Constitutive activation of integrin alpha 4 beta 1 defines a unique stage of human thymocyte development

Predictive value of CD4+CD8+ double positive T cells for the severity of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome

PURPOSES

We aimed to investigate the levels of CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP) T cells in patients with various severities of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), and the predictive capacity of DP T cells for the severity of this disorder.

METHODS

The levels of DP T cells in 213 patients and 48 healthy donors were measured by flow cytometry, as were the levels of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, B lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells. In each type of HFRS patient, we tested the basic clinical reference values for leukocytes, platelets, creatinine (Cr), uric acid (UA), and urea, and the values for activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and fibrinogen, using conventional methods. The colloidal gold method was used to measure HFRS antibody levels in the patients.

RESULTS

The frequency of DP T cells increased with disease severity and peaked in patients with critical disease. Furthermore, the level of DP T cells proportionally correlated with the levels of Cr, UA, and urea in the serum. In contrast, there was an inverse correlation between DP T cells and platelets. Interestingly, the pattern of change in DP T cell frequency was similar to those of CD8+ T cells, B cells, and NK cells, but an inverse tendency was observed for CD4+ T cells. DP T cells demonstrated significant predictive value for the severity of HFRS.

CONCLUSIONS

The level of DP T cells is associated with HFRS severity, suggesting that it may be a potent indicator for the course of this disorder.

From stem cell to immune effector: how adhesion, migration, and polarity shape T-cell and natural killer cell lymphocyte development in vitro and in vivo

Lymphocyte development is a complex and coordinated pathway originating from pluripotent stem cells during embryogenesis and continuing even as matured lymphocytes are primed and educated in adult tissue. Hematopoietic stem cells develop in a specialized niche that includes extracellular matrix and supporting stromal and endothelial cells that both maintain stem cell pluripotency and enable the generation of differentiated cells. Cues for lymphocyte development include changes in integrin-dependent cell motility and adhesion which ultimately help to determine cell fate. The capacity of lymphocytes to adhere and migrate is important for modulating these developmental signals both by regulating the cues that the cell receives from the local microenvironment as well as facilitating the localization of precursors to tissue niches throughout the body. Here we consider how changing migratory and adhesive phenotypes contribute to human natural killer (NK)- and T-cell development as they undergo development from precursors to mature, circulating cells and how our understanding of this process is informed by in vitro models of T- and NK cell generation.

Generation of diversity in thymic epithelial cells

In the thymus, diverse populations of thymic epithelial cells (TECs), including cortical and medullary TECs and their subpopulations, have distinct roles in coordinating the development and repertoire selection of functionally competent and self-tolerant T cells. Here, we review the expanding diversity in TEC subpopulations in relation to their functions in T cell development and selection as well as their origins and development.

Tracking migration during human T cell development

Specialized microenvironments within the thymus are comprised of unique cell types with distinct roles in directing the development of a diverse, functional, and self-tolerant T cell repertoire. As they differentiate, thymocytes transit through a number of developmental intermediates that are associated with unique localization and migration patterns. For example, during one particular developmental transition, immature thymocytes more than double in speed as they become mature T cells that are among the fastest cells in the body. This transition is associated with dramatic changes in the expression of chemokine receptors and their antagonists, cell adhesion molecules, and cytoskeletal components to direct the maturing thymocyte population from the cortex to medulla. Here we discuss the dynamic changes in behavior that occur throughout thymocyte development, and provide an overview of the cell-intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that regulate human thymocyte migration.

Role of the β1 integrin molecule in T-cell activation and migration

Abstract β1 integrins play crucial roles in a variety of cell processes such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation of lymphocytes. To understand the molecular mechanisms of these various biological effects, it is particularly important to analyze cell signaling through the β1 integrins. Our previous study showed that PLC-γ, pp125FAK (focal adhesion kinase), pp105, paxillin, p59fyn, p56lck, and ERK1/2 are phosphorylated in their tyrosine residues upon engagement of β1 integrins. We identified pp105 as Cas (Crk-associated substrate)-related protein and successfully cloned its cDNA. pp105 is a Cas homologue predominantly expressed in the cells of lymphoid lineage, which led us to designate it Cas-L. Like p130Cas, Cas-L contains a single SH3 domain and multiple SH2-binding sites (YXXP motif), which are suggested to bind SH2 domains of Crk, Nck, and SHPTP2. Subsequent studies revealed that pp125FAK binds Cas-L on its SH3 domain and phosphorylates its tyrosine residues upon β1 integrin stimulation. Since Cas-L is preferentially expressed in lymphocytes, it is conceivable that Cas-L plays an important role in lymphocyte-specific signals. We have shown that Cas-L is involved in the T-cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 signaling pathway as well as the β1 integrin signaling pathway. Cas-L is transiently phosphorylated following CD3 crosslinking and tyrosine-phosphorylated Cas-L binds to Crk and C3G. Furthermore, a Cas-L mutant (Cas-LΔSH3), which lacks the binding site for FAK, is still tyrosine-phosphorylated upon CD3 crosslinking but not upon β1 integrin crosslinking, suggesting that FAK is not involved in CD3-dependent Cas-L phosphorylation. Finally, we have identified a crucial role of Cas-L in β1 integrin-mediated T-cell co-stimulation. We have found that this co-stimulatory pathway is impaired in the Jurkat T-cell line, and that the expression level of Cas-L is reduced in the Jurkat cells compared to peripheral T-cells. The transfection of Cas-L cDNA into Jurkat cells restored the β1 integrin-mediated co-stimulation, while the transfection of Cas-LΔSH3 mutant failed to do so, which contrasts with the case of CD3-mediated signaling. These results indicate that Cas-L plays a key role, through the association and phosphorylation by FAK, in β1 integrin-mediated T-cell co-stimulation. Moreover, tyrosine phosphorylation of Cas-L is critical for T-cell receptor and β1 integrin-induced T-lymphocyte migration. Taken together, Cas-L might be the bi-modal docking protein which assembles the signals through β1 integrins and TCR/CD3, and which participates in a variety of T-cell functions.

Opposing chemokine gradients control human thymocyte migration in situ

The ordered migration of thymocytes from the cortex to the medulla is critical for the appropriate selection of the mature T cell repertoire. Most studies of thymocyte migration rely on mouse models, but we know relatively little about how human thymocytes find their appropriate anatomical niches within the thymus. Moreover, the signals that retain CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) thymocytes in the cortex and prevent them from entering the medulla prior to positive selection have not been identified in mice or humans. Here, we examined the intrathymic migration of human thymocytes in both mouse and human thymic stroma and found that human thymocyte subsets localized appropriately to the cortex on mouse thymic stroma and that MHC-dependent interactions between human thymocytes and mouse stroma could maintain the activation and motility of DP cells. We also showed that CXCR4 was required to retain human DP thymocytes in the cortex, whereas CCR7 promoted migration of mature human thymocytes to the medulla. Thus, 2 opposing chemokine gradients control the migration of thymocytes from the cortex to the medulla. These findings point to significant interspecies conservation in thymocyte-stroma interactions and provide the first evidence that chemokines not only attract mature thymocytes to the medulla, but also play an active role in retaining DP thymocytes in the cortex prior to positive selection.

