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Pala F, Notarangelo LD, Bosticardo M. Rediscovering the human thymus through cutting-edge technologies. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20230892. [PMID: 39167072 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20230892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent technological advances have transformed our understanding of the human thymus. Innovations such as high-resolution imaging, single-cell omics, and organoid cultures, including thymic epithelial cell (TEC) differentiation and culture, and improvements in biomaterials, have further elucidated the thymus architecture, cellular dynamics, and molecular mechanisms underlying T cell development, and have unraveled previously unrecognized levels of stromal cell heterogeneity. These advancements offer unprecedented insights into thymic biology and hold promise for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for immune-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pala
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marita Bosticardo
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
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2
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Shane DX, Konovalova DM, Rajendran H, Yuan SY, Ma Y. Glucocorticoids impair T lymphopoiesis after myocardial infarction. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 327:H533-H544. [PMID: 38995212 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00195.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The thymus, where T lymphocytes develop and mature, is sensitive to insults such as tissue ischemia or injury. The insults can cause thymic atrophy and compromise T-cell development, potentially impairing adaptive immunity. The objective of this study was to investigate whether myocardial infarction (MI) induces thymic injury to impair T lymphopoiesis and to uncover the underlying mechanisms. When compared with sham controls, MI mice at day 7 post-MI exhibited smaller thymus, lower cellularity, as well as less thymocytes at different developmental stages, indicative of T-lymphopoiesis impairment following MI. Accordingly, the spleen of MI mice has less T cells and recent thymic emigrants (RTEs), implying that the thymus of MI mice releases fewer mature thymocytes than sham controls. Interestingly, the secretory function of splenic T cells was not affected by MI. Further experiments showed that the reduction of thymocytes in MI mice was due to increased thymocyte apoptosis. Removal of adrenal glands by adrenalectomy (ADX) prevented MI-induced thymic injury and dysfunction, whereas corticosterone supplementation in ADX + MI mice reinduced thymic injury and dysfunction, indicating that glucocorticoids mediate thymic damage triggered by MI. Eosinophils play essential roles in thymic regeneration postirradiation, and eosinophil-deficient mice exhibit impaired thymic recovery after sublethal irradiation. Interestingly, the thymus was fully regenerated in both wild-type and eosinophil-deficient mice at day 14 post-MI, suggesting that eosinophils are not critical for thymus regeneration post-MI. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that MI-induced glucocorticoids trigger thymocyte apoptosis and impair T lymphopoiesis, resulting in less mature thymocyte release to the spleen.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The thymus is essential for maintaining whole body T-cell output. Thymic injury can adversely affect T lymphopoiesis and T-cell immune response. This study demonstrates that MI induces thymocyte apoptosis and compromises T lymphopoiesis, resulting in fewer releases of mature thymocytes to the spleen. This process is mediated by glucocorticoids secreted by adrenal glands. Therefore, targeting glucocorticoids represents a novel approach to attenuate post-MI thymic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle X Shane
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Daria M Konovalova
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Harishkumar Rajendran
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Sarah Y Yuan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Yonggang Ma
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, United States
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3
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Hsu JC, Liu P, Song Y, Song W, Saladin RJ, Peng Y, Hu S, Lan X, Cai W. Lymphoid organ-targeted nanomaterials for immunomodulation of cancer, inflammation, and beyond. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:7657-7680. [PMID: 38958009 PMCID: PMC11334694 DOI: 10.1039/d4cs00421c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Nanomaterials exhibit significant potential for stimulating immune responses, offering both local and systemic modulation across a variety of diseases. The lymphoid organs, such as the spleen and lymph nodes, are home to various immune cells, including monocytes and dendritic cells, which contribute to both the progression and prevention/treatment of diseases. Consequently, many nanomaterial formulations are being rationally designed to target these organs and engage with specific cell types, thereby inducing therapeutic and protective effects. In this review, we explore crucial cellular interactions and processes involved in immune regulation and highlight innovative nano-based immunomodulatory approaches. We outline essential considerations in nanomaterial design with an emphasis on their impact on biological interactions, targeting capabilities, and treatment efficacy. Through selected examples, we illustrate the strategic targeting of therapeutically active nanomaterials to lymphoid organs and the subsequent immunomodulation for infection resistance, inflammation suppression, self-antigen tolerance, and cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, we address current challenges, discuss emerging topics, and share our outlook on future developments in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C Hsu
