1
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Lim S, J F van Son G, Wisma Eka Yanti NL, Andersson-Rolf A, Willemsen S, Korving J, Lee HG, Begthel H, Clevers H. Derivation of functional thymic epithelial organoid lines from adult murine thymus. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114019. [PMID: 38551965 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114019] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) orchestrate T cell development by imposing positive and negative selection on thymocytes. Current studies on TEC biology are hampered by the absence of long-term ex vivo culture platforms, while the cells driving TEC self-renewal remain to be identified. Here, we generate long-term (>2 years) expandable 3D TEC organoids from the adult mouse thymus. For further analysis, we generated single and double FoxN1-P2A-Clover, Aire-P2A-tdTomato, and Cldn4-P2A-tdTomato reporter lines by CRISPR knockin. Single-cell analyses of expanding clonal organoids reveal cells with bipotent stem/progenitor phenotypes. These clonal organoids can be induced to express Foxn1 and to generate functional cortical- and Aire-expressing medullary-like TECs upon RANK ligand + retinoic acid treatment. TEC organoids support T cell development from immature thymocytes in vitro as well as in vivo upon transplantation into athymic nude mice. This organoid-based platform allows in vitro study of TEC biology and offers a potential strategy for ex vivo T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangho Lim
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gijs J F van Son
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands; The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht 3584 CS, the Netherlands
| | - Ni Luh Wisma Eka Yanti
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Amanda Andersson-Rolf
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sam Willemsen
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Korving
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hong-Gyun Lee
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Harry Begthel
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands; The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht 3584 CS, the Netherlands.
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2
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James EA, Joglekar AV, Linnemann AK, Russ HA, Kent SC. The beta cell-immune cell interface in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Mol Metab 2023; 78:101809. [PMID: 37734713 PMCID: PMC10622886 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T1D is an autoimmune disease in which pancreatic islets of Langerhans are infiltrated by immune cells resulting in the specific destruction of insulin-producing islet beta cells. Our understanding of the factors leading to islet infiltration and the interplay of the immune cells with target beta cells is incomplete, especially in human disease. While murine models of T1D have provided crucial information for both beta cell and autoimmune cell function, the translation of successful therapies in the murine model to human disease has been a challenge. SCOPE OF REVIEW Here, we discuss current state of the art and consider knowledge gaps concerning the interface of the islet beta cell with immune infiltrates, with a focus on T cells. We discuss pancreatic and immune cell phenotypes and their impact on cell function in health and disease, which we deem important to investigate further to attain a more comprehensive understanding of human T1D disease etiology. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS The last years have seen accelerated development of approaches that allow comprehensive study of human T1D. Critically, recent studies have contributed to our revised understanding that the pancreatic beta cell assumes an active role, rather than a passive position, during autoimmune disease progression. The T cell-beta cell interface is a critical axis that dictates beta cell fate and shapes autoimmune responses. This includes the state of the beta cell after processing internal and external cues (e.g., stress, inflammation, genetic risk) that that contributes to the breaking of tolerance by hyperexpression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I with presentation of native and neoepitopes and secretion of chemotactic factors to attract immune cells. We anticipate that emerging insights about the molecular and cellular aspects of disease initiation and progression processes will catalyze the development of novel and innovative intervention points to provide additional therapies to individuals affected by T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddie A James
- Center for Translational Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alok V Joglekar
- Center for Systems Immunology and Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Amelia K Linnemann
- Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, and Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Holger A Russ
- Diabetes Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sally C Kent
- Diabetes Center of Excellence, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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3
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Kearns NA, Lobo M, Genga RMJ, Abramowitz RG, Parsi KM, Min J, Kernfeld EM, Huey JD, Kady J, Hennessy E, Brehm MA, Ziller MJ, Maehr R. Generation and molecular characterization of human pluripotent stem cell-derived pharyngeal foregut endoderm. Dev Cell 2023; 58:1801-1818.e15. [PMID: 37751684 PMCID: PMC10637111 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.08.024] [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: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Approaches to study human pharyngeal foregut endoderm-a developmental intermediate that is linked to various human syndromes involving pharynx development and organogenesis of tissues such as thymus, parathyroid, and thyroid-have been hampered by scarcity of tissue access and cellular models. We present an efficient stepwise differentiation method to generate human pharyngeal foregut endoderm from pluripotent stem cells. We determine dose and temporal requirements of signaling pathway engagement for optimized differentiation and characterize the differentiation products on cellular and integrated molecular level. We present a computational classification tool, "CellMatch," and transcriptomic classification of differentiation products on an integrated mouse scRNA-seq developmental roadmap confirms cellular maturation. Integrated transcriptomic and chromatin analyses infer differentiation stage-specific gene regulatory networks. Our work provides the method and integrated multiomic resource for the investigation of disease-relevant loci and gene regulatory networks and their role in developmental defects affecting the pharyngeal endoderm and its derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola A Kearns
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Macrina Lobo
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ryan M J Genga
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ryan G Abramowitz
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Krishna M Parsi
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jiang Min
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Eric M Kernfeld
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jack D Huey
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jamie Kady
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Erica Hennessy
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Michael A Brehm
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Michael J Ziller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - René Maehr
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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4
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Jeon S, Lee YS, Oh SR, Jeong J, Lee DH, So KH, Hwang NS. Recent advances in endocrine organoids for therapeutic application. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114959. [PMID: 37301512 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114959] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The endocrine system, consisting of the hypothalamus, pituitary, endocrine glands, and hormones, plays a critical role in hormone metabolic interactions. The complexity of the endocrine system is a significant obstacle to understanding and treating endocrine disorders. Notably, advances in endocrine organoid generation allow a deeper understanding of the endocrine system by providing better comprehension of molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis. Here, we highlight recent advances in endocrine organoids for a wide range of therapeutic applications, from cell transplantation therapy to drug toxicity screening, combined with development in stem cell differentiation and gene editing technologies. In particular, we provide insights into the transplantation of endocrine organoids to reverse endocrine dysfunctions and progress in developing strategies for better engraftments. We also discuss the gap between preclinical and clinical research. Finally, we provide future perspectives for research on endocrine organoids for the development of more effective treatments for endocrine disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suwan Jeon
