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Shirafkan F, Hensel L, Rattay K. Immune tolerance and the prevention of autoimmune diseases essentially depend on thymic tissue homeostasis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1339714. [PMID: 38571951 PMCID: PMC10987875 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1339714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The intricate balance of immune reactions towards invading pathogens and immune tolerance towards self is pivotal in preventing autoimmune diseases, with the thymus playing a central role in establishing and maintaining this equilibrium. The induction of central immune tolerance in the thymus involves the elimination of self-reactive T cells, a mechanism essential for averting autoimmunity. Disruption of the thymic T cell selection mechanisms can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases. In the dynamic microenvironment of the thymus, T cell migration and interactions with thymic stromal cells are critical for the selection processes that ensure self-tolerance. Thymic epithelial cells are particularly significant in this context, presenting self-antigens and inducing the negative selection of autoreactive T cells. Further, the synergistic roles of thymic fibroblasts, B cells, and dendritic cells in antigen presentation, selection and the development of regulatory T cells are pivotal in maintaining immune responses tightly regulated. This review article collates these insights, offering a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted role of thymic tissue homeostasis in the establishment of immune tolerance and its implications in the prevention of autoimmune diseases. Additionally, the developmental pathways of the thymus are explored, highlighting how genetic aberrations can disrupt thymic architecture and function, leading to autoimmune conditions. The impact of infections on immune tolerance is another critical area, with pathogens potentially triggering autoimmunity by altering thymic homeostasis. Overall, this review underscores the integral role of thymic tissue homeostasis in the prevention of autoimmune diseases, discussing insights into potential therapeutic strategies and examining putative avenues for future research on developing thymic-based therapies in treating and preventing autoimmune conditions.
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2
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Zhong X, Peddada N, Wang J, Moresco JJ, Zhan X, Shelton JM, SoRelle JA, Keller K, Lazaro DR, Moresco EMY, Choi JH, Beutler B. OVOL2 sustains postnatal thymic epithelial cell identity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7786. [PMID: 38012144 PMCID: PMC10682436 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43456-z] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Distinct pathways and molecules may support embryonic versus postnatal thymic epithelial cell (TEC) development and maintenance. Here, we identify a mechanism by which TEC numbers and function are maintained postnatally. A viable missense allele (C120Y) of Ovol2, expressed ubiquitously or specifically in TECs, results in lymphopenia, in which T cell development is compromised by loss of medullary TECs and dysfunction of cortical TECs. We show that the epithelial identity of TECs is aberrantly subverted towards a mesenchymal state in OVOL2-deficient mice. We demonstrate that OVOL2 inhibits the epigenetic regulatory BRAF-HDAC complex, specifically disrupting RCOR1-LSD1 interaction. This causes inhibition of LSD1-mediated H3K4me2 demethylation, resulting in chromatin accessibility and transcriptional activation of epithelial genes. Thus, OVOL2 controls the epigenetic landscape of TECs to enforce TEC identity. The identification of a non-redundant postnatal mechanism for TEC maintenance offers an entry point to understanding thymic involution, which normally begins in early adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhong
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - Nagesh Peddada
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - Jianhui Wang
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - James J Moresco
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - Xiaowei Zhan
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8821, USA
| | - John M Shelton
- Intermal Medicine-Histopathology Core, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8573, USA
| | - Jeffrey A SoRelle
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9072, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9063, USA
| | - Katie Keller
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - Danielle Renee Lazaro
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - Eva Marie Y Moresco
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - Jin Huk Choi
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA.
| | - Bruce Beutler
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA.
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3
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Lee DY, Song WH, Lim YS, Lee C, Rajbongshi L, Hwang SY, Kim BS, Lee D, Song YJ, Kim HG, Yoon S. Fish Collagen Peptides Enhance Thymopoietic Gene Expression, Cell Proliferation, Thymocyte Adherence, and Cytoprotection in Thymic Epithelial Cells via Activation of the Nuclear Factor-κB Pathway, Leading to Thymus Regeneration after Cyclophosphamide-Induced Injury. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:531. [PMID: 37888466 PMCID: PMC10608061 DOI: 10.3390/md21100531] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolonged thymic involution results in decreased thymopoiesis and thymic output, leading to peripheral T-cell deficiency. Since the thymic-dependent pathway is the only means of generating fully mature T cells, the identification of strategies to enhance thymic regeneration is crucial in developing therapeutic interventions to revert immune suppression in immunocompromised patients. The present study clearly shows that fish collagen peptides (FCPs) stimulate activities of thymic epithelial cells (TECs), including cell proliferation, thymocyte adhesion, and the gene expression of thymopoietic factors such as FGF-7, IGF-1, BMP-4, VEGF-A, IL-7, IL-21, RANKL, LTβ, IL-22R, RANK, LTβR, SDF-1, CCL21, CCL25, CXCL5, Dll1, Dll4, Wnt4, CD40, CD80, CD86, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, FoxN1, leptin, cathepsin L, CK5, and CK8 through the NF-κB signal transduction pathway. Furthermore, our study also revealed the cytoprotective effects of FCPs on TECs against cyclophosphamide-induced cellular injury through the NF-κB signaling pathway. Importantly, FCPs exhibited a significant capability to facilitate thymic regeneration in mice after cyclophosphamide-induced damage via the NF-κB pathway. Taken together, this study sheds light on the role of FCPs in TEC function, thymopoiesis, and thymic regeneration, providing greater insight into the development of novel therapeutic strategies for effective thymus repopulation for numerous clinical conditions in which immune reconstitution is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do Young Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Hoon Song
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Department of Urology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital and Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye Seon Lim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Changyong Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Lata Rajbongshi
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Yeong Hwang
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Soo Kim
- School of Biomedical Convergence Engineering, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjun Lee
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Jung Song
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital and Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwi-Gon Kim
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital and Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Sik Yoon
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
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4
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Ono K, Sujino T, Miyamoto K, Harada Y, Kojo S, Yoshimatsu Y, Tanemoto S, Koda Y, Zheng J, Sayama K, Koide T, Teratani T, Mikami Y, Takabayashi K, Nakamoto N, Hosoe N, London M, Ogata H, Mucida D, Taniuchi I, Kanai T. Downregulation of chemokine receptor 9 facilitates CD4 +CD8αα + intraepithelial lymphocyte development. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5152. [PMID: 37620389 PMCID: PMC10449822 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40950-2] [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: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) reside in the gut epithelial layer, where they help in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Peripheral CD4+ T cells can develop into CD4+CD8αα+ IELs upon arrival at the gut epithelium via the lamina propria (LP). Although this specific differentiation of T cells is well established, the mechanisms preventing it from occurring in the LP remain unclear. Here, we show that chemokine receptor 9 (CCR9) expression is low in epithelial CD4+CD8αα+ IELs, but CCR9 deficiency results in CD4+CD8αα+ over-differentiation in both the epithelium and the LP. Single-cell RNA sequencing shows an enriched precursor cell cluster for CD4+CD8αα+ IELs in Ccr9-/- mice. CD4+ T cells isolated from the epithelium of Ccr9-/- mice also display increased expression of Cbfβ2, and the genomic occupancy modification of Cbfβ2 expression reveals its important function in CD4+CD8αα+ differentiation. These results implicate a link between CCR9 downregulation and Cbfb2 splicing upregulation to enhance CD4+CD8αα+ IEL differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Ono
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Sujino
- Center for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kentaro Miyamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Research Laboratory, Miyarisan Pharmaceutical Co., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yosuke Harada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kojo
- Laboratory for Transcriptional Regulation, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Division of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yusuke Yoshimatsu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shun Tanemoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuzo Koda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Jiawen Zheng
- Laboratory for Transcriptional Regulation, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Sayama
- Applied Life Science Course, College of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Koide
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Teratani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yohei Mikami
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoru Takabayashi
- Center for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Nakamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoki Hosoe
- Center for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mariya London
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Haruhiko Ogata
- Center for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daniel Mucida
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Ichiro Taniuchi
- Laboratory for Transcriptional Regulation, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takanori Kanai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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5
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Lagou MK, Karagiannis GS. Obesity-induced thymic involution and cancer risk. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 93:3-19. [PMID: 37088128 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Declining thymic functions associated either with old age (i.e., age-related thymic involution), or with acute involution as a result of stress, infectious disease, or cytoreductive therapies (e.g., chemotherapy/radiotherapy), have been associated with cancer development. A key mechanism underlying such increased cancer risk is the thymus-dependent debilitation of adaptive immunity, which is responsible for orchestrating immunoediting mechanisms and tumor immune surveillance. In the past few years, a blooming set of evidence has intriguingly linked obesity with cancer development and progression. The majority of such studies has focused on obesity-driven chronic inflammation, steroid/sex hormone and adipokine production, and hyperinsulinemia, as principal factors affecting the tumor microenvironment and driving the development of primary malignancy. However, experimental observations about the negative impact of obesity on T cell development and maturation have existed for more than half a century. Here, we critically discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms of obesity-driven thymic involution as a previously underrepresented intermediary pathology leading to cancer development and progression. This knowledge could be especially relevant in the context of childhood obesity, because impaired thymic function in young individuals leads to immune system abnormalities, and predisposes to various pediatric cancers. A thorough understanding behind the molecular and cellular circuitries governing obesity-induced thymic involution could therefore help towards the rationalized development of targeted thymic regeneration strategies for obese individuals at high risk of cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria K Lagou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Tumor Microenvironment of Metastasis Program, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - George S Karagiannis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Tumor Microenvironment of Metastasis Program, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Cancer Dormancy and Tumor Microenvironment Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Integrated Imaging Program for Cancer Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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6
