cytotoxicity. Both UDCA and 18β-GA exhibited suppression on the CXCL9/10-CXCR3 axis, and significantly restrained the expression of RORγt in vitro. In conclusion, our observations provide new therapeutic targets of UDCA and 18β-GA, and 18β-GA as an alternative treatment for EE-induced cholestasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, New Drug Screening Center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiaojing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, New Drug Screening Center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiaoxia Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Mengzhi Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, New Drug Screening Center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Weiping Cao
- Departments of Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Health Hospital of Zhenjiang, Zhenjiang 212001, China.
| | - Chunhui Liu
- Physics and Chemistry Test Center of Jiangsu Province, 210042 Nanjing, China.
| | - Xinzhi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, New Drug Screening Center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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3
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Gioulbasani M, Tsagaratou A. Defining iNKT Cell Subsets and Their Function by Flow Cytometry. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e838. [PMID: 37428873 PMCID: PMC10497188 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
This article discusses methods to assess invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell subsets isolated from the thymus, as well as the spleen, the liver, and the lung. iNKT cells can be subdivided in distinct, functional subsets based on the transcription factors they express and the cytokines they produce to regulate the immune response. Basic Protocol 1 focuses on characterizing murine iNKT subsets ex vivo by flow cytometry by evaluating the expression of lineage-specifying transcription factors such as PLZF and RORγt. The Alternate Protocol describes a detailed approach to define subsets based on expression of surface markers. This approach can be very useful for maintaining the subsets alive, without fixing them, in order to isolate them for downstream molecular assays such as DNA/RNA isolation, genome-wide analysis to assess gene expression (such as RNA-seq), assessment of chromatin accessibility (for instance, by ATAC-seq), and assessment of DNA methylation by whole-genome bisulfite sequencing. Basic Protocol 2 describes the functional characterization of iNKT cells, which are activated in vitro with PMA and ionomycin for a short period of time and subsequently stained and characterized for production of cytokines, such as IFNγ and IL-4, by flow cytometry. Basic Protocol 3 describes the process of activating iNKT cells in vivo using α-galactosyl-ceramide, a lipid that can be recognized specifically by iNKT cells, allowing assessment of their functionality in vivo. Cells are then isolated and directly stained for cytokine secretion. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Identifying iNKT cell subsets based on transcription factor expression by flow cytometry Alternate Protocol: Identifying iNKT cell subsets based on surface marker expression by flow cytometry Basic Protocol 2: iNKT cell functional characterization based on in vitro activation and assessment of cytokine secretion Basic Protocol 3: iNKT cell in vivo activation and assessment of cytokine secretion by flow cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianthi Gioulbasani
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Ageliki Tsagaratou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
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4
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Liman N, Park JH. Markers and makers of NKT17 cells. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1090-1098. [PMID: 37258582 PMCID: PMC10317953 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01015-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are thymus-generated innate-like αβ T cells that undergo terminal differentiation in the thymus. Such a developmental pathway differs from that of conventional αβ T cells, which are generated in the thymus but complete their functional maturation in peripheral tissues. Multiple subsets of iNKT cells have been described, among which IL-17-producing iNKT cells are commonly referred to as NKT17 cells. IL-17 is considered a proinflammatory cytokine that can play both protective and pathogenic roles and has been implicated as a key regulatory factor in many disease settings. Akin to other iNKT subsets, NKT17 cells acquire their effector function during thymic development. However, the cellular mechanisms that drive NKT17 subset specification, and how iNKT cells in general acquire their effector function prior to antigen encounter, remain largely unknown. Considering that all iNKT cells express the canonical Vα14-Jα18 TCRα chain and all iNKT subsets display the same ligand specificity, i.e., glycolipid antigens in the context of the nonclassical MHC-I molecule CD1d, the conundrum is explaining how thymic NKT17 cell specification is determined. Mapping of the molecular circuitry of NKT17 cell differentiation, combined with the discovery of markers that identify NKT17 cells, has provided new insights into the developmental pathway of NKT17 cells. The current review aims to highlight recent advances in our understanding of thymic NKT17 cell development and to place these findings in the larger context of iNKT subset specification and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurcin Liman
