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Contreras-Castillo E, García-Rasilla VY, García-Patiño MG, Licona-Limón P. Stability and plasticity of regulatory T cells in health and disease. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 116:33-53. [PMID: 38428948 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiae049] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms that negatively regulate inflammation upon a pathogenic stimulus are crucial for the maintenance of tissue integrity and organ function. T regulatory cells are one of the main drivers in controlling inflammation. The ability of T regulatory cells to adapt to different inflammatory cues and suppress inflammation is one of the relevant features of T regulatory cells. During this process, T regulatory cells express different transcription factors associated with their counterparts, Th helper cells, including Tbx21, GATA-3, Bcl6, and Rorc. The acquisition of this transcription factor helps the T regulatory cells to suppress and migrate to the different inflamed tissues. Additionally, the T regulatory cells have different mechanisms that preserve stability while acquiring a particular T regulatory cell subtype. This review focuses on describing T regulatory cell subtypes and the mechanisms that maintain their identity in health and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Contreras-Castillo
- Departamento de Biología Celular y del Desarrollo, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito exterior s/n, CU Coyoacán, México City 04510, Mexico
| | - Verónica Yutsil García-Rasilla
- Departamento de Biología Celular y del Desarrollo, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito exterior s/n, CU Coyoacán, México City 04510, Mexico
| | - María Guadalupe García-Patiño
- Departamento de Biología Celular y del Desarrollo, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito exterior s/n, CU Coyoacán, México City 04510, Mexico
| | - Paula Licona-Limón
- Departamento de Biología Celular y del Desarrollo, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito exterior s/n, CU Coyoacán, México City 04510, Mexico
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2
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Ushio A, Matsuda-Lennikov M, Kalle-Youngoue F, Shimizu A, Abdelmaksoud A, Kelly MC, Ishimaru N, Takahama Y. Functionally diverse thymic medullary epithelial cells interplay to direct central tolerance. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114072. [PMID: 38581680 PMCID: PMC11079940 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) are essential for the establishment of self-tolerance in T cells. Promiscuous gene expression by a subpopulation of mTECs regulated by the nuclear protein Aire contributes to the display of self-genomic products to newly generated T cells. Recent reports have highlighted additional self-antigen-displaying mTEC subpopulations, namely Fezf2-expressing mTECs and a mosaic of self-mimetic mTECs including thymic tuft cells. In addition, a functionally different subset of mTECs produces chemokine CCL21, which attracts developing thymocytes to the medullary region. Here, we report that CCL21+ mTECs and Aire+ mTECs non-redundantly cooperate to direct self-tolerance to prevent autoimmune pathology by optimizing the deletion of self-reactive T cells and the generation of regulatory T cells. We also detect cooperation for self-tolerance between Aire and Fezf2, the latter of which unexpectedly regulates thymic tuft cells. Our results indicate an indispensable interplay among functionally diverse mTECs for the establishment of central self-tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Ushio
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Department of Oral Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan
| | - Mami Matsuda-Lennikov
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Felix Kalle-Youngoue
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Akihide Shimizu
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Abdalla Abdelmaksoud
- Center for Cancer Research Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michael C Kelly
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Naozumi Ishimaru
- Department of Oral Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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3
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Benito-Villalvilla C, Angelina A, Martín-Cruz L. Deciphering the factors determining the differentiation of autoreactive thymocytes into regulatory T cells. Allergy 2024; 79:1068-1070. [PMID: 38130078 DOI: 10.1111/all.15993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Benito-Villalvilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Angelina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leticia Martín-Cruz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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4
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Alvarez F, Liu Z, Bay A, Piccirillo CA. Deciphering the developmental trajectory of tissue-resident Foxp3 + regulatory T cells. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1331846. [PMID: 38605970 PMCID: PMC11007185 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1331846] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Foxp3+ TREG cells have been at the focus of intense investigation for their recognized roles in preventing autoimmunity, facilitating tissue recuperation following injury, and orchestrating a tolerance to innocuous non-self-antigens. To perform these critical tasks, TREG cells undergo deep epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional changes that allow them to adapt to conditions found in tissues both at steady-state and during inflammation. The path leading TREG cells to express these tissue-specialized phenotypes begins during thymic development, and is further driven by epigenetic and transcriptional modifications following TCR engagement and polarizing signals in the periphery. However, this process is highly regulated and requires TREG cells to adopt strategies to avoid losing their regulatory program altogether. Here, we review the origins of tissue-resident TREG cells, from their thymic and peripheral development to the transcriptional regulators involved in their tissue residency program. In addition, we discuss the distinct signalling pathways that engage the inflammatory adaptation of tissue-resident TREG cells, and how they relate to their ability to recognize tissue and pathogen-derived danger signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Alvarez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Zhiyang Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Bay
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ciriaco A. Piccirillo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC, Canada
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Yu H, Yang W, Cao M, Lei Q, Yuan R, Xu H, Cui Y, Chen X, Su X, Zhuo H, Lin L. Mechanism study of ubiquitination in T cell development and autoimmune disease. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1359933. [PMID: 38562929 PMCID: PMC10982411 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1359933] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