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
| | - Peng Liu
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, P. R. China
| | - Yangmeihui Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430073, P. R. China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430073, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy of the Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430073, P. R. China
| | - Wenyu Song
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430073, P. R. China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430073, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy of the Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430073, P. R. China
| | - Rachel J Saladin
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
| | - Ying Peng
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, P. R. China
| | - Shuo Hu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoli Lan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430073, P. R. China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430073, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy of the Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430073, P. R. China
| | - Weibo Cai
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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Ashby KM, Vobořil M, Salgado OC, Lee ST, Martinez RJ, O'Connor CH, Breed ER, Xuan S, Roll CR, Bachigari S, Heiland H, Stetson DB, Kotenko SV, Hogquist KA. Sterile production of interferons in the thymus affects T cell repertoire selection. Sci Immunol 2024; 9:eadp1139. [PMID: 39058762 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adp1139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Type I and III interferons (IFNs) are robustly induced during infections and protect cells against viral infection. Both type I and III IFNs are also produced at low levels in the thymus at steady state; however, their role in T cell development and immune tolerance is unclear. Here, we found that both type I and III IFNs were constitutively produced by a very small number of AIRE+ murine thymic epithelial cells, independent of microbial stimulation. Antigen-presenting cells were highly responsive to thymic IFNs, and IFNs were required for the activation and maturation of thymic type 1 conventional dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells. Loss of IFN sensing led to reduced regulatory T cell selection, reduced T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire diversity, and enhanced autoreactive T cell responses to self-antigens expressed during peripheral IFN signaling. Thus, constitutive exposure to IFNs in the thymus is required for generating a tolerant and diverse TCR repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Maude Ashby
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Matouš Vobořil
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Oscar C Salgado
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - S Thera Lee
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ryan J Martinez
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Christine H O'Connor
- Research Informatics Solutions, Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Group, Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Elise R Breed
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Shuya Xuan
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Charles R Roll
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Saumith Bachigari
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Hattie Heiland
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Daniel B Stetson
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Sergei V Kotenko
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Kristin A Hogquist
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Lu C, Li H, Chen W, Li H, Ma J, Peng P, Yan Y, Dong W, Jin Y, Pan S, Shang S, Gu J, Zhou J. Immunological characteristics of a recombinant alphaherpesvirus with an envelope-embedded Cap protein of circovirus. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1438371. [PMID: 39081314 PMCID: PMC11286414 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1438371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Variant pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a newly emerged zoonotic pathogen that can cause human blindness. PRV can take advantage of its large genome and multiple non-essential genes to construct recombinant attenuated vaccines carrying foreign genes. However, a major problem is that the foreign genes in recombinant PRV are only integrated into the genome for independent expression, rather than assembled on the surface of virion. Methods We reported a recombinant PRV with deleted gE/TK genes and an inserted porcine circovirus virus 2 (PCV2) Cap gene into the extracellular domain of the PRV gE gene using the Cre-loxP recombinant system combined with the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system. This recombinant PRV (PRV-Cap), with the envelope-embedded Cap protein, exhibits a similar replication ability to its parental virus. Results An immunogenicity assay revealed that PRV-Cap immunized mice have 100% resistance to lethal PRV and PCV2 attacks. Neutralization antibody and ELISPOT detections indicated that PRV-Cap can enhance neutralizing antibodies to PRV and produce IFN-γ secreting T cells specific for both PRV and PCV2. Immunological mechanistic investigation revealed that initial immunization with PRV-Cap stimulates significantly early activation and expansion of CD69+ T cells, promoting the activation of CD4 Tfh cell dependent germinal B cells and producing effectively specific effector memory T and B cells. Booster immunization with PRV-Cap recalled the activation of PRV-specific IFN-γ+IL-2+CD4+ T cells and IFN-γ+TNF-α+CD8+ T cells, as well as PCV2-specific IFN-γ+TNF-α+CD8+ T cells. Conclusion Collectively, our data suggested an immunological mechanism in that the recombinant PRV with envelope-assembled PCV2 Cap protein can serve as an excellent vaccine candidate for combined immunity against PRV and PCV2, and provided a cost-effective method for the production of PRV- PCV2 vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhe Lu
