1
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Li D, Yao H, Cao X, Han X, Song T, Zeng X. Testosterone regulates thymic remodeling by activating glucocorticoid receptor signaling pathway to accelerate thymocyte apoptosis in male rats. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 164:104288. [PMID: 38924811 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Thymic atrophy affects T cell generation and migration to the periphery, thereby affecting T cell pool diversity. However, the mechanisms underlying thymic atrophy have not been fully elucidated. Here, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunization and surgical castration did not affect thymocyte proliferation, but significantly reduced the apoptosis and increased the survival rate of CD4-CD8-, CD4+CD8+, CD4+CD8-, and CD4-CD8+ thymocytes. Following testosterone supplementation in rats subjected to GnRH immunization and surgical castration, thymocyte proliferation remained unchange, but the apoptosis of CD4-CD8-, CD4+CD8+, CD4+CD8-, and CD4-CD8+ thymocytes significantly increased. Transcriptome analyses of the thymus after GnRH immunization and surgical castration showed a significant reduction in the thymus's response to corticosterone. Cholesterol metabolism and the synthesis and secretion of corticosterone were significantly reduced. Analysis of the enzyme levels involved in the corticosterone synthesis pathway revealed that corticosterone synthesis in thymocytes was significantly reduced after GnRH immunization and surgical castration, whereas exogenous testosterone supplementation relieved this process. Testosterone promoted thymocyte apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner, and induced corticosterone secretion in vitro. Blocking the intracellular androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway did not significantly affect thymocyte apoptosis, but blocking the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling pathway significantly reduced it. Our findings indicate that testosterone regulates thymus remodeling by affecting corticosterone synthesis in thymocytes, which activates GR signal transduction and promotes thymocyte apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan 625014, PR China
| | - Huan Yao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan 625014, PR China
| | - Xiaohan Cao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan 625014, PR China
| | - Xingfa Han
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan 625014, PR China
| | - Tianzeng Song
- Institute of animal science, Tibet Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Science, Lhasa, Xizang 850009, PR China.
| | - Xianyin Zeng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan 625014, PR China.
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2
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Alanazi H, Zhang Y, Fatunbi J, Luu T, Kwak-Kim J. The impact of reproductive hormones on T cell immunity; normal and assisted reproductive cycles. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 165:104295. [PMID: 39053203 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
During pregnancy, a unique immune milieu is established systemically and locally at the maternal-fetal interface. While preparing for embryonic implantation, endometrial effectors significantly change their proportions and function, which are synchronized with hormonal changes. During assisted reproductive technology cycles, various cytokines, chemokines, and immune factors dynamically change with the altered receptor expressions on the immune effectors. Thus, the hormonal regulation of immune effectors is critical to maintaining the immune milieu. In this review, hormonal effects on T cell subsets are reviewed. Sex hormones affect T cell ontogeny and development, consequently affecting their functions. Like other T cell subsets, CD4+ T helper (Th) cells are modulated by estrogen, where low estrogen concentration promotes Th1-driven cell-mediated immunity in the uterus and in vitro by enhancing IFN-γ production, while a high estrogen level decreases it. The abundance and differentiation of T regulatory (Treg) cells are controlled by estrogen, inducing Treg expansion. Conversely, progesterone maintains immune homeostasis by balancing Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg immunity, leading to maternal-fetal tolerance. Therefore, the understanding of the hormonal impact on various T cell subsets during the reproductive cycles is critical to improving reproductive outcomes in women with recurrent pregnancy losses, repeated implantation failures, and undergoing assisted reproductive cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hallah Alanazi
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USA; IVF and Reproductive Endocrinology Department, Women's Health Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USA; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Guangzhou Road 300, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Joy Fatunbi
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USA
| | - Than Luu
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USA
| | - Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USA.
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3
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Nabel CS, Ackman JB, Hung YP, Louissaint A, Riely GJ. Single-Cell Sequencing Illuminates Thymic Development: An Updated Framework for Understanding Thymic Epithelial Tumors. Oncologist 2024; 29:473-483. [PMID: 38520743 PMCID: PMC11145005 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyae046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare tumors for which treatment options are limited. The ongoing need for improved systemic therapies reflects a limited understanding of tumor biology as well as the normal thymus. The essential role of the thymus in adaptive immunity is largely effected by its epithelial compartment, which directs thymocyte (T-cell) differentiation and immunologic self-tolerance. With aging, the thymus undergoes involution whereby epithelial tissue is replaced by adipose and other connective tissue, decreasing immature T-cell production. Against this natural drive toward involution, a fraction of thymuses will instead undergo oncologic transformation, leading to the formation of TETs, including thymoma and thymic carcinoma. The rarity of these tumors restricts investigation of the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and development of rational treatment options. To this end, the development of technologies which allow deep molecular profiling of individual tumor cells permits a new window through which to view normal thymic development and contrast the malignant changes that result in oncogenic transformation. In this review, we describe the findings of recent illuminating studies on the diversity of cell types within the epithelial compartment through thymic differentiation and aging. We contextualize these findings around important unanswered questions regarding the spectrum of known somatic tumor alterations, cell of origin, and tumor heterogeneity. The perspectives informed by single-cell molecular profiling offer new approaches to clinical and basic investigation of thymic epithelial tumors, with the potential to accelerate development of improved therapeutic strategies to address ongoing unmet needs in these rare tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S Nabel
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jeanne B Ackman
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yin P Hung
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abner Louissaint
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gregory J Riely
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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4
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Lagou MK, Argyris DG, Vodopyanov S, Gunther-Cummins L, Hardas A, Poutahidis T, Panorias C, DesMarais S, Entenberg C, Carpenter RS, Guzik H, Nishku X, Churaman J, Maryanovich M, DesMarais V, Macaluso FP, Karagiannis GS. Morphometric Analysis of the Thymic Epithelial Cell (TEC) Network Using Integrated and Orthogonal Digital Pathology Approaches. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.11.584509. [PMID: 38559037 PMCID: PMC10979902 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.11.584509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The thymus, a central primary lymphoid organ of the immune system, plays a key role in T cell development. Surprisingly, the thymus is quite neglected with regards to standardized pathology approaches and practices for assessing structure and function. Most studies use multispectral flow cytometry to define the dynamic composition of the thymus at the cell population level, but they are limited by lack of contextual insight. This knowledge gap hinders our understanding of various thymic conditions and pathologies, particularly how they affect thymic architecture, and subsequently, immune competence. Here, we introduce a digital pathology pipeline to address these challenges. Our approach can be coupled to analytical algorithms and utilizes rationalized morphometric assessments of thymic tissue, ranging from tissue-wide down to microanatomical and ultrastructural levels. This pipeline enables the quantitative assessment of putative changes and adaptations of thymic structure to stimuli, offering valuable insights into the pathophysiology of thymic disorders. This versatile pipeline can be applied to a wide range of conditions that may directly or indirectly affect thymic structure, ranging from various cytotoxic stimuli inducing acute thymic involution to autoimmune diseases, such as myasthenia gravis. Here, we demonstrate applicability of the method in a mouse model of age-dependent thymic involution, both by confirming established knowledge, and by providing novel insights on intrathymic remodeling in the aged thymus. Our orthogonal pipeline, with its high versatility and depth of analysis, promises to be a valuable and practical toolset for both basic and translational immunology laboratories investigating thymic function and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria K Lagou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Dimitrios G Argyris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Integrated Imaging Program for Cancer Research, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Stepan Vodopyanov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Leslie Gunther-Cummins
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Alexandros Hardas
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Theofilos Poutahidis
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christos Panorias
- Division of Statistics and Operational Research, Department of Mathematics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sophia DesMarais
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Conner Entenberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Randall S Carpenter
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Hillary Guzik
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Xheni Nishku
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Joseph Churaman
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Maria Maryanovich
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Cancer Dormancy and Tumor Microenvironment Institute, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Vera DesMarais
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Frank P Macaluso
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - George S Karagiannis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Integrated Imaging Program for Cancer Research, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Cancer Dormancy and Tumor Microenvironment Institute, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
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5
