1
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Rojas M, Acosta-Ampudia Y, Heuer LS, Zang W, M Monsalve D, Ramírez-Santana C, Anaya JM, M Ridgway W, A Ansari A, Gershwin ME. Antigen-specific T cells and autoimmunity. J Autoimmun 2024; 148:103303. [PMID: 39141985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103303] [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: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases (ADs) showcase the intricate balance between the immune system's protective functions and its potential for self-inflicted damage. These disorders arise from the immune system's erroneous targeting of the body's tissues, resulting in damage and disease. The ability of T cells to distinguish between self and non-self-antigens is pivotal to averting autoimmune reactions. Perturbations in this process contribute to AD development. Autoreactive T cells that elude thymic elimination are activated by mimics of self-antigens or are erroneously activated by self-antigens can trigger autoimmune responses. Various mechanisms, including molecular mimicry and bystander activation, contribute to AD initiation, with specific triggers and processes varying across the different ADs. In addition, the formation of neo-epitopes could also be implicated in the emergence of autoreactivity. The specificity of T cell responses centers on the antigen recognition sequences expressed by T cell receptors (TCRs), which recognize peptide fragments displayed by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. The assortment of TCR gene combinations yields a diverse array of T cell populations, each with distinct affinities for self and non-self antigens. However, new evidence challenges the traditional notion that clonal expansion solely steers the selection of higher-affinity T cells. Lower-affinity T cells also play a substantial role, prompting the "two-hit" hypothesis. High-affinity T cells incite initial responses, while their lower-affinity counterparts perpetuate autoimmunity. Precision treatments that target antigen-specific T cells hold promise for avoiding widespread immunosuppression. Nevertheless, detection of such antigen-specific T cells remains a challenge, and multiple technologies have been developed with different sensitivities while still harboring several drawbacks. In addition, elements such as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes and validation through animal models are pivotal for advancing these strategies. In brief, this review delves into the intricate mechanisms contributing to ADs, accentuating the pivotal role(s) of antigen-specific T cells in steering immune responses and disease progression, as well as the novel strategies for the identification of antigen-specific cells and their possible future use in humans. Grasping the mechanisms behind ADs paves the way for targeted therapeutic interventions, potentially enhancing treatment choices while minimizing the risk of systemic immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Rojas
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia.
| | - Yeny Acosta-Ampudia
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Luke S Heuer
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Weici Zang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Diana M Monsalve
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Carolina Ramírez-Santana
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | | | - William M Ridgway
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Aftab A Ansari
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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2
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Seyedsadr M, Bang MF, McCarthy EC, Zhang S, Chen HC, Mohebbi M, Hugo W, Whitmire JK, Lechner MG, Su MA. A pathologically expanded, clonal lineage of IL-21-producing CD4+ T cells drives inflammatory neuropathy. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e178602. [PMID: 39087473 PMCID: PMC11290969 DOI: 10.1172/jci178602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory neuropathies, which include chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS), result from autoimmune destruction of the PNS and are characterized by progressive weakness and sensory loss. CD4+ T cells play a key role in the autoimmune destruction of the PNS. Yet, key properties of pathogenic CD4+ T cells remain incompletely understood. Here, we used paired single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) and single-cell T cell receptor-sequencing (scTCR-Seq) of peripheral nerves from an inflammatory neuropathy mouse model to identify IL-21-expressing CD4+ T cells that were clonally expanded and multifunctional. These IL-21-expressing CD4+ T cells consisted of 2 transcriptionally distinct expanded cell populations, which expressed genes associated with T follicular helper (Tfh) and T peripheral helper (Tph) cell subsets. Remarkably, TCR clonotypes were shared between these 2 IL-21-expressing cell populations, suggesting a common lineage differentiation pathway. Finally, we demonstrated that IL-21 receptor-KO (IL-21R-KO) mice were protected from neuropathy development and had decreased immune infiltration into peripheral nerves. IL-21 signaling upregulated CXCR6, a chemokine receptor that promotes CD4+ T cell localization in peripheral nerves. Together, these findings point to IL-21 signaling, Tfh/Tph differentiation, and CXCR6-mediated cellular localization as potential therapeutic targets in inflammatory neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Madison F. Bang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics and
| | | | - Shirley Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics and
| | - Ho-Chung Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics and
| | - Mahnia Mohebbi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics and
| | - Willy Hugo
- Department of Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jason K. Whitmire
- Department of Genetics, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Melissa G. Lechner
- Department of Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Maureen A. Su
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics and
- Department of Pediatrics, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
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3
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Lee K, Park J, Tanno H, Georgiou G, Diamond B, Kim SJ. Peripheral T cell activation, not thymic selection, expands the T follicular helper repertoire in a lupus-prone murine model. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2309780120. [PMID: 37983487 PMCID: PMC10691248 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309780120] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Many autoimmune diseases are characterized by the activation of autoreactive T cells. The T cell repertoire is established in the thymus; it remains uncertain whether the presence of disease-associated autoreactive T cells reflects abnormal T cell selection in the thymus or aberrant T cell activation in the periphery. Here, we describe T cell selection, activation, and T cell repertoire diversity in female mice deficient for B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein (BLIMP)-1 in dendritic cells (DCs) (Prdm1 CKO). These mice exhibit a lupus-like phenotype with an expanded population of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells having a more diverse T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire than wild-type mice and, in turn, develop a lupus-like pathology. To understand the origin of the aberrant Tfh population, we analyzed the TCR repertoire of thymocytes and naive CD4 T cells from Prdm1 CKO mice. We show that early development and selection of T cells in the thymus are not affected. Importantly, however, we observed increased TCR signal strength and increased proliferation of naive T cells cultured in vitro with antigen and BLIMP1-deficient DCs compared to control DCs. Moreover, there was increased diversity in the TCR repertoire in naive CD4+ T cells stimulated in vitro with BLIMP1-deficient DCs. Collectively, our data indicate that lowering the threshold for peripheral T cell activation without altering thymic selection and naive T cell TCR repertoire leads to an expanded repertoire of antigen-activated T cells and impairs peripheral T cell tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungwoo Lee
- Center for Autoimmune, Musculoskeletal and Hematopoietic Disease, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY11030
- Department of Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY11549
| | - Juyeon Park
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX78712
| | - Hidetaka Tanno
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX78712
- Cancer Immunology Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya, Tokyo156-8506, Japan
| | - George Georgiou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX78712
| | - Betty Diamond
- Center for Autoimmune, Musculoskeletal and Hematopoietic Disease, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY11030
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health-Hofstra School of Medicine, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY11549
| | - Sun Jung Kim
- Center for Autoimmune, Musculoskeletal and Hematopoietic Disease, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY11030
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health-Hofstra School of Medicine, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY11549
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4
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Sin JH, Sucharov J, Kashyap S, Wang Y, Proekt I, Liu X, Parent AV, Gupta A, Kastner P, Chan S, Gardner JM, Ntranos V, Miller CN, Anderson MS, Schjerven H, Waterfield MR. Ikaros is a principal regulator of Aire + mTEC homeostasis, thymic mimetic cell diversity, and central tolerance. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eabq3109. [PMID: 37889983 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abq3109] [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: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding the zinc-finger transcription factor Ikaros (IKZF1) are found in patients with immunodeficiency, leukemia, and autoimmunity. Although Ikaros has a well-established function in modulating gene expression programs important for hematopoietic development, its role in other cell types is less well defined. Here, we uncover functions for Ikaros in thymic epithelial lineage development in mice and show that Ikzf1 expression in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) is required for both autoimmune regulator-positive (Aire+) mTEC development and tissue-specific antigen (TSA) gene expression. Accordingly, TEC-specific deletion of Ikzf1 in mice results in a profound decrease in Aire+ mTECs, a global loss of TSA gene expression, and the development of autoimmunity. Moreover, Ikaros shapes thymic mimetic cell diversity, and its deletion results in a marked expansion of thymic tuft cells and muscle-like mTECs and a loss of other Aire-dependent mimetic populations. Single-cell analysis reveals that Ikaros modulates core transcriptional programs in TECs that correlate with the observed cellular changes. Our findings highlight a previously undescribed role for Ikaros in regulating epithelial lineage development and function and suggest that failed thymic central tolerance could contribute to the autoimmunity seen in humans with IKZF1 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Hyung Sin
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Juliana Sucharov
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sujit Kashyap
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yi Wang
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- 10x Genomics, Pleasanton, CA, USA
| | - Irina Proekt
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xian Liu
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Audrey V Parent
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Gupta
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Philippe Kastner
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U 1258, CNRS UMR 7104, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Susan Chan
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U 1258, CNRS UMR 7104, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - James M Gardner
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vasilis Ntranos
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Corey N Miller
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark S Anderson
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hilde Schjerven
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael R Waterfield
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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5
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Michelson DA, Zuo C, Verzi M, Benoist C, Mathis D. Hnf4 activates mimetic-cell enhancers to recapitulate gut and liver development within the thymus. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20230461. [PMID: 37399024 PMCID: PMC10318407 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20230461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mimetic cells are medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) that mimic extra-thymic cell types to tolerize T cells to self-antigens. Here, we dissected the biology of entero-hepato mTECs, mimetic cells expressing gut- and liver-associated transcripts. Entero-hepato mTECs conserved their thymic identity yet accessed wide swaths of enterocyte chromatin and transcriptional programs via the transcription factors Hnf4α and Hnf4γ. Deletion of Hnf4α and Hnf4γ in TECs ablated entero-hepato mTECs and downregulated numerous gut- and liver-associated transcripts, with a primary contribution from Hnf4γ. Loss of Hnf4 impaired enhancer activation and CTCF redistribution in mTECs but did not impact Polycomb-mediated repression or promoter-proximal histone marks. By single-cell RNA sequencing, Hnf4 loss produced three distinct effects on mimetic cell state, fate, and accumulation. Serendipitously, a requirement for Hnf4 in microfold mTECs was discovered, which exposed a requirement for Hnf4γ in gut microfold cells and the IgA response. Study of Hnf4 in entero-hepato mTECs thus revealed mechanisms of gene control in the thymus and periphery alike.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chong Zuo