- Interdisciplinary Program for Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Sun Lee
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seh Ri Oh
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinseong Jeong
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hyun Lee
- Interdisciplinary Program for Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Ha So
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Bio-MAX/N-Bio Institute, Institute of Bio-Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nathaniel S Hwang
- Interdisciplinary Program for Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Bio-MAX/N-Bio Institute, Institute of Bio-Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Ramos SA, Armitage LH, Morton JJ, Alzofon N, Handler D, Kelly G, Homann D, Jimeno A, Russ HA. Generation of functional thymic organoids from human pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:829-840. [PMID: 36963390 PMCID: PMC10147832 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus is critical for the establishment of a functional and self-tolerant adaptive immune system but involutes with age, resulting in reduced naive T cell output. Generation of a functional human thymus from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is an attractive regenerative strategy. Direct differentiation of thymic epithelial progenitors (TEPs) from hPSCs has been demonstrated in vitro, but functional thymic epithelial cells (TECs) only form months after transplantation of TEPs in vivo. We show the generation of TECs in vitro in isogenic stem cell-derived thymic organoids (sTOs) consisting of TEPs, hematopoietic progenitor cells, and mesenchymal cells, differentiated from the same hPSC line. sTOs support T cell development, express key markers of negative selection, including the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) protein, and facilitate regulatory T cell development. sTOs provide the basis for functional patient-specific thymic organoid models, allowing for the study of human thymus function, T cell development, and transplant immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan A Ramos
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Lucas H Armitage
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - John J Morton
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Nathaniel Alzofon
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Diana Handler
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Geoffrey Kelly
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Dirk Homann
- Diabetes, Metabolism and Obesity Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Antonio Jimeno
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Holger A Russ
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Diabetes Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Pathology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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6
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Bosticardo M, Notarangelo LD. Human thymus in health and disease: Recent advances in diagnosis and biology. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101732. [PMID: 36863139 PMCID: PMC10134747 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is the crucial tissue where thymocytes develop from hematopoietic precursors that originate from the bone marrow and differentiate to generate a repertoire of mature T cells able to respond to foreign antigens while remaining tolerant to self-antigens. Until recently, most of the knowledge on thymus biology and its cellular and molecular complexity have been obtained through studies in animal models, because of the difficulty to gain access to thymic tissue in humans and the lack of in vitro models able to faithfully recapitulate the thymic microenvironment. This review focuses on recent advances in the understanding of human thymus biology in health and disease obtained through the use of innovative experimental techniques (eg. single cell RNA sequencing, scRNAseq), diagnostic tools (eg. next generation sequencing), and in vitro models of T-cell differentiation (artificial thymic organoids) and thymus development (eg. thymic epithelial cell differentiation from embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marita Bosticardo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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7
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Leavens KF, Alvarez-Dominguez JR, Vo LT, Russ HA, Parent AV. Stem cell-based multi-tissue platforms to model human autoimmune diabetes. Mol Metab 2022; 66:101610. [PMID: 36209784 PMCID: PMC9587366 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which pancreatic insulin-producing β cells are specifically destroyed by the immune system. Understanding the initiation and progression of human T1D has been hampered by the lack of appropriate models that can reproduce the complexity and heterogeneity of the disease. The development of platforms combining multiple human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) derived tissues to model distinct aspects of T1D has the potential to provide critical novel insights into the etiology and pathogenesis of the human disease. SCOPE OF REVIEW In this review, we summarize the state of hPSC differentiation approaches to generate cell types and tissues relevant to T1D, with a particular focus on pancreatic islet cells, T cells, and thymic epithelium. We present current applications as well as limitations of using these hPSC-derived cells for disease modeling and discuss efforts to optimize platforms combining multiple cell types to model human T1D. Finally, we outline remaining challenges and emphasize future improvements needed to accelerate progress in this emerging field of research. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Recent advances in reprogramming approaches to create patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell lines (iPSCs), genome engineering technologies to efficiently modify DNA of hPSCs, and protocols to direct their differentiation into mature cell types have empowered the use of stem cell derivatives to accurately model human disease. While challenges remain before complex interactions occurring in human T1D can be modeled with these derivatives, experiments combining hPSC-derived β cells and immune cells are already providing exciting insight into how these cells interact in the context of T1D, supporting the viability of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla F Leavens
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania and Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Juan R Alvarez-Dominguez
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Linda T Vo
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Holger A Russ
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Audrey V Parent
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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8
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Provin N, Giraud M. Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells Into Thymic Epithelial Cells and Generation of Thymic Organoids: Applications for Therapeutic Strategies Against APECED. Front Immunol 2022; 13:930963. [PMID: 35844523 PMCID: PMC9277542 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.930963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ essential for the induction of central immune tolerance. Maturing T cells undergo several steps of expansion and selection mediated by thymic epithelial cells (TECs). In APECED and other congenital pathologies, a deficiency in genes that regulate TEC development or their ability to select non auto-reactive thymocytes results in a defective immune balance, and consequently in a general autoimmune syndrome. Restoration of thymic function is thus crucial for the emergence of curative treatments. The last decade has seen remarkable progress in both gene editing and pluripotent stem cell differentiation, with the emergence of CRISPR-based gene correction, the trivialization of reprogramming of somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSc) and their subsequent differentiation into multiple cellular fates. The combination of these two approaches has paved the way to the generation of genetically corrected thymic organoids and their use to control thymic genetic pathologies affecting self-tolerance. Here we review the recent advances in differentiation of iPSc into TECs and the ability of the latter to support a proper and efficient maturation of thymocytes into functional and non-autoreactive T cells. A special focus is given on thymus organogenesis and pathway modulation during iPSc differentiation, on the impact of the 2/3D structure on the generated TECs, and on perspectives for therapeutic strategies in APECED based on patient-derived iPSc corrected for AIRE gene mutations.