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haimin Li
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjing Chen
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jiayu Ma
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peng Peng
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Yan
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiren Dong
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yulan Jin
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shiyue Pan
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaobin Shang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jinyan Gu
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiyong Zhou
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Zhao F, Cui Z, Wang P, Zhao Z, Zhu K, Bai Y, Jin X, Wang L, Lu L. GRP75-dependent mitochondria-ER contacts ensure cell survival during early mouse thymocyte development. Dev Cell 2024:S1534-5807(24)00385-X. [PMID: 38981469 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum contacts (MERCs) control multiple cellular processes, including cell survival and differentiation. Based on the observations that MERCs were specifically enriched in the CD4-CD8- double-negative (DN) stage, we studied their role in early mouse thymocyte development. We found that T cell-specific knockout of Hspa9, which encodes GRP75, a protein that mediates MERC formation by assembling the IP3R-GRP75-VDAC complex, impaired DN3 thymocyte viability and resulted in thymocyte developmental arrest at the DN3-DN4 transition. Mechanistically, GRP75 deficiency induced mitochondrial stress, releasing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into the cytosol and triggering the type I interferon (IFN-I) response. The IFN-I pathway contributed to both the impairment of cell survival and DN3-DN4 transition blockage, while increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) played a major role downstream of IFN-I. Thus, our study identifies the essential role of GRP75-dependent MERCs in early thymocyte development and the governing facts of cell survival and differentiation in the DN stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhao
- Institute of Immunology and Department of Rheumatology at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zejin Cui
- Institute of Immunology and Department of Rheumatology at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Shanghai Immune Therapy Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- Institute of Immunology and Department of Rheumatology at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Future Health Laboratory, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing 314100, China
| | - Zhishan Zhao
- Institute of Immunology and Department of Rheumatology at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Shanghai Immune Therapy Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Kaixiang Zhu
- Department of Cardiology of The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Yadan Bai
- Institute of Immunology and Department of Rheumatology at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Future Health Laboratory, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing 314100, China
| | - Xuexiao Jin
- Institute of Immunology and Department of Rheumatology at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lie Wang
- Future Health Laboratory, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing 314100, China; Bone Marrow Transplantation Center and Institute of Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Linrong Lu
- Institute of Immunology and Department of Rheumatology at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Shanghai Immune Therapy Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China; Future Health Laboratory, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing 314100, China.
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7
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Kirkpatrick C, Lu YCW. Deciphering CD4 + T cell-mediated responses against cancer. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:1209-1220. [PMID: 38725218 PMCID: PMC11166516 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23730] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
It's been long thought that CD8+ cytotoxic T cells play a major role in T cell-mediated antitumor responses, whereas CD4+ T cells merely provide some assistance to CD8+ T cells as the "helpers." In recent years, numerous studies support the notion that CD4+ T cells play an indispensable role in antitumor responses. Here, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge regarding the roles of CD4+ T cells in antitumor responses and immunotherapy, with a focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind these observations. These new insights on CD4+ T cells may pave the way to further optimize cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Kirkpatrick
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Yong-Chen William Lu
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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8
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Kaminski HJ, Kusner LL, Cutter GR, Le Panse R, Wright CD, Perry Y, Wolfe GI. Does Surgical Removal of the Thymus Have Deleterious Consequences? Neurology 2024; 102:e209482. [PMID: 38781559 PMCID: PMC11226319 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000209482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of immunosenescence, particularly the natural process of thymic involution during aging, is increasingly acknowledged as a factor contributing to the development of autoimmune diseases and cancer. Recently, a concern has been raised about deleterious consequences of the surgical removal of thymic tissue, including for patients who undergo thymectomy for myasthenia gravis (MG) or resection of a thymoma. This review adopts a multidisciplinary approach to scrutinize the evidence concerning the long-term risks of cancer and autoimmunity postthymectomy. We conclude that for patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive MG and those diagnosed with thymoma, the removal of the thymus offers prominent benefits that well outweigh the potential risks. However, incidental removal of thymic tissue during other thoracic surgeries should be minimized whenever feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry J Kaminski