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Verzi
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | - Diane Mathis
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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6
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Sagan SA, Moinfar Z, Moseley CE, Dandekar R, Spencer CM, Verkman AS, Ottersen OP, Sobel RA, Sidney J, Sette A, Anderson MS, Steinman L, Wilson MR, Sabatino JJ, Zamvil SS. T cell deletional tolerance restricts AQP4 but not MOG CNS autoimmunity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2306572120. [PMID: 37463205 PMCID: PMC10372680 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306572120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-specific Th17 cells are thought to have a central role in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) pathogenesis. When modeling NMO, only AQP4-reactive Th17 cells from AQP4-deficient (AQP4-/-), but not wild-type (WT) mice, caused CNS autoimmunity in recipient WT mice, indicating that a tightly regulated mechanism normally ensures tolerance to AQP4. Here, we found that pathogenic AQP4 T cell epitopes bind MHC II with exceptionally high affinity. Examination of T cell receptor (TCR) α/β usage revealed that AQP4-specific T cells from AQP4-/- mice employed a distinct TCR repertoire and exhibited clonal expansion. Selective thymic AQP4 deficiency did not fully restore AQP4-reactive T cells, demonstrating that thymic negative selection alone did not account for AQP4-specific tolerance in WT mice. Indeed, AQP4-specific Th17 cells caused paralysis in recipient WT or B cell-deficient mice, which was followed by complete recovery that was associated with apoptosis of donor T cells. However, donor AQP4-reactive T cells survived and caused persistent paralysis in recipient mice deficient in both T and B cells or mice lacking T cells only. Thus, AQP4 CNS autoimmunity was limited by T cell-dependent deletion of AQP4-reactive T cells. In contrast, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-specific T cells survived and caused sustained disease in WT mice. These findings underscore the importance of peripheral T cell deletional tolerance to AQP4, which may be relevant to understanding the balance of AQP4-reactive T cells in health and in NMO. T cell tolerance to AQP4, expressed in multiple tissues, is distinct from tolerance to MOG, an autoantigen restricted in its expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon A Sagan
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Program in Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Zahra Moinfar
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Program in Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Carson E Moseley
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Program in Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Ravi Dandekar
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Collin M Spencer
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Program in Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Alan S Verkman
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Ole Petter Ottersen
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo NO-0316, Norway
| | - Raymond A Sobel
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto VA Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94305
| | - John Sidney
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Mark S Anderson
- Program in Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Lawrence Steinman
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Michael R Wilson
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Joseph J Sabatino
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Scott S Zamvil
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Program in Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
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7
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Casanova JL, Anderson MS. Unlocking life-threatening COVID-19 through two types of inborn errors of type I IFNs. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e166283. [PMID: 36719370 PMCID: PMC9888384 DOI: 10.1172/jci166283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 2003, rare inborn errors of human type I IFN immunity have been discovered, each underlying a few severe viral illnesses. Autoantibodies neutralizing type I IFNs due to rare inborn errors of autoimmune regulator (AIRE)-driven T cell tolerance were discovered in 2006, but not initially linked to any viral disease. These two lines of clinical investigation converged in 2020, with the discovery that inherited and/or autoimmune deficiencies of type I IFN immunity accounted for approximately 15%-20% of cases of critical COVID-19 pneumonia in unvaccinated individuals. Thus, insufficient type I IFN immunity at the onset of SARS-CoV-2 infection may be a general determinant of life-threatening COVID-19. These findings illustrate the unpredictable, but considerable, contribution of the study of rare human genetic diseases to basic biology and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Laurent Casanova
- St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Rockefeller Branch, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France
- Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
- Department of Pediatrics, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mark S. Anderson
- Diabetes Center and
- Department of Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
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8
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Qi Y, Zhang R, Lu Y, Zou X, Yang W. Aire and Fezf2, two regulators in medullary thymic epithelial cells, control autoimmune diseases by regulating TSAs: Partner or complementer? Front Immunol 2022; 13:948259. [PMID: 36110862 PMCID: PMC9468217 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.948259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of tissue-specific antigens (TSAs) in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) is believed to be responsible for the elimination of autoreactive T cells, a critical process in the maintenance of central immune tolerance. The transcription factor autoimmune regulator (Aire) and FEZ family zinc finger 2(Fezf2) play an essential role in driving the expression of TSAs in mTECs, while their deficiency in humans and mice causes a range of autoimmune manifestations, such as type 1 diabetes, Sjögren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. However, because of their regulatory mechanisms, the expression profile of TSAs and their relationship with special autoimmune diseases are still in dispute. In this review, we compare the roles of Aire and Fezf2 in regulating TSAs, with an emphasis on their molecular mechanisms in autoimmune diseases, which provides the foundation for devising improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xueyang Zou
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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9
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Březina J, Vobořil M, Filipp D. Mechanisms of Direct and Indirect Presentation of Self-Antigens in the Thymus. Front Immunol 2022; 13:926625. [PMID: 35774801 PMCID: PMC9237256 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.926625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The inevitability of evolution of the adaptive immune system with its mechanism of randomly rearranging segments of the T cell receptor (TCR) gene is the generation of self-reactive clones. For the sake of prevention of autoimmunity, these clones must be eliminated from the pool of circulating T cells. This process occurs largely in the thymic medulla where the strength of affinity between TCR and self-peptide MHC complexes is the factor determining thymocyte fate. Thus, the display of self-antigens in the thymus by thymic antigen presenting cells, which are comprised of medullary thymic epithelial (mTECs) and dendritic cells (DCs), is fundamental for the establishment of T cell central tolerance. Whereas mTECs produce and present antigens in a direct, self-autonomous manner, thymic DCs can acquire these mTEC-derived antigens by cooperative antigen transfer (CAT), and thus present them indirectly. While the basic characteristics for both direct and indirect presentation of self-antigens are currently known, recent reports that describe the heterogeneity of mTEC and DC subsets, their presentation capacity, and the potentially non-redundant roles in T cell selection processes represents another level of complexity which we are attempting to unravel. In this review, we underscore the seminal studies relevant to these topics with an emphasis on new observations pertinent to the mechanism of CAT and its cellular trajectories underpinning the preferential distribution of thymic epithelial cell-derived self-antigens to specific subsets of DC. Identification of molecular determinants which control CAT would significantly advance our understanding of how the cellularly targeted presentation of thymic self-antigens is functionally coupled to the T cell selection process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dominik Filipp
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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10
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Ferré EMN, Schmitt MM, Lionakis MS. Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy-Candidiasis-Ectodermal Dystrophy. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:723532. [PMID: 34790633 PMCID: PMC8591095 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.723532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), also known as autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type-1 (APS-1), is a rare monogenic autoimmune disease caused by loss-of-function mutations in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene. AIRE deficiency impairs immune tolerance in the thymus and results in the peripheral escape of self-reactive T lymphocytes and the generation of several cytokine- and tissue antigen-targeted autoantibodies. APECED features a classic triad of characteristic clinical manifestations consisting of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC), hypoparathyroidism, and primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease). In addition, APECED patients develop several non-endocrine autoimmune manifestations with variable frequencies, whose recognition by pediatricians should facilitate an earlier diagnosis and allow for the prompt implementation of targeted screening, preventive, and therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes our current understanding of the genetic, immunological, clinical, diagnostic, and treatment features of APECED.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michail S. Lionakis
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
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11
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Oikonomou V, Break TJ, Gaffen SL, Moutsopoulos NM, Lionakis MS. Infections in the monogenic autoimmune syndrome APECED. Curr Opin Immunol 2021; 72:286-297. [PMID: 34418591 PMCID: PMC8578378 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2021.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) is caused by mutations in the Autoimmune Regulator (AIRE) gene, which impair the thymic negative selection of self-reactive T-cells and underlie the development of autoimmunity that targets multiple endocrine and non-endocrine tissues. Beyond autoimmunity, APECED features heightened susceptibility to certain specific infections, which is mediated by anti-cytokine autoantibodies and/or T-cell driven autoimmune tissue injury. These include the 'signature' APECED infection chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC), but also life-threatening coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia, bronchiectasis-associated bacterial pneumonia, and sepsis by encapsulated bacteria. Here we discuss the expanding understanding of the immunological mechanisms that contribute to infection susceptibility in this prototypic syndrome of impaired central tolerance, which provide the foundation for devising improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Oikonomou
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology & Microbiology (LCIM), National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Timothy J Break
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology & Microbiology (LCIM), National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sarah L Gaffen
- University of Pittsburgh, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Pittsburgh PA, USA
| | - Niki M Moutsopoulos
- Oral Immunity and Inflammation Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michail S Lionakis
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology & Microbiology (LCIM), National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA.