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Silva CS, Kundu B, Gomes JM, Fernandes EM, Reis RL, Kundu SC, Martins A, Neves NM. Development of bilayered porous silk scaffolds for thymus bioengineering. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 147:213320. [PMID: 36739783 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The thymus coordinates the development and selection of T cells. It is structured into two main compartments: the cortex and the medulla. The replication of such complex 3D environment has been challenged by bioengineering approaches. Nevertheless, the effect of the scaffold microstructure on thymic epithelial cell (TEC) cultures has not been deeply investigated. Here, we developed bilayered porous silk fibroin scaffolds and tested their effect on TEC co-cultures. The small and large pore scaffolds presented a mean pore size of 84.33 ± 21.51 μm and 194.90 ± 61.38 μm, respectively. The highly porous bilayered scaffolds presented a high water absorption and water content (> 94 %), together with mechanical properties in the range of the native tissue. TEC (i.e., medullary (mTEC) and cortical (cTEC) cell lines) proliferation is increased in scaffolds with larger pores. The co-culture of both TEC lines in the bilayered porous silk scaffolds presents enhanced cell proliferation and metabolic activity when compared with mTEC in single culture. Also, when the co-culture occurred with cTEC in the small pores layer and mTEC in the large pores layer, a 9.2- and 18.9-fold increase in Foxn1 and Icam1 gene expression in cTEC is evident. These results suggest that scaffold microstructure and the co-culture influence TEC's behaviour. Bilayered silk scaffolds with adjusted microstructure are a valid alternative for TEC culture, having possible applications in advanced thymus bioengineering strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina S Silva
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Banani Kundu
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Joana M Gomes
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Emanuel M Fernandes
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Subhas C Kundu
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Albino Martins
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Nuno M Neves
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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7
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Morales-Sanchez A, Shissler SC, Cowan JE, Bhandoola A. Revelations in Thymic Epithelial Cell Biology and Heterogeneity from Single-Cell RNA Sequencing and Lineage Tracing Methodologies. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2580:25-49. [PMID: 36374449 PMCID: PMC10802793 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2740-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) make up the thymic microenvironments that support the generation of a functionally competent and self-tolerant T-cell repertoire. Cortical (c)TECs, present in the cortex, are essential for early thymocyte development including selection of thymocytes expressing functional TCRs (positive selection). Medullary (m)TECs, located in the medulla, play a key role in late thymocyte development, including depletion of self-reactive T cells (negative selection) and selection of regulatory T cells. In recent years, transcriptomic analysis by single-cell (sc)RNA sequencing (Seq) has revealed TEC heterogeneity previously masked by population-level RNA-Seq or phenotypic studies. We summarize the discoveries made possible by scRNA-Seq, including the identification of novel mTEC subsets, advances in understanding mTEC promiscuous gene expression, and TEC alterations from embryonic to adult stages. Whereas pseudotime analyses of scRNA-Seq data can suggest relationships between TEC subsets, experimental methods such as lineage tracing and reaggregate thymic organ culture (RTOC) are required to test these hypotheses. Lineage tracing - namely, of β5t or Aire expressing cells - has exposed progenitor and parent-daughter cellular relationships within TEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Morales-Sanchez
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Children's Hospital of Mexico Federico Gomez, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Susannah C Shissler
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer E Cowan
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Avinash Bhandoola
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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8
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Silva CS, Cerqueira MT, Reis RL, Martins A, Neves NM. Laminin-2 immobilized on a 3D fibrous structure impacts cortical thymic epithelial cells behaviour and their interaction with thymocytes. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 222:3168-3177. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.10.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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9
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Taves MD, Ashwell JD. Effects of sex steroids on thymic epithelium and thymocyte development. Front Immunol 2022; 13:975858. [PMID: 36119041 PMCID: PMC9478935 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.975858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones have major effects on the thymus. Age-related increases in androgens and estrogens and pregnancy-induced increases in progestins all cause dramatic thymic atrophy. Atrophy can also be induced by treatment with exogenous sex steroids and reversed by ablation of endogenous sex steroids. Although these observations are frequently touted as evidence of steroid lymphotoxicity, they are often driven by steroid signaling in thymic epithelial cells (TEC), which are highly steroid responsive. Here, we outline the effects of sex steroids on the thymus and T cell development. We focus on studies that have examined steroid signaling in vivo, aiming to emphasize the actions of endogenous steroids which, via TEC, have remarkable programming effects on the TCR repertoire. Due to the dramatic effects of steroids on TEC, especially thymic involution, the direct effects of sex steroid signaling in thymocytes are less well understood. We outline studies that could be important in addressing these possibilities, and highlight suggestive findings of sex steroid generation within the thymus itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Taves
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Jonathan D. Ashwell
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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10
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Abstract
A high diversity of αβ T cell receptors (TCRs), capable of recognizing virtually any pathogen but also self-antigens, is generated during T cell development in the thymus. Nevertheless, a strict developmental program supports the selection of a self-tolerant T cell repertoire capable of responding to foreign antigens. The steps of T cell selection are controlled by cortical and medullary stromal niches, mainly composed of thymic epithelial cells and dendritic cells. The integration of important cues provided by these specialized niches, including (a) the TCR signal strength induced by the recognition of self-peptide-MHC complexes, (b) costimulatory signals, and (c) cytokine signals, critically controls T cell repertoire selection. This review discusses our current understanding of the signals that coordinate positive selection, negative selection, and agonist selection of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. It also highlights recent advances that have unraveled the functional diversity of thymic antigen-presenting cell subsets implicated in T cell selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Irla
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), CNRS, INSERM, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France;
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11
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Mutabaruka MS, Pata M, Vacher J. A Foxo1-Klf2-S1pr1-Gnai1-Rac1 signaling axis is a critical mediator of Ostm1 regulatory network in T lymphopoiesis. iScience 2022; 25:104160. [PMID: 35434560 PMCID: PMC9010627 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ostm1 mutations cause the severe form of osteopetrosis with bone marrow deficiency in humans and mice, yet a role in T cell ontogeny remains to be determined. Herein, we show that thymi of the Ostm1-null mice (gl/gl) from P8-to-P15 become markedly hypocellular with disturbed architecture. Analysis of gl/gl early T cell program determined a major decrease of 3-fold in bone marrow common lymphoid precursors (CLP), 35-fold in early thymic precursors (ETPs) and 100-fold in T cell double positive subpopulations. Ostm1 ablation in T cell double negative (DN) also appears to induce fast-paced differentiation kinetics with a transitory intermediate CD44+CD25int subpopulation. Transgenic targeting Ostm1 expression from the gl/gl DN1 population partially rescued T cell subpopulations from ETP onwards and normalized the accelerated DN differentiation, indicating a cell-autonomous role for Ostm1. Transcriptome of early DN1 population identified an Ostm1 crosstalk with a Foxo1-Klf2-S1pr1-Gnai1-Rac1 signaling axis. Our findings establish that Ostm1 is an essential regulator of T cell ontogeny. Loss of Ostm1 causes severe thymus hypocellularity Ostm1 is a modulator of the T cell differentiation program from the CLPs onwards Targeted CD2-Ostm1 in Ostm1 null mice leads to partial rescue of DN differentiation Ostm1 null DN1 transcriptome identifies a Foxo1-Klf2-S1pr1-Gnai1-Rac1 signaling axis
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie S Mutabaruka
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, 110 West Pins Avenue, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Monica Pata
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, 110 West Pins Avenue, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Jean Vacher
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, 110 West Pins Avenue, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 3J7, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
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12
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The sialyltransferase ST3Gal-IV guides murine T-cell progenitors to the thymus. Blood Adv 2021; 4:1930-1941. [PMID: 32380539 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019001046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
T lymphocytes are important players in beneficial and detrimental immune responses. In contrast to other lymphocyte populations that develop in the bone marrow, T-cell precursors need to migrate to the thymus for further development. The interaction of P-selectin and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is crucial for thymic entry of T-cell precursors during settings of T-cell lineage reconstitution. PSGL-1 has to be sialylated to function as a ligand for P-selectin, and the sialyltransferase ST3Gal-IV might play a critical role in this process. We therefore investigated the role of ST3Gal-IV for T-cell development using competitive mixed bone marrow chimeric mice. We found that ST3Gal-IV is dispensable for homing and engraftment of hematopoietic precursors in the bone marrow. However, ST3Gal-IV deficiency affects seeding of the thymus by early T-cell progenitors, leading to impaired restoration of the peripheral T-cell compartment. This defect could be restored by ectopic retroviral expression of ST3Gal-IV in hematopoietic stem cells derived from ST3Gal-IV-deficient donor mice. Our findings show that ST3Gal-IV plays a critical and nonredundant role for efficient T-cell lineage reconstitution after bone marrow transplantation.