- From the Department of Neurology & Rehabilitation Medicine (H.J.K.), George Washington University, DC; Department of Pharmacology & Physiology (L.L.K.), and Department of Biostatistics (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; INSERM (R.L.P.), Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, Paris, France; Department of Surgery (C.D.W.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and Department of Surgery (Y.P.), and Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo/SUNY, NY
| | - Linda L Kusner
- From the Department of Neurology & Rehabilitation Medicine (H.J.K.), George Washington University, DC; Department of Pharmacology & Physiology (L.L.K.), and Department of Biostatistics (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; INSERM (R.L.P.), Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, Paris, France; Department of Surgery (C.D.W.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and Department of Surgery (Y.P.), and Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo/SUNY, NY
| | - Gary R Cutter
- From the Department of Neurology & Rehabilitation Medicine (H.J.K.), George Washington University, DC; Department of Pharmacology & Physiology (L.L.K.), and Department of Biostatistics (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; INSERM (R.L.P.), Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, Paris, France; Department of Surgery (C.D.W.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and Department of Surgery (Y.P.), and Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo/SUNY, NY
| | - Rozen Le Panse
- From the Department of Neurology & Rehabilitation Medicine (H.J.K.), George Washington University, DC; Department of Pharmacology & Physiology (L.L.K.), and Department of Biostatistics (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; INSERM (R.L.P.), Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, Paris, France; Department of Surgery (C.D.W.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and Department of Surgery (Y.P.), and Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo/SUNY, NY
| | - Cameron D Wright
- From the Department of Neurology & Rehabilitation Medicine (H.J.K.), George Washington University, DC; Department of Pharmacology & Physiology (L.L.K.), and Department of Biostatistics (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; INSERM (R.L.P.), Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, Paris, France; Department of Surgery (C.D.W.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and Department of Surgery (Y.P.), and Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo/SUNY, NY
| | - Yaron Perry
- From the Department of Neurology & Rehabilitation Medicine (H.J.K.), George Washington University, DC; Department of Pharmacology & Physiology (L.L.K.), and Department of Biostatistics (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; INSERM (R.L.P.), Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, Paris, France; Department of Surgery (C.D.W.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and Department of Surgery (Y.P.), and Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo/SUNY, NY
| | - Gil I Wolfe
- From the Department of Neurology & Rehabilitation Medicine (H.J.K.), George Washington University, DC; Department of Pharmacology & Physiology (L.L.K.), and Department of Biostatistics (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; INSERM (R.L.P.), Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, Paris, France; Department of Surgery (C.D.W.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and Department of Surgery (Y.P.), and Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo/SUNY, NY
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9
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Ali M, Benfante V, Di Raimondo D, Laudicella R, Tuttolomondo A, Comelli A. A Review of Advances in Molecular Imaging of Rheumatoid Arthritis: From In Vitro to Clinic Applications Using Radiolabeled Targeting Vectors with Technetium-99m. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:751. [PMID: 38929734 PMCID: PMC11204982 DOI: 10.3390/life14060751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder caused by inflammation of cartilaginous diarthrodial joints that destroys joints and cartilage, resulting in synovitis and pannus formation. Timely detection and effective management of RA are pivotal for mitigating inflammatory arthritis consequences, potentially influencing disease progression. Nuclear medicine using radiolabeled targeted vectors presents a promising avenue for RA diagnosis and response to treatment assessment. Radiopharmaceutical such as technetium-99m (99mTc), combined with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) combined with CT (SPECT/CT), introduces a more refined diagnostic approach, enhancing accuracy through precise anatomical localization, representing a notable advancement in hybrid molecular imaging for RA evaluation. This comprehensive review discusses existing research, encompassing in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies to explore the application of 99mTc radiolabeled targeting vectors with SPECT imaging for RA diagnosis. The purpose of this review is to highlight the potential of this strategy to enhance patient outcomes by improving the early detection and management of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ali
- Ri.MED Foundation, Via Bandiera 11, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.); (A.C.)