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Dinges SS, Amini K, Notarangelo LD, Delmonte OM. Primary and secondary defects of the thymus. Immunol Rev 2024; 322:178-211. [PMID: 38228406 PMCID: PMC10950553 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13306] [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: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is the primary site of T-cell development, enabling generation, and selection of a diverse repertoire of T cells that recognize non-self, whilst remaining tolerant to self- antigens. Severe congenital disorders of thymic development (athymia) can be fatal if left untreated due to infections, and thymic tissue implantation is the only cure. While newborn screening for severe combined immune deficiency has allowed improved detection at birth of congenital athymia, thymic disorders acquired later in life are still underrecognized and assessing the quality of thymic function in such conditions remains a challenge. The thymus is sensitive to injury elicited from a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors, and its self-renewal capacity decreases with age. Secondary and age-related forms of thymic dysfunction may lead to an increased risk of infections, malignancy, and autoimmunity. Promising results have been obtained in preclinical models and clinical trials upon administration of soluble factors promoting thymic regeneration, but to date no therapy is approved for clinical use. In this review we provide a background on thymus development, function, and age-related involution. We discuss disease mechanisms, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for primary and secondary thymic defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S. Dinges
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kayla Amini
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Luigi D. Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ottavia M. Delmonte
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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6
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Li D, Yao H, Ren Y, Shang J, Han X, Cao X, Song T, Zeng X. Testosterone regulates thymic remodeling by altering metabolic reprogramming in male rats. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 348:114448. [PMID: 38191062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2024.114448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is an energy-consuming organ, and its metabolism changes with atrophy. Testosterone regulates thymus remodeling (atrophy and regeneration). However, the characteristics of the energy metabolism during testosterone-mediated thymic atrophy and regeneration remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that testosterone ablation (implemented by immunocastration and surgical castration) induced global metabolic changes in the thymus. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment for differential metabolites and metabolite set enrichment analysis for total metabolites revealed that testosterone ablation affected thymic glycolysis, glutamate metabolism, and fatty acid β-oxidation. Testosterone ablation-induced thymic regeneration was accompanied by attenuated glycolysis and glutamate metabolism and changed fatty acid composition and content. Testosterone supplementation in immunocastrated and surgically castrated rats enhanced glutaminolysis, reduced the level of unsaturated fatty acids, enhanced the β-oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids in the mitochondria, boosted the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and accelerated thymic atrophy. Overall, these results imply that metabolic reprogramming is directly related to thymic remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Huan Yao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yonghao Ren
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Jiameng Shang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xinfa Han
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiaohan Cao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Tianzeng Song
- Institute of animal Science, Tibet Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Science, Lhasa 850009, Xizang, PR China.
| | - Xianyin Zeng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China.
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7
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Patel SK, Zhdanovskaya N, Sergio I, Cardinale A, Rosichini M, Varricchio C, Pace E, Capalbo C, Locatelli F, Macone A, Velardi E, Palermo R, Felli MP. Thymic-Epithelial-Cell-Dependent Microenvironment Influences Proliferation and Apoptosis of Leukemic Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1412. [PMID: 38338689 PMCID: PMC10855934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a hematological cancer characterized by the infiltration of immature T-cells in the bone marrow. Aberrant NOTCH signaling in T-ALL is mainly triggered by activating mutations of NOTCH1 and overexpression of NOTCH3, and rarely is it linked to NOTCH3-activating mutations. Besides the known critical role of NOTCH, the nature of intrathymic microenvironment-dependent mechanisms able to render immature thymocytes, presumably pre-leukemic cells, capable of escaping thymus retention and infiltrating the bone marrow is still unclear. An important challenge is understanding how leukemic cells shape their tumor microenvironment to increase their ability to infiltrate and survive within. Our previous data indicated that hyperactive NOTCH3 affects the CXCL12/CXCR4 system and may interfere with T-cell/stroma interactions within the thymus. This study aims to identify the biological effects of the reciprocal interactions between human leukemic cell lines and thymic epithelial cell (TEC)-derived soluble factors in modulating NOTCH signaling and survival programs of T-ALL cells and TECs. The overarching hypothesis is that this crosstalk can influence the progressive stages of T-cell development driving T-cell leukemia. Thus, we investigated the effect of extracellular space conditioned by T-ALL cell lines (Jurkat, TALL1, and Loucy) and TECs and studied their reciprocal regulation of cell cycle and survival. In support, we also detected metabolic changes as potential drivers of leukemic cell survival. Our studies could shed light on T-cell/stroma crosstalk to human leukemic cells and propose our culture system to test pharmacological treatment for T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandesh Kumar Patel
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (S.K.P.); (N.Z.); (C.V.); (E.P.); (C.C.); (R.P.)
| | - Nadezda Zhdanovskaya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (S.K.P.); (N.Z.); (C.V.); (E.P.); (C.C.); (R.P.)
| | - Ilaria Sergio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy;
| | - Antonella Cardinale
- Research Area of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (M.R.); (F.L.); (E.V.)
| | - Marco Rosichini
- Research Area of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (M.R.); (F.L.); (E.V.)
| | - Claudia Varricchio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (S.K.P.); (N.Z.); (C.V.); (E.P.); (C.C.); (R.P.)
| | - Eleonora Pace
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (S.K.P.); (N.Z.); (C.V.); (E.P.); (C.C.); (R.P.)
| | - Carlo Capalbo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (S.K.P.); (N.Z.); (C.V.); (E.P.); (C.C.); (R.P.)
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Research Area of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (M.R.); (F.L.); (E.V.)
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 12631 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Macone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy;
| | - Enrico Velardi
- Research Area of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (M.R.); (F.L.); (E.V.)
| | - Rocco Palermo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (S.K.P.); (N.Z.); (C.V.); (E.P.); (C.C.); (R.P.)
| | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy;
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8
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Li YR, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. Thymus aging and immune reconstitution, progresses and challenges. Semin Immunol 2023; 70:101837. [PMID: 37659170 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Thymus is a primary lymphoid organ essential for the development of T lymphocytes. Age-related thymic involution is a prominent feature of immune senescence. The thymus undergoes rapid growth during fetal and neonatal development, peaks in size before puberty and then begins to undergo a decrease in cellularity with age. Dramatic changes occur with age-associated thymic involution. The most prominent features of thymic involution include: (i) epithelial structure disruption, (ii) adipogenesis, and (iii) thymocyte development arrest. There is a sex disparity in thymus aging. It is a multifactorial process controlled and regulated by a series of molecules, including the transcription factor FOXN1, fibroblast and keratinocyte growth factors (FGF and KGF, respectively), sex steroids, Notch signaling, WNT signaling, and microRNAs. Nevertheless, there is still no satisfactory evolutionary or physiological explanation for age-associated thymic involution, and understanding the precise mechanism(s) for thymus aging remains challenging. Sustained thymic regeneration has yet to be achieved by sex steroid ablation. Recent preclinical studies indicate that long-term thymic reconstitution can be achieved via adoptive transfer of in vitro-generated progenitor T (proT) cells, and improvements in the methods for the generation of human proT cells make this an attractive approach. Future clinical applications may rely on new applications integrating proT cells, cytokine support and sex-steroid inhibition treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ru Li
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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9
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Li D, Yao H, Han X, Cao X, Du X, Meng F, Bu G, Kong F, Song T, Zeng X. Active immunization against gonadotropin-releasing hormone affects thymic T cell production, migration, and colonization in male rat lymphoid tissue. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 159:104132. [PMID: 37591181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.104132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Active immunization against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) inhibits animal reproduction and has become a friendly alternative to surgical castration, which has been reported to affect the proportion of thymic T cell subpopulations. The effects of active immunization against GnRH on T cell migration from the thymus to the periphery and T cell distribution in lymphoid tissues remain unclear. Here, we showed that active immunization against GnRH increased thymic size and weight, enlarged the number of thymocytes, and enhanced CD4+ recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) and CD8+ RTEs migration to the blood and spleen. Active immunization against GnRH had no significant effect on naïve CD4+, naïve CD8+, CD4+ memory/activated, or CD8+ memory/activated T cells. In addition, active immunization against GnRH increased the proportion of CD3+ T cells in the spleen and lymph nodes. The percentages of CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T cells in the blood, spleen, and lymph nodes were not significantly affected by GnRH immunization. Overall, these results enhance our understanding of thymic T cell production, migration, and colonization in rat lymphoid tissues affected by GnRH immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Huan Yao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xinfa Han
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiaohan Cao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiaogang Du
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Fengyan Meng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Guixian Bu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Fanli Kong
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Tianzeng Song
- Institute of animal science, Tibet academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Science, Lhasa 850009, Xizang, PR China.
| | - Xianyin Zeng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China.