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13
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Han J, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. A 2020 View of Thymus Stromal Cells in T Cell Development. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 206:249-256. [PMID: 33397738 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is an intricate primary lymphoid organ, wherein bone marrow-derived lymphoid progenitor cells are induced to develop into functionally competent T cells that express a diverse TCR repertoire, which is selected to allow for the recognition of foreign Ags while avoiding self-reactivity or autoimmunity. Thymus stromal cells, which can include all non-T lineage cells, such as thymic epithelial cells, endothelial cells, mesenchymal/fibroblast cells, dendritic cells, and B cells, provide signals that are essential for thymocyte development as well as for the homeostasis of the thymic stroma itself. In this brief review, we focus on the key roles played by thymic stromal cells during early stages of T cell development, such as promoting the homing of thymic-seeding progenitors, inducing T lineage differentiation, and supporting thymocyte survival and proliferation. We also discuss recent advances on the transcriptional regulation that govern thymic epithelial cell function as well as the cellular and molecular changes that are associated with thymic involution and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxun Han
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada; and
| | - Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada; and.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
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14
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Modeling the Dynamics of T-Cell Development in the Thymus. ENTROPY 2021; 23:e23040437. [PMID: 33918050 PMCID: PMC8069328 DOI: 10.3390/e23040437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The thymus hosts the development of a specific type of adaptive immune cells called T cells. T cells orchestrate the adaptive immune response through recognition of antigen by the highly variable T-cell receptor (TCR). T-cell development is a tightly coordinated process comprising lineage commitment, somatic recombination of Tcr gene loci and selection for functional, but non-self-reactive TCRs, all interspersed with massive proliferation and cell death. Thus, the thymus produces a pool of T cells throughout life capable of responding to virtually any exogenous attack while preserving the body through self-tolerance. The thymus has been of considerable interest to both immunologists and theoretical biologists due to its multi-scale quantitative properties, bridging molecular binding, population dynamics and polyclonal repertoire specificity. Here, we review experimental strategies aimed at revealing quantitative and dynamic properties of T-cell development and how they have been implemented in mathematical modeling strategies that were reported to help understand the flexible dynamics of the highly dividing and dying thymic cell populations. Furthermore, we summarize the current challenges to estimating in vivo cellular dynamics and to reaching a next-generation multi-scale picture of T-cell development.
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15
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James KD, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Non-Epithelial Stromal Cells in Thymus Development and Function. Front Immunol 2021; 12:634367. [PMID: 33717173 PMCID: PMC7946857 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.634367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus supports T-cell development via specialized microenvironments that ensure a diverse, functional and self-tolerant T-cell population. These microenvironments are classically defined as distinct cortex and medulla regions that each contain specialized subsets of stromal cells. Extensive research on thymic epithelial cells (TEC) within the cortex and medulla has defined their essential roles during T-cell development. Significantly, there are additional non-epithelial stromal cells (NES) that exist alongside TEC within thymic microenvironments, including multiple subsets of mesenchymal and endothelial cells. In contrast to our current understanding of TEC biology, the developmental origins, lineage relationships, and functional properties, of NES remain poorly understood. However, experimental evidence suggests these cells are important for thymus function by either directly influencing T-cell development, or by indirectly regulating TEC development and/or function. Here, we focus attention on the contribution of NES to thymic microenvironments, including their phenotypic identification and functional classification, and explore their impact on thymus function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran D James
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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16
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Irla M. RANK Signaling in the Differentiation and Regeneration of Thymic Epithelial Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 11:623265. [PMID: 33552088 PMCID: PMC7862717 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.623265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) provide essential clues for the proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation of thymocytes. Recent advances in mouse and human have revealed that TECs constitute a highly heterogeneous cell population with distinct functional properties. Importantly, TECs are sensitive to thymic damages engendered by myeloablative conditioning regimen used for bone marrow transplantation. These detrimental effects on TECs delay de novo T-cell production, which can increase the risk of morbidity and mortality in many patients. Alike that TECs guide the development of thymocytes, reciprocally thymocytes control the differentiation and organization of TECs. These bidirectional interactions are referred to as thymic crosstalk. The tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) member, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) and its cognate ligand RANKL have emerged as key players of the crosstalk between TECs and thymocytes. RANKL, mainly provided by positively selected CD4+ thymocytes and a subset of group 3 innate lymphoid cells, controls mTEC proliferation/differentiation and TEC regeneration. In this review, I discuss recent advances that have unraveled the high heterogeneity of TECs and the implication of the RANK-RANKL signaling axis in TEC differentiation and regeneration. Targeting this cell-signaling pathway opens novel therapeutic perspectives to recover TEC function and T-cell production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Irla
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
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17
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Hasegawa H. [Vascular Remodeling Induced by Biological Stresses]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2020; 140:509-512. [PMID: 32238633 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.19-00221-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is a vital organ for functional immune systems, and is the site of T cell development, which plays a central role in cellular immune defenses. Unlike other major organs, the thymus is highly dynamic in size and structure. It shrinks immediately upon bacterial infection, aging, pregnancy, mental stress, nutritional deficiency, and more. The reduction in size and function of the thymus during such biological events is called thymic involution or thymic atrophy; thymic involution is a particularly important issue because dysfunctional T cell immunity increases the risks of tumorigenesis and infectious diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying thymic involution remain obscure. Our recent study indicated that blood vessels are remodeled during thymic involution that occurs upon aging, estradiol-treatment, or nutritional deficiency. We also found that prostanoid synthesis is induced during thymic involution. Treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin or etodolac, at least partially inhibited thymic involution-induced remodeling of the blood vessels, suggesting that prostanoids are involved in blood vessel remodeling. Our results revealed the potential role of blood vessel remodeling during thymic involution, which can lead to biological stress-induced immunosenescence.