Role of Cdk4 in lymphocyte function and allergen response

We recently described a new adhesion pathway in lymphocytes that is dependent on Cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) 4 activity and mediates lymphocyte interactions with endothelial matrix. We showed that Cdk4(-/-) mice had impaired recruitment of lymphocytes following bleomycin model of acute lung injury. In this study, we characterized the development and function of hematopoietic cells in Cdk4(-/-) mice and assessed the response of Cdk4(-/-) mice to allergen challenge. Cdk4(-/-) mice had hypoplastic thymuses with decreased total thymocyte cell numbers and increased CD4/CD8 double negative cells. Cdk4(-/-) bone marrow (BM) chimeric mice showed similar findings. Thymocytes from either Cdk4(-/-) or Cdk4(-/-) BM chimeric mice proliferated equally well as wild type controls in response to IL-2 activation. However Cdk4(-/-) thymocytes had decreased adhesion to both endothelial cell matrix and fibronectin compared to wildtype (WT) controls, whereas Cdk4(-/-) and WT splenocytes had similar adhesion. When Cdk4(-/-) BM chimeric mice and wild type BM chimeric mice were sensitized and challenged by intranasal administration of ovalbumin, we found no differences in allergic responses in the lung and airways between the two groups, as measured by inflammatory cell infiltrate, airway hyperreactivity, IgE levels and cytokine levels. In summary, we show that Cdk4 plays a previously unrecognized role in thymocyte maturation and adhesion, but is not required for thymocyte proliferation. In addition, Cdk4 is not required for lymphocyte trafficking to the lung following allergen sensitization and challenge.

Molecular and cellular basis of T cell lineage commitment

The thymus forms as an alymphoid thymic primordium with T cell differentiation requiring the seeding of this anlage. This review will focus on the characteristics of the hematopoietic progenitors which colonize the thymus and their subsequent commitment/differentiation, both in mice and men. Within the thymus, the interplay between Notch1 and IL-7 signals is crucial for the orchestration of T cell development, but the precise requirements for these factors in murine and human thympoeisis are not synonymous. Recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms regulating precursor entry and their maintenance in the thymus will also be presented.

Identification of glycoproteins targeted by Trypanosoma cruzi trans-sialidase, a virulence factor that disturbs lymphocyte glycosylation

Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of the American trypanosomiasis or Chagas disease, bypasses its lack of de novo synthesis of sialic acids by expressing a surface-anchored trans-sialidase. This enzyme transfers sialic acid residues from the host's sialylglycoconjugates to the parasite's galactosylglycoconjugates. In addition to carrying out a pivotal role in parasite persistence/replication within the infected mammal, the trans-sialidase is shed into the bloodstream and induces alterations in the host immune system by modifying the sialylation of the immune cells. A major obstacle to understand these events is the difficulty to identify the transferred sialic acid among all those naturally occurring on the cell surface. Here, we report the use of azido-modified unnatural sialic acid to identify those molecules that act as cell surface acceptors of the sialyl residue in the trans-sialidase-catalyzed reaction, which might then be involved in the immune alterations induced. In living parasites, we readily observed the transfer of azido-sialic acid to surface mucins. When evaluating mouse thymocytes and splenocytes as acceptors of the azido-sugar, a complex pattern of efficiently tagged glycoproteins was revealed. In both leukocyte populations, the main proteins labeled were identified as different CD45 isoforms. Disruption of the cell architecture increased the number and the molecular weight distribution of azido-sialic acid tagged proteins. Nevertheless, CD45 remained to be the main acceptor. Mass spectrometry assays allowed us to identify other acceptors, mainly integrins. The findings reported here provide a molecular basis to understand the abnormalities induced in the immune system by the trans-sialidase during T. cruzi infection.

Expression of 4-1BB and 4-1BBL in thymocytes during thymus regeneration

4-1BB, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily, is a major costimulatory receptor that is rapidly expressed on the surface of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells after antigen- or mitogen-induced activation. The interaction of 4-1BB with 4-1BBL regulates immunity and promotes the survival and expansion of activated T cells. In this study, the expression of 4-1BB and 4-1BBL was examined during regeneration of the murine thymus following acute cyclophosphamide- induced involution. Four-color flow cytometry showed that 4-1BB and 4-1BBL were present in the normal thymus and were preferentially expressed in the regenerating thymus, mainly in CD4(+)CD8(+) double-positive (DP) thymocytes. Furthermore, the CD4(lo)CD8(lo), CD4(+)CD8(lo) and CD4(lo)CD8(+) thymocyte subsets, representing stages of thymocyte differentiation intermediate between DP and single-positive (SP) thymocytes, also expressed 4-1BB and 4-1BBL during thymus regeneration but to a lesser degree. Interestingly, the 4-1BB and 4-1BBL positive cells among the CD4(+)CD8(+) DP thymocytes present during thymus regeneration were TCR(hi) and CD69(+) unlike the corresponding controls. Moreover, the 4-1BB and 4-1BBL positive cells among the intermediate subsets present during thymus regeneration also exhibited TCR(hi/int+) and CD69(+/int) phenotypes, indicating that 4-1BB and 4-1BBL are predominantly expressed by the positively selected population of the CD4(+)CD8(+) DP and the intermediate thymocytes during thymus regeneration. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses confirmed the presence and elevated levels of 4-1BB and 4-1BBL mRNA and protein in thymocytes during thymus regeneration. We also found that the interaction of 4-1BB with 4-1BBL promoted thymocyte adhesion to thymic epithelial cells. Our results suggest that 4-1BB and 4-1BBL participate in T lymphopoiesis associated with positive selection during recovery from acute thymic involution.

Association of the alpha4 integrin subunit gene (ITGA4) with autism

In the present work, we provide further evidence for the involvement of the integrin alpha-4 precursor gene (ITGA4) in the etiology of autism, by replicating previous findings of a genetic association with autism in various independent populations. The ITGA4 gene maps to the autism linkage region on 2q31-33 and is therefore a plausible positional candidate. We tested eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ITGA4 gene region for association with autism in a sample of 164 nuclear families. Evidence for association was found for the rs155100 marker (P = 0.019) and for a number of specific marker haplotypes containing this SNP (0.00053 < P < 0.022). alpha4 integrins are known to play a key role in neuroinflammatory processes, which are hypothesized to contribute to autism. In this study, an association was found between the ITGA4 rs1449263 marker and levels of a serum autoantibody directed to brain tissue, which was previously shown to be significantly more frequent in autistic patients than in age-matched controls in our population. This result suggests that the ITGA4 gene could be involved in a neuroimmune process thought to occur in autistic patients and, together with previous findings, offers a new perspective on the role of integrins in the etiology of autism to which little attention has been paid so far.

T cell costimulation via the integrin VLA-4 inhibits the actin-dependent centralization of signaling microclusters containing the adaptor SLP-76

Antigen-dependent T cell activation drives the formation of signaling microclusters containing the adaptor SLP-76. Costimulatory integrins regulate SLP-76 phosphorylation and could influence SLP-76 microclusters in the integrin-rich periphery of the immune synapse. We report that costimulation by the integrin VLA-4 (alpha4beta1) required SLP-76 domains implicated in microcluster assembly. Pro-adhesive ligands enlarged the contact and increased the number of SLP-76 microclusters regardless of their costimulatory potential. Costimulatory VLA-4 ligands also prevented the centralization of SLP-76, promoted microcluster persistence, prolonged lateral interactions between SLP-76 and its upstream kinase, ZAP-70, and retained SLP-76 in tyrosine-phosphorylated peripheral structures. SLP-76 centralization was driven by dynamic actin polymerization and was correlated with inward actin flows. VLA-4 ligation retarded these flows, even in the absence of SLP-76. These data suggest a widely applicable model of costimulation, in which integrins promote sustained signaling by attenuating cytoskeletal movements that drive the centralization and inactivation of SLP-76 microclusters.

RANKL stimulates proliferation, adhesion and IL-7 expression of thymic epithelial cells

In many clinical situations which cause thymic involution and thereby result in immune deficiency, T cells are the most often affected, leading to a prolonged deficiency of T cells. Since only the thymic-dependent T cell production pathway secures stable regeneration of fully mature T cells, seeking strategies to enhance thymic regeneration should be a key step in developing therapeutic methods for the treatment of these significant clinical problems. This study clearly shows that receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) stimulates mouse thymic epithelial cell activities including cell proliferation, thymocyte adhesion to thymic epithelial cells, and the expression of cell death regulatory genes favoring cell survival, cell adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and thymopoietic factors including IL-7. Importantly, RANKL exhibited a significant capability to facilitate thymic regeneration in mice. In addition, this study demonstrates that RANKL acts directly on the thymus to activate thymus regeneration regardless of its potential influences on thymic regeneration through an indirect or systemic effect. In light of this, the present study provides a greater insight into the development of novel therapeutic strategies for effective thymus repopulation using RANKL in the design of therapies for many clinical conditions in which immune reconstitution is required.