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12
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Wolff ASB, Braun S, Husebye ES, Oftedal BE. B Cells and Autoantibodies in AIRE Deficiency. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1274. [PMID: 34572460 PMCID: PMC8466229 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1) is a rare but severe monogenetic autoimmune endocrine disease caused by failure of the Autoimmune Regulator (AIRE). AIRE regulates the negative selection of T cells in the thymus, and the main pathogenic mechanisms are believed to be T cell-mediated, but little is known about the role of B cells. Here, we give an overview of the role of B cells in thymic and peripheral tolerance in APS-1 patients and different AIRE-deficient mouse models. We also look closely into which autoantibodies have been described for this disorder, and their implications. Based on what is known about B cell therapy in other autoimmune disorders, we outline the potential of B cell therapies in APS-1 and highlight the unresolved research questions to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette S. B. Wolff
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (A.S.B.W.); (S.B.); (E.S.H.)
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- KG Jebsen Center for Autoimmune Disorders, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Sarah Braun
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (A.S.B.W.); (S.B.); (E.S.H.)
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eystein S. Husebye
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (A.S.B.W.); (S.B.); (E.S.H.)
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- KG Jebsen Center for Autoimmune Disorders, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Bergithe E. Oftedal
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (A.S.B.W.); (S.B.); (E.S.H.)
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- KG Jebsen Center for Autoimmune Disorders, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
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13
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Wirasinha RC, Davies AR, Srivastava M, Sheridan JM, Sng XYX, Delmonte OM, Dobbs K, Loh KL, Miosge LA, Lee CE, Chand R, Chan A, Yap JY, Keller MD, Chen K, Rossjohn J, La Gruta NL, Vinuesa CG, Reid HH, Lionakis MS, Notarangelo LD, Gray DHD, Goodnow CC, Cook MC, Daley SR. Nfkb2 variants reveal a p100-degradation threshold that defines autoimmune susceptibility. J Exp Med 2021; 218:211502. [PMID: 33107914 PMCID: PMC7595743 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20200476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
NF-κB2/p100 (p100) is an inhibitor of κB (IκB) protein that is partially degraded to produce the NF-κB2/p52 (p52) transcription factor. Heterozygous NFKB2 mutations cause a human syndrome of immunodeficiency and autoimmunity, but whether autoimmunity arises from insufficiency of p52 or IκB function of mutated p100 is unclear. Here, we studied mice bearing mutations in the p100 degron, a domain that harbors most of the clinically recognized mutations and is required for signal-dependent p100 degradation. Distinct mutations caused graded increases in p100-degradation resistance. Severe p100-degradation resistance, due to inheritance of one highly degradation-resistant allele or two subclinical alleles, caused thymic medullary hypoplasia and autoimmune disease, whereas the absence of p100 and p52 did not. We inferred a similar mechanism occurs in humans, as the T cell receptor repertoires of affected humans and mice contained a hydrophobic signature of increased self-reactivity. Autoimmunity in autosomal dominant NFKB2 syndrome arises largely from defects in nonhematopoietic cells caused by the IκB function of degradation-resistant p100.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rushika C Wirasinha
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Ainsley R Davies
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.,Translational Research Unit, Department of Immunology, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australia.,Centre for Personalised Immunology (NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence), John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Monika Srivastava
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Julie M Sheridan
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Xavier Y X Sng
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Ottavia M Delmonte
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Kerry Dobbs
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Khai L Loh
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Lisa A Miosge
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Cindy Eunhee Lee
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.,Translational Research Unit, Department of Immunology, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australia
| | - Rochna Chand
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.,Translational Research Unit, Department of Immunology, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australia
| | - Anna Chan
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jin Yan Yap
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Michael D Keller
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Karin Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.,Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Jamie Rossjohn
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.,Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Nicole L La Gruta
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Carola G Vinuesa
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.,Centre for Personalised Immunology (NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence), John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Hugh H Reid
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Michail S Lionakis
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Daniel H D Gray
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christopher C Goodnow
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & Cellular Genomics Futures Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matthew C Cook
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.,Translational Research Unit, Department of Immunology, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australia.,Centre for Personalised Immunology (NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence), John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Stephen R Daley
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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14
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Sharma H, Moroni L. Recent Advancements in Regenerative Approaches for Thymus Rejuvenation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2100543. [PMID: 34306981 PMCID: PMC8292900 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The thymus plays a key role in adaptive immunity by generating a diverse population of T cells that defend the body against pathogens. Various factors from disease and toxic insults contribute to the degeneration of the thymus resulting in a fewer output of T cells. Consequently, the body is prone to a wide host of diseases and infections. In this review, first, the relevance of the thymus is discussed, followed by thymic embryological organogenesis and anatomy as well as the development and functionality of T cells. Attempts to regenerate the thymus include in vitro methods, such as forming thymic organoids aided by biofabrication techniques that are transplantable. Ex vivo methods that have shown promise in enhancing thymic regeneration are also discussed. Current regenerative technologies have not yet matched the complexity and functionality of the thymus. Therefore, emerging techniques that have shown promise and the challenges that lie ahead are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himal Sharma
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment of Complex Tissue RegenerationMaastricht UniversityMaastricht6229 ERNetherlands
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment of Complex Tissue RegenerationMaastricht UniversityMaastricht6229 ERNetherlands
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15
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Klawon DEJ, Gilmore DC, Leonard JD, Miller CH, Chao JL, Walker MT, Duncombe RK, Tung KS, Adams EJ, Savage PA. Altered selection on a single self-ligand promotes susceptibility to organ-specific T cell infiltration. J Exp Med 2021; 218:212038. [PMID: 33914024 PMCID: PMC8091134 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20200701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
For the large array of self-peptide/MHC class II (pMHC-II) complexes displayed in the body, it is unclear whether CD4+ T cell tolerance must be imparted for each individual complex or whether pMHC-II–nonspecific bystander mechanisms are sufficient to confer tolerance by acting broadly on T cells reactive to multiple self-pMHC-II ligands. Here, via reconstitution of T cell–deficient mice, we demonstrate that altered T cell selection on a single prostate-specific self-pMHC-II ligand renders recipient mice susceptible to prostate-specific T cell infiltration. Mechanistically, this self-pMHC-II complex is required for directing antigen-specific cells into the Foxp3+ regulatory T cell lineage but does not induce clonal deletion to a measurable extent. Thus, our data demonstrate that polyclonal T reg cells are unable to functionally compensate for a breach in tolerance to a single self-pMHC-II complex in this setting, revealing vulnerabilities in antigen-nonspecific bystander mechanisms of immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dana C Gilmore
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - John D Leonard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Jaime L Chao
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Ryan K Duncombe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Kenneth S Tung
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Erin J Adams
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Peter A Savage
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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16
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Perniola R, Fierabracci A, Falorni A. Autoimmune Addison's Disease as Part of the Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 1: Historical Overview and Current Evidence. Front Immunol 2021; 12:606860. [PMID: 33717087 PMCID: PMC7953157 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.606860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS1) is caused by pathogenic variants of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene, located in the chromosomal region 21q22.3. The related protein, AIRE, enhances thymic self-representation and immune self-tolerance by localization to chromatin and anchorage to multimolecular complexes involved in the initiation and post-initiation events of tissue-specific antigen-encoding gene transcription. Once synthesized, the self-antigens are presented to, and cause deletion of, the self-reactive thymocyte clones. The clinical diagnosis of APS1 is based on the classic triad idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (HPT)—chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis—autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD), though new criteria based on early non-endocrine manifestations have been proposed. HPT is in most cases the first endocrine component of the syndrome; however, APS1-associated AAD has received the most accurate biochemical, clinical, and immunological characterization. Here is a comprehensive review of the studies on APS1-associated AAD from initial case reports to the most recent scientific findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Perniola
