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Dinges SS, Amini K, Notarangelo LD, Delmonte OM. Primary and secondary defects of the thymus. Immunol Rev 2024; 322:178-211. [PMID: 38228406 PMCID: PMC10950553 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is the primary site of T-cell development, enabling generation, and selection of a diverse repertoire of T cells that recognize non-self, whilst remaining tolerant to self- antigens. Severe congenital disorders of thymic development (athymia) can be fatal if left untreated due to infections, and thymic tissue implantation is the only cure. While newborn screening for severe combined immune deficiency has allowed improved detection at birth of congenital athymia, thymic disorders acquired later in life are still underrecognized and assessing the quality of thymic function in such conditions remains a challenge. The thymus is sensitive to injury elicited from a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors, and its self-renewal capacity decreases with age. Secondary and age-related forms of thymic dysfunction may lead to an increased risk of infections, malignancy, and autoimmunity. Promising results have been obtained in preclinical models and clinical trials upon administration of soluble factors promoting thymic regeneration, but to date no therapy is approved for clinical use. In this review we provide a background on thymus development, function, and age-related involution. We discuss disease mechanisms, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for primary and secondary thymic defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S. Dinges
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kayla Amini
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Luigi D. Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ottavia M. Delmonte
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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2
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Sharma H, Moroni L. Recent Advancements in Regenerative Approaches for Thymus Rejuvenation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2100543. [PMID: 34306981 PMCID: PMC8292900 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The thymus plays a key role in adaptive immunity by generating a diverse population of T cells that defend the body against pathogens. Various factors from disease and toxic insults contribute to the degeneration of the thymus resulting in a fewer output of T cells. Consequently, the body is prone to a wide host of diseases and infections. In this review, first, the relevance of the thymus is discussed, followed by thymic embryological organogenesis and anatomy as well as the development and functionality of T cells. Attempts to regenerate the thymus include in vitro methods, such as forming thymic organoids aided by biofabrication techniques that are transplantable. Ex vivo methods that have shown promise in enhancing thymic regeneration are also discussed. Current regenerative technologies have not yet matched the complexity and functionality of the thymus. Therefore, emerging techniques that have shown promise and the challenges that lie ahead are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himal Sharma
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment of Complex Tissue RegenerationMaastricht UniversityMaastricht6229 ERNetherlands
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment of Complex Tissue RegenerationMaastricht UniversityMaastricht6229 ERNetherlands
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3
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Luo M, Xu L, Qian Z, Sun X. Infection-Associated Thymic Atrophy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:652538. [PMID: 34113341 PMCID: PMC8186317 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.652538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is a vital organ of the immune system that plays an essential role in thymocyte development and maturation. Thymic atrophy occurs with age (physiological thymic atrophy) or as a result of viral, bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection (pathological thymic atrophy). Thymic atrophy directly results in loss of thymocytes and/or destruction of the thymic architecture, and indirectly leads to a decrease in naïve T cells and limited T cell receptor diversity. Thus, it is important to recognize the causes and mechanisms that induce thymic atrophy. In this review, we highlight current progress in infection-associated pathogenic thymic atrophy and discuss its possible mechanisms. In addition, we discuss whether extracellular vesicles/exosomes could be potential carriers of pathogenic substances to the thymus, and potential drugs for the treatment of thymic atrophy. Having acknowledged that most current research is limited to serological aspects, we look forward to the possibility of extending future work regarding the impact of neural modulation on thymic atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingli Luo
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingxin Xu
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengyu Qian
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Sun
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
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4
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Kosyreva AM, Dzhalilova DS, Makarova OV, Tsvetkov IS, Zolotova NA, Diatroptova MA, Ponomarenko EA, Mkhitarov VA, Khochanskiy DN, Mikhailova LP. Sex differences of inflammatory and immune response in pups of Wistar rats with SIRS. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15884. [PMID: 32985516 PMCID: PMC7522713 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72537-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is a common fact, that the content of sex hormones in humans and animals varies in different age periods. The functional state of the immune system also changes with age. However, sex differences studies of inflammatory and immune responses during puberty prevail in literature. Investigation of immune responses to LPS peculiarities in prepubertal females and males may contribute to the development of more effective immunotherapy and minimize side effects of children vaccination. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the LPS-induced SIRS sex differences in prepubertal Wistar rats. Despite the absence of sex differences in estradiol and testosterone levels, LPS-induced inflammatory changes in liver and lungs are more pronounced among males. Males demonstrate the increasing neopterin, corticosterone levels and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity. Not less important is that in females, demonstrating less morphological changes in liver and lungs, endotoxin level is tenfold higher, and corticosterone level decreases. Thus, endotoxin cannot be used as a marker of the severity of multiple organ failure in prepubertal period. The LPS-induced immune reactions in females and males are similar and are characterized by immunosuppression. Both females and males have decreased production of cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, TNF-α, TGF-β) and the absolute number of CD3 + and CD3 + CD8 + lymphocytes in blood. The acute atrophy of thymus and apoptosis of thymic cells are revealed in animals of both sexes. However, the number of CD3 + CD4 + T-helpers and CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + T-cells decreases only in females with SIRS, and in males there was a decrease of CD45R + B-cells. The least expressed sex differences in immune responses in the prepubertal period can be determined by the low levels of sex steroids and the absence of their immunomodulatory effect. Further studies require the identification of mechanisms, determining the sex differences in the inflammatory and immune responses in prepubertal animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Kosyreva
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Research Institute of Human Morphology, Tsyurupi str 3, 117418, Moscow, Russia. .,Medical Institute of Peoples' Friendship, University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia.