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9
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Sun S, Li JY, Nim HT, Piers A, Ramialison M, Porrello ER, Konstantinov IE, Elefanty AG, Stanley EG. CD90 Marks a Mesenchymal Program in Human Thymic Epithelial Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. Front Immunol 2022; 13:846281. [PMID: 35371075 PMCID: PMC8966383 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.846281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelium is critical for the structural integrity of the thymus and for T cell development. Within the fully formed thymus, large numbers of hematopoietic cells shape the thymic epithelium into a scaffold-like structure which bears little similarity to classical epithelial layers, such as those observed in the skin, intestine or pancreas. Here, we show that human thymic epithelial cells (TECs) possess an epithelial identity that also incorporates the expression of mesenchymal cell associated genes, whose expression levels vary between medullary and cortical TECs (m/cTECs). Using pluripotent stem cell (PSC) differentiation systems, we identified a unique population of cells that co-expressed the master TEC transcription factor FOXN1, as well as the epithelial associated marker EPCAM and the mesenchymal associated gene CD90. Using the same serum free culture conditions, we also observed co-expression of EPCAM and CD90 on cultured TECs derived from neonatal human thymus in vitro. Single cell RNA-sequencing revealed these cultured TECs possessed an immature mTEC phenotype and expressed epithelial and mesenchymal associated genes, such as EPCAM, CLDN4, CD90 and COL1A1. Importantly, flow cytometry and single cell RNA-sequencing analysis further confirmed the presence of an EPCAM+CD90+ population in the CD45- fraction of neonatal human thymic stromal cells in vivo. Using the human thymus cell atlas, we found that cTECs displayed more pronounced mesenchymal characteristics than mTECs during embryonic development. Collectively, these results suggest human TECs possess a hybrid gene expression program comprising both epithelial and mesenchymal elements, and provide a basis for the further exploration of thymus development from primary tissues and from the in vitro differentiation of PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shicheng Sun
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jacky Y Li
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Hieu T Nim
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute and Systems Biology Institute Australia, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Adam Piers
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Centre for Cardiovascular Genomics and Regenerative Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mirana Ramialison
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute and Systems Biology Institute Australia, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Enzo R Porrello
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Centre for Cardiovascular Genomics and Regenerative Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Igor E Konstantinov
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute and Systems Biology Institute Australia, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Cardiac Surgery, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew G Elefanty
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Edouard G Stanley
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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10
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Khosravi-Maharlooei M, Madley R, Borsotti C, Ferreira LMR, Sharp RC, Brehm MA, Greiner DL, Parent AV, Anderson MS, Sykes M, Creusot RJ. Modeling human T1D-associated autoimmune processes. Mol Metab 2022; 56:101417. [PMID: 34902607 PMCID: PMC8739876 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by impaired immune tolerance to β-cell antigens and progressive destruction of insulin-producing β-cells. Animal models have provided valuable insights for understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease, but they fall short of reflecting the extensive heterogeneity of the disease in humans, which is contributed by various combinations of risk gene alleles and unique environmental factors. Collectively, these factors have been used to define subgroups of patients, termed endotypes, with distinct predominating disease characteristics. SCOPE OF REVIEW Here, we review the gaps filled by these models in understanding the intricate involvement and regulation of the immune system in human T1D pathogenesis. We describe the various models developed so far and the scientific questions that have been addressed using them. Finally, we discuss the limitations of these models, primarily ascribed to hosting a human immune system (HIS) in a xenogeneic recipient, and what remains to be done to improve their physiological relevance. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS To understand the role of genetic and environmental factors or evaluate immune-modifying therapies in humans, it is critical to develop and apply models in which human cells can be manipulated and their functions studied under conditions that recapitulate as closely as possible the physiological conditions of the human body. While microphysiological systems and living tissue slices provide some of these conditions, HIS mice enable more extensive analyses using in vivo systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Khosravi-Maharlooei
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Madley
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chiara Borsotti
- Department of Health Sciences, Histology laboratory, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Leonardo M R Ferreira
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, and Regenerative Medicine & Cell Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Robert C Sharp
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael A Brehm
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dale L Greiner
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Audrey V Parent
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark S Anderson
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Megan Sykes
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Remi J Creusot
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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11
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Gras-Peña R, Danzl NM, Khosravi-Maharlooei M, Campbell SR, Ruiz AE, Parks CA, Suen Savage WM, Holzl MA, Chatterjee D, Sykes M. Human stem cell-derived thymic epithelial cells enhance human T-cell development in a xenogeneic thymus. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 149:1755-1771. [PMID: 34695489 PMCID: PMC9023620 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generation of thymic tissue from pluripotent stem cells would provide therapies for acquired and congenital thymic insufficiency states. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to generate human thymic epithelial progenitors from human embryonic stem cells (hES-TEPs) and to assess their thymopoietic function in vivo. METHODS This study differentiated hES-TEPs by mimicking developmental queues with FGF8, retinoic acid, SHH, Noggin, and BMP4. Their function was assessed in reaggregate cellular grafts under the kidney capsule and in hybrid thymi by incorporating them into swine thymus (SwTHY) grafts implanted under the kidney capsules of immunodeficient mice that received human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (hHSPCs) intravenously. RESULTS Cultured hES-TEPs expressed FOXN1 and formed colonies expressing EPCAM and both cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cell markers. In thymectomized immunodeficient mice receiving hHSPCs, hES-TEPs mixed with human thymic mesenchymal cells supported human T-cell development. Hypothesizing that support from non-epithelial thymic cells might allow long-term function of hES-TEPs, the investigators injected them into SwTHY tissue, which supports human thymopoiesis in NOD severe combined immunodeficiency IL2Rγnull mice receiving hHSPCs. hES-TEPs integrated into SwTHY grafts, enhanced human thymopoiesis, and increased peripheral CD4+ naive T-cell reconstitution. CONCLUSIONS This study has developed and demonstrated in vivo thymopoietic function of hES-TEPs generated with a novel differentiation protocol. The SwTHY hybrid thymus model demonstrates beneficial effects on human thymocyte development of hES-TEPs maturing in the context of a supportive thymic structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Gras-Peña
- Columbia Center for Human Development, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY; Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY.