T cells play critical role in multiple immune processes including antigen response, tumor immunity, inflammation, self-tolerance maintenance and autoimmune diseases et. Fetal liver or bone marrow-derived thymus-seeding progenitors (TSPs) settle in thymus and undergo T cell-lineage commitment, proliferation, T cell receptor (TCR) rearrangement, and thymic selections driven by microenvironment composed of thymic epithelial cells (TEC), dendritic cells (DC), macrophage and B cells, thus generating T cells with diverse TCR repertoire immunocompetent but not self-reactive. Additionally, some self-reactive thymocytes give rise to Treg with the help of TEC and DC, serving for immune tolerance. The sequential proliferation, cell fate decision, and selection during T cell development and self-tolerance establishment are tightly regulated to ensure the proper immune response without autoimmune reaction. There are remarkable progresses in understanding of the regulatory mechanisms regarding ubiquitination in T cell development and the establishment of self-tolerance in the past few years, which holds great potential for further therapeutic interventions in immune-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yu
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenyong Yang
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Cao
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingqiang Lei
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Renbin Yuan
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - He Xu
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqian Cui
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuerui Chen
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xu Su
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
- College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Zhuo
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liangbin Lin
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
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6
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Khan A, Roy P, Ley K. Breaking tolerance: the autoimmune aspect of atherosclerosis. Nat Rev Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41577-024-01010-y. [PMID: 38472321 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-01010-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial walls and is characterized by the accumulation of lipoproteins that are insufficiently cleared by phagocytes. Following the initiation of atherosclerosis, the pathological progression is accelerated by engagement of the adaptive immune system. Atherosclerosis triggers the breakdown of tolerance to self-components. This loss of tolerance is reflected in defective expression of immune checkpoint molecules, dysfunctional antigen presentation, and aberrations in T cell populations - most notably in regulatory T (Treg) cells - and in the production of autoantibodies. The breakdown of tolerance to self-proteins that is observed in ASCVD may be linked to the conversion of Treg cells to 'exTreg' cells because many Treg cells in ASCVD express T cell receptors that are specific for self-epitopes. Alternatively, or in addition, breakdown of tolerance may trigger the activation of naive T cells, resulting in the clonal expansion of T cell populations with pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic effector phenotypes. In this Perspective, we review the evidence that atherosclerosis is associated with a breakdown of tolerance to self-antigens, discuss possible immunological mechanisms and identify knowledge gaps to map out future research. Rational approaches aimed at re-establishing immune tolerance may become game changers in treating ASCVD and in preventing its downstream sequelae, which include heart attacks and strokes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Khan
- Immunology Center of Georgia, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Payel Roy
- Immunology Center of Georgia, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Klaus Ley
- Immunology Center of Georgia, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
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7
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Shouse AN, LaPorte KM, Malek TR. Interleukin-2 signaling in the regulation of T cell biology in autoimmunity and cancer. Immunity 2024; 57:414-428. [PMID: 38479359 PMCID: PMC11126276 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.02.001] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a critical cytokine for T cell peripheral tolerance and immunity. Here, we review how IL-2 interaction with the high-affinity IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) supports the development and homeostasis of regulatory T cells and contributes to the differentiation of helper, cytotoxic, and memory T cells. A critical element for each T cell population is the expression of CD25 (Il2rα), which heightens the receptor affinity for IL-2. Signaling through the high-affinity IL-2R also reinvigorates CD8+ exhausted T (Tex) cells in response to checkpoint blockade. We consider the molecular underpinnings reflecting how IL-2R signaling impacts these various T cell subsets and the implications for enhancing IL-2-dependent immunotherapy of autoimmunity, other inflammatory disorders, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Acacia N Shouse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Kathryn M LaPorte
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Thomas R Malek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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8
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Caruso B, Weeder BR, Thompson RF, Moran AE. PD-1 Limits IL-2 Production and Thymic Regulatory T Cell Development. Immunohorizons 2024; 8:281-294. [PMID: 38551395 PMCID: PMC10985057 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2300079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory proteins, such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), have been studied extensively in peripheral T cell responses to foreign Ags, self-Ags, and neoantigens. Notably, these proteins are first expressed during T cell development in the thymus. Reports suggest that PD-1 limits regulatory T cell (Treg) development, but the mechanism by which PD-1 exerts this function remains unknown. The present study expands the evaluation of murine PD-1 and its ligands in the thymus, demonstrating that some of the highest expressers of PD-1 and programmed death-ligand 1 are agonist selected cells. Surprisingly, we reveal a selective role for PD-1 in regulating the developmental niche only for Tregs because other agonist selected cell populations, such as NK T cells, remain unchanged. We also ruled out PD-1 as a regulator of proliferation or cell death of agonist selected Tregs and further demonstrated that PD-1-deficient Tregs have reduced TCR signaling. Unexpectedly, the data suggest that PD-1-deficient thymocytes produce elevated levels of IL-2, a Treg niche-limiting cytokine. Collectively, these data suggest a novel role for PD-1 in regulating IL-2 production and the concurrent agonist selection of murine thymic Tregs. This observation has implications for the use of checkpoint blockade in the context of cancer and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanna Caruso
- Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Benjamin R. Weeder
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Reid F. Thompson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
- Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland,OR
| | - Amy E. Moran
- Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
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9
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Martín-Cruz L, Benito-Villalvilla C, Sirvent S, Angelina A, Palomares O. The Role of Regulatory T Cells in Allergic Diseases: Collegium Internationale Allergologicum (CIA) Update 2024. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2024; 185:503-518. [PMID: 38408438 DOI: 10.1159/000536335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergy represents a major health problem of increasing prevalence worldwide with a high socioeconomic impact. Our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying allergic diseases and their treatments has significantly improved over the last years. The generation of allergen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) is crucial in the induction of healthy immune responses to allergens, preventing the development and worsening of allergic diseases. SUMMARY In the last decades, intensive research has focused on the study of the molecular mechanisms involved in Treg development and Treg-mediated suppression. These mechanisms are essential for the induction of sustained tolerance by allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) after treatment discontinuation. Compelling experimental evidence demonstrated altered suppressive capacity of Tregs in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, food allergy, or atopic dermatitis, as well as the restoration of their numbers and functionality after successful AIT. KEY MESSAGE The better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in Treg generation during allergen tolerance induction might well contribute to the development of novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Martín-Cruz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Benito-Villalvilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sofía Sirvent
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Angelina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Palomares
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Tai X, Singer A. New insights into developmental fate decisions by autoreactive CD4 thymocytes. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1590. [PMID: 38362613 PMCID: PMC10870014 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xuguang Tai
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Alfred Singer
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
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11
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Welsh RA, Song N, Park CS, Peske JD, Sadegh-Nasseri S. H2-O deficiency promotes regulatory T cell differentiation and CD4 T cell hyperactivity. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1304798. [PMID: 38250071 PMCID: PMC10796743 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1304798] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg) are crucial immune modulators, yet the exact mechanism of thymic Treg development remains controversial. Here, we present the first direct evidence for H2-O, an MHC class II peptide editing molecular chaperon, on selection of thymic Tregs. We identified that lack of H2-O in the thymic medulla promotes thymic Treg development and leads to an increased peripheral Treg frequency. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of splenic CD4 T cells revealed not only an enrichment of effector-like Tregs, but also activated CD4 T cells in the absence of H2-O. Our data support two concepts; a) lack of H2-O expression in the thymic medulla creates an environment permissive to Treg development and, b) that loss of H2-O drives increased basal auto-stimulation of CD4 T cells. These findings can help in better understanding of predispositions to autoimmunity and design of therapeutics for treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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12
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Kawakami R, Sakaguchi S. Regulatory T Cells for Control of Autoimmunity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1444:67-82. [PMID: 38467973 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-9781-7_5] [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: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells, which specifically express the master transcription factor FoxP3, are indispensable for the maintenance of immunological self-tolerance and homeostasis. Their functional or numerical anomalies can be causative of autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases. Recent advances in the research of the cellular and molecular basis of how Treg cells develop, exert suppression, and maintain their function have enabled devising various ways for controlling physiological and pathological immune responses by targeting Treg cells. It is now envisaged that Treg cells as a "living drug" are able to achieve antigen-specific immune suppression of various immune responses and reestablish immunological self-tolerance in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoji Kawakami
- Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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13
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Richardson L, Wilcockson SG, Guglielmi L, Hill CS. Context-dependent TGFβ family signalling in cell fate regulation. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:876-894. [PMID: 37596501 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00638-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) family are a large group of evolutionarily conserved cytokines whose signalling modulates cell fate decision-making across varying cellular contexts at different stages of life. Here we discuss new findings in early embryos that reveal how, in contrast to our original understanding of morphogen interpretation, robust cell fate specification can originate from a noisy combination of signalling inputs and a broad range of signalling levels. We compare this evidence with novel findings on the roles of TGFβ family signalling in tissue maintenance and homeostasis during juvenile and adult life, spanning the skeletal, haemopoietic and immune systems. From these comparisons, it emerges that in contrast to robust developing systems, relatively small perturbations in TGFβ family signalling have detrimental effects at later stages in life, leading to aberrant cell fate specification and disease, for example in cancer or congenital disorders. Finally, we highlight novel strategies to target and amend dysfunction in signalling and discuss how gleaning knowledge from different fields of biology can help in the development of therapeutics for aberrant TGFβ family signalling in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Richardson