| | - Dzhuliia Sh Dzhalilova
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Research Institute of Human Morphology, Tsyurupi str 3, 117418, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga V Makarova
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Research Institute of Human Morphology, Tsyurupi str 3, 117418, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan S Tsvetkov
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Research Institute of Human Morphology, Tsyurupi str 3, 117418, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia A Zolotova
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Research Institute of Human Morphology, Tsyurupi str 3, 117418, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina A Diatroptova
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Research Institute of Human Morphology, Tsyurupi str 3, 117418, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena A Ponomarenko
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Research Institute of Human Morphology, Tsyurupi str 3, 117418, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Mkhitarov
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Research Institute of Human Morphology, Tsyurupi str 3, 117418, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitriy N Khochanskiy
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Research Institute of Human Morphology, Tsyurupi str 3, 117418, Moscow, Russia
| | - Liliya P Mikhailova
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Research Institute of Human Morphology, Tsyurupi str 3, 117418, Moscow, Russia
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Dzhalilova DS, Kosyreva AM, Diatroptov ME, Zolotova NA, Tsvetkov IS, Mkhitarov VA, Makarova OV, Khochanskiy DN. Morphological Characteristics of the Thymus and Spleen and the Subpopulation Composition of Lymphocytes in Peripheral Blood during Systemic Inflammatory Response in Male Rats with Different Resistance to Hypoxia. Int J Inflam 2019; 2019:7584685. [PMID: 31057785 PMCID: PMC6463648 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7584685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
On the model of the systemic inflammatory response (SIRS), induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the morphological and functional changes in the thymus and spleen and the subpopulation composition of peripheral blood lymphocytes of rats differing in resistance to hypoxia were studied. It was demonstrated that the level of endotoxin in blood serum after 3 hours of LPS administration in susceptible-to-hypoxia rats was 64 times higher than in the control group, while in tolerant-to-hypoxia animals it was only 8 times higher in 6 hours. After 24 hours of LPS injection, only in susceptible-to-hypoxia rats did the level of C-reactive protein in blood serum increase. There is a difference in the dynamics of morphological changes of lymphoid organs after LPS injection in tolerant- and susceptible-to-hypoxia animals. After 3 hours of LPS administration, the tolerant-to-hypoxia rats showed no changes in the thymus, spleen, and subpopulation composition of lymphocytes in peripheral blood. After 6 hours there was only a decrease in B-lymphocytes and increase in cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and NK cells. After 1 day of LPS injection, the tolerant-to-hypoxia rats had devastation in PALS of the spleen. After 3 hours of LPS injection the susceptible-to-hypoxia animals had reactive changes in the lymphoid organs: decrease of the thymus cortex, narrowing of the marginal zones of spleen lymphoid follicles, widening of their germinal centers, and a decrease in the absolute number of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, NK cells, and B-lymphocytes. After 24 hours of LPS injection the tolerant-to-hypoxia animals had a greater absolute number of T-lymphocytes and NK cells in comparison with the susceptible rats. Thus, in animals with different resistance to hypoxia the LPS-induced SIRS is characterized by different dynamics of morphological and functional changes of the thymus and spleen. The obtained data will serve as a basis for the development of new individual approaches to the prevention and treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dzhuliia Sh. Dzhalilova
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Research Institute of Human Morphology,” Tsyurupy St., 3, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna M. Kosyreva
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Research Institute of Human Morphology,” Tsyurupy St., 3, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail E. Diatroptov
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Research Institute of Human Morphology,” Tsyurupy St., 3, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia A. Zolotova
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Research Institute of Human Morphology,” Tsyurupy St., 3, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan S. Tsvetkov
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Research Institute of Human Morphology,” Tsyurupy St., 3, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir A. Mkhitarov
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Research Institute of Human Morphology,” Tsyurupy St., 3, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga V. Makarova
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Research Institute of Human Morphology,” Tsyurupy St., 3, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry N. Khochanskiy
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Research Institute of Human Morphology,” Tsyurupy St., 3, Moscow, Russia