| | - Nichole M Danzl
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Mohsen Khosravi-Maharlooei
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Sean R Campbell
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Amanda E Ruiz
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Christopher A Parks
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - William Meng Suen Savage
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Markus A Holzl
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Debanjana Chatterjee
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Megan Sykes
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY; Department of Surgery and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY.
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12
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Schiesser JV, Loudovaris T, Thomas HE, Elefanty AG, Stanley EG. Integrin αvβ5 heterodimer is a specific marker of human pancreatic beta cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8315. [PMID: 33859325 PMCID: PMC8050092 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87805-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of cell surface markers specific to pancreatic beta cells is important for both the study of islet biology and for investigating the pathophysiology of diseases in which this cell type is lost or damaged. Following analysis of publicly available RNAseq data, we identified specific integrin subunits, integrin αv and integrin β5, that were expressed in beta cells. This finding was further elaborated using immunofluorescence analysis of histological sections derived from donor human pancreas. Despite the broad expression of specific integrin subunits, we found that expression of integrin αvβ5 heterodimers was restricted to beta cells and that this complex persisted in islet remnants of some type 1 diabetic individuals from which insulin expression had been lost. This study identifies αvβ5 heterodimers as a novel cell surface marker of human pancreatic beta cells, a finding that will aid in the identification and characterisation of this important cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline V Schiesser
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Thomas Loudovaris
- St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Helen E Thomas
- St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia.,Department of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Andrew G Elefanty
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Edouard G Stanley
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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13
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Granadier D, Iovino L, Kinsella S, Dudakov JA. Dynamics of thymus function and T cell receptor repertoire breadth in health and disease. Semin Immunopathol 2021; 43:119-134. [PMID: 33608819 PMCID: PMC7894242 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-021-00840-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
T cell recognition of unknown antigens relies on the tremendous diversity of the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire; generation of which can only occur in the thymus. TCR repertoire breadth is thus critical for not only coordinating the adaptive response against pathogens but also for mounting a response against malignancies. However, thymic function is exquisitely sensitive to negative stimuli, which can come in the form of acute insult, such as that caused by stress, infection, or common cancer therapies; or chronic damage such as the progressive decline in thymic function with age. Whether it be prolonged T cell deficiency after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) or constriction in the breadth of the peripheral TCR repertoire with age; these insults result in poor adaptive immune responses. In this review, we will discuss the importance of thymic function for generation of the TCR repertoire and how acute and chronic thymic damage influences immune health. We will also discuss methods that are used to measure thymic function in patients and strategies that have been developed to boost thymic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Granadier
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lorenzo Iovino
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sinéad Kinsella
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jarrod A Dudakov
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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14
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Bautista JL, Cramer NT, Miller CN, Chavez J, Berrios DI, Byrnes LE, Germino J, Ntranos V, Sneddon JB, Burt TD, Gardner JM, Ye CJ, Anderson MS, Parent AV. Single-cell transcriptional profiling of human thymic stroma uncovers novel cellular heterogeneity in the thymic medulla. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1096. [PMID: 33597545 PMCID: PMC7889611 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21346-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus' key function in the immune system is to provide the necessary environment for the development of diverse and self-tolerant T lymphocytes. While recent evidence suggests that the thymic stroma is comprised of more functionally distinct subpopulations than previously appreciated, the extent of this cellular heterogeneity in the human thymus is not well understood. Here we use single-cell RNA sequencing to comprehensively profile the human thymic stroma across multiple stages of life. Mesenchyme, pericytes and endothelial cells are identified as potential key regulators of thymic epithelial cell differentiation and thymocyte migration. In-depth analyses of epithelial cells reveal the presence of ionocytes as a medullary population, while the expression of tissue-specific antigens is mapped to different subsets of epithelial cells. This work thus provides important insight on how the diversity of thymic cells is established, and how this heterogeneity contributes to the induction of immune tolerance in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhoanne L Bautista
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nathan T Cramer
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Corey N Miller
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Chavez
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David I Berrios
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lauren E Byrnes
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joe Germino
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Bakar Institute for Computational Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vasilis Ntranos
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Bakar Institute for Computational Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julie B Sneddon
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Trevor D Burt
- Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Division of Neonatology and the Children's Health & Discovery Initiative, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - James M Gardner
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chun J Ye
- Bakar Institute for Computational Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark S Anderson
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Audrey V Parent
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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15