Nerve growth factor stimulates proliferation, adhesion and thymopoietic cytokine expression in mouse thymic epithelial cells in vitro

Thymic epithelial cells, which constitute a major component of the thymic microenvironment, provide a crucial signal for intrathymic T cell development and selection. Neuroimmune networks in the thymic microenvironment are thought to be involved in the regulation of T cell development. NGF is increasingly recognized as a potent immunomodulator, promoting "cross-talk" between various types of immune system cells. The present study clearly shows that NGF stimulates mouse thymic epithelial cell activities in vitro including cell proliferation, thymocyte adhesion to thymic epithelial cells, and the expression of cell adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and thymopoietic factors including IL-7, GM-CSF, SDF-1, TARC and TECK. Thus, our data are of considerable clinical importance showing that trophic NGF activity could be used to enhance the thymus regeneration and develop methods to improve host immunity when the immune function is depressed due to thymic involution.

Intracellular signaling required for CCL25-stimulated T cell adhesion mediated by the integrin alpha4beta1

The alpha4beta1 integrin is expressed on thymocytes and mediates cell attachment to its ligands CS-1/fibronectin (CS-1/FN) and VCAM-1 in the thymus. The chemokine CCL25 is highly expressed in the thymus, where it binds to its receptor CCR9 on thymocytes promoting migration and activation. We show here that alpha4beta1 and CCR9 are coexpressed mainly on double- and single-positive thymocytes and that CCL25 strongly stimulates CD4(+)CD8(+) and CD4(+)CD8(-) adhesion to CS-1/FN and VCAM-1. CCL25 rapidly activated the GTPases Rac and Rap1 on thymocytes, and this activation was required for stimulation of adhesion, as detected using the CCR9(+)/alpha4beta1(+) human T cell line Molt-4. To study the role on CCL25-stimulated adhesion of the Rac downstream effector Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family verproline-homologous protein 2 (WAVE2) as well as of Rap1-GTP-interacting proteins, regulator of adhesion and cell polarization enriched in lymphoid tissues (RAPL) and Rap1-GTP-interacting adapter molecule (RIAM), we knocked down their expression and tested transfectant attachment to alpha4beta1 ligands. We found that WAVE2 and RAPL but not RIAM were required for efficient triggering by CCL25 of T cell adhesion to CS-1/FN and VCAM-1. Although Rac and Rap1 activation was required during early steps of T cell adhesion stimulated by CCL25, WAVE2 was needed for the development of actin-dependent T cell spreading subsequent to adhesion strengthening but not during initial alpha4beta1-ligand interactions. These results suggest that regulation by CCL25 of adhesion of thymocyte subpopulations mediated by alpha4beta1 could contribute to control their trafficking in the thymus during maturation, and identify Rac-WAVE2 and Rap1-RAPL as pathways whose activation is required in inside-out signaling, leading to stimulated adhesion.

Ectopic expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 as a new mechanism for tumor immune evasion

Immune escape is an important reason why the immune system cannot control tumor growth, but how escape variants emerge during immunotherapy remains poorly understood. Here, we identify a new mechanism of tumor immune escape using an in vivo selection strategy. We generated a highly immune-resistant cancer cell line (P3) by subjecting a susceptible cancer cell line (P0/TC-1) to multiple rounds of in vivo immune selection. Microarray analysis of P0 and P3 revealed that vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is up-regulated in the P3-resistant variant. Retroviral transfer of VCAM-1 into P0 significantly increased its resistance against a vaccine-induced immune response. Analysis of tumors showed a dramatic decrease in the number of tumor-infiltrating cluster of differentiation 8(+) (CD8(+)) T cells in the tumors expressing VCAM-1. In vitro transwell migration assays showed that VCAM-1 can promote the migration of CD8(+) T cells through its interaction with the alpha(4)beta(1) integrin. Site-directed mutagenesis of VCAM-1 at amino acid residues required for interaction with alpha(4)beta(1) integrin completely abolished the immune resistance conferred by VCAM-1 in vivo. Surface staining showed that most renal cell carcinomas (RCC) express VCAM-1, whereas an RCC that responded to vaccination was VCAM-1 negative. These data provide evidence that tumor expression of VCAM-1 represents a new mechanism of immune evasion and has important implications for the development of immunotherapy for human RCC.

Glucose transporter 1 expression identifies a population of cycling CD4+ CD8+ human thymocytes with high CXCR4-induced chemotaxis

GLUT1, the major glucose transporter in peripheral T lymphocytes, is induced upon T cell receptor activation. However, the role of GLUT1 during human thymocyte differentiation remains to be evaluated. Our identification of GLUT1 as the human T lymphotrophic virus (HTLV) receptor has enabled us to use tagged HTLV-receptor-binding domain fusion proteins to specifically monitor surface GLUT1 expression. Here, we identify a unique subset of CD4+ CD8+ double-positive (DP) thymocytes, based on their GLUT1 surface expression. Whereas these cells express variable levels of CD8, they express uniformly high levels of CD4. Glucose uptake was 7-fold higher in CD4(hi) DP thymocytes than in CD4(lo) DP thymocytes (P = 0.0002). Further analyses indicated that these GLUT1+ thymocytes are early post-beta-selection, as demonstrated by low levels of T cell receptor (TCR)alphabeta and CD3. This population of immature GLUT1+ DP cells is rapidly cycling and can be further distinguished by specific expression of the transferrin receptor. Importantly, the CXCR4 chemokine receptor is expressed at 15-fold higher levels on GLUT1+ DP thymocytes, as compared with the DP GLUT1- subset, and the former cells show enhanced chemotaxis to the CXCR4 ligand CXCL12. Thus, during human thymopoiesis, GLUT1 is up-regulated after beta-selection, and these immature DP cells constitute a population with distinct metabolic and chemotactic properties.

Cathepsin-L influences the expression of extracellular matrix in lymphoid organs and plays a role in the regulation of thymic output and of peripheral T cell number

Nackt mice, which are deficient in cathepsin-L (CTSL), show an early impairment during positive selection in the context of class II MHC molecules and as a consequence, the percentage and absolute number of CD4(+) thymocytes are significantly decreased. In this study, we show that lymph nodes from nackt mice are hypertrophied, showing normal absolute numbers of CD4(+) T cells and marked increases in the number of CD8(+) T lymphocytes. Basal proliferative levels are increased in the CD4(+) but not in the CD8(+) population. Lymph node T cells show increases in the expression of alpha(5), alpha(6), and beta(1) integrin chains. These alterations correlate with increases in the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in lymph nodes. Interestingly, laminin, fibronectin, and collagen I and IV are markedly decreased in nackt thymus which shows an augmented output of CD8(+) cells. These results demonstrate that a mutation in the Ctsl gene influences the levels of ECM components in lymphoid organs, the thymic output, and the number of T cells in the periphery. They further raise the possibility that, by regulating the level of expression of ECM components in lymphoid organs, CTSL is able to broadly affect the immune system.

Presence and distribution of neural crest-derived cells in the murine developing thymus and their potential for differentiation

Neural crest (NC) cells are multipotent cells that can differentiate into melanocytes, neurons, glias and myofibroblasts. They migrate into the fetal thymus on embryonic day (E) 12 in mice and may participate in thymic organogenesis. Although the abnormality of migration and distribution of NC cells in the thymus results in immunodeficiency, the spatial and temporal presence of their progeny cells has not been defined in detail. In this study, we traced NC-derived cells based on the myelin protein zero gene promoter-Cre-mediated excision. We demonstrated that large numbers of NC-derived cells in the thymus were detected on E11.5 to E16.5 but rarely on E17.5. A colony formation assay of single thymic cells demonstrated that multipotent cells with the potential to differentiate into melanocytes, neurons and/or glias were present in the E14.5 and E15.5 but not in the E17.5 fetal thymus. Furthermore, we confirmed that these multipotent cells were NC-derived cells. Taken together, these findings imply that multipotent NC-derived cells are present in the developing thymus, but rarely in this organ at a later stage, suggesting that NC-derived cells may play roles in thymic organogenesis at an early embryonic stage.