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18
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Lee BJ, Mace EM. 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. Mol Biol Cell 2020; 31:981-991. [PMID: 32352896 PMCID: PMC7346728 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e19-08-0424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barclay J. Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Emily M. Mace
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
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19
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Lu X, Zhang Y, Liu F, Wang L. Rac2 Regulates the Migration of T Lymphoid Progenitors to the Thymus during Zebrafish Embryogenesis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 204:2447-2454. [PMID: 32198141 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The caudal hematopoietic tissue in zebrafish, the equivalent to the fetal liver in mammals, is an intermediate hematopoietic niche for the maintenance and differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells before homing to the thymus and kidney marrow. As one of the ultimate hematopoietic organs, the thymus sustains T lymphopoiesis, which is essential for adaptive immune system. However, the mechanism of prethymic T lymphoid progenitors migrating to the thymus remains elusive. In this study, we identify an Rho GTPase Rac2 as a modulator of T lymphoid progenitor homing to the thymus in zebrafish. rac2-Deficient embryos show the inability of T lymphoid progenitors homing to the thymus because of defective cell-autonomous motility. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that Rac2 regulates homing of T lymphoid progenitor through Pak1-mediated AKT pathway. Taken together, our work reveals an important function of Rac2 in directing T lymphoid progenitor migration to the thymus during zebrafish embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China.,State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; and.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuanlin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China.,State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; and
| | - Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; and .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China;
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20
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Abstract
The generation of a functional T cell repertoire in the thymus is mainly orchestrated by thymic epithelial cells (TECs), which provide developing T cells with cues for their navigation, proliferation, differentiation and survival. The TEC compartment has been segregated historically into two major populations of medullary TECs and cortical TECs, which differ in their anatomical localization, molecular characteristics and functional roles. However, recent studies have shown that TECs are highly heterogeneous and comprise multiple subpopulations with distinct molecular and functional characteristics, including tuft cell-like or corneocyte-like phenotypes. Here, we review the most recent advances in our understanding of TEC heterogeneity from a molecular, functional and developmental perspective. In particular, we highlight the key insights that were recently provided by single-cell genomic technologies and in vivo fate mapping and discuss them in the context of previously published data.
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21
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Huang Y, Lu Y, He Y, Feng Z, Zhan Y, Huang X, Liu Q, Zhang J, Li H, Huang H, Ma M, Luo L, Li L. Ikzf1 regulates embryonic T lymphopoiesis via Ccr9 and Irf4 in zebrafish. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:16152-16163. [PMID: 31511326 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.009883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ikzf1 is a Krüppel-like zinc-finger transcription factor that plays indispensable roles in T and B cell development. Although the function of Ikzf1 has been studied extensively, the molecular mechanism underlying T lymphopoiesis remains incompletely defined during the embryonic stage. Here we report that the genetic ablation of ikzf1 in mutant zebrafish resulted in abrogated embryonic T lymphopoiesis. This was ascribed to impaired thymic migration, proliferation, and differentiation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). Ccr9a and Irf4a, two indispensable factors in T lymphopoiesis, were the direct targets of Ikzf1 and were absent in the ikzf1 mutants. Genetic deletion of either ccr9a or irf4a in the corresponding mutant embryos led to obvious T cell development deficiency, which was mainly caused by disrupted thymic migration of HSPCs. Restoration of ccr9a in ikzf1 mutants obviously promoted HSPC thymus homing. However, the HSPCs then failed to differentiate into T cells. Additional replenishment of irf4a efficiently induced HSPC proliferation and T cell differentiation. Our findings further demonstrate that Ikzf1 regulates embryonic T lymphopoiesis via Ccr9 and Irf4 and provide new insight into the genetic network of T lymphocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youkui Huang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yafang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yuepeng He
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zhi Feng
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yandong Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xue Huang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China
| | - Hongtao Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Honghui Huang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Ming Ma
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Li Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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22
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Carlow DA, Tra MC, Ziltener HJ. A cell-extrinsic ligand acquired by activated T cells in lymph node can bridge L-selectin and P-selectin. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205685. [PMID: 30379850 PMCID: PMC6209203 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
P-selectin expressed on activated endothelia and platelets supports recruitment of leukocytes expressing P-selectin ligand to sites of inflammation. While monitoring P-selectin ligand expression on activated CD8+ T cells in murine adoptive transfer models, we observed two distinct ligands on responding donor cells, the canonical cell-intrinsic P-selectin ligand PSGL-1 and a second undocumented P-selectin ligand we provisionally named PSL2. PSL2 is unusual among selectin ligands in that it is cell-extrinsic, loaded onto L-selectin expressed by activated T cells but not L-selectin on resting naïve CD8+ T cells. PSL2 display is highest on activated T cells responding in peripheral lymph nodes and low on T cells responding in spleen suggesting that the original source of PSL2 is high endothelial venules, cells known to produce L-selectin ligands. PSL2 is a ligand for both P-selectin and L-selectin and can physically bridge the two selectins. The L-selectin/PSL2 complex can mediate P-selectin-dependent adherence of activated T cells to immobilized P-selectin or to activated platelets, either independently or cooperatively with PSGL-1. PSL2's capacity to bridge between L-selectin on activated T cells and P-selectin reveals an undocumented and unanticipated activity of cell-extrinsic selectin ligands in mediating selectin-selectin connectivity. The timing and circumstances of PSL2 detection on T cells, together with its capacity to support adherence to P-selectin-bearing substrates, are consistent with P-selectin engagement of both PSGL1 and the L-selectin/PSL2 complex during T cell recruitment. Engagement of PSGL-1 and L-selectin/PSL2 would likely deliver distinct signals known to be relevant in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas A. Carlow
- The Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Michelle C. Tra
- The Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hermann J. Ziltener
- The Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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23
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Krueger A. Thymus Colonization: Who, How, How Many? Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2017; 66:81-88. [PMID: 29288431 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-017-0503-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
De novo generation of T cells depends on continual colonization of the thymus by bone marrow-derived progenitors. Thymus seeding progenitors (TSPs) constitute a heterogeneous population comprising multipotent and lineage-restricted cell types. Entry into the thymic microenvironment is tightly controlled and recent quantitative studies have revealed that the adult murine thymus only contains approximately 160 niches to accommodate TSPs. Of these niches only about 6% are open for seeding on average at steady-state. Here, I review the state of understanding of colonization of the adult murine thymus with a particular focus on past and current controversies in the field. Improving thymus colonization and/or maintaining intact TSP niches during the course of pre-conditioning regimens are likely to be critical for efficient T-cell regeneration after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Krueger
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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24
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Interleukin-7 in the transition of bone marrow progenitors to the thymus. Immunol Cell Biol 2017; 95:916-924. [PMID: 28811625 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2017.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is essential for the development of T cells in humans and mice where deficiencies in IL-7 signaling result in severe immunodeficiency. T cells require IL-7 at multiple points during development; however, it is unclear when IL-7 is first necessary. We observed that mice with impaired IL-7 signaling had a large reduction in the number of early thymic progenitors (ETPs) while mice that overexpress IL-7 had greatly increased numbers of ETPs. These results indicated that the development of ETPs is sensitive to IL-7. Bone marrow progenitors of ETP are present in normal numbers in mice with impaired IL-7 signaling (IL-7Rα449F) and were efficiently recruited to the thymus. Furthermore, ETPs and their progenitors from IL-7Rα449F mice did not undergo increased apoptosis and proliferate normally compared to WT cells. Mixed bone marrow chimeras demonstrated that IL-7 signaling has a cell-intrinsic role in ETP development but was not required for development of bone marrow progenitors. We have shown a novel role for IL-7 signaling in the development of ETPs that is distinct from classic mechanisms of IL-7 regulating survival and proliferation.