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10
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Srinivasan J, Vasudev A, Shasha C, Selden HJ, Perez E, LaFleur B, Sinari SA, Krueger A, Richie ER, Ehrlich LIR. The initial age-associated decline in early T-cell progenitors reflects fewer pre-thymic progenitors and altered signals in the bone marrow and thymus microenvironments. Aging Cell 2023; 22:e13870. [PMID: 37221658 PMCID: PMC10410006 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13870] [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: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related thymus involution results in decreased T-cell production, contributing to increased susceptibility to pathogens and reduced vaccine responsiveness. Elucidating mechanisms underlying thymus involution will inform strategies to restore thymopoiesis with age. The thymus is colonized by circulating bone marrow (BM)-derived thymus seeding progenitors (TSPs) that differentiate into early T-cell progenitors (ETPs). We find that ETP cellularity declines as early as 3 months (3MO) of age in mice. This initial ETP reduction could reflect changes in thymic stromal niches and/or pre-thymic progenitors. Using a multicongenic progenitor transfer approach, we demonstrate that the number of functional TSP/ETP niches does not diminish with age. Instead, the number of pre-thymic lymphoid progenitors in the BM and blood is substantially reduced by 3MO, although their intrinsic ability to seed and differentiate in the thymus is maintained. Additionally, Notch signaling in BM lymphoid progenitors and in ETPs diminishes by 3MO, suggesting reduced niche quality in the BM and thymus contribute to the early decline in ETPs. Together, these findings indicate that diminished BM lymphopoiesis and thymic stromal support contribute to an initial reduction in ETPs in young adulthood, setting the stage for progressive age-associated thymus involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayashree Srinivasan
- Department of Molecular BiosciencesThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUnited States
| | - Anusha Vasudev
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular CarcinogenesisThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUnited States
| | - Carolyn Shasha
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUnited States
| | - Hilary J. Selden
- Department of Molecular BiosciencesThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUnited States
| | - Encarnacion Perez
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular CarcinogenesisThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUnited States
| | - Bonnie LaFleur
- Center for Biomedical Informatics and StatisticsThe University of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUnited States
| | - Shripad A. Sinari
- Center for Biomedical Informatics and StatisticsThe University of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUnited States
| | - Andreas Krueger
- Molecular ImmunologyJustus‐Liebig‐University GiessenGiessenGermany
| | - Ellen R. Richie
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular CarcinogenesisThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUnited States
| | - Lauren I. R. Ehrlich
- Department of Molecular BiosciencesThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUnited States
- Department of OncologyLivestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUnited States
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11
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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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12
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Kinsella S, Evandy CA, Cooper K, Cardinale A, Iovino L, deRoos P, Hopwo KS, Smith CW, Granadier D, Sullivan LB, Velardi E, Dudakov JA. Damage-induced pyroptosis drives endog thymic regeneration via induction of Foxn1 by purinergic receptor activation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.19.524800. [PMID: 36711570 PMCID: PMC9882324 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.19.524800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous thymic regeneration is a crucial process that allows for the renewal of immune competence following stress, infection or cytoreductive conditioning. Fully understanding the molecular mechanisms driving regeneration will uncover therapeutic targets to enhance regeneration. We previously demonstrated that high levels of homeostatic apoptosis suppress regeneration and that a reduction in the presence of damage-induced apoptotic thymocytes facilitates regeneration. Here we identified that cell-specific metabolic remodeling after ionizing radiation steers thymocytes towards mitochondrial-driven pyroptotic cell death. We further identified that a key damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), ATP, stimulates the cell surface purinergic receptor P2Y2 on cortical thymic epithelial cells (cTECs) acutely after damage, enhancing expression of Foxn1, the critical thymic transcription factor. Targeting the P2Y2 receptor with the agonist UTPγS promotes rapid regeneration of the thymus in vivo following acute damage. Together these data demonstrate that intrinsic metabolic regulation of pyruvate processing is a critical process driving thymus repair and identifies the P2Y2 receptor as a novel molecular therapeutic target to enhance thymus regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinéad Kinsella
- Program in Immunology, Division of Translational Science and Therapeutics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle WA, 98109, US
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle WA, 98109, US
| | - Cindy A Evandy
- Program in Immunology, Division of Translational Science and Therapeutics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle WA, 98109, US
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle WA, 98109, US
| | - Kirsten Cooper
- Program in Immunology, Division of Translational Science and Therapeutics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle WA, 98109, US
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle WA, 98109, US
| | - Antonella Cardinale
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, 00146, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Iovino
- Program in Immunology, Division of Translational Science and Therapeutics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle WA, 98109, US
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle WA, 98109, US
| | - Paul deRoos
- Program in Immunology, Division of Translational Science and Therapeutics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle WA, 98109, US
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle WA, 98109, US
| | - Kayla S Hopwo
- Program in Immunology, Division of Translational Science and Therapeutics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle WA, 98109, US
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle WA, 98109, US
| | - Colton W Smith
- Program in Immunology, Division of Translational Science and Therapeutics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle WA, 98109, US
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle WA, 98109, US
| | - David Granadier
- Program in Immunology, Division of Translational Science and Therapeutics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle WA, 98109, US
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle WA, 98109, US
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle WA, 98195, US
| | - Lucas B Sullivan
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle WA, 98109, US
| | - Enrico Velardi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, 00146, Italy
| | - Jarrod A Dudakov
- Program in Immunology, Division of Translational Science and Therapeutics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle WA, 98109, US
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle WA, 98109, US
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle WA, 98195, US
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13
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Hino C, Xu Y, Xiao J, Baylink DJ, Reeves ME, Cao H. The potential role of the thymus in immunotherapies for acute myeloid leukemia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1102517. [PMID: 36814919 PMCID: PMC9940763 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1102517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the factors which shape T-lymphocyte immunity is critical for the development and application of future immunotherapeutic strategies in treating hematological malignancies. The thymus, a specialized central lymphoid organ, plays important roles in generating a diverse T lymphocyte repertoire during the infantile and juvenile stages of humans. However, age-associated thymic involution and diseases or treatment associated injury result in a decline in its continuous role in the maintenance of T cell-mediated anti-tumor/virus immunity. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy that mainly affects older adults, and the disease's progression is known to consist of an impaired immune surveillance including a reduction in naïve T cell output, a restriction in T cell receptor repertoire, and an increase in frequencies of regulatory T cells. As one of the most successful immunotherapies thus far developed for malignancy, T-cell-based adoptive cell therapies could be essential for the development of a durable effective treatment to eliminate residue leukemic cells (blasts) and prevent AML relapse. Thus, a detailed cellular and molecular landscape of how the adult thymus functions within the context of the AML microenvironment will provide new insights into both the immune-related pathogenesis and the regeneration of a functional immune system against leukemia in AML patients. Herein, we review the available evidence supporting the potential correlation between thymic dysfunction and T-lymphocyte impairment with the ontogeny of AML (II-VI). We then discuss how the thymus could impact current and future therapeutic approaches in AML (VII). Finally, we review various strategies to rejuvenate thymic function to improve the precision and efficacy of cancer immunotherapy (VIII).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hino
- Department of Internal Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Yi Xu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,Loma Linda University Cancer Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey Xiao
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - David J Baylink
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Mark E Reeves
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,Loma Linda University Cancer Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Huynh Cao
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,Loma Linda University Cancer Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States
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14
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Vascular Neonatal Thymus Transplantation in Rabbits. Transplant Proc 2022; 54:2381-2387. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2022.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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15
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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] [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
- *Correspondence: Jonathan D. Ashwell, ; Matthew D. Taves,
| | - Jonathan D. Ashwell
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Jonathan D. Ashwell, ; Matthew D. Taves,
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16
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Liang Z, Dong X, Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Zhao Y. Age-related thymic involution: Mechanisms and functional impact. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13671. [PMID: 35822239 PMCID: PMC9381902 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is the primary immune organ responsible for generating self‐tolerant and immunocompetent T cells. However, the thymus gradually involutes during early life resulting in declined naïve T‐cell production, a process known as age‐related thymic involution. Thymic involution has many negative impacts on immune function including reduced pathogen resistance, high autoimmunity incidence, and attenuated tumor immunosurveillance. Age‐related thymic involution leads to a gradual reduction in thymic cellularity and thymic stromal microenvironment disruption, including loss of definite cortical‐medullary junctions, reduction of cortical thymic epithelial cells and medullary thymic epithelial cells, fibroblast expansion, and an increase in perivascular space. The compromised thymic microenvironment in aged individuals substantially disturbs thymocyte development and differentiation. Age‐related thymic involution is regulated by many transcription factors, micro RNAs, growth factors, cytokines, and other factors. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of age‐related thymic involution mechanisms and effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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17
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Lin SF, Lin HC, Lee MY, Keller JJ, Wang LH. Association between GnRH analogue use and atopic diseases in patients with prostate cancer: A population-based retrospective cohort study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266771. [PMID: 35404960 PMCID: PMC9000094 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues reduce testosterone levels to castration levels in patients with prostate cancer. However, the role of testosterone in atopic diseases has remained undefined. We aimed to investigate this role.