Molecular mechanisms governing thymocyte migration: combined role of chemokines and extracellular matrix

Cell migration is crucial for thymocyte differentiation, and the cellular interactions involved now begin to be unraveled, with chemokines, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and their corresponding receptors being relevant in such oriented movement of thymocytes. This notion derives from in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experimental data, including those obtained in genetically engineered and spontaneous mutant mice. Thymic microenvironmental cells produce both groups of molecules, whereas developing thymocytes express chemokine and ECM receptors. It is important that although chemokines and ECM proteins can drive thymocyte migration per se, a combined role of these molecules likely concurs for the resulting migration patterns of thymocytes in their various differentiation stages. In this respect, among ECM moieties, there are proteins with opposing functions, such as laminin or fibronectin versus galectin-3, which promote, respectively, adhesion and de-adhesion of thymocytes to the thymic microenvironment. How chemokines and ECM are produced and degraded remains to be more clearly defined. Nevertheless, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) likely play a role in the intrathymic ECM breakdown. It is interesting that these molecules also degrade chemokines. Thus, the physiological migration of thymocytes should be conceived as a resulting vector of multiple, simultaneous, or sequential stimuli, involving chemokines, adhesive, and de-adhesive ECM proteins. Moreover, these interactions may be physiologically regulated in situ by matrix MMPs and are influenced by hormones. Accordingly, one can predict that pathological changes in any of these loops may result in abnormal thymocyte migration. This actually occurs in the murine infection by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. In this model, the abnormal release of immature thymocytes to peripheral lymphoid organs is correlated with the higher migratory response to ECM and chemokines. Lastly, the fine dissection of the mechanisms governing thymocyte migration will provide new clues for designing therapeutic strategies targeting developing T cells. The most important function of the thymus is to generate T lymphocytes, which once leaving the organ, are able to colonize specific regions of peripheral lymphoid organs, the T cell zones, where they can mount and regulate cell-mediated, immune responses. This intrathymic T cell differentiation is a complex sequence of biological events, comprising cell proliferation, differential membrane protein expression, gene rearrangements, massive programmed cell death, and cell migration. In this review, we will focus on the mechanisms involved in controlling the migration of thymocytes, from the entrance of cell precursors into the organ to the exit of mature T cells toward peripheral lymphoid organs. Nevertheless, to better comprehend this issue, it appeared worthwhile to briefly comment on some key aspects of thymocyte differentiation and the tissue context in which it takes place, the thymic microenvironment.

Developmentally regulated interactions of human thymocytes with different laminin isoforms

The gene family of heterotrimeric laminin molecules consists of at least 15 naturally occurring isoforms which are formed by five different alpha, three beta and three gamma subunits. The expression pattern of the individual laminin chains in the human thymus was comprehensively analysed in the present study. Whereas laminin isoforms containing the laminin alpha1 chain (e.g. LN-1) were not present in the human thymus, laminin isoforms containing the alpha2 chain (LN-2/4) or the alpha5 chain (LN-10/11) were expressed in the subcapsular epithelium and in thymic blood vessels. Expression of the laminin alpha4 chain seemed to be restricted to endothelial cells of the thymus, whereas the LN-5 isoform containing the alpha3 chain could be detected on medullary thymic epithelial cells and weakly in the subcapsular epithelium. As revealed by cell attachment assays, early CD4- CD8- thymocytes which are localized in the thymus beneath the subcapsular epithelium adhered strongly to LN-10/11, but not to LN-1, LN-2/4 or LN-5. Adhesion of these thymocytes to LN-10/11 was mediated by the integrin alpha6beta1. During further development, the cortically localized CD4+ CD8+ thymocytes have lost the capacity to adhere to laminin-10/11. Neither do these cells adhere to any other laminin isoform tested. However, the more differentiated single positive CD8+ thymocytes which were mainly found in the medulla were able to bind to LN-5 which is expressed by medullary epithelial cells. Interactions of CD8+ thymocytes with LN-5 were integrin alpha6beta4-dependent. These results show that interactions of developing human thymocytes with different laminin isoforms are spatially and developmentally regulated.

Beta1 integrin is not essential for hematopoiesis but is necessary for the T cell-dependent IgM antibody response

Several experimental evidences suggested that beta1 integrin-mediated adhesion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) is important for their function in the bone marrow (BM). Using induced deletion of the beta1 integrin gene restricted to the hematopoietic system, we show that beta1 integrin is not essential for HSC retention in the BM, hematopoiesis, and trafficking of lymphocytes. However, immunization with a T cell-dependent antigen resulted in virtually no IgM production and an increased secretion of IgG in mutant mice, while the response to a T cell-independent type 2 antigen showed decreases in both IgM and IgG. These data suggest that beta1 integrins are necessary for the primary IgM antibody response.

The GTPase Rac-1 controls cell fate in the thymus by diverting thymocytes from positive to negative selection

The positive selection of CD4 or CD8 single-positive mature peripheral T lymphocytes and the deletion of self-reactive cells are crucial for central tolerance in the peripheral immune system. Previously, the guanine nucleotide binding protein Rac-1 has been shown to control pre-T cell development. The present report now describes the actions of Rac-1 in thymocyte selection. The study reveals that this molecule has the striking and unique ability to efficiently divert cells from positive selection into a pathway of negative selection and deletion. The ability of Rac-1 to switch thymocytes from a destiny of positive to negative selection identifies this molecule as a critical regulator of the developmental processes in T cells that are essential for immune homeostasis.

Integrin functions play a key role in the differentiation of thymocytes in vivo

T cells express a variety of surface proteins as they develop to maturity in the thymus. In addition to the TCR-CD3 complex and the two major coreceptors, CD4 and CD8, other surface proteins expressed include receptors for cytokines, growth factors, counterreceptors, and extracellular matrix molecules. To determine the role of integrin adhesion receptors in T cell development, we have expressed a trans-dominant inhibitor of integrin function in the thymus. This inhibitor leads to a block of adhesion to fibronectin due to reduced activation of integrin receptors. This reduced adhesion leads to a partial block in differentiation from CD4-CD8- cells to CD4+CD8+ cells, after the CD25+ stage, suggesting that integrins are important during Lck-mediated differentiation. Furthermore, the overall production of CD4+ cells is reduced compared with that of CD8+ cells without changes in negative selection, suggesting that integrins may be involved in the determination of the fate of the cell as well. These results demonstrate that integrin receptor function is required for proper thymocyte development in vivo.

Analysis of thymocyte development reveals that the GTPase RhoA is a positive regulator of T cell receptor responses in vivo

Loss of function of the guanine nucleotide binding protein RhoA blocks pre-T cell differentiation and survival indicating that this GTPase is a critical signaling molecule during early thymocyte development. Previous work has shown that the Rho family GTPase Rac-1 can initiate changes in actin dynamics necessary and sufficient for pre-T cell development. The present data now show that Rac-1 actions in pre-T cells require Rho function but that RhoA cannot substitute for Rac-1 and induce the actin cytoskeletal changes necessary for pre-T cell development. Activation of Rho is thus not sufficient to induce pre-T cell differentiation or survival in the absence of the pre-T cell receptor (TCR). The failure of RhoA activation to impact on pre-TCR-mediated signaling was in marked contrast to its actions on T cell responses mediated by the mature TCR alpha/beta complex. Cells expressing active RhoA were thus hyperresponsive in the context of TCR-induced proliferation in vitro and in vivo showed augmented positive selection of thymocytes expressing defined TCR complexes. This reveals that RhoA function is not only important for pre-T cells but also plays a role in determining the fate of mature T cells.