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Besnard M, Padonou F, Provin N, Giraud M, Guillonneau C. AIRE deficiency, from preclinical models to human APECED disease. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:dmm046359. [PMID: 33729987 PMCID: PMC7875492 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.046359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) is a rare life-threatening autoimmune disease that attacks multiple organs and has its onset in childhood. It is an inherited condition caused by a variety of mutations in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene that encodes a protein whose function has been uncovered by the generation and study of Aire-KO mice. These provided invaluable insights into the link between AIRE expression in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), and the broad spectrum of self-antigens that these cells express and present to the developing thymocytes. However, these murine models poorly recapitulate all phenotypic aspects of human APECED. Unlike Aire-KO mice, the recently generated Aire-KO rat model presents visual features, organ lymphocytic infiltrations and production of autoantibodies that resemble those observed in APECED patients, making the rat model a main research asset. In addition, ex vivo models of AIRE-dependent self-antigen expression in primary mTECs have been successfully set up. Thymus organoids based on pluripotent stem cell-derived TECs from APECED patients are also emerging, and constitute a promising tool to engineer AIRE-corrected mTECs and restore the generation of regulatory T cells. Eventually, these new models will undoubtedly lead to main advances in the identification and assessment of specific and efficient new therapeutic strategies aiming to restore immunological tolerance in APECED patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Besnard
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Francine Padonou
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Nathan Provin
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Matthieu Giraud
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Carole Guillonneau
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, F-44000 Nantes, France
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16
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Kinsella S, Dudakov JA. When the Damage Is Done: Injury and Repair in Thymus Function. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1745. [PMID: 32903477 PMCID: PMC7435010 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Even though the thymus is exquisitely sensitive to acute insults like infection, shock, or common cancer therapies such as cytoreductive chemo- or radiation-therapy, it also has a remarkable capacity for repair. This phenomenon of endogenous thymic regeneration has been known for longer even than its primary function to generate T cells, however, the underlying mechanisms controlling the process have been largely unstudied. Although there is likely continual thymic involution and regeneration in response to stress and infection in otherwise healthy people, acute and profound thymic damage such as that caused by common cancer cytoreductive therapies or the conditioning regimes as part of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), leads to prolonged T cell deficiency; precipitating high morbidity and mortality from opportunistic infections and may even facilitate cancer relapse. Furthermore, this capacity for regeneration declines with age as a function of thymic involution; which even at steady state leads to reduced capacity to respond to new pathogens, vaccines, and immunotherapy. Consequently, there is a real clinical need for strategies that can boost thymic function and enhance T cell immunity. One approach to the development of such therapies is to exploit the processes of endogenous thymic regeneration into novel pharmacologic strategies to boost T cell reconstitution in clinical settings of immune depletion such as HCT. In this review, we will highlight recent work that has revealed the mechanisms by which the thymus is capable of repairing itself and how this knowledge is being used to develop novel therapies to boost immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinéad Kinsella
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jarrod A. Dudakov
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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17
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Suraiya AB, Hun ML, Truong VX, Forsythe JS, Chidgey AP. Gelatin-Based 3D Microgels for In Vitro T Lineage Cell Generation. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:2198-2208. [PMID: 33455336 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b01610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
T cells are predominantly produced by the thymus and play a significant role in maintaining our adaptive immune system. Physiological involution of the thymus occurs gradually with age, compromising naive T cell output, which can have severe clinical complications. Also, T cells are utilized as therapeutic agents in cancer immunotherapies. Therefore, there is an increasing need for strategies aimed at generating naive T cells. The majority of in vitro T cell generation studies are performed in two-dimensional (2D) cultures, which ignore the physiological thymic microenvironment and are not scalable; therefore, we applied a new three-dimensional (3D) approach. Here, we use a gelatin-based 3D microgel system for T lineage induction by co-culturing OP9-DL4 cells and mouse fetal-liver-derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Flow cytometric analysis revealed that microgel co-cultures supported T lineage induction similar to 2D cultures while providing a 3D environment. We also encapsulated mouse embryonic thymic epithelial cells (TECs) within the microgels to provide a defined 3D culture platform. The microgel system supported TEC maintenance and retained their phenotype. Together, these data show that our microgel system has the capacity for TEC maintenance and induction of in vitro T lineage differentiation with potential for scalability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisha B Suraiya
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash Institute of Medical Engineering, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, Melbourne 3800, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, Melbourne 3800, Australia
| | - Michael L Hun
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, Melbourne 3800, Australia
| | - Vinh X Truong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash Institute of Medical Engineering, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, Melbourne 3800, Australia
| | - John S Forsythe
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash Institute of Medical Engineering, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, Melbourne 3800, Australia
| | - Ann P Chidgey
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, Melbourne 3800, Australia
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18
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Differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells toward pharyngeal endoderm derivatives: Current status and potential. Curr Top Dev Biol 2020; 138:175-208. [PMID: 32220297 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The pharyngeal apparatus, a transient embryological structure, includes diverse cells from all three germ layers that ultimately contribute to a variety of adult tissues. In particular, pharyngeal endoderm produces cells of the inner ear, palatine tonsils, the thymus, parathyroid and thyroid glands, and ultimobranchial bodies. Each of these structures and organs contribute to vital human physiological processes, including central immune tolerance (thymus) and metabolic homeostasis (parathyroid and thyroid glands, and ultimobranchial bodies). Thus, improper development or damage to pharyngeal endoderm derivatives leads to complicated and severe human maladies, such as autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, hypothyroidism, and/or hypoparathyroidism. To study and treat such diseases, we can utilize human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which differentiate into functionally mature cells in vitro given the proper developmental signals. Here, we discuss current efforts regarding the directed differentiation of hPSCs toward pharyngeal endoderm derivatives. We further discuss model system and therapeutic applications of pharyngeal endoderm cell types produced from hPSCs. Finally, we provide suggestions for improving hPSC differentiation approaches to pharyngeal endoderm derivatives with emphasis on current single cell-omics and 3D culture system technologies.