Materials and methods
This retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Patients with prostate cancer were categorized into two groups according to whether they received GnRH analogue treatment (study group I) or not (study group II), and men without prostate cancer and with no GnRH analogue use were defined to comprise the comparison group after their ages and index years were matched with group II. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the hazard ratio (HR) of atopic diseases.
Results
Group I, group II, and the comparison group comprised 663, 2,172, and 8,688 individuals, respectively. Group I had a significantly lower risk of atopic diseases (adjusted HR: 0.66, 95% CI, 0.49–0.89, p < 0.01) than did group II. A reduced risk of atopic diseases was found when GnRH analogues were prescribed for 2 months (adjusted HR 0.53, 95% CI, 0.29–0.97, p = 0.04) and 2–14 months (adjusted HR 0.66, 95% CI, 0.49–0.89, p = 0.007). No significant difference in the risk of atopic diseases between group II and the comparison group was observed.
Conclusions
A decreased risk of atopic diseases was observed in patients with prostate cancer treated with GnRH analogues. Further studies are warranted to verify the association between testosterone levels and atopic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Feng Lin
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Chen Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Yu Lee
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Joseph Jordan Keller
- College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Li-Hsuan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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18
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Hirano KI, Hosokawa H, Yahata T, Ando K, Tanaka M, Imai J, Yazawa M, Ohtsuka M, Negishi N, Habu S, Sato T, Hozumi K. Dll1 Can Function as a Ligand of Notch1 and Notch2 in the Thymic Epithelium. Front Immunol 2022; 13:852427. [PMID: 35371023 PMCID: PMC8968733 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.852427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell development in the thymus is dependent on Notch signaling induced by the interaction of Notch1, present on immigrant cells, with a Notch ligand, delta-like (Dll) 4, on the thymic epithelial cells. Phylogenetic analysis characterizing the properties of the Dll4 molecule suggests that Dll4 emerged from the common ancestor of lobe- and ray-finned fishes and diverged into bony fishes and terrestrial organisms, including mammals. The thymus evolved in cartilaginous fishes before Dll4, suggesting that T-cell development in cartilaginous fishes is dependent on Dll1 instead of Dll4. In this study, we compared the function of both Dll molecules in the thymic epithelium using Foxn1-cre and Dll4-floxed mice with conditional transgenic alleles in which the Dll1 or Dll4 gene is transcribed after the cre-mediated excision of the stop codon. The expression of Dll1 in the thymic epithelium completely restored the defect in the Dll4-deficient condition, suggesting that Dll1 can trigger Notch signaling that is indispensable for T-cell development in the thymus. Moreover, using bone marrow chimeras with Notch1- or Notch2-deficient hematopoietic cells, we showed that Dll1 is able to activate Notch signaling, which is sufficient to induce T-cell development, with both the receptors, in contrast to Dll4, which works only with Notch1, in the thymic environment. These results strongly support the hypothesis that Dll1 regulates T-cell development via Notch1 and/or Notch2 in the thymus of cartilaginous fishes and that Dll4 has replaced Dll1 in inducing thymic Notch signaling via Notch1 during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-ichi Hirano
- Department of Immunology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Hosokawa
- Department of Immunology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan
| | - Takashi Yahata
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan
- Department of Innovative Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Ando
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Masayuki Tanaka
- Support Center of Medical Research and Education, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Jin Imai
- Divison of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Masaki Yazawa
- Department of Immunology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Masato Ohtsuka
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Naoko Negishi
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sonoko Habu
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehito Sato
- Department of Immunology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Katsuto Hozumi
- Department of Immunology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
- *Correspondence: Katsuto Hozumi,
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19
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Dubouchet L, Todorov H, Seurinck R, Vallet N, Van Gassen S, Corneau A, Blanc C, Zouali H, Boland A, Deleuze JF, Ingram B, de Latour RP, Saeys Y, Socié G, Michonneau D. Operational tolerance after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is characterized by distinct transcriptional, phenotypic, and metabolic signatures. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabg3083. [PMID: 35196024 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abg3083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying operational tolerance after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in humans are poorly understood. We studied two independent cohorts of patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from human leukocyte antigen-identical siblings. Primary tolerance was associated with long-lasting reshaping of the recipients' immune system compared to their healthy donors with an increased proportion of regulatory T cell subsets and decreased T cell activation, proliferation, and migration. Transcriptomics profiles also identified a role for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide biosynthesis in the regulation of immune cell functions. We then compared individuals with operational tolerance and nontolerant recipients at the phenotypic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic level. We observed alterations centered on CD38+-activated T and B cells in nontolerant patients. In tolerant patients, cell subsets with regulatory functions were prominent. RNA sequencing analyses highlighted modifications in the tolerant patients' transcriptomic profiles, particularly with overexpression of the ectoenzyme NT5E (encoding CD73), which could counterbalance CD38 enzymatic functions by producing adenosine. Further, metabolomic analyses suggested a central role of androgens in establishing operational tolerance. These data were confirmed using an integrative approach to evaluating the immune landscape associated with operational tolerance. Thus, balance between a CD38-activated immune state and CD73-related production of adenosine may be a key regulator of operational tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helena Todorov
- Data Mining and Modeling for Biomedicine, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ruth Seurinck
- Data Mining and Modeling for Biomedicine, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Sofie Van Gassen
- Data Mining and Modeling for Biomedicine, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aurélien Corneau
- Plateforme de Cytométrie de la Pitié-Salpétrière (CyPS), UMS037-PASS, Sorbonne Université-Faculté de Médecine, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Catherine Blanc
- Plateforme de Cytométrie de la Pitié-Salpétrière (CyPS), UMS037-PASS, Sorbonne Université-Faculté de Médecine, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Habib Zouali
- Centre d'étude du polymorphisme humain, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Anne Boland
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, 91057 Evry, France
| | - Jean-François Deleuze
- Centre d'étude du polymorphisme humain, 75010 Paris, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, 91057 Evry, France
| | | | - Regis Peffault de Latour
- Hematology Transplantation, Saint Louis Hospital, 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Yvan Saeys
- Data Mining and Modeling for Biomedicine, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gérard Socié
- Université de Paris, INSERM U976, F-75010 Paris, France.,Hematology Transplantation, Saint Louis Hospital, 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010 Paris, France
| | - David Michonneau
- Université de Paris, INSERM U976, F-75010 Paris, France.,Hematology Transplantation, Saint Louis Hospital, 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010 Paris, France
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20
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Harris KM, Clements MA, Kwilasz AJ, Watkins LR. T cell transgressions: Tales of T cell form and function in diverse disease states. Int Rev Immunol 2022; 41:475-516. [PMID: 34152881 PMCID: PMC8752099 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2021.1921764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Insights into T cell form, function, and dysfunction are rapidly evolving. T cells have remarkably varied effector functions including protecting the host from infection, activating cells of the innate immune system, releasing cytokines and chemokines, and heavily contributing to immunological memory. Under healthy conditions, T cells orchestrate a finely tuned attack on invading pathogens while minimizing damage to the host. The dark side of T cells is that they also exhibit autoreactivity and inflict harm to host cells, creating autoimmunity. The mechanisms of T cell autoreactivity are complex and dynamic. Emerging research is elucidating the mechanisms leading T cells to become autoreactive and how such responses cause or contribute to diverse disease states, both peripherally and within the central nervous system. This review provides foundational information on T cell development, differentiation, and functions. Key T cell subtypes, cytokines that create their effector roles, and sex differences are highlighted. Pathological T cell contributions to diverse peripheral and central disease states, arising from errors in reactivity, are highlighted, with a focus on multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, neuropathic pain, and type 1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Linda R. Watkins
- Corresponding author: Ph: 720-387-0304, Fax: 303-735-8290, , Address: 2860 Wilderness Place, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80301
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21