Presentation of chemokine SDF-1α by fibronectin mediates directed migration of T cells

The role of chemokine–matrix interactions in integrin-dependent T-cell migration was examined to address the critical question of how chemokines provide directional information. The chemokine SDF-1α binds fibronectin (Fn) with a low nanomolar Kd(equilibrium dissociation constant). SDF-1α presented by Fn induced directed migration. Spatial concentration gradients of chemokine were not required to maintain directed migration. Fn-presented chemokine induced the polarization of cells, including the redistribution of the SDF-1α receptor, to the basal surface and leading edge of the cell. A new model for directed migration is proposed in which the co-presentation of an adhesive matrix and chemokine provides the necessary positional information independent of a soluble spatial gradient.

Presentation of chemokine SDF-1α by fibronectin mediates directed migration of T cells

The role of chemokine–matrix interactions in integrin-dependent T-cell migration was examined to address the critical question of how chemokines provide directional information. The chemokine SDF-1α binds fibronectin (Fn) with a low nanomolar Kd(equilibrium dissociation constant). SDF-1α presented by Fn induced directed migration. Spatial concentration gradients of chemokine were not required to maintain directed migration. Fn-presented chemokine induced the polarization of cells, including the redistribution of the SDF-1α receptor, to the basal surface and leading edge of the cell. A new model for directed migration is proposed in which the co-presentation of an adhesive matrix and chemokine provides the necessary positional information independent of a soluble spatial gradient.

Cell migration and the anatomic control of thymocyte precursor differentiation

The thymus performs several essential functions during the steady-state production of T lymphocytes in adults, including expansion of the precursor pool, differentiation into multiple lineages and screening for TCRs with restricted specificities. Other than those functions attributed to the TCR, most of the factors that control these processes remain undefined. One potential mechanism for such control may be related to the movement of precursor cells between distinct anatomical compartments in the thymus. Histological studies show that the majority of CD4- CD8- cells are found in the subcapsular region. However; vascular tissues that support the migration of precursor cells into the thymus (postcapillary venules) are located deep in the tissue, near the cortico-medullary junction. This implies that blood-borne cells entering the thymus must transit outward across the cortex in order to accumulate in the SCR. Differentiation of DN cells into the CD4+ 8+ stage correlates with a reversal in polarity and migration inward, while mature cells ultimately transit the CMJ in the opposite direction of cells first entering the organ. Here we review evidence for a model in which differentiation is induced and proliferation is controlled by this progressive translocation of immature precursors through discrete stromal compartments. In addition, we attempt to summarize what is known about the molecular mechanisms that may support polarized migration of early CD4- 8- thymocytes in the adult, as well as how and where the relevant differentiative and/or proliferative signals may be compartmentalized.

Role of chemokines in thymocyte development

As they mature, thymocytes migrate to specific regions of the thymus, interact with different types of stromal cells, and thereby receive signals for survival, differentiation, or death. Despite its importance, the molecular control of thymocyte trafficking remains poorly understood. Chemokines and their receptors probably control the homing of T cell progenitors to the thymus, their intrathymic migration, and exit to the periphery. Certain chemokines are abundant in the thymus, and their receptors are expressed during distinct developmental stages. Below, we discuss recent studies of chemokines and their receptors in the thymus, speculating on their function in the frame work of thymocyte trafficking.

Beta 1-integrin-mediated cell signaling in T lymphocytes

beta1-integrins play crucial roles in a variety of cell processes such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation of lymphocytes. For understanding the molecular mechanisms of these various biological effects, it may be particularly important to analyze cell signaling through the beta1-integrins. Our previous study had shown that PLC-gamma, pp125FAK (focal adhesion kinase), pp105, paxillin, p59fyn, p56lck and ERK1/2 are phosphorylated in their tyrosine residues upon engagement of beta1-integrins. We identified pp105 as Cas (Crk-associated substrate)-related protein and successfully cloned its cDNA. pp105 is a Cas homologue predominantly expressed in the cells of lymphoid lineage, which led us to designate it as Cas-L. Like p130Cas, Cas-L contains a single SH3 domain and multiple SH2 binding sites (YXXP motif), which is suggested to bind SH2 domains of Crk, Nck, and SHPTP2. Subsequent studies revealed that pp125FAK binds Cas-L on its SH3 domain and phosphorylates its tyrosine residues upon beta1-integrin stimulation. Since Cas-L is preferentially expressed in lymphocytes, it is conceivable that Cas-L plays an important role in lymphocyte-specific signals. We have shown that Cas-L is involved in the T-cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 signaling pathway as well as the beta1-integrin signaling pathway. Cas-L is transiently phosphorylated following CD3 cross-linking, and tyrosine-phosphorylated Cas-L binds to Crk and C3G. Furthermore, a Cas-L mutant (Cas-LDeltaSH3), which lacks the binding site for FAK, is still tyrosine-phosphorylated upon CD3 cross-linking, but not upon beta1-integrin cross-linking, suggesting that FAK is not involved in CD3-dependent Cas-L phosphorylation. Finally, we have identified a crucial role of Cas-L in beta1-integrin-mediated T-cell co-stimulation. beta1-integrins have known to provide a co-stimulus for TCR/CD3-driven interleukin-2 production and proliferation of peripheral T-cells. We have found that this co-stimulatory pathway is impaired in the Jurkat T-cell line, and that the expression level of Cas-L is reduced in Jurkat cells compared with peripheral T-cells. The transfection of Cas-L cDNA into Jurkat cells restored the beta1-integrin-mediated co-stimulation, while the transfection of Cas-LDeltaSH3 mutant failed to do so, showing a contrast to the case with CD3-mediated signaling. These results indicate that Cas-L plays a key role through the association and phosphorylation by FAK in the beta1-integrin-mediated T-cell co-stimulation. Taken together, Cas-L might be the bi-modal docking protein that assembles the signals through beta1-integrins and TCR/CD3, and participates in a variety of T-cell functions.

Phosphorylation of paxillin via the ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade in EL4 thymoma cells

Intracellular signals can regulate cell adhesion via several mechanisms in a process referred to as "inside-out" signaling. In phorbol ester-sensitive EL4 thymoma cells, phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) induces activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinases and promotes cell adhesion. In this study, clonal EL4 cell lines with varying abilities to activate ERKs in response to PMA were used to examine signaling events occurring downstream of ERK activation. Paxillin, a multifunctional docking protein involved in cell adhesion, was phosphorylated on serine/threonine residues in response to PMA treatment. This response was correlated with the extent and time course of ERK activation. PMA-induced phosphorylation of paxillin was inhibited by compounds that block the ERK activation pathway in EL4 cells, primary murine thymocytes, and primary murine splenocytes. Paxillin was phosphorylated in vitro by purified active ERK2. Two-dimensional electrophoresis revealed that PMA treatment generated a complex pattern of phosphorylated paxillin species in intact cells, some of which were generated by ERK-mediated phosphorylation in vitro. An ERK pathway inhibitor interfered with PMA-induced adhesion of sensitive EL4 cells to substrate. These findings describe a novel inside-out signaling pathway by which the ERK cascade may regulate events involved in adhesion.

An essential role for thymic mesenchyme in early T cell development

We show that the mesenchymal cells that surround the 12-d mouse embryo thymus are necessary for T cell differentiation. Thus, epithelial lobes with attached mesenchyme generate all T cell populations in vitro, whereas lobes from which mesenchyme has been removed show poor lymphopoiesis with few cells progressing beyond the CD4(-)CD8(-) stage of development. Interestingly, thymic mesenchyme is derived from neural crest cells, and extirpation of the region of the neural crest involved results in impaired thymic development and craniofacial abnormalities similar to the group of clinical defects found in the DiGeorge syndrome. Previous studies have suggested an inductive effect of mesenchyme on thymic epithelial morphogenesis. However, we have found that mesenchyme-derived fibroblasts are still required for early T cell development in the presence of mature epithelial cells, and hence mesenchyme might have a direct role in lymphopoiesis. We provide an anatomical basis for the role of mesenchyme by showing that mesenchymal cells migrate into the epithelial thymus to establish a network of fibroblasts and associated extracellular matrix. We propose that the latter might be important for T cell development through integrin and/or cytokine interactions with immature thymocytes.