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Starikova EA, Golovin AS, Vasilyev KA, Karaseva AB, Serebriakova MK, Sokolov AV, Kudryavtsev IV, Burova LA, Voynova IV, Suvorov AN, Vasilyev VB, Freidlin IS. Role of arginine deiminase in thymic atrophy during experimental Streptococcus pyogenes infection. Scand J Immunol 2019; 89:e12734. [PMID: 30471128 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Expression of gene of arginine deiminase (AD) allows adaptation of Streptococcus pyogenes to adverse environmental conditions. AD activity can lead to L-arginine deficiency in the host cells' microenvironment. Bioavailability of L-arginine is an important factor regulating the functions of the immune cells in mammals. By introducing a mutation into S pyogenes M46-16, we obtained a strain with inactivated arcA/sagp gene (M49-16 delArcA), deficient in AD. This allowed elucidating the function of AD in pathogenesis of streptococcal infection. The virulence of the parental and mutant strains was examined in a murine model of subcutaneous streptococcal infection. L-arginine concentration in the plasma of mice infected with S pyogenes M49-16 delArcA remained unchanged in course of the entire experiment. At the same time mice infected with S pyogenes M49-16 demonstrated gradual diminution of L-arginine concentration in the blood plasma, which might be due to the activity of streptococcal AD. Mice infected with S pyogenes M49-16 delArcA demonstrated less intensive bacterial growth in the primary foci and less pronounced bacterial dissemination as compared with animals infected with the parental strain S pyogenes M46-16. Similarly, thymus involution, alterations in apoptosis, thymocyte subsets and Treg cells differentiation were less pronounced in mice infected with S pyogenes M49-16 delArcA than in those infected with the parental strain. The results obtained showed that S pyogenes M49-16 delArcA, unable to produce AD, had reduced virulence in comparison with the parental S pyogenes M49-16 strain. AD is an important factor for the realization of the pathogenic potential of streptococci.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alena Borisovna Karaseva
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Institute of Experimental Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Alexey Victorovich Sokolov
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Institute of Experimental Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Saint-Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Igor Vladimirovich Kudryavtsev
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Institute of Experimental Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Far Eastern Federal University Vladivostok, Russia
| | | | - Irina Vitalyevna Voynova
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Institute of Experimental Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander Nikolaevich Suvorov
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Institute of Experimental Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Saint-Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Vadim Borisovich Vasilyev
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Institute of Experimental Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Saint-Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina Solomonovna Freidlin
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Institute of Experimental Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Saint-Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Pavlov First Saint-Petersburg State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
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7
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Kosyreva AM, Makarova OV, Kakturskiy LV, Mikhailova LP, Boltovskaya MN, Rogov KA. Sex differences of inflammation in target organs, induced by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide, depend on its dose. J Inflamm Res 2018; 11:431-445. [PMID: 30519071 PMCID: PMC6233486 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s178288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of our research was to study sex differences and the severity of inflammatory changes in target organs and the peculiarities of immunological disorders when low and high doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were administered to rats. Methods Male and female 2- to 3-month-old Wistar rats (200–250 g) were injected intraperitoneally with Escherichia coli LPS in one of two doses: 1.5 or 15 mg/kg. In a day after the LPS injection, we studied endotoxin, corticosterone, sex steroids, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity levels in the serum; morphological disorders in the lung, liver, thymus, and spleen; ex vivo production of IL-2, IL-4, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interferon γ (IFNγ) by splenic cells activated by ConA; and relative amount of T- and B-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. Results After the injection of low-dose LPS, the serum endotoxin level increased only in males and was combined with a more pronounced inflammatory response in the lungs and thymus and an increase in ALT and AST activity levels without any changes in corticosterone level. After the injection of high-dose LPS, the inflammatory and pathological changes in the target organs manifested as severe endotoxemia and sex differences of pathological changes in the lungs and liver were not revealed. The level of production of IL-2, IL-4, IFNγ, and TNF by splenic cells and the number of T-lymphocytes, including cytotoxic cells, in the peripheral blood, decreased in males, which is an evidence of a pronounced suppression of the immune response. Conclusion We have shown that the morphofunctional changes in the organs of the immune system in females and males, as well as the intensity of the sex differences of inflammation, depend on the severity of systemic inflammatory response, induced by different doses of LPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Kosyreva
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Federal State Budgetary Institution "Science Research Institute of Human Morphology", Moscow, Russia,
| | - Olga V Makarova
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Federal State Budgetary Institution "Science Research Institute of Human Morphology", Moscow, Russia,
| | - Lev V Kakturskiy
- Department of Pathology, Federal State Budgetary Institution "Science Research Institute of Human Morphology", Moscow, Russia
| | - Liliya P Mikhailova
- Department of Immunomorphology of Inflammation, Federal State Budgetary Institution "Science Research Institute of Human Morphology", Moscow, Russia,