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25
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Smith MJ, Reichenbach DK, Parker SL, Riddle MJ, Mitchell J, Osum KC, Mohtashami M, Stefanski HE, Fife BT, Bhandoola A, Hogquist KA, Holländer GA, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC, Tolar J, Blazar BR. T cell progenitor therapy-facilitated thymopoiesis depends upon thymic input and continued thymic microenvironment interaction. JCI Insight 2017; 2:92056. [PMID: 28515359 PMCID: PMC5436538 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.92056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Infusion of in vitro-derived T cell progenitor (proT) therapy with hematopoietic stem cell transplant aids the recovery of the thymus damaged by total body irradiation. To understand the interaction between proTs and the thymic microenvironment, WT mice were lethally irradiated and given T cell-deficient (Rag1-/-) marrow with WT in vitro-generated proTs, limiting mature T cell development to infused proTs. ProTs within the host thymus led to a significant increase in thymic epithelial cells (TECs) by day 21 after transplant, increasing actively cycling TECs. Upon thymus egress (day 28), proT TEC effects were lost, suggesting that continued signaling from proTs is required to sustain TEC cycling and cellularity. Thymocytes increased significantly by day 21, followed by a significant improvement in mature T cell numbers in the periphery by day 35. This protective surge was temporary, receding by day 60. Double-negative 2 (DN2) proTs selectively increased thymocyte number, while DN3 proTs preferentially increased TECs and T cells in the spleen that persisted at day 60. These findings highlight the importance of the interaction between proTs and TECs in the proliferation and survival of TECs and that the maturation stage of proTs has unique effects on thymopoiesis and peripheral T cell recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle J. Smith
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Immunology, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Dawn K. Reichenbach
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Immunology, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Sarah L. Parker
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Megan J. Riddle
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jason Mitchell
- Center for Immunology, Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kevin C. Osum
- Center for Immunology, Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mahmood Mohtashami
- Sunnybrook Research Institute and Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather E. Stefanski
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Brian T. Fife
- Center for Immunology, Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Avinash Bhandoola
- T-Cell Biology and Development Unit, Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Georg A. Holländer
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Paediatrics and Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jakub Tolar
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Bruce R. Blazar
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Immunology, Department of Medicine, and
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26
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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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27
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PSGL-1: A New Player in the Immune Checkpoint Landscape. Trends Immunol 2017; 38:323-335. [PMID: 28262471 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) has long been studied as an adhesion molecule involved in immune cell trafficking and is recognized as a regulator of many facets of immune responses by myeloid cells. PSGL-1 also regulates T cell migration during homeostasis and inflammatory settings. However, recent findings indicate that PSGL-1 can also negatively regulate T cell function. Because T cell differentiation is finely tuned by multiple positive and negative regulatory signals that appropriately scale the magnitude of the immune response, PSGL-1 has emerged as an important checkpoint during this process. We summarize what is known regarding PSGL-1 structure and function and highlight how it may act as an immune checkpoint inhibitor in T cells.
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28
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Krueger A, Ziętara N, Łyszkiewicz M. T Cell Development by the Numbers. Trends Immunol 2016; 38:128-139. [PMID: 27842955 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
T cells are continually generated in the thymus in a highly dynamic process comprising discrete steps of lineage commitment, T cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement, and selection. These steps are linked to distinct rates of proliferation, survival, and cell death, but a quantitative picture of T cell development is only beginning to emerge. Here we summarize recent technical advances, including genetic fate mapping, barcoding, and molecular timers, that have allowed the implementation of computational models to quantify developmental dynamics in the thymus. Coupling new techniques with mathematical models has recently resulted in the emergence of new paradigms in early hematopoiesis and might similarly open new perspectives on T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Krueger
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Natalia Ziętara
- Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Marcin Łyszkiewicz
- Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, 80337 Munich, Germany
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29
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Shi Y, Wu W, Chai Q, Li Q, Hou Y, Xia H, Ren B, Xu H, Guo X, Jin C, Lv M, Wang Z, Fu YX, Zhu M. LTβR controls thymic portal endothelial cells for haematopoietic progenitor cell homing and T-cell regeneration. Nat Commun 2016; 7:12369. [PMID: 27493002 PMCID: PMC4980457 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Continuous thymic homing of haematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) via the blood is critical for normal T-cell development. However, the nature and the differentiation programme of specialized thymic endothelial cells (ECs) controlling this process remain poorly understood. Here using conditional gene-deficient mice, we find that lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTβR) directly controls thymic ECs to guide HPC homing. Interestingly, T-cell deficiency or conditional ablation of T-cell-engaged LTβR signalling results in a defect in thymic HPC homing, suggesting the feedback regulation of thymic progenitor homing by thymic products. Furthermore, we identify and characterize a special thymic portal EC population with features that guide HPC homing. LTβR is essential for the differentiation and homeostasis of these thymic portal ECs. Finally, we show that LTβR is required for T-cell regeneration on irradiation-induced thymic injury. Together, these results uncover a cellular and molecular pathway that governs thymic EC differentiation for HPC homing. Lymphoid progenitors migrate from the bone marrow into the thymus to give rise to T and NK cell lineages. Here the authors characterize a lymphotoxin receptor beta-dependent population of thymic endothelial cells that guide lymphoid progenitor homing in the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyao Shi
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Weiwei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qian Chai
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Qingqing Li
- Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yu Hou
- Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Huan Xia
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Boyang Ren
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hairong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaohuan Guo
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 China
| | - Caiwei Jin
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mengjie Lv
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhongnan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yang-Xin Fu
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235-9072, USA
| | - Mingzhao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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30
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Ziętara N, Łyszkiewicz M, Puchałka J, Witzlau K, Reinhardt A, Förster R, Pabst O, Prinz I, Krueger A. Multicongenic fate mapping quantification of dynamics of thymus colonization. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 212:1589-601. [PMID: 26347471 PMCID: PMC4577840 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20142143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ziętara et al demonstrate with multicongenic fate mapping that thymus seeding is directly restricted to the duration of niche occupancy rather than long-range effects. Postnatal T cell development depends on continuous colonization of the thymus by BM-derived T lineage progenitors. Both quantitative parameters and the mechanisms of thymus seeding remain poorly understood. Here, we determined the number of dedicated thymus-seeding progenitor niches (TSPNs) capable of supporting productive T cell development, turnover rates of niche occupancy, and feedback mechanisms. To this end, we established multicongenic fate mapping combined with mathematical modeling to quantitate individual events of thymus colonization. We applied this method to study thymus colonization in CCR7−/−CCR9−/− (DKO) mice, whose TSPNs are largely unoccupied. We showed that ∼160–200 TSPNs are present in the adult thymus and, on average, 10 of these TSPNs were open for recolonization at steady state. Preconditioning of wild-type mice revealed a similar number of TSPNs, indicating that preconditioning can generate space efficiently for transplanted T cell progenitors. To identify potential cellular feedback loops restricting thymus colonization, we performed serial transfer experiments. These experiments indicated that thymus seeding was directly restricted by the duration of niche occupancy rather than long-range effects, thus challenging current paradigms of thymus colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Ziętara
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Marcin Łyszkiewicz
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jacek Puchałka
- Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital, University Children's Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, D-80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Witzlau
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Annika Reinhardt
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Reinhold Förster
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Oliver Pabst
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany Institute of Molecular Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Immo Prinz
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Krueger
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
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31