- Department of Pediatrics-Neonatal Intensive Care, V. Fazzi Hospital, ASL LE, Lecce, Italy
| | - Alessandra Fierabracci
- Infectivology and Clinical Trials Research Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Falorni
- Section of Internal Medicine and Endocrinological and Metabolic Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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17
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Camacho-Ordonez N, Ballestar E, Timmers HTM, Grimbacher B. What can clinical immunology learn from inborn errors of epigenetic regulators? J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 147:1602-1618. [PMID: 33609625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The epigenome is at the interface between environmental factors and the genome, regulating gene transcription, DNA repair, and replication. Epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining cell identity and are especially crucial for neurology, musculoskeletal integrity, and the function of the immune system. Mutations in genes encoding for the components of the epigenetic machinery lead to the development of distinct disorders, especially involving the central nervous system and host defense. In this review, we focus on the role of epigenetic modifications for the function of the immune system. By studying the immune phenotype of patients with monogenic mutations in components of the epigenetic machinery (inborn errors of epigenetic regulators), we demonstrate the importance of DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, noncoding RNAs, and mRNA processing for immunity. Moreover, we give a short overview on therapeutic strategies targeting the epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezhda Camacho-Ordonez
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Esteban Ballestar
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - H Th Marc Timmers
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Urology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bodo Grimbacher
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; DZIF - German Center for Infection Research, Satellite Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, Albert-Ludwigs University, Freiburg, Germany; RESIST- Cluster of Excellence 2155 to Hanover Medical School, Satellite Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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18
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Marx A, Yamada Y, Simon-Keller K, Schalke B, Willcox N, Ströbel P, Weis CA. Thymus and autoimmunity. Semin Immunopathol 2021; 43:45-64. [PMID: 33537838 PMCID: PMC7925479 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-021-00842-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The thymus prevents autoimmune diseases through mechanisms that operate in the cortex and medulla, comprising positive and negative selection and the generation of regulatory T-cells (Tregs). Egress from the thymus through the perivascular space (PVS) to the blood is another possible checkpoint, as shown by some autoimmune/immunodeficiency syndromes. In polygenic autoimmune diseases, subtle thymic dysfunctions may compound genetic, hormonal and environmental cues. Here, we cover (a) tolerance-inducing cell types, whether thymic epithelial or tuft cells, or dendritic, B- or thymic myoid cells; (b) tolerance-inducing mechanisms and their failure in relation to thymic anatomic compartments, and with special emphasis on human monogenic and polygenic autoimmune diseases and the related thymic pathologies, if known; (c) polymorphisms and mutations of tolerance-related genes with an impact on positive selection (e.g. the gene encoding the thymoproteasome-specific subunit, PSMB11), promiscuous gene expression (e.g. AIRE, PRKDC, FEZF2, CHD4), Treg development (e.g. SATB1, FOXP3), T-cell migration (e.g. TAGAP) and egress from the thymus (e.g. MTS1, CORO1A); (d) myasthenia gravis as the prototypic outcome of an inflamed or disordered neoplastic ‘sick thymus’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Marx
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Yosuke Yamada
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Katja Simon-Keller
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Berthold Schalke
- Department of Neurology, Bezirkskrankenhaus, University of Regensburg, 93042, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nick Willcox
- Neurosciences Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurology, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Philipp Ströbel
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttigen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Cleo-Aron Weis
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
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19
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Watanabe M, Lu Y, Breen M, Hodes RJ. B7-CD28 co-stimulation modulates central tolerance via thymic clonal deletion and Treg generation through distinct mechanisms. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6264. [PMID: 33293517 PMCID: PMC7722925 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20070-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular and cellular mechanisms mediating thymic central tolerance and prevention of autoimmunity are not fully understood. Here we show that B7-CD28 co-stimulation and B7 expression by specific antigen-presenting cell (APC) types are required for clonal deletion and for regulatory T (Treg) cell generation from endogenous tissue-restricted antigen (TRA)-specific thymocytes. While B7-CD28 interaction is required for both clonal deletion and Treg induction, these two processes differ in their CD28 signaling requirements and in their dependence on B7-expressing dendritic cells, B cells, and thymic epithelial cells. Meanwhile, defective thymic clonal deletion due to altered B7-CD28 signaling results in the accumulation of mature, peripheral TRA-specific T cells capable of mediating destructive autoimmunity. Our findings thus reveal a function of B7-CD28 co-stimulation in shaping the T cell repertoire and limiting autoimmunity through both thymic clonal deletion and Treg cell generation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigen-Presenting Cells/metabolism
- Autoimmunity/physiology
- B7-1 Antigen/metabolism
- CD28 Antigens/genetics
- CD28 Antigens/metabolism
- Cell Differentiation/immunology
- Central Tolerance
- Clonal Deletion
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/immunology
- Flow Cytometry
- Gene Knock-In Techniques
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- Thymocytes/physiology
- Thymus Gland/cytology
- Thymus Gland/immunology
- Thymus Gland/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Watanabe
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ying Lu
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Michael Breen
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Richard J Hodes
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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20
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The contribution of thymic tolerance to central nervous system autoimmunity. Semin Immunopathol 2020; 43:135-157. [PMID: 33108502 PMCID: PMC7925481 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00822-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) are associated with high levels of morbidity and economic cost. Research efforts have previously focused on the contribution of the peripheral adaptive and innate immune systems to CNS autoimmunity. However, a failure of thymic negative selection is a necessary step in CNS-reactive T cells escaping into the periphery. Even with defective thymic or peripheral tolerance, the development of CNS inflammation is rare. The reasons underlying this are currently poorly understood. In this review, we examine evidence implicating thymic selection in the pathogenesis of CNS autoimmunity. Animal models suggest that thymic negative selection is an important factor in determining susceptibility to and severity of CNS inflammation. There are indirect clinical data that suggest thymic function is also important in human CNS autoimmune diseases. Specifically, the association between thymoma and paraneoplastic encephalitis and changes in T cell receptor excision circles in multiple sclerosis implicate thymic tolerance in these diseases. We identify potential associations between CNS autoimmunity susceptibility factors and thymic tolerance. The therapeutic manipulation of thymopoiesis has the potential to open up new treatment modalities, but a better understanding of thymic tolerance in CNS autoimmunity is required before this can be realised.
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21
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García-Ceca J, Montero-Herradón S, Zapata AG. Intrathymic Selection and Defects in the Thymic Epithelial Cell Development. Cells 2020; 9:cells9102226. [PMID: 33023072 PMCID: PMC7601110 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intimate interactions between thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and thymocytes (T) have been repeatedly reported as essential for performing intrathymic T-cell education. Nevertheless, it has been described that animals exhibiting defects in these interactions were capable of a proper positive and negative T-cell selection. In the current review, we first examined distinct types of TECs and their possible role in the immune surveillance. However, EphB-deficient thymi that exhibit profound thymic epithelial (TE) alterations do not exhibit important immunological defects. Eph and their ligands, the ephrins, are implicated in cell attachment/detachment and govern, therefore, TEC–T interactions. On this basis, we hypothesized that a few normal TE areas could be enough for a proper phenotypical and functional maturation of T lymphocytes. Then, we evaluated in vivo how many TECs would be necessary for supporting a normal T-cell differentiation, concluding that a significantly low number of TEC are still capable of supporting normal T lymphocyte maturation, whereas with fewer numbers, T-cell maturation is not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier García-Ceca
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.G.-C.); (S.M.-H.)
- Health Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Montero-Herradón
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.G.-C.); (S.M.-H.)
- Health Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín G. Zapata
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.G.-C.); (S.M.-H.)