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jung-Hyun Park
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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5
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Luo S, Liman N, Li C, Crossman A, Wang ECY, Meylan F, Park JH. The cytokine receptor DR3 identifies and promotes the activation of thymic NKT17 cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:76. [PMID: 36847849 PMCID: PMC10838626 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04726-7] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells correspond to a population of thymus-generated T cells with innate-like characteristics and effector functions. Among the various iNKT subsets, NKT17 is the only subset that produces the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17. But, how NKT17 cells acquire this ability and what would selectively trigger their activation remain incompletely understood. Here, we identified the cytokine receptor DR3 being specifically expressed on thymic NKT17 cells and mostly absent on other thymic iNKT subsets. Moreover, DR3 ligation promoted the in vivo activation of thymic NKT17 cells and provided costimulatory effects upon agonistic α-GalCer stimulation. Thus, we identified a specific surface marker for thymic NKT17 cells that triggers their activation and augments their effector functions both in vivo and in vitro. These findings provide new insights for deciphering the role and function of murine NKT17 cells and for understanding the development and activation mechanisms of iNKT cells in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunqun Luo
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Nurcin Liman
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Can Li
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Assiatu Crossman
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Eddie C Y Wang
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Françoise Meylan
- Translational Immunology Section, NIAMS, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jung-Hyun Park
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Tsagaratou A. TET Proteins in the Spotlight: Emerging Concepts of Epigenetic Regulation in T Cell Biology. Immunohorizons 2023; 7:106-115. [PMID: 36645853 PMCID: PMC10152628 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2200067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins are dioxygenases that oxidize 5-methylcytosine to form 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and downstream oxidized modified cytosines. In the past decade, intensive research established that TET-mediated DNA demethylation is critical for immune cell development and function. In this study, we discuss major advances regarding the role of TET proteins in regulating gene expression in the context of T cell lineage specification, function, and proliferation. Then, we focus on open questions in the field. We discuss recent findings regarding the diverse roles of TET proteins in other systems, and we ask how these findings might relate to T cell biology. Finally, we ask how this tremendous progress on understanding the multifaceted roles of TET proteins in shaping T cell identity and function can be translated to improve outcomes of human disease, such as hematological malignancies and immune response to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ageliki Tsagaratou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
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7
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Äijö T, Theofilatos D, Cheng M, Smith MD, Xiong Y, Baldwin AS, Tsagaratou A. TET proteins regulate T cell and iNKT cell lineage specification in a TET2 catalytic dependent manner. Front Immunol 2022; 13:940995. [PMID: 35990681 PMCID: PMC9389146 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.940995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
TET proteins mediate DNA demethylation by oxidizing 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and other oxidative derivatives. We have previously demonstrated a dynamic enrichment of 5hmC during T and invariant natural killer T cell lineage specification. Here, we investigate shared signatures in gene expression of Tet2/3 DKO CD4 single positive (SP) and iNKT cells in the thymus. We discover that TET proteins exert a fundamental role in regulating the expression of the lineage specifying factor Th-POK, which is encoded by Zbtb7b. We demonstrate that TET proteins mediate DNA demethylation - surrounding a proximal enhancer, critical for the intensity of Th-POK expression. In addition, TET proteins drive the DNA demethylation of site A at the Zbtb7b locus to facilitate GATA3 binding. GATA3 induces Th-POK expression in CD4 SP cells. Finally, by introducing a novel mouse model that lacks TET3 and expresses full length, catalytically inactive TET2, we establish a causal link between TET2 catalytic activity and lineage specification of both conventional and unconventional T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarmo Äijö
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Dimitris Theofilatos
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Meng Cheng
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Matthew D. Smith
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Yue Xiong
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Albert S. Baldwin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Ageliki Tsagaratou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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8