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (D.D.R.); (A.T.)
| | - Viviana Benfante
- Ri.MED Foundation, Via Bandiera 11, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.); (A.C.)
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (D.D.R.); (A.T.)
| | - Domenico Di Raimondo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (D.D.R.); (A.T.)
| | - Riccardo Laudicella
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Messina University, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Antonino Tuttolomondo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (D.D.R.); (A.T.)
| | - Albert Comelli
- Ri.MED Foundation, Via Bandiera 11, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.); (A.C.)
- NBFC—National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy
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10
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Wang Y, Wu L, Van Kaer L. Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) staves off γδ T-cell-mediated autoimmune liver disease. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:641-642. [PMID: 38755457 PMCID: PMC11143180 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01172-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Wang
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lan Wu
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Luc Van Kaer
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
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11
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Dagah OMA, Silaa BB, Zhu M, Pan Q, Qi L, Liu X, Liu Y, Peng W, Ullah Z, Yudas AF, Muhammad A, Zhang X, Lu J. Exploring Immune Redox Modulation in Bacterial Infections: Insights into Thioredoxin-Mediated Interactions and Implications for Understanding Host-Pathogen Dynamics. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:545. [PMID: 38790650 PMCID: PMC11117976 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13050545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections trigger a multifaceted interplay between inflammatory mediators and redox regulation. Recently, accumulating evidence has shown that redox signaling plays a significant role in immune initiation and subsequent immune cell functions. This review addresses the crucial role of the thioredoxin (Trx) system in the initiation of immune reactions and regulation of inflammatory responses during bacterial infections. Downstream signaling pathways in various immune cells involve thiol-dependent redox regulation, highlighting the pivotal roles of thiol redox systems in defense mechanisms. Conversely, the survival and virulence of pathogenic bacteria are enhanced by their ability to counteract oxidative stress and immune attacks. This is achieved through the reduction of oxidized proteins and the modulation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways, which are functions of the Trx system, thereby fortifying bacterial resistance. Moreover, some selenium/sulfur-containing compounds could potentially be developed into targeted therapeutic interventions for pathogenic bacteria. Taken together, the Trx system is a key player in redox regulation during bacterial infection, and contributes to host-pathogen interactions, offering valuable insights for future research and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer M. A. Dagah
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Billton Bryson Silaa
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Minghui Zhu
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Qiu Pan
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Linlin Qi
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Yuqi Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Wenjing Peng
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Zakir Ullah
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Appolonia F. Yudas
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Amir Muhammad
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | | | - Jun Lu
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
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12
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Medzhitov R, Iwasaki A. Exploring new perspectives in immunology. Cell 2024; 187:2079-2094. [PMID: 38670066 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.03.038] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Several conceptual pillars form the foundation of modern immunology, including the clonal selection theory, antigen receptor diversity, immune memory, and innate control of adaptive immunity. However, some immunological phenomena cannot be explained by the current framework. Thus, we still do not know how to design vaccines that would provide long-lasting protective immunity against certain pathogens, why autoimmune responses target some antigens and not others, or why the immune response to infection sometimes does more harm than good. Understanding some of these mysteries may require that we question existing assumptions to develop and test alternative explanations. Immunology is increasingly at a point when, once again, exploring new perspectives becomes a necessity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruslan Medzhitov
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA; Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Tananbaum Center for Theoretical and Analytical Human Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Akiko Iwasaki
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA; Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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13
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Shirafkan F, Hensel L, Rattay K. Immune tolerance and the prevention of autoimmune diseases essentially depend on thymic tissue homeostasis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1339714. [PMID: 38571951 PMCID: PMC10987875 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1339714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The intricate balance of immune reactions towards invading pathogens and immune tolerance towards self is pivotal in preventing autoimmune diseases, with the thymus playing a central role in establishing and maintaining this equilibrium. The induction of central immune tolerance in the thymus involves the elimination of self-reactive T cells, a mechanism essential for averting autoimmunity. Disruption of the thymic T cell selection mechanisms can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases. In the dynamic microenvironment of the thymus, T cell migration and interactions with thymic stromal cells are critical for the selection processes that ensure self-tolerance. Thymic epithelial cells are particularly significant in this context, presenting self-antigens and inducing the negative selection of autoreactive T cells. Further, the synergistic roles of thymic fibroblasts, B cells, and dendritic cells in antigen presentation, selection and the development of regulatory T cells are pivotal in maintaining immune responses tightly regulated. This review article collates these insights, offering a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted role of thymic tissue homeostasis in the establishment of immune tolerance and its implications in the prevention of autoimmune diseases. Additionally, the developmental pathways of the thymus are explored, highlighting how genetic aberrations can disrupt thymic architecture and function, leading to autoimmune conditions. The impact of infections on immune tolerance is another critical area, with pathogens potentially triggering autoimmunity by altering thymic homeostasis. Overall, this review underscores the integral role of thymic tissue homeostasis in the prevention of autoimmune diseases, discussing insights into potential therapeutic strategies and examining putative avenues for future research on developing thymic-based therapies in treating and preventing autoimmune conditions.