Soluble VCAM-1 binding to α4 integrins is cell-type specific and activation dependent and is disrupted during apoptosis in T cells

Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) is generated during inflammation and can alter lymphocyte functions. The authors report that the binding of sVCAM-1 to 4 integrin-bearing cells is a dynamically regulated, active cellular process. Binding of recombinant sVCAM-1 to 4 integrins on peripheral blood mononuclear cells was cell-type specific. Circulating CD16+ NK cells constitutively bound sVCAM-1 with high affinity, whereas a subpopulation of T-lymphocytes, primarily CD45RO+ (memory), bound sVCAM-1 only after phorbol ester stimulation. sVCAM-1 binding to homogenous stable cell lines was also cell-type specific, and required active cellular processes because it was blocked by the inhibition of ATP synthesis and by Fas-induced apoptosis. Indeed, the loss of high-affinity VCAM-1 binding was an early event in apoptosis. Furthermore, an H-Ras/Raf-initiated signaling pathway also suppressed sVCAM-1 binding to 4β1 integrins. Collectively, these results showed that the capacity of 4 integrins to bind VCAM-1 is actively regulated and that this regulation may control 4 integrin-dependent cellular functions.

Lymphoid adhesion promotes human thymic epithelial cell survival via NF-(kappa)B activation

Inside the thymus, thymic epithelial cells and thymocytes show an interdependent relationship for their functional differentiation and development. As regards possible interdependency for their mutual survival, it is clear that lympho-epithelial adhesion can control the survival of developing thymocytes whereas the effects of lymphoid adhesion on epithelial cell survival have never been described. To address this issue, we performed co-cultures between normal human thymic epithelial cells (TEC) and a mature lymphoid T cell line (H9) or unfractionated thymocytes. TEC were induced to apoptosis by growth factor deprivation and the level of cell death was measured by flow cytometry. TEC stimulated by cell adhesion showed a significant reduced apoptosis when compared to the control and this phenomenon was associated with increased binding activity of NF-(kappa)B, as measured by gel shift analysis. The activation of NF-(kappa)B was necessary to promote survival, since its inhibition by acetyl salicylic acid prevented the promoting effect. The mAb-mediated crosslinking of (alpha)(3)(beta)(1) was considered as a potential inducer of TEC survival, since we have previously demonstrated that the engagement of this integrin was able to induce NF-(kappa)B activation in TEC. The crosslinking of (alpha)(3)(beta)(1), which clustered at the lympho-epithelial contact sites, partially reproduced the promoting activity of cell adhesion. These results highlight that lympho-epithelial adhesion can control the survival of thymic epithelial cells through an intracellular pathway which requires the activation of NF-(kappa)B and is triggered by integrins of the (beta)(1) family.

Key adhesion molecules are present on long podia extended by hematopoietic cells

BACKGROUND

We recently reported that CD34(+) hematopoietic cells and the KG1a cell line extend long, thin podia. These podia can dynamically extend and retract, often adhere to the substrate, and appear to connect cells up to 300 microm apart. The surface receptors found on these podia have not been described.

METHODS

By using time-lapse fluorescent microscoscopy and immunostaining techniques, we describe a method for detecting surface receptors on these podia. This includes an in situ antibody staining procedure without fixing cells.

RESULTS

We demonstrate, using CD34 selected mobilized peripheral blood cells and KG1a cells, that adhesion molecules known to play important roles in blood-cell migration and adhesion are present on these podia. These include: CD11a, CD18, CD29, CD34, CD45, CD49d, CD49e, and CD62L. Additionally, CD54 and CD44 were present on the podia extended by KG1a cells, but were not detectable on the primary CD34(+) cells. The integrin CD49d localized at the base of these podia in a time-dependent manner in KG1a cells. The frequency and morphology of these long podia on three myeloid leukemia-cell lines (KG1a, MV4-11, and AML-193) and a CD34-negative T-cell line (CEM) are also compared. KG1a and CEM cell lines extend long, dynamic podia that are similar to the podia on primary CD34(+) cells in morphology and adhesion molecule expression. The AML-193 and MV4-11 cell lines, however, did not extend these long podia.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe a technique that provides a method of detecting surface receptors on thin cell membrane projections. These results support the likely role of these podia in cell migration and cell-cell communication.

Immune-Associated Nucleotide-1 (IAN-1) Is a Thymic Selection Marker and Defines a Novel Gene Family Conserved in Plants

Positive selection of thymocytes is a complex and crucial event in T cell development that is characterized by cell death rescue, commitment toward the helper or cytotoxic lineage, and functional maturation of thymocytes bearing an appropriate TCR. To search for novel genes involved in this process, we compared gene expression patterns in positively selected thymocytes and their immediate progenitors in mice using the differential display technique. This approach lead to the identification of a novel gene, mIAN-1 (murine immune-associated nucleotide-1), that is switched on upon positive selection and predominantly expressed in the lymphoid system. We show that mIAN-1 encodes a 42-kDa protein sharing sequence homology with the pathogen-induced plant protein aig1 and that it defines a novel family of at least three putative GTP-binding proteins. Analysis of protein expression at various stages of thymocyte development links mIAN-1 to CD3-mediated selection events, suggesting that it represents a key player of thymocyte development and that it participates to peripheral specific immune responses. The evolutionary conservation of the IAN family provides a unique example of a plant pathogen response gene conserved in animals.

Different roles for LFA-1 and VLA-4 integrins in T-B-cell interactions in vivo

Adhesion molecules are critical in the cellular interactions involved in specific immune responses. They are used for homing, cell migration, cell-cell contact and, in some cases, for the delivery of costimulatory signals. Since the host-versus-graft (HVG) reaction represents a particular form of T-B-cell interaction, we have explored whether the inhibition of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1/intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (LFA-1/ICAM-1) interactions and the signalling through very late activation antigen-4 (VLA-4) have any effect on the development of a lupus-like disease in BALB/c mice injected at birth with (BALB/cxC57BL/6)F1 spleen cells. In close association with the development of tolerance to donor allografts, these mice show a polyclonal activation of F1 donor B cells by alloreactive host CD4+ T cells, manifested by the production of autoantibodies (autoAbs) and the development of a mild glomerulonephritis. The dose of the monoclonal antibody (mAb) employed has been adjusted to block completely the molecule on the surface of peripheral lymphocytes without interfering with the induction of neonatal tolerance. Injection of saturating doses (100 microg/2 days) of either anti-LFA-1alpha or anti-ICAM-1 mAbs, but not anti-VLA-4alpha or anti-LFA-1beta mAbs, blocks the production of anti-ssDNA autoAbs and the thrombocytopenia characteristic of this HVG disease (HVGD). However, anti-VLA-4alpha treatment is only able to delay the production of autoAbs and the anti-LFA-1beta treatment, not to modify the evolution of the HVGD. These results point to the relevance of LFA-1/ICAM-1 interactions, but not of the VLA-4-mediated signal, in the polyclonal B-cell activation occurring during the allogeneic interactions between host T helper type 2 cells and donor B cells in HVGD.