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Liggett JR, Kang J, Ranjit S, Rodriguez O, Loh K, Patil D, Cui Y, Duttargi A, Nguyen S, He B, Lee Y, Oza K, Frank BS, Kwon D, Li HH, Kallakury B, Libby A, Levi M, Robson SC, Fishbein TM, Cui W, Albanese C, Khan K, Kroemer A. Oral N-acetylcysteine decreases IFN-γ production and ameliorates ischemia-reperfusion injury in steatotic livers. Front Immunol 2022; 13:898799. [PMID: 36148239 PMCID: PMC9486542 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.898799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 1 Natural Killer T-cells (NKT1 cells) play a critical role in mediating hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Although hepatic steatosis is a major risk factor for preservation type injury, how NKT cells impact this is understudied. Given NKT1 cell activation by phospholipid ligands recognized presented by CD1d, we hypothesized that NKT1 cells are key modulators of hepatic IRI because of the increased frequency of activating ligands in the setting of hepatic steatosis. We first demonstrate that IRI is exacerbated by a high-fat diet (HFD) in experimental murine models of warm partial ischemia. This is evident in the evaluation of ALT levels and Phasor-Fluorescence Lifetime (Phasor-FLIM) Imaging for glycolytic stress. Polychromatic flow cytometry identified pronounced increases in CD45+CD3+NK1.1+NKT1 cells in HFD fed mice when compared to mice fed a normal diet (ND). This observation is further extended to IRI, measuring ex vivo cytokine expression in the HFD and ND. Much higher interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) expression is noted in the HFD mice after IRI. We further tested our hypothesis by performing a lipidomic analysis of hepatic tissue and compared this to Phasor-FLIM imaging using "long lifetime species", a byproduct of lipid oxidation. There are higher levels of triacylglycerols and phospholipids in HFD mice. Since N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is able to limit hepatic steatosis, we tested how oral NAC supplementation in HFD mice impacted IRI. Interestingly, oral NAC supplementation in HFD mice results in improved hepatic enhancement using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to HFD control mice and normalization of glycolysis demonstrated by Phasor-FLIM imaging. This correlated with improved biochemical serum levels and a decrease in IFN-γ expression at a tissue level and from CD45+CD3+CD1d+ cells. Lipidomic evaluation of tissue in the HFD+NAC mice demonstrated a drastic decrease in triacylglycerol, suggesting downregulation of the PPAR-γ pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jedson R Liggett
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and the Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Surgery, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA, United States
| | - Jiman Kang
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and the Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Suman Ranjit
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States.,Microscopy & Imaging Shared Resource, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Olga Rodriguez
- Center for Translational Imaging, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Katrina Loh
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and the Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Digvijay Patil
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and the Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Yuki Cui
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and the Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Anju Duttargi
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Sang Nguyen
- Center for Translational Imaging, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Britney He
- Center for Translational Imaging, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Yichien Lee
- Center for Translational Imaging, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Kesha Oza
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and the Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Brett S Frank
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and the Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - DongHyang Kwon
- Department of Pathology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Heng-Hong Li
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Bhaskar Kallakury
- Department of Pathology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Andrew Libby
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, & Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Moshe Levi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Simon C Robson
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Thomas M Fishbein
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and the Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Wanxing Cui
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and the Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Chris Albanese
- Center for Translational Imaging, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Radiology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Khalid Khan
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and the Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Alexander Kroemer
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and the Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
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9