| | - Marina N Boltovskaya
- Department of Reproductive Pathology, Federal State Budgetary Institution "Science Research Institute of Human Morphology", Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin A Rogov
- Department of Pathology, Federal State Budgetary Institution "Science Research Institute of Human Morphology", Moscow, Russia
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8
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Liu Z, Su DM, Yu ZL, Wu F, Liu RF, Luo SQ, Lv ZY, Zeng X, Sun X, Wu ZD. Soluble antigens from the neurotropic pathogen Angiostrongylus cantonensis directly induce thymus atrophy in a mouse model. Oncotarget 2018; 8:48575-48590. [PMID: 28548945 PMCID: PMC5564709 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis (A.C.) is a neurotropic pathogen; stage-III larva invade the human (non-permissive host) central nervous system (CNS) to cause eosinophilic meningitis or meningoencephalitis accompanied by immunosuppression. In an A.C.-infectedmouse (another non-permissive host) model, CNS damage-associated T cell immune deficiency and severe inflammation were proposed to result from activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. However, glucocorticoids are anti-inflammatory agents. Additionally, while defects in thymic stromal/epithelial cells (TECs) are the major reason for thymic atrophy, TECs do not express the glucocorticoid receptor. Therefore, activation of the HPA axis cannot fully explain the thymic atrophy and inflammation. Using an A.C.-infected mouse model, we found that A.C.-infected mice developed severe thymic atrophy with dramatic impairments in thymocytes and TECs, particularly cortical TECs, which harbor CD4+CD8+ double-positive thymocytes. The impairments resulted from soluble antigens (sAgs) from A.C. in the thymuses of infected mice, as intrathymic injection of these sAgs into live mice and the addition of these sAgs to thymic cell culture resulted in thymic atrophy and cellular apoptosis, respectively. Therefore, in addition to an indirect effect on thymocytes through the HPA axis, our study reveals a novel mechanism by which A.C. infection in non-permissive hosts directly induces defects in both thymocytes and TECs via soluble antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Liu
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dong-Ming Su
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Zi-Long Yu
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng Wu
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui-Feng Liu
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Qi Luo
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Yue Lv
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Zeng
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Sun
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhong-Dao Wu
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Guangzhou, China
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9
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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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10
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Tolerance has its limits: how the thymus copes with infection. Trends Immunol 2013; 34:502-10. [PMID: 23871487 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2013.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 05/25/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is required for T cell differentiation; a process that depends on which antigens are encountered by thymocytes, the environment surrounding the differentiating cells, and the thymic architecture. These features are altered by local infection of the thymus and by the inflammatory mediators that accompany systemic infection. Although once believed to be an immune privileged site, it is now known that antimicrobial responses are recruited to the thymus. Resolving infection in the thymus is important because chronic persistence of microbes impairs the differentiation of pathogen-specific T cells and diminishes resistance to infection. Understanding how these mechanisms contribute to disease susceptibility, particularly in infants with developing T cell repertoires, requires further investigation.
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11
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Lin CF, Chen CL, Huang WC, Cheng YL, Hsieh CY, Wang CY, Hong MY. Different types of cell death induced by enterotoxins. Toxins (Basel) 2010; 2:2158-76. [PMID: 22069678 PMCID: PMC3153280 DOI: 10.3390/toxins2082158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Accepted: 08/03/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The infection of bacterial organisms generally causes cell death to facilitate microbial invasion and immune escape, both of which are involved in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. In addition to the intercellular infectious processes, pathogen-produced/secreted enterotoxins (mostly exotoxins) are the major weapons that kill host cells and cause diseases by inducing different types of cell death, particularly apoptosis and necrosis. Blocking these enterotoxins with synthetic drugs and vaccines is important for treating patients with infectious diseases. Studies of enterotoxin-induced apoptotic and necrotic mechanisms have helped us to create efficient strategies to use against these well-characterized cytopathic toxins. In this article, we review the induction of the different types of cell death from various bacterial enterotoxins, such as staphylococcal enterotoxin B, staphylococcal alpha-toxin, Panton-Valentine leukocidin, alpha-hemolysin of Escherichia coli, Shiga toxins, cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1, heat-labile enterotoxins, and the cholera toxin, Vibrio cholerae. In addition, necrosis caused by pore-forming toxins, apoptotic signaling through cross-talk pathways involving mitochondrial damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and lysosomal injury is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiou-Feng Lin
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (W.-C.H.); (Y.-L.C.); (C.-Y.H.); (C.-Y.W.); (M.-Y.H.)