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Scott G Wilcockson
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Luca Guglielmi
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Division of Cell Biology, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Caroline S Hill
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
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14
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Malin J, Martinez-Ruiz GU, Zhao Y, Shissler SC, Cowan JE, Ding Y, Morales-Sanchez A, Ishikawa M, Lavaert M, Das A, Butcher D, Warner AC, Kallarakal M, Chen J, Kedei N, Kelly M, Brinster LR, Allman D, Bhandoola A. Expression of the transcription factor Klf6 by thymic epithelial cells is required for thymus development. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg8126. [PMID: 37967174 PMCID: PMC10651122 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg8126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TEC) control T cell development and play essential roles in establishing self-tolerance. By using Foxn1-Cre-driven ablation of Klf6 gene in TEC, we identified Klf6 as a critical factor in TEC development. Klf6 deficiency resulted in a hypoplastic thymus-evident from fetal stages into adulthood-in which a dramatic increase in the frequency of apoptotic TEC was observed. Among cortical TEC (cTEC), a previously unreported cTEC population expressing the transcription factor Sox10 was relatively expanded. Within medullary TEC (mTEC), mTEC I and Tuft-like mTEC IV were disproportionately decreased. Klf6 deficiency altered chromatin accessibility and affected TEC chromatin configuration. Consistent with these defects, naïve conventional T cells and invariant natural killer T cells were reduced in the spleen. Late stages of T cell receptor-dependent selection of thymocytes were affected, and mice exhibited autoimmunity. Thus, Klf6 has a prosurvival role and affects the development of specific TEC subsets contributing to thymic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Malin
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gustavo Ulises Martinez-Ruiz
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Research Division, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
- Children’s Hospital Federico Gomez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yongge Zhao
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Susannah C. Shissler
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Cowan
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Yi Ding
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Abigail Morales-Sanchez
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Children’s Hospital Federico Gomez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Masaki Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marieke Lavaert
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Arundhoti Das
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Donna Butcher
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Andrew C. Warner
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Melissa Kallarakal
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jingqiu Chen
- Office of Science and Technology Resources, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- ACROBiosystems, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Noemi Kedei
- Office of Science and Technology Resources, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michael Kelly
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lauren R. Brinster
- Division of Veterinary Resources, Office of Research Services, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David Allman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Avinash Bhandoola
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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15
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Tripathi S, Tsang JS, Park K. Systems immunology of regulatory T cells: can one circuit explain it all? Trends Immunol 2023; 44:766-781. [PMID: 37690962 PMCID: PMC10543564 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.08.007] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells play vital roles in immune homeostasis and response, including discrimination between self- and non-self-antigens, containment of immunopathology, and inflammation resolution. These diverse functions are orchestrated by cellular circuits involving Tregs and other cell types across space and time. Despite dramatic progress in our understanding of Treg biology, a quantitative framework capturing how Treg-containing circuits give rise to these diverse functions is lacking. Here, we propose that different facets of Treg function can be interpreted as distinct operating regimes of the same underlying circuit. We discuss how a systems immunology approach, involving quantitative experiments, computational modeling, and machine learning, can advance our understanding of Treg function, and help identify general operating and design principles underlying immune regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubham Tripathi
- Yale Center for Systems and Engineering Immunology and Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| | - John S Tsang
- Yale Center for Systems and Engineering Immunology and Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Kyemyung Park
- Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Graduate School of Health Science and Technology and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Welsh RA, Song N, Park CS, Peske JD, Sadegh-Nasseri S. H2-O deficiency promotes regulatory T cell differentiation and CD4 T cell hyperactivity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.14.553240. [PMID: 37645777 PMCID: PMC10462011 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.14.553240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg) are crucial immune modulators, yet the exact mechanism of thymic Treg development remains controversial. Here, we present the first direct evidence for H2-O, an MHC class II peptide editing molecular chaperon, on selection of thymic Tregs. We provide evidence that lack of H2-O in the thymic medulla promotes thymic Treg development and leads to an increased peripheral Treg frequency. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of splenic CD4 T cells revealed not only of an enrichment of effector-like Tregs but also of activated CD4 T cells in the absence of H2-O. Our data support two concepts; a) lack of H2-O expression in the thymic medulla creates an environment permissive to Treg development and, b) that loss of H2-O drives increased basal auto-stimulation of CD4 T cells. These findings can help in better understanding of predispositions to autoimmunity and design of therapeutics for treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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