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Luo S, Kwon J, Crossman A, Park PW, Park JH. CD138 expression is a molecular signature but not a developmental requirement for RORγt+ NKT17 cells. JCI Insight 2021; 6:148038. [PMID: 34549726 PMCID: PMC8492317 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.148038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are potent immunomodulatory cells that acquire effector function during their development in the thymus. IL-17-producing iNKT cells are commonly referred to as NKT17 cells, and they are unique among iNKT cells to express the heparan sulfate proteoglycan CD138 and the transcription factor RORγt. Whether and how CD138 and RORγt contribute to NKT17 cell differentiation, and whether there is an interplay between RORγt and CD138 expression to control iNKT lineage fate, remain mostly unknown. Here, we showed that CD138 expression was only associated with and not required for the differentiation and IL-17 production of NKT17 cells. Consequently, CD138-deficient mice still generated robust numbers of IL-17-producing RORγt+ NKT17 cells. Moreover, forced expression of RORγt significantly promoted the generation of thymic NKT17 cells, but did not induce CD138 expression on non-NKT17 cells. These results indicated that NKT17 cell generation and IL-17 production were driven by RORγt, employing mechanisms that were independent of CD138. Therefore, our study effectively dissociated CD138 expression from the RORγt-driven molecular pathway of NKT17 cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunqun Luo
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Juntae Kwon
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Assiatu Crossman
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Pyong Woo Park
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jung-Hyun Park
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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10
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Genomic Uracil and Aberrant Profile of Demethylation Intermediates in Epigenetics and Hematologic Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084212. [PMID: 33921666 PMCID: PMC8073381 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA of all living cells undergoes continuous structural and chemical alterations resulting from fundamental cellular metabolic processes and reactivity of normal cellular metabolites and constituents. Examples include enzymatically oxidized bases, aberrantly methylated bases, and deaminated bases, the latter largely uracil from deaminated cytosine. In addition, the non-canonical DNA base uracil may result from misincorporated dUMP. Furthermore, uracil generated by deamination of cytosine in DNA is not always damage as it is also an intermediate in normal somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class shift recombination (CSR) at the Ig locus of B-cells in adaptive immunity. Many of the modifications alter base-pairing properties and may thus cause replicative and transcriptional mutagenesis. The best known and most studied epigenetic mark in DNA is 5-methylcytosine (5mC), generated by a methyltransferase that uses SAM as methyl donor, usually in CpG contexts. Oxidation products of 5mC are now thought to be intermediates in active demethylation as well as epigenetic marks in their own rights. The aim of this review is to describe the endogenous processes that surround the generation and removal of the most common types of DNA nucleobase modifications, namely, uracil and certain epigenetic modifications, together with their role in the development of hematological malignances. We also discuss what dictates whether the presence of an altered nucleobase is defined as damage or a natural modification.
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11
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Tanno H, Kanno E, Sato S, Asao Y, Shimono M, Kurosaka S, Oikawa Y, Ishi S, Shoji M, Sato K, Kasamatsu J, Miyasaka T, Yamamoto H, Ishii K, Imai Y, Tachi M, Kawakami K. Contribution of Invariant Natural Killer T Cells to the Clearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Skin Wounds. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3931. [PMID: 33920301 PMCID: PMC8070359 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infections are considered one of the most severe problems in skin wounds, and bacteria are present in over 90% of chronic wounds. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is frequently isolated from chronic wounds and is thought to be a cause of delayed wound healing. Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, unique lymphocytes with a potent regulatory ability in various inflammatory responses, accelerate the wound healing process. In the present study, we investigated the contribution of iNKT cells in the host defense against P. aeruginosa inoculation at the wound sites. We analyzed the re-epithelialization, bacterial load, accumulation of leukocytes, and production of cytokines and antimicrobial peptides. In iNKT cell-deficient (Jα18KO) mice, re-epithelialization was significantly decreased, and the number of live colonies was significantly increased, when compared with those in wild-type (WT) mice on day 7. IL-17A, and IL-22 production was significantly lower in Jα18KO mice than in WT mice on day 5. Furthermore, the administration of α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), a specific activator of iNKT cells, led to enhanced host protection, as shown by reduced bacterial load, and to increased production of IL-22, IL-23, and S100A9 compared that of with WT mice. These results suggest that iNKT cells promote P. aeruginosa clearance during skin wound healing.