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14
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Chang M, Wang M, Liu B, Zhong W, Jana D, Wang Y, Dong S, Antony A, Li C, Liu Y, Zhao Z, Lin J, Jiang W, Zhao Y. A Cancer Nanovaccine Based on an FeAl-Layered Double Hydroxide Framework for Reactive Oxygen Species-Augmented Metalloimmunotherapy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:8143-8156. [PMID: 38436248 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The complexity and heterogeneity of individual tumors have hindered the efficacy of existing therapeutic cancer vaccines, sparking intensive interest in the development of more effective in situ vaccines. Herein, we introduce a cancer nanovaccine for reactive oxygen species-augmented metalloimmunotherapy in which FeAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) is used as a delivery vehicle with dihydroartemisinin (DHA) as cargo. The LDH framework is acid-labile and can be degraded in the tumor microenvironment, releasing iron ions, aluminum ions, and DHA. The iron ions contribute to aggravated intratumoral oxidative stress injury by the synergistic Fenton reaction and DHA activation, causing apoptosis, ferroptosis, and immunogenic cell death in cancer cells. The subsequently released tumor-associated antigens with the aluminum adjuvant form a cancer nanovaccine to generate robust and long-term immune responses against cancer recurrence and metastasis. Moreover, Fe ion-enabled T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging can facilitate real-time tumor therapy monitoring. This cancer-nanovaccine-mediated metalloimmunotherapy strategy has the potential for revolutionizing the precision immunotherapy landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Chang
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, 637371, Singapore
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Man Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China
| | - Bin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
| | - Wenbin Zhong
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, 637371, Singapore
| | - Deblin Jana
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, 637371, Singapore
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Shiyan Dong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Abin Antony
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Chunxia Li
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China
| | - Yuhui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Resources and Environment, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, P. R. China
| | - Zhongqi Zhao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77004, United States
| | - Jun Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Yanli Zhao
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, 637371, Singapore
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15
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Lagattuta KA, Park HL, Rumker L, Ishigaki K, Nathan A, Raychaudhuri S. The genetic basis of autoimmunity seen through the lens of T cell functional traits. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1204. [PMID: 38331990 PMCID: PMC10853555 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45170-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune disease heritability is enriched in T cell-specific regulatory regions of the genome. Modern-day T cell datasets now enable association studies between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and a myriad of molecular phenotypes, including chromatin accessibility, gene expression, transcriptional programs, T cell antigen receptor (TCR) amino acid usage, and cell state abundances. Such studies have identified hundreds of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in T cells that colocalize with genetic risk for autoimmune disease. The key challenge facing immunologists today lies in synthesizing these results toward a unified understanding of the autoimmune T cell: which genes, cell states, and antigens drive tissue destruction?