- Health Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-91-394-4979
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22
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Uddin MN, Yao Y, Manley K, Lawrence DA. Development, phenotypes of immune cells in BTBR T +Itpr3 tf/J mice. Cell Immunol 2020; 358:104223. [PMID: 33137646 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2020.104223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by a lack of social interaction, decreased verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and stereotyped repetitive behavior. There is strong evidence that a dysregulated immune response may influence neurodevelopment and thus may have a role in the development of ASD. This study focuses on the characterization of immune cell phenotypes in the BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mouse strain, a widely used animal model for autism research. Our study demonstrated that BTBR mice have a different immune profile compared to C57BL/6J (B6) mice, which do not display ASD-like characteristics. Thymic cells of BTBR mice have more single positive (SP) CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and fewer double positive (DP) T cells than B6 mice. The development of T cells is increased in BTBR mice with regard to the double negative (DN4) population being much higher in BTBR mice. The spleens and blood of BTBR mice also have more T helper type 1 (Th1), T helper type 2 (Th2) and T regulatory (Treg) cells compared to B6 mice. Aire expression in the thymus and spleen of BTBR mice compared to B6 mice was equivalent and lower, respectively. The mature natural killer (NK) innate immune cell population in blood and spleen is lower in BTBR than B6 mice; NK cell development is blocked prior to the double positive (DN) CD11b+CD27+ stage in BTBR mice. Since BTBR mice have more CD4+ T cells and elevated numbers of Th1 (T-bet+) and Th2 (GATA3+) cells, their low defense against pathogen may be explained by the lower number of NK cells and the significantly lower Th1 to Th2 ratio. The elevated number of plasma cells and autoantibodies of BTBR mice may be due to less presence and function of splenic AIRE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Nizam Uddin
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Yunyi Yao
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Kevin Manley
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States
| | - David A Lawrence
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States; University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY, United States.
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23
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Barik S, Cattin-Roy AN, Ukah TK, Miller MM, Teixeiro E, Zaghouani H. Type II Cytokines Fine-Tune Thymic T Cell Selection to Offset Murine Central Nervous System Autoimmunity. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:2039-2045. [PMID: 32917785 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Early thymic progenitors (ETPs) are bone marrow-derived hematopoietic stem cells that remain multipotent and give rise to a variety of lineage-specific cells. Recently, we discovered a subset of murine ETPs that expresses the IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα1 heteroreceptor (HR) and commits only to the myeloid lineage. This is because IL-4/IL-13 signaling through the HR inhibits their T cell potential and enacts commitment of HR+ETPs to thymic resident CD11c+CD8α+ dendritic cells (DCs). In this study, we discovered that HR+-ETP-derived DCs function as APCs in the thymus and promote deletion of myelin-reactive T cells. Furthermore, this negative T cell selection function of HR+-ETP-derived DCs sustains protection against experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, a mouse model for human multiple sclerosis. These findings, while shedding light on the intricacies underlying ETP lineage commitment, reveal a novel, to our knowledge, function by which IL-4 and IL-13 cytokines condition thymic microenvironment to rheostat T cell selection and fine-tune central tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhasis Barik
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - Alexis N Cattin-Roy
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - Tobechukwu K Ukah
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - Mindy M Miller
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - Emma Teixeiro
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - Habib Zaghouani
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212
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24
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Abdirama D, Tesch S, Grießbach AS, von Spee-Mayer C, Humrich JY, Stervbo U, Babel N, Meisel C, Alexander T, Biesen R, Bacher P, Scheffold A, Eckardt KU, Hiepe F, Radbruch A, Burmester GR, Riemekasten G, Enghard P. Nuclear antigen-reactive CD4 + T cells expand in active systemic lupus erythematosus, produce effector cytokines, and invade the kidneys. Kidney Int 2020; 99:238-246. [PMID: 32592813 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2020.05.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a systemic and chronic autoimmune disease characterized by loss of tolerance towards nuclear antigens with autoreactive CD4+ T cells implicated in disease pathogenesis. However, very little is known about their receptor specificity since the detection of human autoantigen specific CD4+ T cells has been extremely challenging. Here we present an analysis of CD4+ T cells reactive to nuclear antigens using two complementary methods: T cell libraries and antigen-reactive T cell enrichment. The frequencies of nuclear antigen specific CD4+ T cells correlated with disease severity. These autoreactive T cells produce effector cytokines such as interferon-γ, interleukin-17, and interleukin-10. Compared to blood, these cells were enriched in the urine of patients with active lupus nephritis, suggesting an infiltration of the inflamed kidneys. Thus, these previously unrecognized characteristics support a role for nuclear antigen-specific CD4+ T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimas Abdirama
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Tesch
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna-Sophie Grießbach
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Caroline von Spee-Mayer
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jens Y Humrich
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ulrik Stervbo
- Berlin-Brandenburg Centrum für Regenerative Therapie, Berlin, Germany; Centre for Translational Medicine, Universitätsklinikum der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nina Babel
- Berlin-Brandenburg Centrum für Regenerative Therapie, Berlin, Germany; Centre for Translational Medicine, Universitätsklinikum der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christian Meisel
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Labor Berlin - Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Alexander
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Biesen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Bacher
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Scheffold
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kai-Uwe Eckardt
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Falk Hiepe
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Radbruch
- Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerd-Rüdiger Burmester
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Philipp Enghard
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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25
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Rausch MP, Meador LR, Metzger TC, Li H, Qiu S, Anderson MS, Hastings KT. GILT in Thymic Epithelial Cells Facilitates Central CD4 T Cell Tolerance to a Tissue-Restricted, Melanoma-Associated Self-Antigen. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 204:2877-2886. [PMID: 32269095 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Central tolerance prevents autoimmunity, but also limits T cell responses to potentially immunodominant tumor epitopes with limited expression in healthy tissues. In peripheral APCs, γ-IFN-inducible lysosomal thiol reductase (GILT) is critical for MHC class II-restricted presentation of disulfide bond-containing proteins, including the self-antigen and melanoma Ag tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP1). The role of GILT in thymic Ag processing and generation of central tolerance has not been investigated. We found that GILT enhanced the negative selection of TRP1-specific thymocytes in mice. GILT expression was enriched in thymic APCs capable of mediating deletion, namely medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) and dendritic cells, whereas TRP1 expression was restricted solely to mTECs. GILT facilitated MHC class II-restricted presentation of endogenous TRP1 by pooled thymic APCs. Using bone marrow chimeras, GILT expression in thymic epithelial cells (TECs), but not hematopoietic cells, was sufficient for complete deletion of TRP1-specific thymocytes. An increased frequency of TRP1-specific regulatory T (Treg) cells was present in chimeras with increased deletion of TRP1-specific thymocytes. Only chimeras that lacked GILT in both TECs and hematopoietic cells had a high conventional T/Treg cell ratio and were protected from melanoma challenge. Thus, GILT expression in thymic APCs, and mTECs in particular, preferentially facilitates MHC class II-restricted presentation, negative selection, and increased Treg cells, resulting in a diminished antitumor response to a tissue-restricted, melanoma-associated self-antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Rausch
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004; and
| | - Lydia R Meador
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004; and
| | - Todd C Metzger
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Handong Li
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004; and
| | - Shenfeng Qiu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004; and
| | - Mark S Anderson
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - K Taraszka Hastings
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004; and
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26
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Kurd NS, Lutes LK, Yoon J, Chan SW, Dzhagalov IL, Hoover AR, Robey EA. A role for phagocytosis in inducing cell death during thymocyte negative selection. eLife 2019; 8:48097. [PMID: 31868579 PMCID: PMC6957271 DOI: 10.7554/elife.48097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoreactive thymocytes are eliminated during negative selection in the thymus, a process important for establishing self-tolerance. Thymic phagocytes serve to remove dead thymocytes, but whether they play additional roles during negative selection remains unclear. Here, using a murine thymic slice model in which thymocytes undergo negative selection in situ, we demonstrate that phagocytosis promotes negative selection, and provide evidence for the escape of autoreactive CD8 T cells to the periphery when phagocytosis in the thymus is impaired. We also show that negative selection is more efficient when the phagocyte also presents the negative selecting peptide. Our findings support a model for negative selection in which the death process initiated following strong TCR signaling is facilitated by phagocytosis. Thus, the phagocytic capability of cells that present self-peptides is a key determinant of thymocyte fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia S Kurd
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Lydia K Lutes
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Jaewon Yoon
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Shiao Wei Chan
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Ivan L Dzhagalov
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Ashley R Hoover
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Ellen A Robey
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
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27
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Abstract
The contributions of the peripheral adaptive and innate immune systems to CNS autoimmunity have been extensively studied. However, the role of thymic selection in these conditions is much less well understood. The thymus is the primary lymphoid organ for the generation of T cells; thymic mechanisms ensure that cells with an overt autoreactive specificity are eliminated before they emigrate to the periphery and control the generation of thymic regulatory T cells. Evidence from animal studies demonstrates that thymic T cell selection is important for establishing tolerance to autoantigens. However, there is a considerable knowledge gap regarding the role of thymic selection in autoimmune conditions of the human CNS. In this Review, we critically examine the current body of experimental evidence for the contribution of thymic tolerance to CNS autoimmune diseases. An understanding of why dysfunction of either thymic or peripheral tolerance mechanisms rarely leads to CNS inflammation is currently lacking. We examine the potential of de novo T cell formation and thymic selection as novel therapeutic avenues and highlight areas for future study that are likely to make these targets the focus of future treatments.