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Grants
- a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B) (19H03918), The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan
- a Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research (17K19710) The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan
- a Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (17K17393) the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan
- a Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (19K19494) The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromasa Tanno
- Department of Science of Nursing Practice, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (E.K.); (S.S.); (Y.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Emi Kanno
- Department of Science of Nursing Practice, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (E.K.); (S.S.); (Y.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Suzuna Sato
- Department of Science of Nursing Practice, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (E.K.); (S.S.); (Y.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Yu Asao
- Department of Science of Nursing Practice, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (E.K.); (S.S.); (Y.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Mizuki Shimono
- Department of Science of Nursing Practice, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (E.K.); (S.S.); (Y.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Shiho Kurosaka
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (S.K.); (S.I.); (M.S.); (Y.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Yukari Oikawa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Mycology and Immunology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (Y.O.); (K.I.); (K.K.)
| | - Shinyo Ishi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (S.K.); (S.I.); (M.S.); (Y.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Miki Shoji
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (S.K.); (S.I.); (M.S.); (Y.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Ko Sato
- Department of Intelligent Network for Infection Control, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (K.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Jun Kasamatsu
- Department of Intelligent Network for Infection Control, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (K.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Tomomitsu Miyasaka
- Division of Pathophysiology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai 981-8558, Japan;
| | - Hideki Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Niigata University, 2-746 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8518, Japan;
| | - Keiko Ishii
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Mycology and Immunology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (Y.O.); (K.I.); (K.K.)
| | - Yoshimichi Imai
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (S.K.); (S.I.); (M.S.); (Y.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Masahiro Tachi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (S.K.); (S.I.); (M.S.); (Y.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Kazuyoshi Kawakami
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Mycology and Immunology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (Y.O.); (K.I.); (K.K.)
- Department of Intelligent Network for Infection Control, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (K.S.); (J.K.)
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12
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Tsiouplis NJ, Bailey DW, Chiou LF, Wissink FJ, Tsagaratou A. TET-Mediated Epigenetic Regulation in Immune Cell Development and Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:623948. [PMID: 33520997 PMCID: PMC7843795 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.623948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
TET proteins oxidize 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and further oxidation products in DNA. The oxidized methylcytosines (oxi-mCs) facilitate DNA demethylation and are also novel epigenetic marks. TET loss-of-function is strongly associated with cancer; TET2 loss-of-function mutations are frequently observed in hematological malignancies that are resistant to conventional therapies. Importantly, TET proteins govern cell fate decisions during development of various cell types by activating a cell-specific gene expression program. In this review, we seek to provide a conceptual framework of the mechanisms that fine tune TET activity. Then, we specifically focus on the multifaceted roles of TET proteins in regulating gene expression in immune cell development, function, and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas James Tsiouplis
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - David Wesley Bailey
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,University of North Carolina Center of Translational Immunology, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,University of North Carolina Institute of Inflammatory Disease, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Lilly Felicia Chiou
- University of North Carolina Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Fiona Jane Wissink
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Ageliki Tsagaratou
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,University of North Carolina Center of Translational Immunology, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,University of North Carolina Institute of Inflammatory Disease, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,University of North Carolina Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,University of North Carolina Department of Genetics, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,University of North Carolina Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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13
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Tsagaratou A. Deciphering the multifaceted roles of TET proteins in T-cell lineage specification and malignant transformation. Immunol Rev 2021; 300:22-36. [PMID: 33410200 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