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19
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Thomas R, Wang W, Su DM. Contributions of Age-Related Thymic Involution to Immunosenescence and Inflammaging. IMMUNITY & AGEING 2020; 17:2. [PMID: 31988649 PMCID: PMC6971920 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-020-0173-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Immune system aging is characterized by the paradox of immunosenescence (insufficiency) and inflammaging (over-reaction), which incorporate two sides of the same coin, resulting in immune disorder. Immunosenescence refers to disruption in the structural architecture of immune organs and dysfunction in immune responses, resulting from both aged innate and adaptive immunity. Inflammaging, described as a chronic, sterile, systemic inflammatory condition associated with advanced age, is mainly attributed to somatic cellular senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and age-related autoimmune predisposition. However, the inability to reduce senescent somatic cells (SSCs), because of immunosenescence, exacerbates inflammaging. Age-related adaptive immune system deviations, particularly altered T cell function, are derived from age-related thymic atrophy or involution, a hallmark of thymic aging. Recently, there have been major developments in understanding how age-related thymic involution contributes to inflammaging and immunosenescence at the cellular and molecular levels, including genetic and epigenetic regulation, as well as developments of many potential rejuvenation strategies. Herein, we discuss the research progress uncovering how age-related thymic involution contributes to immunosenescence and inflammaging, as well as their intersection. We also describe how T cell adaptive immunity mediates inflammaging and plays a crucial role in the progression of age-related neurological and cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancer. We then briefly outline the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of age-related thymic involution, and finally summarize potential rejuvenation strategies to restore aged thymic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Thomas
- Cell Biology, Immunology, and Microbiology Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
| | - Weikan Wang
- Cell Biology, Immunology, and Microbiology Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
| | - Dong-Ming Su
- 2Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
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20
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Abstract
This review briefly describes the last decades of experimental work on the thymus. Given the histological complexity of this organ, the multiple embryological origins of its cellular components and its role in carefully regulating T lymphocyte maturation and function, methods to dissect and understand this complexity have been developed through the years. The possibility to study ex vivo the thymus organ function has been achieved by developing Fetal Thymus Organ Cultures (FTOC). Subsequently, the combination of organ disaggregation and reaggregation in vitro represented by Reaggregate Thymus Organ cultures (RTOC) allowed mixing cellular components from different genetic backgrounds. Moreover, RTOC allowed dissecting the different stromal and hematological components to study the interactions between Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules and the T-cell receptors during thymocytes selection. In more recent years, prospective isolation of stromal cells and thymocytes at different stages of development made it possible to explore and elucidate the molecular and cellular players in both the developing and adult thymus. Finally, the appearance of novel cell sources such as embryonic stem (ES) cells and more recently induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells has opened new scenarios in modelling thymus development and regeneration strategies. Most of the work described was carried out in rodents and the current challenge is to develop equivalent or even more informative assays and tools in entirely human model systems.
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21
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Abstract
About two decades ago, cloning of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene materialized one of the most important actors on the scene of self-tolerance. Thymic transcription of genes encoding tissue-specific antigens (ts-ags) is activated by AIRE protein and embodies the essence of thymic self-representation. Pathogenic AIRE variants cause the autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1, which is a rare and complex disease that is gaining attention in research on autoimmunity. The animal models of disease, although not identically reproducing the human picture, supply fundamental information on mechanisms and extent of AIRE action: thanks to its multidomain structure, AIRE localizes to chromatin enclosing the target genes, binds to histones, and offers an anchorage to multimolecular complexes involved in initiation and post-initiation events of gene transcription. In addition, AIRE enhances mRNA diversity by favoring alternative mRNA splicing. Once synthesized, ts-ags are presented to, and cause deletion of the self-reactive thymocyte clones. However, AIRE function is not restricted to the activation of gene transcription. AIRE would control presentation and transfer of self-antigens for thymic cellular interplay: such mechanism is aimed at increasing the likelihood of engagement of the thymocytes that carry the corresponding T-cell receptors. Another fundamental role of AIRE in promoting self-tolerance is related to the development of thymocyte anergy, as thymic self-representation shapes at the same time the repertoire of regulatory T cells. Finally, AIRE seems to replicate its action in the secondary lymphoid organs, albeit the cell lineage detaining such property has not been fully characterized. Delineation of AIRE functions adds interesting data to the knowledge of the mechanisms of self-tolerance and introduces exciting perspectives of therapeutic interventions against the related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Perniola
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care, Vito Fazzi Regional Hospital, Lecce, Italy
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22
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Wertheimer T, Velardi E, Tsai J, Cooper K, Xiao S, Kloss CC, Ottmüller KJ, Mokhtari Z, Brede C, deRoos P, Kinsella S, Palikuqi B, Ginsberg M, Young LF, Kreines F, Lieberman SR, Lazrak A, Guo P, Malard F, Smith OM, Shono Y, Jenq RR, Hanash AM, Nolan DJ, Butler JM, Beilhack A, Manley NR, Rafii S, Dudakov JA, van den Brink MRM. Production of BMP4 by endothelial cells is crucial for endogenous thymic regeneration. Sci Immunol 2018; 3:eaal2736. [PMID: 29330161 PMCID: PMC5795617 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.aal2736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is not only extremely sensitive to damage but also has a remarkable ability to repair itself. However, the mechanisms underlying this endogenous regeneration remain poorly understood, and this capacity diminishes considerably with age. We show that thymic endothelial cells (ECs) comprise a critical pathway of regeneration via their production of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) ECs increased their production of BMP4 after thymic damage, and abrogating BMP4 signaling or production by either pharmacologic or genetic inhibition impaired thymic repair. EC-derived BMP4 acted on thymic epithelial cells (TECs) to increase their expression of Foxn1, a key transcription factor involved in TEC development, maintenance, and regeneration, and its downstream targets such as Dll4, a key mediator of thymocyte development and regeneration. These studies demonstrate the importance of the BMP4 pathway in endogenous tissue regeneration and offer a potential clinical approach to enhance T cell immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Wertheimer
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Freiburg University Medical Center, Albert-Ludwigs-University, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Enrico Velardi
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jennifer Tsai
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, and Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Kirsten Cooper
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, and Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Shiyun Xiao
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Christopher C Kloss
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Katja J Ottmüller
- Department of Medicine II, Würzburg University Hospital, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), and Graduate School of Life Sciences, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Zeinab Mokhtari
- Department of Medicine II, Würzburg University Hospital, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), and Graduate School of Life Sciences, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Brede
- Department of Medicine II, Würzburg University Hospital, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), and Graduate School of Life Sciences, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Paul deRoos
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, and Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Sinéad Kinsella
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, and Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Brisa Palikuqi
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | | | - Lauren F Young
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Fabiana Kreines
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sophia R Lieberman
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Amina Lazrak
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Peipei Guo
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Florent Malard
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Odette M Smith
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yusuke Shono
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Robert R Jenq
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Alan M Hanash