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28
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Inventories of naive and tolerant mouse CD4 T cell repertoires reveal a hierarchy of deleted and diverted T cell receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:18537-18543. [PMID: 31451631 PMCID: PMC6744931 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1907615116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Deletion or Treg cell differentiation are alternative fates of autoreactive MHCII-restricted thymocytes. How these different modes of tolerance determine the size and composition of polyclonal cohorts of autoreactive T cells with shared specificity is poorly understood. We addressed how tolerance to a naturally expressed autoantigen of the central nervous system shapes the CD4 T cell repertoire. Specific cells in the tolerant peripheral repertoire either were Foxp3+ or displayed anergy hallmarks and, surprisingly, were at least as frequent as in the nontolerant repertoire. Despite this apparent lack of deletional tolerance, repertoire inventories uncovered that some T cell receptors (TCRs) were lost from the CD4 T cell pool, whereas others mediated Treg cell differentiation. The antigen responsiveness of these TCRs supported an affinity model of central tolerance. Importantly, the contribution of different diverter TCRs to the nascent thymic Treg cell population reflected their antigen reactivity rather than their frequency among precursors. This reveals a multilayered TCR hierarchy in CD4 T cell tolerance that separates deleted and diverted TCRs and assures that the Treg cell compartment is filled with cells of maximal permissive antigen reactivity.
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29
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Luan R, Liang Z, Zhang Q, Sun L, Zhao Y. Molecular regulatory networks of thymic epithelial cell differentiation. Differentiation 2019; 107:42-49. [PMID: 31238242 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Functional mature T cells are generated in the thymus. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) provide the essential microenvironment for T cell development and maturation. According to their function and localization, TECs are roughly divided into cortical TECs (cTECs) and medullary TECs (mTECs), which are responsible for positive and negative selection, respectively. This review summarizes the current understanding of TEC biology, the identification of fetal and adult bipotent TEC progenitors, and the signaling pathways that control the development and maturation of TECs. The understanding of the ontogeny, differentiation, maturation and function of cTECs lags behind that of mTECs. Better understanding TEC biology will provide clues about TEC development and the applications of thymus engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Luan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liguang Sun
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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30
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Su MA, Anderson MS. Pulling RANK on Cancer: Blocking Aire-Mediated Central Tolerance to Enhance Immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:854-859. [PMID: 31160305 PMCID: PMC6550349 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A major breakthrough in cancer treatment occurred with the development of strategies that overcome T-cell tolerance toward tumor cells. These approaches enhance antitumor immunity by overcoming mechanisms that are normally in place to prevent autoimmunity but simultaneously prevent rejection of tumor cells. Although tolerance mechanisms that restrict antitumor immunity take place both in the thymus and periphery, only immunotherapies that target peripheral tolerance mechanisms occurring outside of the thymus are currently available. We review here recent gains in our understanding of how thymic tolerance mediated by the autoimmune regulator (Aire) impedes antitumor immunity. It is now clear that transient depletion of Aire-expressing cells in the thymus can be achieved with RANKL blockade. Finally, we discuss key findings that support the repurposing of anti-RANKL as a cancer immunotherapy with a unique mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen A Su
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics and Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Mark S Anderson
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
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31
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Lancaster JN, Thyagarajan HM, Srinivasan J, Li Y, Hu Z, Ehrlich LIR. Live-cell imaging reveals the relative contributions of antigen-presenting cell subsets to thymic central tolerance. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2220. [PMID: 31101805 PMCID: PMC6525199 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09727-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Both medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC) and dendritic cells (DC) present tissue-restricted antigens (TRA) to thymocytes to induce central tolerance, but the relative contributions of these antigen-presenting cell (APC) subsets remain unresolved. Here we developed a two-photon microscopy approach to observe thymocytes interacting with intact APCs presenting TRAs. We find that mTECs and DCs cooperate extensively to induce tolerance, with their relative contributions regulated by the cellular form of the TRA and the class of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on which antigen is presented. Even when TRA expression is restricted to mTECs, DCs still present self-antigens at least as frequently as mTECs. Notably, the DC subset cDC2 efficiently acquires secreted mTEC-derived TRAs for cross-presentation on MHC-I. By directly imaging interactions between thymocytes and APCs, while monitoring intracellular signaling, this study reveals that distinct DC subsets and AIRE+ mTECs contribute substantially to presentation of diverse self-antigens for establishing central tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- J N Lancaster
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, 100 E. 24th Street A5000, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - H M Thyagarajan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, 100 E. 24th Street A5000, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - J Srinivasan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, 100 E. 24th Street A5000, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Y Li
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, 100 E. 24th Street A5000, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Z Hu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, 100 E. 24th Street A5000, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - L I R Ehrlich
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, 100 E. 24th Street A5000, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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33
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Cheng M, Anderson MS. Thymic tolerance as a key brake on autoimmunity. Nat Immunol 2018; 19:659-664. [PMID: 29925986 PMCID: PMC6370479 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-018-0128-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although the thymus has long been recognized as a key organ for T cell selection, the intricate details linking these selection events to human autoimmunity have been challenging to decipher. Over the last two decades, there has been rapid progress in understanding the role of thymic tolerance mechanisms in autoimmunity through genetics. Here we review some of the recent progress in understanding key thymic tolerance processes that are critical for preventing autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickie Cheng
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark S Anderson
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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34
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Yap JY, Wirasinha RC, Chan A, Howard DR, Goodnow CC, Daley SR. Indirect presentation in the thymus limits naive and regulatory T-cell differentiation by promoting deletion of self-reactive thymocytes. Immunology 2018; 154:522-532. [PMID: 29411880 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquisition of T-cell central tolerance involves distinct pathways of self-antigen presentation to thymocytes. One pathway termed indirect presentation requires a self-antigen transfer step from thymic epithelial cells (TECs) to bone marrow-derived cells before the self-antigen is presented to thymocytes. The role of indirect presentation in central tolerance is context-dependent, potentially due to variation in self-antigen expression, processing and presentation in the thymus. Here, we report experiments in mice in which TECs expressed a membrane-bound transgenic self-antigen, hen egg lysozyme (HEL), from either the insulin (insHEL) or thyroglobulin (thyroHEL) promoter. Intrathymic HEL expression was less abundant and more confined to the medulla in insHEL mice compared with thyroHEL mice. When indirect presentation was impaired by generating mice lacking MHC class II expression in bone marrow-derived antigen-presenting cells, insHEL-mediated thymocyte deletion was abolished, whereas thyroHEL-mediated deletion occurred at a later stage of thymocyte development and Foxp3+ regulatory T-cell differentiation increased. Indirect presentation increased the strength of T-cell receptor signalling that both self-antigens induced in thymocytes, as assessed by Helios expression. Hence, indirect presentation limits the differentiation of naive and regulatory T cells by promoting deletion of self-reactive thymocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yan Yap
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Rushika C Wirasinha
- Infection and Immunity Programme, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anna Chan
- Infection and Immunity Programme, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Debbie R Howard
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Christopher C Goodnow
- Immunology Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen R Daley
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Infection and Immunity Programme, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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35
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Abstract
About two decades ago, cloning of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene materialized one of the most important actors on the scene of self-tolerance. Thymic transcription of genes encoding tissue-specific antigens (ts-ags) is activated by AIRE protein and embodies the essence of thymic self-representation. Pathogenic AIRE variants cause the autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1, which is a rare and complex disease that is gaining attention in research on autoimmunity. The animal models of disease, although not identically reproducing the human picture, supply fundamental information on mechanisms and extent of AIRE action: thanks to its multidomain structure, AIRE localizes to chromatin enclosing the target genes, binds to histones, and offers an anchorage to multimolecular complexes involved in initiation and post-initiation events of gene transcription. In addition, AIRE enhances mRNA diversity by favoring alternative mRNA splicing. Once synthesized, ts-ags are presented to, and cause deletion of the self-reactive thymocyte clones. However, AIRE function is not restricted to the activation of gene transcription. AIRE would control presentation and transfer of self-antigens for thymic cellular interplay: such mechanism is aimed at increasing the likelihood of engagement of the thymocytes that carry the corresponding T-cell receptors. Another fundamental role of AIRE in promoting self-tolerance is related to the development of thymocyte anergy, as thymic self-representation shapes at the same time the repertoire of regulatory T cells. Finally, AIRE seems to replicate its action in the secondary lymphoid organs, albeit the cell lineage detaining such property has not been fully characterized. Delineation of AIRE functions adds interesting data to the knowledge of the mechanisms of self-tolerance and introduces exciting perspectives of therapeutic interventions against the related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Perniola
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care, Vito Fazzi Regional Hospital, Lecce, Italy
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36
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T cells specific for post-translational modifications escape intrathymic tolerance induction. Nat Commun 2018; 9:353. [PMID: 29367624 PMCID: PMC5783942 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02763-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishing effective central tolerance requires the promiscuous expression of tissue-restricted antigens by medullary thymic epithelial cells. However, whether central tolerance also extends to post-translationally modified proteins is not clear. Here we show a mouse model of autoimmunity in which disease development is dependent on post-translational modification (PTM) of the tissue-restricted self-antigen collagen type II. T cells specific for the non-modified antigen undergo efficient central tolerance. By contrast, PTM-reactive T cells escape thymic selection, though the PTM variant constitutes the dominant form in the periphery. This finding implies that the PTM protein is absent in the thymus, or present at concentrations insufficient to induce negative selection of developing thymocytes and explains the lower level of tolerance induction against the PTM antigen. As the majority of self-antigens are post-translationally modified, these data raise the possibility that T cells specific for other self-antigens naturally subjected to PTM may escape central tolerance induction by a similar mechanism. Post-translational modifications are associated with autoimmune diseases but definitive evidence of their contribution to escape from central tolerance mechanisms is needed. Here, the authors show that T cells specific for post-translational modifications of type II collagen escape intrathymic tolerance induction in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis.