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (C.-L.C.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +886-06-235-3535 ext. 4240; Fax: +886-06-275-8781
| | - Chia-Ling Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (C.-L.C.)
| | - Wei-Ching Huang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (W.-C.H.); (Y.-L.C.); (C.-Y.H.); (C.-Y.W.); (M.-Y.H.)
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Lin Cheng
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (W.-C.H.); (Y.-L.C.); (C.-Y.H.); (C.-Y.W.); (M.-Y.H.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yuan Hsieh
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (W.-C.H.); (Y.-L.C.); (C.-Y.H.); (C.-Y.W.); (M.-Y.H.)
| | - Chi-Yun Wang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (W.-C.H.); (Y.-L.C.); (C.-Y.H.); (C.-Y.W.); (M.-Y.H.)
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yuan Hong
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (W.-C.H.); (Y.-L.C.); (C.-Y.H.); (C.-Y.W.); (M.-Y.H.)
- Department of Emergency, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 701, Taiwan
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Tamayo E, Merino R, González-Rojas J, Marquina R, Santiuste I, Amado JA, Rappuoli R, Del Giudice G, Merino J. The Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin induces apoptosis of immature lymphocytesin vivo via a glucocorticoid-dependent pathway. Eur J Immunol 2005; 35:3505-15. [PMID: 16285009 DOI: 10.1002/eji.200526326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) exhibits a broad range of immunomodulatory activities, including the induction of lymphocyte-programmed cell death. However, the nature of the lymphoid populations sensitive to LT-induced apoptosis and the mechanisms used by this toxin to promote such activity are still unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that LT induces in mice a rapid increase in the levels of circulating corticosterone, resulting in a dramatic induction of cell death of immature CD4+CD8+, B220+IgM- and IgM+IgD- T and B cell progenitors, respectively. Apoptosis of these cell populations is similar to that reported after experimental treatment with corticosteroids, it is inhibited by mifepristone, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, and does not occur in adrenalectomized animals. These results clearly indicate that endogenous glucocorticoids are the mediators of the LT-induced cell death, which involves Bcl-2-dependent apoptotic pathways. The LT-mediated programmed cell death requires systemic exposure and the enzymatic activity of LT, since a mutant devoid of any enzymatic activity have no pro-apoptotic effect at any dose tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Tamayo
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Unidad Asociada al CIB/CSIC, Santander, Spain
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Chen W, Kuolee R, Austin JW, Shen H, Che Y, Conlan JW. Low dose aerosol infection of mice with virulent type A Francisella tularensis induces severe thymus atrophy and CD4+CD8+ thymocyte depletion. Microb Pathog 2005; 39:189-96. [PMID: 16257504 PMCID: PMC1564440 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2005.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2005] [Revised: 08/22/2005] [Accepted: 08/23/2005] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a gram-negative facultative intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of tularemia. Two subspecies (type A and B strains) of the pathogen exist, the former being much more virulent than the latter for humans and other higher mammals. In this study, we examined the effect of virulent strains of F. tularensis infection on the thymus and thymocytes and the potential mechanisms involved. Low-dose aerosol exposure of C57BL/6 mice with type A, but not type B, F. tularensis caused severe reduction in thymus weight and destruction of thymocytes, particularly CD4+CD8+ thymocytes, by day 4 after infection. The depletion of thymocytes was accompanied by a significant increase in circulating cortisone levels and could be partially prevented by adrenalectomy. Moreover, thymus atrophy and thymocyte depletion following infection were abolished in mice deficient in tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2, but not in FasL-deficient mice. The severe destruction of the thymus and selective depletion of immature thymocytes during type A F. tularensis infection may represent a key pathogenic mechanism in tularemia and could hinder the development of an effective primary immune response against this highly virulent pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangxue Chen
- Institute for Biological Sciences, National Research Council Canada, 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ont., Canada K1A 0R6.
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