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Jason M Butler
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Andreas Beilhack
- Department of Medicine II, Würzburg University Hospital, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), and Graduate School of Life Sciences, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nancy R Manley
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jarrod A Dudakov
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, and Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Marcel R M van den Brink
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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23
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Takahama Y, Ohigashi I, Baik S, Anderson G. Generation of diversity in thymic epithelial cells. Nat Rev Immunol 2017; 17:295-305. [PMID: 28317923 DOI: 10.1038/nri.2017.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the thymus, diverse populations of thymic epithelial cells (TECs), including cortical and medullary TECs and their subpopulations, have distinct roles in coordinating the development and repertoire selection of functionally competent and self-tolerant T cells. Here, we review the expanding diversity in TEC subpopulations in relation to their functions in T cell development and selection as well as their origins and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousuke Takahama
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Song Baik
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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24
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Hun M, Barsanti M, Wong K, Ramshaw J, Werkmeister J, Chidgey AP. Native thymic extracellular matrix improves in vivo thymic organoid T cell output, and drives in vitro thymic epithelial cell differentiation. Biomaterials 2016; 118:1-15. [PMID: 27940379 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.11.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although the thymus is a primary lymphoid organ, its function is compromised by an age-induced loss of resident epithelial cells, which results in reduced naïve T cell output. This has important implications for immune recovery in aged and elderly patients following damage from cytoablative therapies. As thymic architecture plays a crucial role in naïve T cell development, a tissue specific scaffold that provides essential supporting matrix may assist in stem cell-based thymus regeneration to recreate complex organoids. Here we investigate thymus decellularization approaches that preserve major extracellular matrix components and support thymic epithelial cells for the generation of a functional thymic microenvironment with improved T cell output. We also established an in vitro, serum-free culture system that both maintains a progenitor thymic epithelial cell pool and drives their differentiation in the presence of decellularized thymic matrix. This approach enables further dissection of key cellular and niche components involved in thymic epithelial stem cell maintenance and T cell production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hun
- Stem Cells and Immune Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Level 3, 15 Innovation Walk, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Marco Barsanti
- Stem Cells and Immune Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Level 3, 15 Innovation Walk, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Kahlia Wong
- Stem Cells and Immune Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Level 3, 15 Innovation Walk, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - John Ramshaw
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | | | - Ann P Chidgey
- Stem Cells and Immune Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Level 3, 15 Innovation Walk, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
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25
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Tajima A, Pradhan I, Trucco M, Fan Y. Restoration of Thymus Function with Bioengineered Thymus Organoids. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2016; 2:128-139. [PMID: 27529056 PMCID: PMC4982700 DOI: 10.1007/s40778-016-0040-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is the primary site for the generation of a diverse repertoire of T-cells that are essential to the efficient function of adaptive immunity. Numerous factors varying from aging, chemotherapy, radiation exposure, virus infection and inflammation contribute to thymus involution, a phenomenon manifested as loss of thymus cellularity, increased stromal fibrosis and diminished naïve T-cell output. Rejuvenating thymus function is a challenging task since it has limited regenerative capability and we still do not know how to successfully propagate thymic epithelial cells (TECs), the predominant population of the thymic stromal cells making up the thymic microenvironment. Here, we will discuss recent advances in thymus regeneration and the prospects of applying bioengineered artificial thymus organoids in regenerative medicine and solid organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Tajima
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
| | - Isha Pradhan
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
| | - Massimo Trucco
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Yong Fan
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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26
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Abstract
As the primary site of T-cell development, the thymus plays a key role in the generation of a strong yet self-tolerant adaptive immune response, essential in the face of the potential threat from pathogens or neoplasia. As the importance of the role of the thymus has grown, so too has the understanding that it is extremely sensitive to both acute and chronic injury. The thymus undergoes rapid degeneration following a range of toxic insults, and also involutes as part of the aging process, albeit at a faster rate than many other tissues. The thymus is, however, capable of regenerating, restoring its function to a degree. Potential mechanisms for this endogenous thymic regeneration include keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) signaling, and a more recently described pathway in which innate lymphoid cells produce interleukin-22 (IL-22) in response to loss of double positive thymocytes and upregulation of IL-23 by dendritic cells. Endogenous repair is unable to fully restore the thymus, particularly in the aged population, and this paves the way toward the need for exogenous strategies to help regenerate or even replace thymic function. Therapies currently in clinical trials include KGF, use of the cytokines IL-7 and IL-22, and hormonal modulation including growth hormone administration and sex steroid inhibition. Further novel strategies are emerging in the preclinical setting, including the use of precursor T cells and thymus bioengineering. The use of such strategies offers hope that for many patients, the next regeneration of their thymus is a step closer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed S Chaudhry
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Enrico Velardi
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jarrod A Dudakov
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marcel R M van den Brink
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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27
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Bredenkamp N, Jin X, Liu D, O'Neill KE, Manley NR, Blackburn CC. Construction of a functional thymic microenvironment from pluripotent stem cells for the induction of central tolerance. Regen Med 2016; 10:317-29. [PMID: 25933240 DOI: 10.2217/rme.15.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is required for generation of a self-tolerant, self-restricted T-cell repertoire. The capacity to manipulate or replace thymus function therapeutically would be beneficial in a variety of clinical settings, including for improving recovery following bone marrow transplantation, restoring immune system function in the elderly and promoting tolerance to transplanted organs or cells. An attractive strategy would be transplantation of thymus organoids generated from cells produced in vitro, for instance from pluripotent stem cells. Here, we review recent progress toward this goal, focusing on advances in directing differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to thymic epithelial cells, a key cell type of the thymic stroma, and related direct reprogramming strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Bredenkamp
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, SCRM Building, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
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28
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A cost-effective system for differentiation of intestinal epithelium from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17297. [PMID: 26616277 PMCID: PMC4663490 DOI: 10.1038/srep17297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human intestinal epithelium is a useful model for pharmacological studies of absorption, metabolism, drug interactions, and toxicology, as well as for studies of developmental biology. We established a rapid and cost effective system for differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells into definitive endoderm (DE) cells. In the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a low concentration of Activin at 6.25 ng/ml is sufficient to give a similar differentiation efficiency with that using Activin at 100 ng/ml at the presence of Wnt activator. In the presence of DMSO, Activin at low concentration triggered hiPS cells to undergo differentiation through G1 arrest, reduce apoptosis, and potentiate activation of downstream targets, such as SMAD2 phosphorylation and SOX17 expression. This increased differentiation into CDX2 + SOX17 + DE cells. The present differentiation procedure therefore permits rapid and efficient derivation of DE cells, capable of differentiating into intestinal epithelium upon BIO and DAPT treatment and of giving rise to functional cells, such as enterocytes.