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn A Lagattuta
- Center for Data Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hannah L Park
- Center for Data Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laurie Rumker
- Center for Data Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kazuyoshi Ishigaki
- Center for Data Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Laboratory for Human Immunogenetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Aparna Nathan
- Center for Data Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Soumya Raychaudhuri
- Center for Data Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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16
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Sur M, Rasquinha MT, Mone K, Massilamany C, Lasrado N, Gurumurthy C, Sobel RA, Reddy J. Investigation into Cardiac Myhc-α 334-352-Specific TCR Transgenic Mice Reveals a Role for Cytotoxic CD4 T Cells in the Development of Cardiac Autoimmunity. Cells 2024; 13:234. [PMID: 38334626 PMCID: PMC10854502 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030234] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Myocarditis is one of the major causes of heart failure in children and young adults and can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy. Lymphocytic myocarditis could result from autoreactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, but defining antigen specificity in disease pathogenesis is challenging. To address this issue, we generated T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic (Tg) C57BL/6J mice specific to cardiac myosin heavy chain (Myhc)-α 334-352 and found that Myhc-α-specific TCRs were expressed in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. To investigate if the phenotype is more pronounced in a myocarditis-susceptible genetic background, we backcrossed with A/J mice. At the fourth generation of backcrossing, we observed that Tg T cells from naïve mice responded to Myhc-α 334-352, as evaluated by proliferation assay and carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester staining. The T cell responses included significant production of mainly pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin-17, and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor. While the naïve Tg mice had isolated myocardial lesions, immunization with Myhc-α 334-352 led to mild myocarditis, suggesting that further backcrossing to increase the percentage of A/J genome close to 99.99% might show a more severe disease phenotype. Further investigations led us to note that CD4+ T cells displayed the phenotype of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) akin to those of conventional CD8+ CTLs, as determined by the expression of CD107a, IFN-γ, granzyme B natural killer cell receptor (NKG)2A, NKG2D, cytotoxic and regulatory T cell molecules, and eomesodermin. Taken together, the transgenic system described in this report may be a helpful tool to distinguish the roles of cytotoxic cardiac antigen-specific CD4+ T cells vs. those of CD8+ T cells in the pathogenesis of myocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghna Sur
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA; (M.S.); (M.T.R.); (K.M.); (C.M.); (N.L.)
| | - Mahima T. Rasquinha
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA; (M.S.); (M.T.R.); (K.M.); (C.M.); (N.L.)
| | - Kiruthiga Mone
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA; (M.S.); (M.T.R.); (K.M.); (C.M.); (N.L.)
| | - Chandirasegaran Massilamany
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA; (M.S.); (M.T.R.); (K.M.); (C.M.); (N.L.)
- CRISPR Therapeutics, Boston, MA 02127, USA
| | - Ninaad Lasrado
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA; (M.S.); (M.T.R.); (K.M.); (C.M.); (N.L.)
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Channabasavaiah Gurumurthy
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
| | - Raymond A. Sobel
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Jay Reddy
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA; (M.S.); (M.T.R.); (K.M.); (C.M.); (N.L.)
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17
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Khorki ME, Shi T, Cianciolo EE, Burg AR, Chukwuma PC, Picarsic JL, Morrice MK, Woodle ES, Maltzman JS, Ferguson A, Katz JD, Baker BM, Hildeman DA. Prior viral infection primes cross-reactive CD8+ T cells that respond to mouse heart allografts. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1287546. [PMID: 38143762 PMCID: PMC10748599 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1287546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Significant evidence suggests a connection between transplant rejection and the presence of high levels of pre-existing memory T cells. Viral infection can elicit viral-specific memory T cells that cross-react with allo-MHC capable of driving allograft rejection in mice. Despite these advances, and despite their critical role in transplant rejection, a systematic study of allo-reactive memory T cells, their specificities, and the role of cross-reactivity with viral antigens has not been performed. Methods Here, we established a model to identify, isolate, and characterize cross-reactive T cells using Nur77 reporter mice (C57BL/6 background), which transiently express GFP exclusively upon TCR engagement. We infected Nur77 mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV-Armstrong) to generate a robust memory compartment, where quiescent LCMV-specific memory CD8+ T cells could be readily tracked with MHC tetramer staining. Then, we transplanted LCMV immune mice with allogeneic hearts and monitored expression of GFP within MHC-tetramer defined viral-specific T cells as an indicator of their ability to cross-react with alloantigens. Results Strikingly, prior LCMV infection significantly increased the kinetics and magnitude of rejection as well as CD8+ T cell recruitment into allogeneic, but not syngeneic, transplanted hearts, relative to non-infected controls. Interestingly, as