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Cardinale A, De Luca CD, Locatelli F, Velardi E. Thymic Function and T-Cell Receptor Repertoire Diversity: Implications for Patient Response to Checkpoint Blockade Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:752042. [PMID: 34899700 PMCID: PMC8652142 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.752042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The capacity of T cells to recognize and mount an immune response against tumor antigens depends on the large diversity of the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire generated in the thymus during the process of T-cell development. However, this process is dramatically impaired by immunological insults, such as that caused by cytoreductive cancer therapies and infections, and by the physiological decline of thymic function with age. Defective thymic function and a skewed TCR repertoire can have significant clinical consequences. The presence of an adequate pool of T cells capable of recognizing specific tumor antigens is a prerequisite for the success of cancer immunotherapy using checkpoint blockade therapy. However, while this approach has improved the chances of survival of patients with different types of cancer, a large proportion of them do not respond. The limited response rate to checkpoint blockade therapy may be linked to a suboptimal TCR repertoire in cancer patients prior to therapy. Here, we focus on the role of the thymus in shaping the T-cell pool in health and disease, discuss how the TCR repertoire influences patients’ response to checkpoint blockade therapy and highlight approaches able to manipulate thymic function to enhance anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Cardinale
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy.,Department of Maternal and Child Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Velardi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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22
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Lutz CT, Livas L, Presnell SR, Sexton M, Wang P. Gender Differences in Urothelial Bladder Cancer: Effects of Natural Killer Lymphocyte Immunity. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10215163. [PMID: 34768683 PMCID: PMC8584838 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Men are more likely to develop cancer than women. In fact, male predominance is one of the most consistent cancer epidemiology findings. Additionally, men have a poorer prognosis and an increased risk of secondary malignancies compared to women. These differences have been investigated in order to better understand cancer and to better treat both men and women. In this review, we discuss factors that may cause this gender difference, focusing on urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) pathogenesis. We consider physiological factors that may cause higher male cancer rates, including differences in X chromosome gene expression. We discuss how androgens may promote bladder cancer development directly by stimulating bladder urothelium and indirectly by suppressing immunity. We are particularly interested in the role of natural killer (NK) cells in anti-cancer immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles T. Lutz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (L.L.); (S.R.P.); (M.S.)
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Lydia Livas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (L.L.); (S.R.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Steven R. Presnell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (L.L.); (S.R.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Morgan Sexton
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (L.L.); (S.R.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Peng Wang
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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23
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Hernando-Calvo A, Cescon DW, Bedard PL. Novel classes of immunotherapy for breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2021; 191:15-29. [PMID: 34623509 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-021-06405-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors have profoundly changed the treatment landscape for many tumor types. Despite marked improvements in disease control for highly immunogenic cancers, the clinical impact of checkpoint inhibitors in breast cancers to date is limited. Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with different levels of PD-L1 expression and variable tumor microenvironment (TME) composition according to molecular subtype. With emerging evidence of the role of different factors involved in immune evasion, there are promising new immunotherapy targets that will reshape early drug development for metastatic breast cancer. This review examines the available evidence for existing and emerging immuno-oncology (IO) approaches including small molecules targeting different regulators of the cancer-immunity cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Hernando-Calvo
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre - University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - David W Cescon
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre - University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Philippe L Bedard
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre - University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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24
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Kinsella S, Evandy CA, Cooper K, Iovino L, deRoos PC, Hopwo KS, Granadier DW, Smith CW, Rafii S, Dudakov JA. Attenuation of apoptotic cell detection triggers thymic regeneration after damage. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109789. [PMID: 34610317 PMCID: PMC8627669 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus, which is the primary site of T cell development, is particularly sensitive to insult but also has a remarkable capacity for repair. However, the mechanisms orchestrating regeneration are poorly understood, and delayed repair is common after cytoreductive therapies. Here, we demonstrate a trigger of thymic regeneration, centered on detecting the loss of dying thymocytes that are abundant during steady-state T cell development. Specifically, apoptotic thymocytes suppressed production of the regenerative factors IL-23 and BMP4 via TAM receptor signaling and activation of the Rho-GTPase Rac1, the intracellular pattern recognition receptor NOD2, and micro-RNA-29c. However, after damage, when profound thymocyte depletion occurs, this TAM-Rac1-NOD2-miR29c pathway is attenuated, increasing production of IL-23 and BMP4. Notably, pharmacological inhibition of Rac1-GTPase enhanced thymic function after acute damage. These findings identify a complex trigger of tissue regeneration and offer a regenerative strategy for restoring immune competence in patients whose thymic function has been compromised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinéad Kinsella
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Cindy A Evandy
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Kirsten Cooper
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Lorenzo Iovino
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Paul C deRoos
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Kayla S Hopwo
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - David W Granadier
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Colton W Smith
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jarrod A Dudakov
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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25
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Ducloux D, Legendre M, Bamoulid J, Saas P, Courivaud C, Crepin T. End-Stage Renal Disease-Related Accelerated Immune Senescence: Is Rejuvenation of the Immune System a Therapeutic Goal? Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:720402. [PMID: 34540869 PMCID: PMC8446427 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.720402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients exhibit clinical features of premature ageing, including frailty, cardiovascular disease, and muscle wasting. Accelerated ageing also concerns the immune system. Patients with ESRD have both immune senescence and chronic inflammation that are resumed in the so-called inflammaging syndrome. Immune senescence is particularly characterised by premature loss of thymic function that is associated with hyporesponsiveness to vaccines, susceptibility to infections, and death. ESRD-related chronic inflammation has multiple causes and participates to accelerated cardiovascular disease. Although, both characterisation of immune senescence and its consequences are relatively well-known, mechanisms are more uncertain. However, prevention of immune senescence/inflammation or/and rejuvenation of the immune system are major goal to ameliorate clinical outcomes of ESRD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Ducloux
- Inserm, UMR1098, Federation Hospitalo-Universitaire INCREASE, Besançon, France.,University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, LabEx LipSTIC, Besançon, France.,Structure Fédérative de Recherche, SFR FED4234, Besançon, France.,CHU Besançon, Department of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Renal Transplantation, Besançon, France
| | - Mathieu Legendre
- Inserm, UMR1098, Federation Hospitalo-Universitaire INCREASE, Besançon, France.,University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, LabEx LipSTIC, Besançon, France
| | - Jamal Bamoulid
- Inserm, UMR1098, Federation Hospitalo-Universitaire INCREASE, Besançon, France.,University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, LabEx LipSTIC, Besançon, France.,Structure Fédérative de Recherche, SFR FED4234, Besançon, France.,CHU Besançon, Department of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Renal Transplantation, Besançon, France
| | - Philippe Saas
- Inserm, UMR1098, Federation Hospitalo-Universitaire INCREASE, Besançon, France.,University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, LabEx LipSTIC, Besançon, France.,Structure Fédérative de Recherche, SFR FED4234, Besançon, France.,EFS Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Plateforme de Biomonitoring, CIC 1431/UMR1098, Besançon, France
| | - Cécile Courivaud
- Inserm, UMR1098, Federation Hospitalo-Universitaire INCREASE, Besançon, France.,University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, LabEx LipSTIC, Besançon, France.,Structure Fédérative de Recherche, SFR FED4234, Besançon, France.,CHU Besançon, Department of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Renal Transplantation, Besançon, France
| | - Thomas Crepin
- Inserm, UMR1098, Federation Hospitalo-Universitaire INCREASE, Besançon, France.,CHU Besançon, Department of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Renal Transplantation, Besançon, France
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26