Adhesion molecules involved in the interactions between early T cells and mesenchymal bone marrow stromal cells

We previously reported that among the various thymic lymphocyte subpopulations, the immature T cells preferentially adhere to mesenchymal bone marrow stroma. In the present study we examined the interactions between phenotypically defined populations of early T cells and stromal cell lines. The immature T cells segregated into two subpopulations according to their adhesive capacity. Whereas the majority of the adherent CD4-CD8- T cells were devoid of CD3/TCRalphabeta, most of the nonadherent CD4-CD8- T cells expressed this receptor complex. The adhesion of T cells to bone marrow stroma almost entirely was accounted for by CD49d and CD90, whereas that of adherent CD4-CD8- cells also was dependent on CD44, CD62L, and CD117 receptor. Blocking antibody combinations failed to reduce the adherence of these early T cells to less than 50% that of the control. On the other hand, the adhesion of unselected thymocytes to the stroma was reduced by 80%, using the same blocking antibodies. Therefore, the participation of additional molecules in the adhesion of early T cells to mesenchymal stroma is implicated. Comparison between the interaction of T cells with bone marrow mesenchymal or with thymus-derived epithelial stroma indicated that T cells utilize a selected set of adhesion molecules under each situation. Although CD49d and CD90 participated in both cases, CD11a, CD18, and CD2 receptors played a dominant role in the adhesion of T cells to thymic epithelium only. This study may point to a role of mesenchymal stroma in the regulation of early T-cell lymphopoiesis in the bone marrow.

Laminin 5 in the human thymus: control of T cell proliferation via alpha6beta4 integrins

Laminin 5 (alpha3beta3gamma2) distribution in the human thymus was investigated by immunofluorescence on frozen sections with anti-alpha3, -beta3, and -gamma2 mAbs. In addition to a linear staining of subcapsular basal laminae, the three mAbs give a disperse staining in the parenchyma restricted to the medullary area on a subset of stellate epithelial cells and vessel structures. We also found that laminin 5 may influence mature human thymocyte expansion; while bulk laminin and laminin 2, when cross-linked, are comitogenic with a TCR signal, cross-linked laminin 5 has no effect. By contrast, soluble laminin 5 inhibits thymocyte proliferation induced by a TCR signal. This is accompanied by a particular pattern of inhibition of early tyrosine kinases, including Zap 70 and p59(fyn) inhibition, but not overall inhibition of p56(lck). Using a mAb specific for alpha6beta4 integrins, we observed that while alpha3beta1 are known to be uniformly present on all thymocytes, alpha6beta4 expression parallels thymocyte maturation; thus a correspondence exists between laminin 5 in the thymic medulla and alpha6beta4 on mature thymocytes. Moreover, the soluble Ab against alpha6beta4 inhibits thymocyte proliferation and reproduces the same pattern of tyrosine kinase phosphorylation suggesting that alpha6beta4 is involved in laminin 5-induced modulation of T cell activation.

Upregulated Expression of Fibronectin Receptors Underlines the Adhesive Capability of Thymocytes to Thymic Epithelial Cells During the Early Stages of Differentiation: Lessons From Sublethally Irradiated Mice

A 250-cGy whole-body γ-radiation dose was used to induce thymus regression in mice, and to study the expression and function of extracellular matrix (ECM) receptors in distinct thymocyte subsets emerging during repopulation of the organ. The onset of regeneration was detected from day 2 to 3 postirradiation (P-Ir), when a remarkable increase in the absolute counts of CD3−CD25hiCD44+ and CD3−CD25in/hiCD44−cells occurred. Enhanced expression of L-selectin, 4, and 5 integrin chains (L-selhi 4hi5hi) was also exhibited by these cells. This pattern of expression was maintained until the CD4+CD8+ (DP) young stage was achieved. Afterward, there was a general downregulation of these ECM receptors in DP as well as in CD4+ or CD8+ single positive (SP) thymocytes (L-selin 4in5in). In some recently generated SP cells, 4 expression was downregulated before the 5 chain, and L-selectin was upregulated in half of more mature cells. The expression of the 6 integrin chain was downregulated only in maturing CD4+cells. Importantly, the increased expression of L-selectin and 4 and 5 chains in thymocytes was strongly correlated with their adhesiveness to thymic epithelial cells (TEC) in vitro. Blocking experiments with monoclonal antibody or peptides showed the following: (1) that the LDV rather than the REDV cell attachment motif in the IIIC segment of fibronectin is targeted by the 4 integrin during thymocyte/TEC adhesion; (2) that the RGD motif of the 120-kD fragment of fibronectin, a target for 5 integrin, has a secondary role in this adhesion; and (3) that the YIGSR cell attachment motif of the β1 chain of laminin/merosin recognized by a nonintegrin receptor is not used for thymocyte adherence. In conclusion, our results show that an upregulated set of receptors endows CD25+ precursors and cells up to the young DP stage with a high capability of interacting with thymic ECM components.

Upregulated Expression of Fibronectin Receptors Underlines the Adhesive Capability of Thymocytes to Thymic Epithelial Cells During the Early Stages of Differentiation: Lessons From Sublethally Irradiated Mice

A 250-cGy whole-body γ-radiation dose was used to induce thymus regression in mice, and to study the expression and function of extracellular matrix (ECM) receptors in distinct thymocyte subsets emerging during repopulation of the organ. The onset of regeneration was detected from day 2 to 3 postirradiation (P-Ir), when a remarkable increase in the absolute counts of CD3−CD25hiCD44+ and CD3−CD25in/hiCD44−cells occurred. Enhanced expression of L-selectin, 4, and 5 integrin chains (L-selhi 4hi5hi) was also exhibited by these cells. This pattern of expression was maintained until the CD4+CD8+ (DP) young stage was achieved. Afterward, there was a general downregulation of these ECM receptors in DP as well as in CD4+ or CD8+ single positive (SP) thymocytes (L-selin 4in5in). In some recently generated SP cells, 4 expression was downregulated before the 5 chain, and L-selectin was upregulated in half of more mature cells. The expression of the 6 integrin chain was downregulated only in maturing CD4+cells. Importantly, the increased expression of L-selectin and 4 and 5 chains in thymocytes was strongly correlated with their adhesiveness to thymic epithelial cells (TEC) in vitro. Blocking experiments with monoclonal antibody or peptides showed the following: (1) that the LDV rather than the REDV cell attachment motif in the IIIC segment of fibronectin is targeted by the 4 integrin during thymocyte/TEC adhesion; (2) that the RGD motif of the 120-kD fragment of fibronectin, a target for 5 integrin, has a secondary role in this adhesion; and (3) that the YIGSR cell attachment motif of the β1 chain of laminin/merosin recognized by a nonintegrin receptor is not used for thymocyte adherence. In conclusion, our results show that an upregulated set of receptors endows CD25+ precursors and cells up to the young DP stage with a high capability of interacting with thymic ECM components.

Thymocyte Contact or Monoclonal Antibody-Mediated Clustering of 3β1 or 6β4 Integrins Activate Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Transcription Factors (NF-κB and NF-IL6) and IL-6 Production in Human Thymic Epithelial Cells

T-cell precursors develop within the thymus in contact with multiple supportive elements, among which thymic epithelial cells (TEC) are known to exert a dominant role in their homing, survival, and functional differentiation. All these functions are supported by cell-cell contacts and cytokine release. Signaling events triggered in lymphoid cells by adhesion to TEC are well characterized, but little is known about the opposite phenomenon. To address this issue, we derived cultures of TEC from human normal thymus. TEC monolayers were cocultured with thymocytes and immunostained with monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) to integrin  (2, 3, 4, and 6) and β (β1 and β4) chains. Optical and confocal analysis showed that integrins were polarized on TEC at discrete surface locations: 6β4 lined the basal surface of TEC monolayers, whereas 3β1 was found mostly at TEC-TEC contacts; it is noteworthy that both 3β1 and 6β4 became highly enriched also at the boundaries with adherent thymocytes. Functional studies performed with MoAbs anti-β1 and -β4 integrins showed that β1, and, to a much lower extent, β4 heterodimers are involved in the TEC-thymocyte adhesion. Thymocyte contact or MoAb-mediated ligation of 3, 6, β1, and β4 integrins was investigated as a potential inducer of intracellular signaling in TEC. Thymocyte adhesion or cross-linking of MoAbs bound to integrins clustered at the TEC/thymocyte contact sites led to activation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene transcription factors, namely NF-IL6 serine phosphorylation and NF-κB nuclear targeting, as well as to increased IL-6 secretion. We propose that integrin clustering occurring during TEC-thymocyte contacts modulates in TEC the gene expression of a cytokine involved in thymocyte growth and functional differentiation.