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29
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Efficient in vitro generation of functional thymic epithelial progenitors from human embryonic stem cells. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9882. [PMID: 26044259 PMCID: PMC4456731 DOI: 10.1038/srep09882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are the major components of the thymic microenvironment for T cell development. TECs are derived from thymic epithelial progenitors (TEPs). It has been reported that human ESCs (hESCs) can be directed to differentiate into TEPs in vitro. However, the efficiency for the differentiation is low. Furthermore, transplantation of hESC-TEPs in mice only resulted in a very low level of human T cell development from co-transplanted human hematopoietic precursors. We show here that we have developed a novel protocol to efficiently induce the differentiation of hESCs into TEPs in vitro. When transplanted into mice, hESC-TEPs develop into TECs and form a thymic architecture. Most importantly, the hESC-TECs support the long-term development of functional mouse T cells or a higher level of human T cell development from co-transplanted human hematopoietic precursors. The hESC-TEPs may provide a new approach to prevent or treat patients with T cell immunodeficiency.
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30
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Jenny RA, Hirst C, Lim SM, Goulburn AL, Micallef SJ, Labonne T, Kicic A, Ling KM, Stick SM, Ng ES, Trounson A, Giudice A, Elefanty AG, Stanley EG. Productive Infection of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived NKX2.1+ Respiratory Progenitors with Human Rhinovirus. Stem Cells Transl Med 2015; 4:603-14. [PMID: 25873746 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2014-0274] [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: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Airway epithelial cells generated from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) represent a resource for research into a variety of human respiratory conditions, including those resulting from infection with common human pathogens. Using an NKX2.1-GFP reporter human embryonic stem cell line, we developed a serum-free protocol for the generation of NKX2.1(+) endoderm that, when transplanted into immunodeficient mice, matured into respiratory cell types identified by expression of CC10, MUC5AC, and surfactant proteins. Gene profiling experiments indicated that day 10 NKX2.1(+) endoderm expressed markers indicative of early foregut but lacked genes associated with later stages of respiratory epithelial cell differentiation. Nevertheless, NKX2.1(+) endoderm supported the infection and replication of the common respiratory pathogen human rhinovirus HRV1b. Moreover, NKX2.1(+) endoderm upregulated expression of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1B in response to infection, a characteristic of human airway epithelial cells. Our experiments provide proof of principle for the use of PSC-derived respiratory epithelial cells in the study of cell-virus interactions. SIGNIFICANCE This report provides proof-of-principle experiments demonstrating, for the first time, that human respiratory progenitor cells derived from stem cells in the laboratory can be productively infected with human rhinovirus, the predominant cause of the common cold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Jenny
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Health Research, School of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre for Health Research, and Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Richie Centre, Monash Prince Henry's Medical Research Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claire Hirst
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Health Research, School of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre for Health Research, and Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Richie Centre, Monash Prince Henry's Medical Research Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sue Mei Lim
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Health Research, School of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre for Health Research, and Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Richie Centre, Monash Prince Henry's Medical Research Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adam L Goulburn
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Health Research, School of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre for Health Research, and Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Richie Centre, Monash Prince Henry's Medical Research Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suzanne J Micallef
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Health Research, School of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre for Health Research, and Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Richie Centre, Monash Prince Henry's Medical Research Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tanya Labonne
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Health Research, School of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre for Health Research, and Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Richie Centre, Monash Prince Henry's Medical Research Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony Kicic
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Health Research, School of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre for Health Research, and Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Richie Centre, Monash Prince Henry's Medical Research Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kak-Ming Ling
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Health Research, School of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre for Health Research, and Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Richie Centre, Monash Prince Henry's Medical Research Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen M Stick
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Health Research, School of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre for Health Research, and Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Richie Centre, Monash Prince Henry's Medical Research Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth S Ng
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Health Research, School of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre for Health Research, and Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Richie Centre, Monash Prince Henry's Medical Research Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alan Trounson
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Health Research, School of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre for Health Research, and Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Richie Centre, Monash Prince Henry's Medical Research Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Antonietta Giudice
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Health Research, School of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre for Health Research, and Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Richie Centre, Monash Prince Henry's Medical Research Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew G Elefanty
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Health Research, School of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre for Health Research, and Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Richie Centre, Monash Prince Henry's Medical Research Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Edouard G Stanley
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Health Research, School of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre for Health Research, and Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Richie Centre, Monash Prince Henry's Medical Research Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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31
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Lepletier A, Chidgey AP, Savino W. Perspectives for Improvement of the Thymic Microenvironment through Manipulation of Thymic Epithelial Cells: A Mini-Review. Gerontology 2015; 61:504-14. [DOI: 10.1159/000375160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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