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García-Ceca J, Alfaro D, Montero-Herradón S, Tobajas E, Muñoz JJ, Zapata AG. Eph/Ephrins-Mediated Thymocyte-Thymic Epithelial Cell Interactions Control Numerous Processes of Thymus Biology. Front Immunol 2015; 6:333. [PMID: 26167166 PMCID: PMC4481163 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies emphasize the relevance of thymocyte-thymic epithelial cell (TECs) interactions for the functional maturation of intrathymic T lymphocytes. The tyrosine kinase receptors, Ephs (erythropoietin-producing hepatocyte kinases) and their ligands, ephrins (Eph receptor interaction proteins), are molecules known to be involved in the regulation of numerous biological systems in which cell-to-cell interactions are particularly relevant. In the last years, we and other authors have demonstrated the importance of these molecules in the thymic functions and the T-cell development. In the present report, we review data on the effects of Ephs and ephrins in the functional maturation of both thymic epithelial microenvironment and thymocyte maturation as well as on their role in the lymphoid progenitor recruitment into the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier García-Ceca
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Alfaro
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Montero-Herradón
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Tobajas
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan José Muñoz
- Cytometry and Fluorescence Microscopy Center, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín G. Zapata
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Cytometry and Fluorescence Microscopy Center, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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32
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Esain V, Kwan W, Carroll KJ, Cortes M, Liu SY, Frechette GM, Sheward LMV, Nissim S, Goessling W, North TE. Cannabinoid Receptor-2 Regulates Embryonic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Development via Prostaglandin E2 and P-Selectin Activity. Stem Cells 2015; 33:2596-612. [PMID: 25931248 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids (CB) modulate adult hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPCs) function, however, impact on the production, expansion, or migration of embryonic HSCs is currently uncharacterized. Here, using chemical and genetic approaches targeting CB-signaling in zebrafish, we show that CB receptor (CNR) 2, but not CNR1, regulates embryonic HSC development. During HSC specification in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region, CNR2 stimulation by AM1241 increased runx1;cmyb(+) HSPCs, through heightened proliferation, whereas CNR2 antagonism decreased HSPC number; FACS analysis and absolute HSC counts confirmed and quantified these effects. Epistatic investigations showed AM1241 significantly upregulated PGE2 synthesis in a Ptgs2-dependent manner to increase AGM HSCs. During the phases of HSC production and colonization of secondary niches, AM1241 accelerated migration to the caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT), the site of embryonic HSC expansion, and the thymus; however these effects occurred independently of PGE2. Using a candidate approach for HSC migration and retention factors, P-selectin was identified as the functional target of CNR2 regulation. Epistatic analyses confirmed migration of HSCs into the CHT and thymus was dependent on CNR2-regulated P-selectin activity. Together, these data suggest CNR2-signaling optimizes the production, expansion, and migration of embryonic HSCs by modulating multiple downstream signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Esain
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wanda Kwan
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kelli J Carroll
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mauricio Cortes
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah Y Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gregory M Frechette
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lea M V Sheward
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sahar Nissim
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wolfram Goessling
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Trista E North
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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33
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Nussbaum C, Bannenberg S, Keul P, Gräler MH, Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque CF, Korhonen H, von Wnuck Lipinski K, Heusch G, de Castro Faria Neto HC, Rohwedder I, Göthert JR, Prasad VP, Haufe G, Lange-Sperandio B, Offermanns S, Sperandio M, Levkau B. Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 promotes leukocyte rolling by mobilizing endothelial P-selectin. Nat Commun 2015; 6:6416. [PMID: 25832730 PMCID: PMC4396399 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) participates in inflammation; however, its role in leukocyte rolling is still unclear. Here we use intravital microscopy in inflamed mouse cremaster muscle venules and human endothelial cells to show that S1P contributes to P-selectin-dependent leukocyte rolling through endothelial S1P receptor 3 (S1P3) and Gαq, PLCβ and Ca2+. Intra-arterial S1P administration increases leukocyte rolling, while S1P3 deficiency or inhibition dramatically reduces it. Mast cells involved in triggering rolling also release S1P that mobilizes P-selectin through S1P3. Histamine and epinephrine require S1P3 for full-scale effect accomplishing it by stimulating sphingosine kinase 1 (Sphk1). In a counter-regulatory manner, S1P1 inhibits cAMP-stimulated Sphk1 and blocks rolling as observed in endothelial-specific S1P1−/− mice. In agreement with a dominant pro-rolling effect of S1P3, FTY720 inhibits rolling in control and S1P1−/− but not in S1P3−/− mice. Our findings identify S1P as a direct and indirect contributor to leukocyte rolling and characterize the receptors mediating its action. The lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is known to mediate leukocyte recruitment in inflammation. Here, Nussbaum et al. show that S1P, via its receptor S1P3, also regulates leukocyte rolling on endothelium by promoting the presentation of the adhesion molecule P-selectin on the endothelial surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Nussbaum
- 1] Walter Brendel Center, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, 81377 München, Germany [2] Dr v. Haunersches Children's Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University München, 80337 München, Germany
| | - Sarah Bannenberg
- Institute of Pathophysiology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Petra Keul
- Institute of Pathophysiology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Markus H Gräler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Center for Molecular Biomedicine, University Hospital Jena, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Cassiano F Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque
- 1] Walter Brendel Center, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, 81377 München, Germany [2] Laboratorio de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040900, Brazil
| | - Hanna Korhonen
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Karin von Wnuck Lipinski
- Institute of Pathophysiology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Gerd Heusch
- Institute of Pathophysiology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | | | - Ina Rohwedder
- Walter Brendel Center, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Joachim R Göthert
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Vysakh Pushpa Prasad
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Günter Haufe
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Baerbel Lange-Sperandio
- Dr v. Haunersches Children's Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University München, 80337 München, Germany
| | - Stefan Offermanns
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Markus Sperandio
- Walter Brendel Center, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Bodo Levkau
- Institute of Pathophysiology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
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34
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Alfaro D, García-Ceca J, Farias-de-Oliveira DA, Terra-Granado E, Montero-Herradón S, Cotta-de-Almeida V, Savino W, Zapata A. EphB2 and EphB3 play an important role in the lymphoid seeding of murine adult thymus. J Leukoc Biol 2015; 98:883-96. [DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1hi1114-568r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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35
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Khong DM, Dudakov JA, Hammett MV, Jurblum MI, Khong SML, Goldberg GL, Ueno T, Spyroglou L, Young LF, van den Brink MRM, Boyd RL, Chidgey AP. Enhanced hematopoietic stem cell function mediates immune regeneration following sex steroid blockade. Stem Cell Reports 2015; 4:445-58. [PMID: 25733018 PMCID: PMC4375937 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2015.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2014] [Revised: 01/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms underlying age-related defects within lymphoid-lineages remain poorly understood. We previously reported that sex steroid ablation (SSA) induced lymphoid rejuvenation and enhanced recovery from hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation (HSCT). We herein show that, mechanistically, SSA induces hematopoietic and lymphoid recovery by functionally enhancing both HSC self-renewal and propensity for lymphoid differentiation through intrinsic molecular changes. Our transcriptome analysis revealed further hematopoietic support through rejuvenation of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, with upregulation of key hematopoietic factors and master regulatory factors associated with aging such as Foxo1. These studies provide important cellular and molecular insights into understanding how SSA-induced regeneration of the hematopoietic compartment can underpin recovery of the immune system following damaging cytoablative treatments. These findings support a short-term strategy for clinical use of SSA to enhance the production of lymphoid cells and HSC engraftment, leading to improved outcomes in adult patients undergoing HSCT and immune depletion in general. Sex steroid ablation (SSA) increases number of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) SSA enhances reconstitution potential and self-renewal of HSCs SSA reverses the age-associated decline in Foxo1 expression by hematopoietic niche There is an increase in niche expression of hematopoiesis-associated factors after SSA
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Affiliation(s)
- Danika M Khong
- Stem Cells and Immune Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Jarrod A Dudakov
- Stem Cells and Immune Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Maree V Hammett
- Stem Cells and Immune Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Marc I Jurblum
- Stem Cells and Immune Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Sacha M L Khong
- Stem Cells and Immune Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Gabrielle L Goldberg
- Stem Cells and Immune Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Tomoo Ueno
- Stem Cells and Immune Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Lisa Spyroglou
- Stem Cells and Immune Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Lauren F Young
- Stem Cells and Immune Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | | | - Richard L Boyd