Thymocyte Contact or Monoclonal Antibody-Mediated Clustering of 3β1 or 6β4 Integrins Activate Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Transcription Factors (NF-κB and NF-IL6) and IL-6 Production in Human Thymic Epithelial Cells

T-cell precursors develop within the thymus in contact with multiple supportive elements, among which thymic epithelial cells (TEC) are known to exert a dominant role in their homing, survival, and functional differentiation. All these functions are supported by cell-cell contacts and cytokine release. Signaling events triggered in lymphoid cells by adhesion to TEC are well characterized, but little is known about the opposite phenomenon. To address this issue, we derived cultures of TEC from human normal thymus. TEC monolayers were cocultured with thymocytes and immunostained with monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) to integrin  (2, 3, 4, and 6) and β (β1 and β4) chains. Optical and confocal analysis showed that integrins were polarized on TEC at discrete surface locations: 6β4 lined the basal surface of TEC monolayers, whereas 3β1 was found mostly at TEC-TEC contacts; it is noteworthy that both 3β1 and 6β4 became highly enriched also at the boundaries with adherent thymocytes. Functional studies performed with MoAbs anti-β1 and -β4 integrins showed that β1, and, to a much lower extent, β4 heterodimers are involved in the TEC-thymocyte adhesion. Thymocyte contact or MoAb-mediated ligation of 3, 6, β1, and β4 integrins was investigated as a potential inducer of intracellular signaling in TEC. Thymocyte adhesion or cross-linking of MoAbs bound to integrins clustered at the TEC/thymocyte contact sites led to activation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene transcription factors, namely NF-IL6 serine phosphorylation and NF-κB nuclear targeting, as well as to increased IL-6 secretion. We propose that integrin clustering occurring during TEC-thymocyte contacts modulates in TEC the gene expression of a cytokine involved in thymocyte growth and functional differentiation.

alpha4 and alpha5 integrins costimulate the CD3-dependent proliferation of fetal thymocytes

Although integrin receptors have been shown to function as costimulatory molecules on mature thymocytes and T cells, it is not known whether these receptors can function as costimulatory molecules on immature thymocytes. Previous studies have shown that the expression of alpha4 and alpha5 integrins were significantly higher on immature, adult CD4(-)CD8(-) thymocytes than on either mature thymocytes or T cells, suggesting that these receptors are involved in early thymocyte development. In this study, we show that day 16 fetal thymocytes express levels of alpha4 and alpha5 equivalent to those of adult CD4(-)CD8(-) thymocytes. Immobilized fibronectin, a ligand for alpha4 and alpha5 integrins, was found to enhance the CD3-dependent proliferation of these fetal thymocytes. In the presence of IL-7, the magnitude of the proliferative response increased with time of incubation, resulting in a dramatic increase in the percentage of gammadelta thymocytes. The enhancement of proliferation by fibronectin was abrogated by soluble antibodies against alpha4 and alpha5, whereas immobilized mAb to alpha4 and alpha5 substituted for fibronectin in enhancing CD3-dependent proliferation, demonstrating that alpha4 and alpha5 integrins were responsible for the enhanced proliferation by fibronectin. Anti-alpha4 mAb enhanced proliferation of fetal thymocytes by 100%, whereas anti-alpha5 mAb and anti-CD28 mAb enhanced proliferation by 25%. Other costimulatory molecules, such as CD2, FcRgamma, and Thy-1, had no effect on the CD3-dependent proliferation of day 16 fetal thymocytes. This study demonstrates that alpha4 and alpha5 integrins are capable of costimulating fetal thymocytes.

Thymic heterotypic cellular complexes in gene-targeted mice with defined blocks in T cell development and adhesion molecule expression

Thymocytes form unique multicellular complexes with epithelial cells (thymic nurse cells, TNC) and rosettes (ROS) with macrophages, epithelial cells and dendritic cells. To investigate the role of differentiation checkpoints in the formation of the thymic heterotypic complexes in vivo, we used mutant mice which have genetically defined blocks at early and late stages of T cell development. We show that RAG-1-/-, TCRbeta-/- , and p56lck-/- mice lack thymocyte ROS formation with epithelial cells, macrophages, or dendritic cells. TNC formation was not affected by TCRbeta and p56lck gene mutations but partially decreased in RAG-1-/- mice, indicating that TNC are the earliest thymocyte-stromal cell complexes formed in development, whereas ROS only appear after thymocytes have rearranged and expressed a functional TCRbeta chain. Genetic blocks in CD8 lineage commitment (CD8-/- and IFN regulatory factor-1-/- mice) and positive and negative T cell selection (CD45-/-, TCRalpha-/-, and CD30-/- mice) did not affect thymocyte-stromal cell complexes. Surprisingly, CD4-/- mice, but not MHC class II-/- mice, had significantly reduced numbers of TNC and ROS, in particular, a severe defect in ROS formation with thymic dendritic cells. The CD4-/- block in ROS and TNC formation was rescued by the introduction of a human CD4 transgene. Moreover, we show that the adhesion receptors CD44 and LFA-1 cooperate in the formation of the thymic microenvironment. These results provide genetic evidence on the role of defined stages in T cell development and adhesion molecules on thymocyte/stromal cell interactions in vitro.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection of mature CD3hiCD8+ thymocytes

Although CD4+ cells are the primary targets of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, earlier reports have suggested that intrathymic infection of CD8+ cells may occur. However, it was unclear whether HIV-1-infected CD8+ thymocytes were truly mature single-positive (SP) cells. In the present study, SCID mice implanted with human fetal thymus and liver tissues (SCID-hu mice) were infected with three primary isolates of HIV-1 and infected thymocytes were analyzed to assess maturational status. After intra-implant or intraperitoneal injection with HIV-1, thymocytes were sorted by three-color flow cytometric analysis into mature populations of CD3hiCD4+ and CD3hiCD8+ SP cells of > 99% purity (< 0.3% CD4-containing cells in the CD8+ population). The presence of HIV-1 provirus in the sorted thymocyte populations was determined by quantitative PCR. A fraction of mature CD3hiCD8+ thymocytes contained HIV-1 proviral DNA, and evidence of viral mRNA transcription in these cells was demonstrated by in situ hybridization. In contrast, when uninfected CD3hiCD8+ thymocytes were cocultured with HIV-1-infected CD4+ thymocytes, no evidence of productive HIV-1 infection was detected. Thus, HIV-1 infection of CD8+ thymocytes in the SCID-hu mouse does not occur by direct contact with the virus. Rather, cell surface CD4 is required; therefore, precursor cells are the likely primary target of HIV-1 infection in the thymus. During ontogeny, some of these infected cells continue their differentiation into mature CD8+ SP thymocytes that contain proviral DNA and express viral RNA.

Impairment of T cell development in deltaEF1 mutant mice

Using the method of gene targeting in mouse embryonic stem cells, regulatory function of deltaEF1, a zinc finger and homeodomain-containing transcription factor, was investigated in vivo by generating the deltaEF1 mutant mice. The mutated allele of deltaEF1 produced a truncated form of the deltaEF1 protein lacking a zinc finger cluster proximal to COOH terminus. The homozygous deltaEF1 mutant mice had poorly developed thymi with no distinction of cortex and medulla. Analysis of the mutant thymocyte showed reduction of the total cell number by two orders of magnitude accompanying the impaired thymocyte development. The early stage intrathymic c-kit+ T precursor cells were largely depleted. The following thymocyte development also seemed to be affected as assessed by the distorted composition of CD4- or CD8-expressing cells. The mutant thymocyte showed elevated alpha4 integrin expression, which might be related to the T cell defect in the mutant mice. In the peripheral lymph node tissue of the mutant mice, the CD4-CD8+ single positive cells were significantly reduced relative to CD4+CD8-single positive cells. In contrast to T cells, other hematopoietic lineages appeared to be normal. The data indicated that deltaEF1 is involved in regulation of T cell development at multiple stages.