TET proteins are DNA demethylases that can oxidize 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to generate 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and other oxidized mC bases (oxi-mCs). Importantly, TET proteins govern cell fate decisions during development of various cell types by activating a cell-specific gene expression program. In this review, we focus on the role of TET proteins in T-cell lineage specification. We explore the multifaceted roles of TET proteins in regulating gene expression in the contexts of T-cell development, lineage specification, function, and disease. Finally, we discuss the future directions and experimental strategies required to decipher the precise mechanisms employed by TET proteins to fine-tune gene expression and safeguard cell identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ageliki Tsagaratou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Center of Translational Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Institute of Inflammatory Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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14
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Leborgne NGF, Taddeo A, Freigang S, Benarafa C. Serpinb1a Is Dispensable for the Development and Cytokine Response of Invariant Natural Killer T Cell Subsets. Front Immunol 2020; 11:562587. [PMID: 33262755 PMCID: PMC7686238 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.562587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are innate-like T lymphocytes. They quickly respond to antigenic stimulation by producing copious amounts of cytokines and chemokines. iNKT precursors differentiate into three subsets iNKT1, iNKT2, and iNKT17 with specific cytokine production signatures. While key transcription factors drive subset differentiation, factors that regulate iNKT subset homeostasis remain incompletely defined. Transcriptomic analyses of thymic iNKT subsets indicate that Serpinb1a is one of the most specific transcripts for iNKT17 cells suggesting that iNKT cell maintenance and function may be regulated by Serpinb1a. Serpinb1a is a major survival factor in neutrophils and prevents cell death in a cell-autonomous manner. It also controls inflammation in models of bacterial and viral infection as well as in LPS-driven inflammation. Here, we examined the iNKT subsets in neutropenic Serpinb1a−/− mice as well as in Serpinb1a−/− mice with normal neutrophil counts due to transgenic re-expression of SERPINB1 in neutrophils. In steady state, we found no significant effect of Serpinb1a-deficiency on the proliferation and numbers of iNKT subsets in thymus, lymph nodes, lung, liver and spleen. Following systemic activation with α-galactosylceramide, the prototypic glycolipid agonist of iNKT cells, we observed similar serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 between genotypes. Moreover, splenic dendritic cells showed normal upregulation of maturation markers following iNKT cell activation with α-galactosylceramide. Finally, lung instillation of α-galactosylceramide induced a similar recruitment of neutrophils and production of iNKT-derived cytokines IL-17, IFN-γ, and IL-4 in wild-type and Serpinb1a−/− mice. Taken together, our results indicate that Serpinb1a, while dominantly expressed in iNKT17 cells, is not essential for iNKT cell homeostasis, subset differentiation and cytokine release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan G F Leborgne
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adriano Taddeo
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Freigang
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Charaf Benarafa
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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15
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Zhang M, Zhang S. T Cells in Fibrosis and Fibrotic Diseases. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1142. [PMID: 32676074 PMCID: PMC7333347 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the extensive deposition of fibrous connective tissue, and it is characterized by the accumulation of collagen and other extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Fibrosis is essential for wound healing and tissue repair in response to a variety of triggers, which include infection, inflammation, autoimmune disorder, degenerative disease, tumor, and injury. Fibrotic remodeling in various diseases, such as liver cirrhosis, pulmonary fibrosis, renal interstitial fibrosis, myocardial infarction, systemic sclerosis (SSc), and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), can impair organ function, causing high morbidity and mortality. Both innate and adaptive immunity are involved in fibrogenesis. Although the roles of macrophages in fibrogenesis have been studied for many years, the underlying mechanisms concerning the manner in which T cells regulate fibrosis are not completely understood. The T cell receptor (TCR) engages the antigen and shapes the repertoire of antigen-specific T cells. Based on the divergent expression of surface molecules and cell functions, T cells are subdivided into natural killer T (NKT) cells, γδ T cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), regulatory T (Treg) cells, T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells, and T helper cells, including Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, Th22, and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. In this review, we summarize the pro-fibrotic or anti-fibrotic roles and distinct mechanisms of different T cell subsets. On reviewing the literature, we conclude that the T cell regulations are commonly disease-specific and tissue-specific. Finally, we provide perspectives on microbiota, viral infection, and metabolism, and discuss the current advancements of technologies for identifying novel targets and developing immunotherapies for intervention in fibrosis and fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjuan Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Song Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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16
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Abstract
Recent studies suggest that murine invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell development culminates in three terminally differentiated iNKT cell subsets denoted as NKT1, 2, and 17 cells. Although these studies corroborate the significance of the subset division model, less is known about the factors driving subset commitment in iNKT cell progenitors. In this review, we discuss the latest findings in iNKT cell development, focusing in particular on how T-cell receptor signal strength steers iNKT cell progenitors toward specific subsets and how early progenitor cells can be identified. In addition, we will discuss the essential factors for their sustenance and functionality. A picture is emerging wherein the majority of thymic iNKT cells are mature effector cells retained in the organ rather than developing precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Hogquist
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Hristo Georgiev
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
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