- Stem Cells and Immune Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ann P Chidgey
- Stem Cells and Immune Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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36
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Franckaert D, Schlenner SM, Heirman N, Gill J, Skogberg G, Ekwall O, Put K, Linterman MA, Dooley J, Liston A. Premature thymic involution is independent of structural plasticity of the thymic stroma. Eur J Immunol 2015; 45:1535-47. [PMID: 25627671 PMCID: PMC4670717 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201445277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is the organ devoted to T-cell production. The thymus undergoes multiple rounds of atrophy and redevelopment before degenerating with age in a process known as involution. This process is poorly understood, despite the influence the phenomenon has on peripheral T-cell numbers. Here we have investigated the FVB/N mouse strain, which displays premature thymic involution. We find multiple architectural and cellular features that precede thymic involution, including disruption of the epithelial–endothelial relationship and a progressive loss of pro-T cells. The architectural features, reminiscent of the human thymus, are intrinsic to the nonhematopoietic compartment and are neither necessary nor sufficient for thymic involution. By contrast, the loss of pro-T cells is intrinsic to the hematopoietic compartment, and is sufficient to drive premature involution. These results identify pro-T-cell loss as the main driver of premature thymic involution, and highlight the plasticity of the thymic stroma, capable of maintaining function across diverse interstrain architectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Franckaert
- Autoimmune Genetics Laboratory, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Susan M Schlenner
- Autoimmune Genetics Laboratory, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Heirman
- Autoimmune Genetics Laboratory, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jason Gill
- Mechanisms of Cancer, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel Skogberg
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Göteborg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Olov Ekwall
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Göteborg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karen Put
- Autoimmune Genetics Laboratory, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - James Dooley
- Autoimmune Genetics Laboratory, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adrian Liston
- Autoimmune Genetics Laboratory, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
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Kumar A, Saba JD. Regulation of Immune Cell Migration by Sphingosine-1-Phosphate. CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (OMICS) 2015; 61:121. [PMID: 30294722 PMCID: PMC6169313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Sphingosine-1-phosphate [S1P] is a potent bioactive sphingolipid molecule. In response to a stimulus, S1P is produced intracellularly by the action of two sphingosine kinases, and then it is exported to the extracellular environment or acts as an intracellular second messenger. S1P binds to its cognate G-protein coupled receptors, which are known as S1P receptors. There are five S1P receptors that have been identified in vertebrates. By activating S1P receptors, S1P controls a variety of physiological and pathological processes including cell migration, angiogenesis, vascular maturation, inflammation, and invasion, metastasis, and chemoresistance in cancer. S1P has emerged as a critical regulator of leukocyte migration and plays a central role in lymphocyte egress from the thymus and secondary lymphoid organs. In the current review article, we summarize the current understanding of the emigration of lymphocytes and other leukocytes from bone marrow, thymus and secondary lymphoid organs to the circulation, as well as the clinical implications of modulating the activity of the major S1P receptor, S1PR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences [AIIMS], Saket Nagar, Bhopal 462 020, India
| | - JD. Saba
- Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland, California 94609, USA
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38
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Chemokine treatment rescues profound T-lineage progenitor homing defect after bone marrow transplant conditioning in mice. Blood 2014; 124:296-304. [PMID: 24876562 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2014-01-552794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of T cells in the thymus requires continuous importation of T-lineage progenitors from the bone marrow via the circulation. Following bone marrow transplant, recovery of a normal peripheral T-cell pool depends on production of naïve T cells in the thymus; however, delivery of progenitors to the thymus limits T-lineage reconstitution. Here, we examine homing of intravenously delivered progenitors to the thymus following irradiation and bone marrow reconstitution. Surprisingly, following host conditioning by irradiation, we find that homing of lymphoid-primed multipotent progenitors and common lymphoid progenitors to the thymus decreases more than 10-fold relative to unirradiated mice. The reduction in thymic homing in irradiated mice is accompanied by a significant reduction in CCL25, an important chemokine ligand for thymic homing. We show that pretreatment of bone marrow progenitors with CCL25 and CCL21 corrects the defect in thymic homing after irradiation and promotes thymic reconstitution. These data suggest new therapeutic approaches to promote T-cell regeneration.
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39
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Pioli PD, Weis JH. Snail transcription factors in hematopoietic cell development: a model of functional redundancy. Exp Hematol 2014; 42:425-30. [PMID: 24674754 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Coordinated gene expression is crucial in facilitating proper lymphoid cell development and function. The precise patterns of gene expression during B- and T-cell development are regulated through a complex interplay between a multitude of transcriptional regulators, both activators and repressors. We have recently identified the Snail family of transcription factors as playing significant and overlapping roles in lymphoid cell development, in that deletion of both SNAI2 and SNAI3 was required to fully impact the generation of mature T and B cells. Analyses using compound heterozygote animals further demonstrated that SNAI2 and SNAI3 were partially haplosufficient and relatively equivalent in their ability to preserve B-cell generation in the bone marrow. In this review, we summarize studies elucidating the role of the Snail family in hematopoiesis, with a focus on lymphoid cell development. Using the Snail family as an example, we discuss the concepts of functional redundancy and strategies employed to assay transcription factor families for intramember compensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Pioli
- Division of Cell Biology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - John H Weis
- Division of Cell Biology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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40
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Thymic epithelial cell expansion through matricellular protein CYR61 boosts progenitor homing and T-cell output. Nat Commun 2013; 4:2842. [DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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41
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Abstract
The continuous production of T lymphocytes requires that hematopoietic progenitors developing in the bone marrow migrate to the thymus. Rare progenitors egress from the bone marrow into the circulation, then traffic via the blood to the thymus. It is now evident that thymic settling is tightly regulated by selectin ligands, chemokine receptors, and integrins, among other factors. Identification of these signals has enabled progress in identifying specific populations of hematopoietic progenitors that can settle the thymus. Understanding the nature of progenitor cells and the molecular mechanisms involved in thymic settling may allow for therapeutic manipulation of this process, and improve regeneration of the T lineage in patients with impaired T cell numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley L Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 264 John Morgan Building 3620 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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42
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Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Stimamiglio MA, Muñoz JJ, Alfaro D, Terra-Granado E, Garcia-Ceca J, Alonso-Colmenar LM, Savino W, Zapata AG. Developing T-cell migration: role of semaphorins and ephrins. FASEB J 2012; 26:4390-9. [PMID: 22815386 DOI: 10.1096/fj.11-202952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Cell migration is a crucial event for normal T-cell development, and various ligand/receptor pairs have been implicated. Most of them, including chemokines and extracellular matrix proteins, have attractant properties on thymocytes. We discuss herein two further groups of ligand/receptor pairs, semaphorins/neuropilins and ephs/ephrins, which are constitutively expressed by thymocytes and thymic microenvironmental cells. Evidence shows that the corresponding interactions are relevant for developing T-cell migration, including the entry of bone marrow progenitor cells, migration of CD4/CD8-defined thymocyte subpopulations triggered by chemokines and/or extracellular matrix proteins, and thymocyte export. Conceptually, the data summarized here show that thymocyte migration results from a complex network of molecular interactions, which generate not only attraction, but also repulsion of migrating T-cell precursors.
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43
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Dooley J, Liston A. Molecular control over thymic involution: from cytokines and microRNA to aging and adipose tissue. Eur J Immunol 2012; 42:1073-9. [PMID: 22539280 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201142305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is the primary organ for T-cell differentiation and maturation. Unlike other major organs, the thymus is highly dynamic, capable of undergoing multiple rounds of almost complete atrophy followed by rapid restoration. The process of thymic atrophy, or involution, results in decreased thymopoiesis and emigration of naïve T cells to the periphery. Multiple processes can trigger transient thymic involution, including bacterial and viral infection(s), aging, pregnancy and stress. Intense investigations into the mechanisms that underlie thymic involution have revealed diverse cellular and molecular mediators, with elaborate control mechanisms. This review outlines the disparate pathways through which involution can be mediated, from the transient infection-mediated pathway, tightly controlled by microRNA, to the chronic changes that occur through aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Dooley
- Autoimmune Genetics Laboratory, VIB and University of Leuven, Belgium.