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Chakraborty S, Pramanik J, Mahata B. Revisiting steroidogenesis and its role in immune regulation with the advanced tools and technologies. Genes Immun 2021; 22:125-140. [PMID: 34127827 PMCID: PMC8277576 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-021-00139-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Historically tools and technologies facilitated scientific discoveries. Steroid hormone research is not an exception. Unfortunately, the dramatic advancement of the field faded this research area and flagged it as a solved topic. However, it should have been the opposite. The area should glitter with its strong foundation and attract next-generation scientists. Over the past century, a myriad of new facts on biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology and pathology of the steroid hormones was discovered. Several innovations were made and translated into life-saving treatment strategies such as synthetic steroids, and inhibitors of steroidogenesis and steroid signaling. Steroid molecules exhibit their diverse effects on cell metabolism, salt and water balance, development and function of the reproductive system, pregnancy, and immune-cell function. Despite vigorous research, the molecular basis of the immunomodulatory effect of steroids is still mysterious. The recent excitement on local extra-glandular steroidogenesis in regulating inflammation and immunity is revitalizing the topic with a new perspective. Therefore, here we review the role of steroidogenesis in regulating inflammation and immunity, discuss the unresolved questions, and how this area can bring another golden age of steroid hormone research with the development of new tools and technologies and advancement of the scientific methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jhuma Pramanik
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bidesh Mahata
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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27
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Sharma H, Moroni L. Recent Advancements in Regenerative Approaches for Thymus Rejuvenation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2100543. [PMID: 34306981 PMCID: PMC8292900 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The thymus plays a key role in adaptive immunity by generating a diverse population of T cells that defend the body against pathogens. Various factors from disease and toxic insults contribute to the degeneration of the thymus resulting in a fewer output of T cells. Consequently, the body is prone to a wide host of diseases and infections. In this review, first, the relevance of the thymus is discussed, followed by thymic embryological organogenesis and anatomy as well as the development and functionality of T cells. Attempts to regenerate the thymus include in vitro methods, such as forming thymic organoids aided by biofabrication techniques that are transplantable. Ex vivo methods that have shown promise in enhancing thymic regeneration are also discussed. Current regenerative technologies have not yet matched the complexity and functionality of the thymus. Therefore, emerging techniques that have shown promise and the challenges that lie ahead are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himal Sharma
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment of Complex Tissue RegenerationMaastricht UniversityMaastricht6229 ERNetherlands
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment of Complex Tissue RegenerationMaastricht UniversityMaastricht6229 ERNetherlands
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28
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Quatrini L, Ricci B, Ciancaglini C, Tumino N, Moretta L. Regulation of the Immune System Development by Glucocorticoids and Sex Hormones. Front Immunol 2021; 12:672853. [PMID: 34248954 PMCID: PMC8260976 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.672853] [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: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Through the release of hormones, the neuro-endocrine system regulates the immune system function promoting adaptation of the organism to the external environment and to intrinsic physiological changes. Glucocorticoids (GCs) and sex hormones not only regulate immune responses, but also control the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) differentiation and subsequent maturation of immune cell subsets. During the development of an organism, this regulation has long-term consequences. Indeed, the effects of GC exposure during the perinatal period become evident in the adulthood. Analogously, in the context of HSC transplantation (HSCT), the immune system development starts de novo from the donor HSCs. In this review, we summarize the effects of GCs and sex hormones on the regulation of HSC, as well as of adaptive and innate immune cells. Moreover, we discuss the short and long-term implications on hematopoiesis of sex steroid ablation and synthetic GC administration upon HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Quatrini
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Biancamaria Ricci
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Ciancaglini
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
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29
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Granadier D, Iovino L, Kinsella S, Dudakov JA. Dynamics of thymus function and T cell receptor repertoire breadth in health and disease. Semin Immunopathol 2021; 43:119-134. [PMID: 33608819 PMCID: PMC7894242 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-021-00840-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
T cell recognition of unknown antigens relies on the tremendous diversity of the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire; generation of which can only occur in the thymus. TCR repertoire breadth is thus critical for not only coordinating the adaptive response against pathogens but also for mounting a response against malignancies. However, thymic function is exquisitely sensitive to negative stimuli, which can come in the form of acute insult, such as that caused by stress, infection, or common cancer therapies; or chronic damage such as the progressive decline in thymic function with age. Whether it be prolonged T cell deficiency after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) or constriction in the breadth of the peripheral TCR repertoire with age; these insults result in poor adaptive immune responses. In this review, we will discuss the importance of thymic function for generation of the TCR repertoire and how acute and chronic thymic damage influences immune health. We will also discuss methods that are used to measure thymic function in patients and strategies that have been developed to boost thymic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Granadier
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lorenzo Iovino
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sinéad Kinsella
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jarrod A Dudakov
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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30
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Velardi E, Clave E, Arruda LCM, Benini F, Locatelli F, Toubert A. The role of the thymus in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and the recovery of the peripheral T-cell compartment. Semin Immunopathol 2021; 43:101-117. [PMID: 33416938 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00828-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As the thymus represents the primary site of T-cell development, optimal thymic function is of paramount importance for the successful reconstitution of the adaptive immunity after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Thymus involutes as part of the aging process and several factors, including previous chemotherapy treatments, conditioning regimen used in preparation to the allograft, occurrence of graft-versus-host disease, and steroid therapy that impair the integrity of the thymus, thus affecting its role in supporting T-cell neogenesis. Although the pathways governing its regeneration are still poorly understood, the thymus has a remarkable capacity to recover its function after damage. Measurement of both recent thymic emigrants and T-cell receptor excision circles is valuable tools to assess thymic output and gain insights on its function. In this review, we will extensively discuss available data on factors regulating thymic function after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, as well as the strategies and therapeutic approaches under investigation to promote thymic reconstitution and accelerate immune recovery in transplanted patients, including the use of cytokines, sex-steroid ablation, precursor T-cells, and thymus bioengineering. Although none of them is routinely used in the clinic, these approaches have the potential to enhance thymic function and immune recovery, not only in patients given an allograft but also in other conditions characterized by immune deficiencies related to a defective function of the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Velardi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy.
| | - Emmanuel Clave
- Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, EMiLy, Inserm U1160, F-75010, Paris, France
| | - Lucas C M Arruda
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Francesca Benini
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy.,Department of Maternal and Child Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Antoine Toubert
- Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, EMiLy, Inserm U1160, F-75010, Paris, France.,Laboratoire d'Immunologie et d'Histocompatibilité, AP-HP, Hopital Saint-Louis, F-75010, Paris, France
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31
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Pisano C, Tucci M, Di Stefano RF, Turco F, Scagliotti GV, Di Maio M, Buttigliero C. Interactions between androgen receptor signaling and other molecular pathways in prostate cancer progression: Current and future clinical implications. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 157:103185. [PMID: 33341506 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In last years several improvements have been made in the management of prostate cancer (PCa). Androgen receptor (AR) is considered the main driver in PCa growth and progression and most drugs are directed against AR pathway. Once PCa spreads outside the prostate, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) represents the cornerstone of treatment in hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC). Unfortunately, the response is only transient and most patients eventually develop castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Most resistance mechanisms depend on maintenance of AR signalling in castration environment. Recent discoveries of multiple growth-promoting and survival pathways in PCa suggest the importance of alternative mechanisms involved in disease progression, such as DNA damage response pathway, PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, cell cycle pathway, WNT pathway, TMPRSS2/ETS fusion, neuroendocrine pattern and immune system response. In this review, we discuss the interplay between AR signaling and other molecular pathways involved in PCa pathogenesis and their therapeutic implication in advanced disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pisano
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, at Division of Medical Oncology, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Marcello Tucci
- Medical Oncology, Cardinal Massaia Hospital, Corso Dante Alighieri 202, 14100, Asti, Italy.