early as day 1 after allogeneic heart transplant an average of ~8% of MHC-tetramer+ CD8+ T cells expressed GFP, in contrast to syngeneic heart transplants, where the frequency of viral-specific CD8+ T cells that were GFP+ was <1%. These data show that a significant percentage of viral-specific memory CD8+ T cells expressed T cell receptors that also recognized alloantigens in vivo. Notably, the frequency of cross-reactive CD8+ T cells differed depending upon the viral epitope. Further, TCR sequences derived from cross-reactive T cells harbored distinctive motifs that may provide insight into cross-reactivity and allo-specificity. Discussion In sum, we have established a mouse model to track viral-specific, allo-specific, and cross-reactive T cells; revealing that prior infection elicits substantial numbers of viral-specific T cells that cross-react to alloantigen, respond very early after transplant, and may promote rapid rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Eyad Khorki
- Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Tiffany Shi
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Eileen E. Cianciolo
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Ashley R. Burg
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - P. Chukwunalu Chukwuma
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Jennifer L. Picarsic
- Division of Pathology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Mary K. Morrice
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - E. Steve Woodle
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Jonathan S. Maltzman
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Geriatric Research and Education Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs (VA) Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Autumn Ferguson
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Jonathan D. Katz
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Brian M. Baker
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - David A. Hildeman
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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18
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Badr ME, Zhang Z, Tai X, Singer A. CD8 T cell tolerance results from eviction of immature autoreactive cells from the thymus. Science 2023; 382:534-541. [PMID: 37917689 PMCID: PMC11302524 DOI: 10.1126/science.adh4124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
CD8 T cell tolerance is thought to result from clonal deletion of autoreactive thymocytes before they differentiate into mature CD8 T cells in the thymus. However, we report that, in mice, CD8 T cell tolerance instead results from premature thymic eviction of immature autoreactive CD8 thymocytes into the periphery, where they differentiate into self-tolerant mature CD8 T cells. Premature thymic eviction is triggered by T cell receptor (TCR)-driven down-regulation of the transcriptional repressor Gfi1, which induces expression of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1 (S1P1) on negatively selected immature CD8 thymocytes. Thus, premature thymic eviction is the basis for CD8 T cell tolerance and is the mechanism responsible for the appearance in the periphery of mature CD8 T cells bearing autoreactive TCRs that are absent from the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Elsherif Badr
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Zhongmei Zhang
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Xuguang Tai
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alfred Singer
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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19
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David NA, Lee RD, LaRue RS, Joo S, Farrar MA. Nuclear corepressors NCOR1 and NCOR2 entrain thymocyte signaling, selection, and emigration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.27.559810. [PMID: 37808728 PMCID: PMC10557688 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.27.559810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
T cell development proceeds via discrete stages that require both gene induction and gene repression. Transcription factors direct gene repression by associating with corepressor complexes containing chromatin-remodeling enzymes; the corepressors NCOR1 and NCOR2 recruit histone deacetylases to these complexes to silence transcription of target genes. Earlier work identified the importance of NCOR1 in promoting the survival of positively-selected thymocytes. Here, we used flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing to identify a broader role for NCOR1 and NCOR2 in regulating thymocyte development. Using Cd4-cre mice, we found that conditional deletion of NCOR2 had no effect on thymocyte development, whereas conditional deletion of NCOR1 had a modest effect. In contrast, Cd4-cre x Ncor1f/f x Ncor2f/f mice exhibited a significant block in thymocyte development at the DP to SP transition. Combined NCOR1/2 deletion resulted in increased signaling through the T cell receptor, ultimately resulting in elevated BIM expression and increased negative selection. The NF-κB, NUR77, and MAPK signaling pathways were also upregulated in the absence of NCOR1/2, contributing to altered CD4/CD8 lineage commitment, TCR rearrangement, and thymocyte emigration. Taken together, our data identify multiple critical roles for the combined action of NCOR1 and NCOR2 over the course of thymocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A David
- Center for Immunology, Masonic Cancer Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Robin D Lee
- Center for Immunology, Masonic Cancer Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Rebecca S LaRue
- Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Sookyong Joo
- Center for Immunology, Masonic Cancer Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Michael A Farrar
- Center for Immunology, Masonic Cancer Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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