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Taylor PA, Kelly RM, Bade ND, Smith MJ, Stefanski HE, Blazar BR. FTY720 markedly increases alloengraftment but does not eliminate host anti-donor T cells that cause graft rejection on its withdrawal. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2012; 18:1341-52. [PMID: 22728248 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2012.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The immunomodulator FTY720 (FTY) is beneficial in models of graft-versus-host disease, solid organ transplantation, and autoimmunity and has been approved for use in patients with multiple sclerosis. FTY modifies the homing and migration of many cell types. We report that FTY has profound positive and negative effects on allogeneic bone marrow (BM) engraftment in sublethally irradiated recipients. FTY increased donor hematopoietic progenitors in the BM, resulting in high donor engraftment in the B cell, myeloid cell, and natural killer cell, but not T cell, lineages. Donor T cell progenitors within the thymus of FTY-treated recipients were dramatically reduced, resulting in a lack of donor T cell reconstitution. In addition to preventing the ingress of donor (and host) T cell progenitors, FTY prevented the egress of fully functional host CD4+CD8- and CD4-CD8+ thymocytes that on cessation of FTY administration were able to exit from the thymus and contribute to a rapid and complete rejection of a well-established donor BM graft. When used in combination with anti-CD40L mAbs to block the CD40L:CD40 costimulatory pathway, FTY markedly enhanced anti-CD40L mAb-mediated alloengraftment promotion. In contrast to FTY alone, the combination of anti-CD40L mAb and FTY resulted in a surprisingly stable, multilineage, long-term donor chimerism. These data illustrate FTY's profound migration modulating effects and suggest a use in combinatorial therapy in achieving stable alloengraftment under nonmyeloablative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Taylor
- Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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45
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Sultana DA, Zhang SL, Todd SP, Bhandoola A. Expression of functional P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 on hematopoietic progenitors is developmentally regulated. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 188:4385-93. [PMID: 22461691 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1101116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
T cell development requires periodic importation of hematopoietic progenitors into the thymus. The receptor-ligand pair P-selectin and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1) are critically involved in this process. In this study, we examined the expression of functional PSGL-1 on bone marrow hematopoietic progenitors. We demonstrate that functional PSGL-1 is expressed at low levels on hematopoietic stem cells, but upregulated on the cell surface of progenitors that bear other homing molecules known to be important for thymic settling. We found that progenitors able to home to the thymus expressed high levels of PSGL-1 transcripts compared with hematopoietic stem cells. We further demonstrate that hematopoietic progenitors lacking fucosyltransferase 4 and 7 do not express functional PSGL-1, and do not home efficiently to the thymus. These studies provide insight into the developmentally regulated expression of a critical determinant involved in progenitor homing to the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dil Afroz Sultana
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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46
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Veerman KM, Carlow DA, Shanina I, Priatel JJ, Horwitz MS, Ziltener HJ. PSGL-1 regulates the migration and proliferation of CD8(+) T cells under homeostatic conditions. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 188:1638-46. [PMID: 22250093 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1103026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), a heavily glycosylated sialomucin expressed on most leukocytes, has dual function as a selectin ligand for leukocyte rolling on vascular selectins expressed in inflammation and as a facilitator of resting T cell homing into lymphoid organs. In this article, we document disturbances in T cell homeostasis present in PSGL-1(null) mice. Naive CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell frequencies were profoundly reduced in blood, whereas T cell numbers in lymph nodes and spleen were at or near normal levels. Although PSGL-1(null) T cells were less efficient at entering lymph nodes, they also remained in lymph nodes longer than PSGL-1(+/+) T cells, suggesting that PSGL-1 supports T cell egress. In addition, PSGL-1(null) CD8(+) T cell proliferation was observed under steady-state conditions and PSGL-1(null) CD8(+) T cells were found to be hyperresponsive to homeostatic cytokines IL-2, IL-4, and IL-15. Despite these disturbances in T cell homeostasis, PSGL-1(null) mice exhibited a normal acute response (day 8) to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection but generated an increased frequency of memory T cells (day 40). Our observations demonstrate a novel pleiotropic influence of PSGL-1 deficiency on several aspects of T cell homeostasis that would not have been anticipated based on the mild phenotype of PSGL-1(null) mice. These potentially offsetting effects presumably account for the near-normal cellularity seen in lymph nodes of PSGL-1(null) mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystle M Veerman
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
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47
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González-García S, García-Peydró M, Alcain J, Toribio ML. Notch1 and IL-7 receptor signalling in early T-cell development and leukaemia. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2012; 360:47-73. [PMID: 22695916 DOI: 10.1007/82_2012_231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Notch receptors are master regulators of many aspects of development and tissue renewal in metazoans. Notch1 activation is essential for T-cell specification of bone marrow-derived multipotent progenitors that seed the thymus, and for proliferation and further progression of early thymocytes along the T-cell lineage. Deregulated activation of Notch1 significantly contributes to the generation of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL). In addition to Notch1 signals, survival and proliferation signals provided by the IL-7 receptor (IL-7R) are also required during thymopoiesis. Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling stage-specific survival and proliferation signals provided by Notch1 and IL-7R has recently been improved by the discovery that the IL-7R is a transcriptional target of Notch1. Thus, Notch1 controls T-cell development, in part by regulating the stage- and lineage-specific expression of IL-7R. The finding that induction of IL-7R expression downstream of Notch1 also occurs in T-ALL highlights the important contribution that deregulated IL-7R expression and function may have in this pathology. Confirming this notion, oncogenic IL7R gain-of-function mutations have recently been identified in childhood T-ALL. Here we discuss the fundamental role of Notch1 and IL-7R signalling pathways in physiological and pathological T-cell development in mice and men, highlighting their close molecular underpinnings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara González-García
- Centro de Biología Molecular, Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
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48
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Immune regulation by sphingosine 1-phosphate and its receptors. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2011; 60:3-12. [PMID: 22159476 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-011-0159-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
It is well established that the lysophospholipid and signalling molecule sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) has many important functions in immune surveillance. S1P is produced from sphingosine by two distinct sphingosine kinases, SphK1 and SphK2, and acts as an intracellular messenger and as an extracellular ligand of five G protein-coupled cell surface receptors designated S1P(1)-S1P(5). S1P not only regulates peripheral lymphocyte circulation, but also influences their differentiation, activation, infiltration, and local positioning. The therapeutic value of modulating S1P metabolism and S1P receptor function is currently tested in clinical trials and holds great promise for treatment of different autoimmune diseases. Despite its obvious contribution to immune regulation, the analysis of S1P is still challenging. A major obstacle is the difficulty to analyze S1P locally in tissues and within cells due to its high metabolic turnover and the limited resolution of current analytical techniques like liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. This review focuses on recent advancements to our understanding how different sources of S1P contribute to immune function, and how changes in production, secretion, and degradation of S1P can influence immune responses.
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49
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Thompson PK, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. On becoming a T cell, a convergence of factors kick it up a Notch along the way. Semin Immunol 2011; 23:350-9. [PMID: 21981947 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2011.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is seeded by bone marrow-derived progenitors, which undergo a series of differentiation and proliferation events in order to generate functional T lymphocytes. The Notch signaling pathway, together with multiple transcription factors, act in concert to commit progenitors to a T-lineage fate, extinguishing non-T cell potential, inducing thymocyte differentiation and supporting proliferation and survival along the way to becoming a mature T cell. This review focuses on recent evidence regarding the complex interplay between the Notch pathway and other key transcription factors at specific lineage-decision points during the program of T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja K Thompson
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada
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50
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Wnt4 regulates thymic cellularity through the expansion of thymic epithelial cells and early thymic progenitors. Blood 2011; 118:5163-73. [PMID: 21937690 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-04-350553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymus atrophy is the most common immunopathology in humans, and its occurrence is hastened by several factors that coalesce in patients receiving chemotherapy and most of all in recipients of hematopoietic cell transplantation. We have shown previously that posthematopoietic cell transplantation thymic function was improved by retroviral overexpression of Wnt4 in donor hematopoietic cells. Here, by using both conventional and conditional null mutant mice, we show that Wnt4 regulates steady-state thymic cellularity by a thymic epithelial cell (TEC)-dependent mechanism. The absence of Wnt4 suppressed fetal and postnatal thymic expansion and resulted in decreased TEC numbers, an alteration of the medullary-to-cortical TEC ratio, and a disproportionate loss of the most immature cKit(hi) thymocyte precursors. Wnt4 also is implicated in the maintenance of adult thymopoiesis, although the impact of its deletion once thymic involution has been initiated is more subtle. Together, our results show that Wnt4 controls thymic size by modulating TEC expansion and the earliest, TEC-dependent steps of thymocyte development both in the fetal and postnatal thymus. Wnt4 and its downstream signaling pathways could thus represent interesting candidates to improve thymic output in subjects with thymic atrophy.
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