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37
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Proekt I, Miller CN, Lionakis MS, Anderson MS. Insights into immune tolerance from AIRE deficiency. Curr Opin Immunol 2017; 49:71-78. [PMID: 29065385 PMCID: PMC5705335 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIRE is a well-established master regulator of central tolerance. It plays an essential role in driving expression of tissue-specific antigens in the thymus and shaping the development of positively selected T-cells. Humans and mice with compromised or absent AIRE function have markedly variable phenotypes that include a range of autoimmune manifestations. Recent evidence suggests that this variability stems from cooperation of autoimmune susceptibilities involving both central and peripheral tolerance checkpoints. Here we discuss the broadening understanding of the factors that influence Aire expression, modify AIRE function, and the impact and intersection of AIRE with peripheral immunity. This rapidly expanding body of knowledge will force a reexamination of the definition and clinical management of APS-1 patients as well as provide a foundation for the development of immunomodulatory strategies targeting central tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Proekt
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Corey N Miller
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Michail S Lionakis
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology & Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Mark S Anderson
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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38
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Wang L, Winnewisser J, Federle C, Jessberger G, Nave KA, Werner HB, Kyewski B, Klein L, Hinterberger M. Epitope-Specific Tolerance Modes Differentially Specify Susceptibility to Proteolipid Protein-Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1511. [PMID: 29170668 PMCID: PMC5684123 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunization with myelin components can elicit experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). EAE susceptibility varies between mouse strains, depending on the antigen employed. BL/6 mice are largely resistant to EAE induction with proteolipid protein (PLP), probably a reflection of antigen-specific tolerance. However, the extent and mechanism(s) of tolerance to PLP remain unclear. Here, we identified three PLP epitopes in PLP-deficient BL/6 mice. PLP-sufficient mice did not respond against two of these, whereas tolerance was “leaky” for an epitope with weak predicted MHCII binding, and only this epitope was encephalitogenic. In TCR transgenic mice, the “EAE-susceptibility-associated” epitope was “ignored” by specific CD4 T cells, whereas the “resistance-associated” epitope induced clonal deletion and Treg induction in the thymus. Central tolerance was autoimmune regulator dependent and required expression and presentation of PLP by thymic epithelial cells (TECs). TEC-specific ablation of PLP revealed that peripheral tolerance, mediated by dendritic cells through recessive tolerance mechanisms (deletion and anergy), could largely compensate for a lack of central tolerance. However, adoptive EAE was exacerbated in mice lacking PLP in TECs, pointing toward a non-redundant role of the thymus in dominant tolerance to PLP. Our findings reveal multiple layers of tolerance to a central nervous system autoantigen that vary among epitopes and thereby specify disease susceptibility. Understanding how different modalities of tolerance apply to distinct T cell epitopes of a target in autoimmunity has implications for antigen-specific strategies to therapeutically interfere with unwanted immune reactions against self.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center (BMC) Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Winnewisser
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center (BMC) Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Federle
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center (BMC) Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Gregor Jessberger
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center (BMC) Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Klaus-Armin Nave
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Hauke B Werner
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Bruno Kyewski
- Division of Developmental Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ludger Klein
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center (BMC) Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Hinterberger
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center (BMC) Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
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Ardouin L, Luche H, Chelbi R, Carpentier S, Shawket A, Montanana Sanchis F, Santa Maria C, Grenot P, Alexandre Y, Grégoire C, Fries A, Vu Manh TP, Tamoutounour S, Crozat K, Tomasello E, Jorquera A, Fossum E, Bogen B, Azukizawa H, Bajenoff M, Henri S, Dalod M, Malissen B. Broad and Largely Concordant Molecular Changes Characterize Tolerogenic and Immunogenic Dendritic Cell Maturation in Thymus and Periphery. Immunity 2017; 45:305-18. [PMID: 27533013 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2016.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are instrumental in the initiation of T cell responses, but how thymic and peripheral tolerogenic DCs differ globally from Toll-like receptor (TLR)-induced immunogenic DCs remains unclear. Here, we show that thymic XCR1(+) DCs undergo a high rate of maturation, accompanied by profound gene-expression changes that are essential for central tolerance and also happen in germ-free mice. Those changes largely overlap those occurring during tolerogenic and, more unexpectedly, TLR-induced maturation of peripheral XCR1(+) DCs, arguing against the commonly held view that tolerogenic DCs undergo incomplete maturation. Interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression was among the few discriminators of immunogenic and tolerogenic XCR1(+) DCs. Tolerogenic XCR1(+) thymic DCs were, however, unique in expressing ISGs known to restrain virus replication. Therefore, a broad functional convergence characterizes tolerogenic and immunogenic XCR1(+) DC maturation in the thymus and periphery, maximizing antigen presentation and signal delivery to developing and to conventional and regulatory mature T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Ardouin
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Hervé Luche
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France; Centre d'Immunophénomique, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Rabie Chelbi
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | | | - Alaa Shawket
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Frédéric Montanana Sanchis
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Camille Santa Maria
- Centre d'Immunophénomique, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Grenot
- Centre d'Immunophénomique, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Yannick Alexandre
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Claude Grégoire
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Anissa Fries
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Thien-Phong Vu Manh
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Samira Tamoutounour
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Karine Crozat
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Elena Tomasello
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Audrey Jorquera
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Even Fossum
- Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Marc Bajenoff
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Sandrine Henri
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Marc Dalod
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France.
| | - Bernard Malissen
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France; Centre d'Immunophénomique, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France.
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40
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Breed ER, Lee ST, Hogquist KA. Directing T cell fate: How thymic antigen presenting cells coordinate thymocyte selection. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 84:2-10. [PMID: 28800929 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The development of a self-tolerant and effective T cell receptor repertoire is dependent on interactions coordinated by various antigen presenting cells (APC) within the thymus. T cell receptor-self-peptide-MHC interactions are essential for determining T cell fate, however different cytokine and co-stimulatory signals provided by the diverse APCs within the thymus are also critical. Here, we outline the different localization and functional capabilities of thymic APCs. We also discuss how these distinct APCs work collectively to facilitate the establishment of a diverse T cell receptor repertoire that is tolerant to an array of different self-antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise R Breed
- The Center for Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - S Thera Lee
- The Center for Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kristin A Hogquist
- The Center for Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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41
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Abstract
Since their ‘re-discovery’ more than two decades ago, FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been an important subject of investigation in the biomedical field and our understanding of the mechanisms that drive their phenotype and function in health and disease has advanced tremendously. During the past few years it has become clear that Tregs are not a terminally differentiated population but show some degree of plasticity, and can, under specific environmental conditions, acquire the phenotype of effector T cells. In particular, recent works have highlighted the acquisition of a Th1-like phenotype by Tregs in several pathological environments. In this review we give an update on the concept of Treg plasticity and the advances in defining the molecular mechanisms that underlie the generation of Th1-like Tregs during an immune response and in different disease settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Kitz
- Departments of Neurology and Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George Street, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
| | - Margarita Dominguez-Villar
- Department of Neurology, Human and Translational Immunology Program, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George Street, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA.
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42
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Bosch AJ, Bolinger B, Keck S, Stepanek O, Ozga AJ, Galati-Fournier V, Stein JV, Palmer E. A minimum number of autoimmune T cells to induce autoimmunity? Cell Immunol 2017; 316:21-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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43
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Kondo K, Takada K, Takahama Y. Antigen processing and presentation in the thymus: implications for T cell repertoire selection. Curr Opin Immunol 2017; 46:53-57. [PMID: 28477557 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The processing and presentation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-associated antigens depend on the intracellular digestion of self- and nonself-proteins, the loading of digested peptides onto MHC molecules, and the traffic of peptide-MHC complexes to plasma membrane surface for display to interacting T cells. Recent studies have revealed unique machineries for antigen processing and presentation in thymic antigen-presenting cells that display self-antigens to developing thymocytes for the formation of functionally competent yet self-tolerant T cell repertoire. Here, we briefly summarize those machineries, focusing on the biology of cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Kondo
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Kensuke Takada
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18W9 Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan.
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44
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Abstract
Intrathymic T cell development is a complex process that depends upon continuous guidance from thymus stromal cell microenvironments. The thymic epithelium within the thymic stroma comprises highly specialized cells with a high degree of anatomic, phenotypic, and functional heterogeneity. These properties are collectively required to bias thymocyte development toward production of self-tolerant and functionally competent T cells. The importance of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) is evidenced by clear links between their dysfunction and multiple diseases where autoimmunity and immunodeficiency are major components. Consequently, TECs are an attractive target for cell therapies to restore effective immune system function. The pathways and molecular regulators that control TEC development are becoming clearer, as are their influences on particular stages of T cell development. Here, we review both historical and the most recent advances in our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling TEC development, function, dysfunction, and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Abramson
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel;
| | - Graham Anderson
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom;
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45
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Bansal K, Yoshida H, Benoist C, Mathis D. The transcriptional regulator Aire binds to and activates super-enhancers. Nat Immunol 2017; 18:263-273. [PMID: 28135252 PMCID: PMC5310976 DOI: 10.1038/ni.3675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Aire is a transcription factor that controls T cell tolerance by inducing the expression of a large repertoire of genes specifically in thymic stromal cells. It interacts with scores of protein partners of diverse functional classes. We found that Aire and some of its partners, notably those implicated in the DNA-damage response, preferentially localized to and activated long chromatin stretches that were overloaded with transcriptional regulators, known as super-enhancers. We also identified topoisomerase 1 as a cardinal Aire partner that colocalized on super-enhancers and was required for the interaction of Aire with all of its other associates. We propose a model that entails looping of super-enhancers to efficiently deliver Aire-containing complexes to local and distal transcriptional start sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kushagra Bansal
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
| | - Hideyuki Yoshida
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
| | - Christophe Benoist
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
| | - Diane Mathis
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
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46
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Colvin KL, Yeager ME. What people with Down Syndrome can teach us about cardiopulmonary disease. Eur Respir Rev 2017; 26:26/143/160098. [DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0098-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality among live-born infants. Through full or partial trisomy of chromosome 21, Down syndrome is associated with cognitive impairment, congenital malformations (particularly cardiovascular) and dysmorphic features. Immune disturbances in Down syndrome account for an enormous disease burden ranging from quality-of-life issues (autoimmune alopecia) to more serious health issues (autoimmune thyroiditis) and life-threatening issues (leukaemia, respiratory tract infections and pulmonary hypertension). Cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases account for ∼75% of the mortality seen in persons with Down syndrome. This review summarises the cardiovascular, respiratory and immune challenges faced by individuals with Down syndrome, and the genetic underpinnings of their pathobiology. We strongly advocate increased comparative studies of cardiopulmonary disease in persons with and without Down syndrome, as we believe these will lead to new strategies to prevent and treat diseases affecting millions of people worldwide.
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47
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
The aim of this review is to provide a coherent framework for understanding dendritic cells (DCs). It has seven sections. The introduction provides an overview of the immune system and essential concepts, particularly for the nonspecialist reader. Next, the “History” section outlines the early evolution of ideas about DCs and highlights some sources of confusion that still exist today. The “Lineages” section then focuses on five different populations of DCs: two subsets of “classical” DCs, plasmacytoid DCs, monocyte-derived DCs, and Langerhans cells. It highlights some cellular and molecular specializations of each, and also notes other DC subsets that have been proposed. The following “Tissues” section discusses the distribution and behavior of different DC subsets within nonlymphoid and secondary lymphoid tissues that are connected by DC migration pathways between them. In the “Tolerance” section, the role of DCs in central and peripheral tolerance is considered, including their ability to drive the differentiation of different populations of regulatory T cells. In contrast, the “Immunity” section considers the roles of DCs in sensing of infection and tissue damage, the initiation of primary responses, the T-cell effector phase, and the induction of immunological memory. The concluding section provides some speculative ideas about the evolution of DCs. It also revisits earlier concepts of generation of diversity and clonal selection in terms of DCs driving the evolution of T-cell responses. Throughout, this review highlights certain areas of uncertainty and suggests some avenues for future investigation.
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48
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Tolerance checkpoint bypass permits emergence of pathogenic T cells to neuromyelitis optica autoantigen aquaporin-4. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:14781-14786. [PMID: 27940915 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1617859114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-specific T cells are expanded in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) patients and exhibit Th17 polarization. However, their pathogenic role in CNS autoimmune inflammatory disease is unclear. Although multiple AQP4 T-cell epitopes have been identified in WT C57BL/6 mice, we observed that neither immunization with those determinants nor transfer of donor T cells targeting them caused CNS autoimmune disease in recipient mice. In contrast, robust proliferation was observed following immunization of AQP4-deficient (AQP4-/-) mice with AQP4 peptide (p) 135-153 or p201-220, peptides predicted to contain I-Ab-restricted T-cell epitopes but not identified in WT mice. In comparison with WT mice, AQP4-/- mice used unique T-cell receptor repertoires for recognition of these two AQP4 epitopes. Donor T cells specific for either determinant from AQP4-/-, but not WT, mice induced paralysis in recipient WT and B-cell-deficient mice. AQP4-specific Th17-polarized cells induced more severe disease than Th1-polarized cells. Clinical signs were associated with opticospinal infiltrates of T cells and monocytes. Fluorescent-labeled donor T cells were detected in CNS lesions. Visual system involvement was evident by changes in optical coherence tomography. Fine mapping of AQP4 p201-220 and p135-153 epitopes identified peptides within p201-220 but not p135-153, which induced clinical disease in 40% of WT mice by direct immunization. Our results provide a foundation to evaluate how AQP4-specific T cells contribute to AQP4-targeted CNS autoimmunity (ATCA) and suggest that pathogenic AQP4-specific T-cell responses are normally restrained by central tolerance, which may be relevant to understanding development of AQP4-reactive T cells in NMO.
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49
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Invariant natural killer T cells play dual roles in the development of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis. Exp Eye Res 2016; 153:79-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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50
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Fujikado N, Mann AO, Bansal K, Romito KR, Ferre EMN, Rosenzweig SD, Lionakis MS, Benoist C, Mathis D. Aire Inhibits the Generation of a Perinatal Population of Interleukin-17A-Producing γδ T Cells to Promote Immunologic Tolerance. Immunity 2016; 45:999-1012. [PMID: 27851927 PMCID: PMC5133707 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2016.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Aire's primary mechanism of action is to regulate transcription of a battery of genes in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) and, consequently, negative selection of effector T cells and positive selection of regulatory T cells. We found that Aire-deficient mice had expanded thymic and peripheral populations of perinatally generated IL-17A+Vγ6+Vδ1+ T cells, considered to be "early responders" to tissue stress and drivers of inflammatory reactions. Aire-dependent control of Il7 expression in mTECs regulated the size of thymic IL-17A+Vγ6+Vδ1+ compartments. In mice lacking Aire and γδ T cells, certain tissues typically targeted in the "Aire-less" disease, notably the retina, were only minimally infiltrated. IL-17A+Vγ6+Vδ1+ cells were present in the retina of wild-type mice and expanded very early in Aire-deficient mice. A putatively parallel population of IL-17A+Vγ9+Vδ2+ T cells was increased in humans lacking Aire. Thus, Aire exerts multi-faceted autoimmune control that extends to a population of innate-like T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyuki Fujikado
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alexander O Mann
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kushagra Bansal
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kimberly R Romito
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, NIH Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Elise M N Ferre
- Fungal Pathogenesis Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sergio D Rosenzweig
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, NIH Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michail S Lionakis
- Fungal Pathogenesis Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christophe Benoist
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Diane Mathis
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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