| | - Rosario Francesco Di Stefano
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, at Division of Medical Oncology, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Fabio Turco
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, at Division of Medical Oncology, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgio Vittorio Scagliotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, at Division of Medical Oncology, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Massimo Di Maio
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, at Division of Medical Oncology, Ordine Mauriziano Hospital, Via Magellano 1, 10028, Turin, Italy
| | - Consuelo Buttigliero
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, at Division of Medical Oncology, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
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32
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Yuan Y, Lee JS, Yost SE, Frankel PH, Ruel C, Egelston CA, Guo W, Gillece JD, Folkerts M, Reining L, Highlander SK, Robinson K, Padam S, Martinez N, Tang A, Schmolze D, Waisman J, Sedrak M, Lee PP, Mortimer J. A Phase II Clinical Trial of Pembrolizumab and Enobosarm in Patients with Androgen Receptor-Positive Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Oncologist 2020; 26:99-e217. [PMID: 33141975 DOI: 10.1002/onco.13583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
LESSONS LEARNED The combination of enobosarm and pembrolizumab was well tolerated and showed a modest clinical benefit rate of 25% at 16 weeks. Future trials investigating androgen receptor-targeted therapy in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors are warranted. BACKGROUND Luminal androgen receptor is a distinct molecular subtype of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) defined by overexpression of androgen receptor (AR). AR-targeted therapy has shown modest activity in AR-positive (AR+) TNBC. Enobosarm (GTx-024) is a nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that demonstrates preclinical and clinical activity in AR+ breast cancer. The current study was designed to explore the safety and efficacy of the combination of enobosarm and pembrolizumab in patients with AR+ metastatic TNBC (mTNBC). METHODS This study was an open-label phase II study for AR+ (≥10%, 1+ by immunohistochemistry [IHC]) mTNBC. Eligible patients received pembrolizumab 200 mg intravenous (IV) every 3 weeks and enobosarm 18 mg oral daily. The primary objective was to evaluate the safety of enobosarm plus pembrolizumab and determine the response rate. Peripheral blood, tumor biopsies, and stool samples were collected for correlative analysis. RESULTS The trial was stopped early because of the withdrawal of GTx-024 drug supply. Eighteen patients were enrolled, and 16 were evaluable for responses. Median age was 64 (range 36-81) years. The combination was well tolerated, with only a few grade 3 adverse events: one dry skin, one diarrhea, and one musculoskeletal ache. The responses were 1 of 16 (6%) complete response (CR), 1 of 16 (6%) partial response (PR), 2 of 16 (13%) stable disease (SD), and 12 of 16 (75%) progressive disease (PD). Response rate (RR) was 2 of 16 (13%). Clinical benefit rate (CBR) at 16 weeks was 4 of 16 (25%). Median follow-up was 24.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.5-30.9). Progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.6 months (95% CI, 1.9-3.1) and overall survival (OS) was 25.5 months (95% CI, 10.4-not reached [NR]). CONCLUSION The combination of enobosarm and pembrolizumab was well tolerated, with a modest clinical benefit rate of 25% at 16 weeks in heavily pretreated AR+ TNBC without preselected programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1). Future clinical trials combining AR-targeted therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) for AR+ TNBC warrant investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yuan
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Jin Sun Lee
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Susan E Yost
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Paul H Frankel
- Department of Biostatistics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Christopher Ruel
- Department of Biostatistics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Colt A Egelston
- Department of Immune-Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Weihua Guo
- Department of Immune-Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, USA
| | - John D Gillece
- Pathogen and Microbiome Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute North, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Megan Folkerts
- Pathogen and Microbiome Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute North, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Lauren Reining
- Pathogen and Microbiome Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute North, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Sarah K Highlander
- Pathogen and Microbiome Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute North, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Kim Robinson
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Simran Padam
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Norma Martinez
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Aileen Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Daniel Schmolze
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, USA
| | - James Waisman
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Mina Sedrak
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Peter P Lee
- Department of Immune-Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Joanne Mortimer
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, USA
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Abstract
Following periods of haematopoietic cell stress, such as after chemotherapy, radiotherapy, infection and transplantation, patient outcomes are linked to the degree of immune reconstitution, specifically of T cells. Delayed or defective recovery of the T cell pool has significant clinical consequences, including prolonged immunosuppression, poor vaccine responses and increased risks of infections and malignancies. Thus, strategies that restore thymic function and enhance T cell reconstitution can provide considerable benefit to individuals whose immune system has been decimated in various settings. In this Review, we focus on the causes and consequences of impaired adaptive immunity and discuss therapeutic strategies that can recover immune function, with a particular emphasis on approaches that can promote a diverse repertoire of T cells through de novo T cell formation.
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de Barros SC, Suterwala BT, He C, Ge S, Chick B, Blumberg GK, Kim K, Klein S, Zhu Y, Wang X, Casero D, Crooks GM. Pleiotropic Roles of VEGF in the Microenvironment of the Developing Thymus. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:2423-2436. [PMID: 32989093 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neonatal life marks the apogee of murine thymic growth. Over the first few days after birth, growth slows and the murine thymus switches from fetal to adult morphology and function; little is known about the cues driving this dramatic transition. In this study, we show for the first time (to our knowledge) the critical role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on thymic morphogenesis beyond its well-known role in angiogenesis. During a brief window a few days after birth, VEGF inhibition induced rapid and profound remodeling of the endothelial, mesenchymal and epithelial thymic stromal compartments, mimicking changes seen during early adult maturation. Rapid transcriptional changes were seen in each compartment after VEGF inhibition, including genes involved in migration, chemotaxis, and cell adhesion as well as induction of a proinflammatory and proadipogenic signature in endothelium, pericytes, and mesenchyme. Thymocyte numbers fell subsequent to the stromal changes. Expression patterns and functional blockade of the receptors VEGFR2 and NRP1 demonstrated that VEGF mediates its pleiotropic effects through distinct receptors on each microenvironmental compartment of the developing mouse thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C de Barros
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Batul T Suterwala
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Chongbin He
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Shundi Ge
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Brent Chick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Garrett K Blumberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Kenneth Kim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Sam Klein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Yuhua Zhu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - David Casero
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Gay M Crooks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095; .,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095; and.,Broad Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
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35
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Singh J, Mohtashami M, Anderson G, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. Thymic Engraftment by in vitro-Derived Progenitor T Cells in Young and Aged Mice. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1850. [PMID: 32973763 PMCID: PMC7462002 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells play a critical role in mediating antigen-specific and long-term immunity against viral and bacterial pathogens, and their development relies on the highly specialized thymic microenvironment. T cell immunodeficiency can be acquired in the form of inborn errors, or can result from perturbations to the thymus due to aging or irradiation/chemotherapy required for cancer treatment. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) from compatible donors is a cornerstone for the treatment of hematological malignancies and immunodeficiency. Although it can restore a functional immune system, profound impairments exist in recovery of the T cell compartment. T cells remain absent or low in number for many months after HSCT, depending on a variety of factors including the age of the recipient. While younger patients have a shorter refractory period, the prolonged T cell recovery observed in older patients can lead to a higher risk of opportunistic infections and increased predisposition to relapse. Thus, strategies for enhancing T cell recovery in aged individuals are needed to counter thymic damage induced by radiation and chemotherapy toxicities, in addition to naturally occurring age-related thymic involution. Preclinical results have shown that robust and rapid long-term thymic reconstitution can be achieved when progenitor T cells, generated in vitro from HSCs, are co-administered during HSCT. Progenitor T cells appear to rely on lymphostromal crosstalk via receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) and RANK-ligand (RANKL) interactions, creating chemokine-rich niches within the cortex and medulla that likely favor the recruitment of bone marrow-derived thymus seeding progenitors. Here, we employed preclinical mouse models to demonstrate that in vitro-generated progenitor T cells can effectively engraft involuted aged thymuses, which could potentially improve T cell recovery. The utility of progenitor T cells for aged recipients positions them as a promising cellular therapy for immune recovery and intrathymic repair following irradiation and chemotherapy, even in a post-involution thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Graham Anderson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Kinsella S, Dudakov JA. When the Damage Is Done: Injury and Repair in Thymus Function. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1745. [PMID: 32903477 PMCID: PMC7435010 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Even though the thymus is exquisitely sensitive to acute insults like infection, shock, or common cancer therapies such as cytoreductive chemo- or radiation-therapy, it also has a remarkable capacity for repair. This phenomenon of endogenous thymic regeneration has been known for longer even than its primary function to generate T cells, however, the underlying mechanisms controlling the process have been largely unstudied. Although there is likely continual thymic involution and regeneration in response to stress and infection in otherwise healthy people, acute and profound thymic damage such as that caused by common cancer cytoreductive therapies or the conditioning regimes as part of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), leads to prolonged T cell deficiency; precipitating high morbidity and mortality from opportunistic infections and may even facilitate cancer relapse. Furthermore, this capacity for regeneration declines with age as a function of thymic involution; which even at steady state leads to reduced capacity to respond to new pathogens, vaccines, and immunotherapy. Consequently, there is a real clinical need for strategies that can boost thymic function and enhance T cell immunity. One approach to the development of such therapies is to exploit the processes of endogenous thymic regeneration into novel pharmacologic strategies to boost T cell reconstitution in clinical settings of immune depletion such as HCT. In this review, we will highlight recent work that has revealed the mechanisms by which the thymus is capable of repairing itself and how this knowledge is being used to develop novel therapies to boost immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinéad Kinsella
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jarrod A. Dudakov
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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37
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Kim TJ, Koo KC. Current Status and Future Perspectives of Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy for Prostate Cancer: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5484. [PMID: 32751945 PMCID: PMC7432105 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical spectrum of prostate cancer (PCa) varies from castration-naive to metastatic castration-resistant disease. Despite the administration of androgen synthesis inhibitors and chemotherapy regimens for castration-resistant prostate cancer, the treatment options for this entity are limited. The utilization of the immune system against cancer cells shows potential as a therapeutic modality for various solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. With technological advances over the last decade, immunotherapy has become an integral treatment modality for advanced solid tumors. The feasibility of immunotherapy has shown promise for patients with PCa, and with advances in molecular diagnostic platforms and our understanding of immune mechanisms, immunotherapy is reemerging as a potential treatment modality for PCa. Various combinations of individualized immunotherapy and immune checkpoint blockers with androgen receptor-targeted therapies and conventional cytotoxic agents show promise. This article will review the current status of immunotherapy, including new discoveries and precision approaches to PCa, and discuss future directions in the continuously evolving landscape of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Jin Kim
- Department of Urology, C.H.A. Bundang Medical Center, University College of Medicine, Seongnam 13496, Korea;
| | - Kyo Chul Koo
- Department of Urology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06229, Korea
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38
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Henze L, Schwinge D, Schramm C. The Effects of Androgens on T Cells: Clues to Female Predominance in Autoimmune Liver Diseases? Front Immunol 2020; 11:1567. [PMID: 32849531 PMCID: PMC7403493 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system responds differently in women and in men. Generally speaking, adult females show stronger innate and adaptive immune responses than males. This results in lower risk of developing most of the infectious diseases and a better ability to clear viral infection in women (1–5). On the other hand, women are at increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases (AID) such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, and the autoimmune liver diseases autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) (6). Factors contributing to the female sex bias in autoimmune diseases include environmental exposure, e.g., microbiome, behavior, and genetics including X chromosomal inactivation of genes. Several lines of evidence and clinical observations clearly indicate that sex hormones contribute significantly to disease pathogenesis, and the role of estrogen in autoimmune diseases has been extensively studied. In many of these diseases, including the autoimmune liver diseases, T cells are thought to play an important pathogenetic role. We will use this mini-review to focus on the effects of androgens on T cells and how the two major androgens, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune liver diseases (AILD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Henze
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dorothee Schwinge
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schramm
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Martin Zeitz Centre for Rare Diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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39
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Hun ML, Wong K, Gunawan JR, Alsharif A, Quinn K, Chidgey AP. Gender Disparity Impacts on Thymus Aging and LHRH Receptor Antagonist-Induced Thymic Reconstitution Following Chemotherapeutic Damage. Front Immunol 2020; 11:302. [PMID: 32194555 PMCID: PMC7062683 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the main consequences of thymus aging is the decrease in naïve T cell output. This condition accelerates at the onset of puberty, and presents as a major clinical complication for cancer patients who require cytoablative therapy. Specifically, the extensive use of chemotherapeutics, such as cyclophosphamide, in such treatments damage thymic structure and eliminate the existing naïve T cell repertoire. The resulting immunodeficiency can lead to increased incidence of opportunistic infections, tumor growth relapse and/or autoimmune diseases, particularly in older patients. Thus, strategies aimed at rejuvenating the aged thymus following chemotherapeutic damage are required. Previous studies have revealed that sex hormone deprivation in male mice is capable of regenerating the thymic microenvironment following chemotherapy treatment, however, further investigation is crucial to identify gender-based differences, and the molecular mechanisms involved during thymus regeneration. Through phenotypic analyzes, we identified gender-specific alterations in thymocytes and thymic epithelial cell (TEC) subsets from the onset of puberty. By middle-age, females presented with a higher number of thymocytes in comparison to males, yet a decrease in their Aire+ medullary TEC/thymocyte ratio was observed. This reduction could be associated with an increased risk of autoimmune disease in middle-aged women. Given the concurrent increase in female Aire+ cTEC/thymocyte ratio, we proposed that there may be an impediment in Aire+ mTEChi differentiation, and Aire+ cTEChi as its upstream precursor. The regenerative effects of LHRH receptor antagonist, degarelix, on TEC subsets was also less pronounced in middle-aged females compared to males, possibly due to slower progression of thymic involution in the former, which presented with greater TEChi proportions. Furthermore, following cyclophosphamide treatment, degarelix enhanced thymocyte and mature TEC subset recovery, with faster recovery kinetics observed in females. These events were found to involve both reactivation and proliferation of thymic epithelial progenitor cells. Taken together, the findings from this study portray a relationship between gender disparity and thymus aging, and highlight the potential benefits of LHRH receptor antagonist treatment for thymic regeneration. Further research is required, however, to determine how gender may impact on the mechanisms underpinning these events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ly Hun
- Thymus Development, Ageing and T Cell Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kahlia Wong
- Thymus Development, Ageing and T Cell Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Josephine Rahma Gunawan
- Thymus Development, Ageing and T Cell Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Abdulaziz Alsharif
- Thymus Development, Ageing and T Cell Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kylie Quinn
- Quinn Laboratory, Translational Immunology and Nanotechnology Research Program, School of Health and Biomedical Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ann P. Chidgey
- Thymus Development, Ageing and T Cell Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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40
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Thomas R, Wang W, Su DM. Contributions of Age-Related Thymic Involution to Immunosenescence and Inflammaging. IMMUNITY & AGEING 2020; 17:2. [PMID: 31988649 PMCID: PMC6971920 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-020-0173-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Immune system aging is characterized by the paradox of immunosenescence (insufficiency) and inflammaging (over-reaction), which incorporate two sides of the same coin, resulting in immune disorder. Immunosenescence refers to disruption in the structural architecture of immune organs and dysfunction in immune responses, resulting from both aged innate and adaptive immunity. Inflammaging, described as a chronic, sterile, systemic inflammatory condition associated with advanced age, is mainly attributed to somatic cellular senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and age-related autoimmune predisposition. However, the inability to reduce senescent somatic cells (SSCs), because of immunosenescence, exacerbates inflammaging. Age-related adaptive immune system deviations, particularly altered T cell function, are derived from age-related thymic atrophy or involution, a hallmark of thymic aging. Recently, there have been major developments in understanding how age-related thymic involution contributes to inflammaging and immunosenescence at the cellular and molecular levels, including genetic and epigenetic regulation, as well as developments of many potential rejuvenation strategies. Herein, we discuss the research progress uncovering how age-related thymic involution contributes to immunosenescence and inflammaging, as well as their intersection. We also describe how T cell adaptive immunity mediates inflammaging and plays a crucial role in the progression of age-related neurological and cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancer. We then briefly outline the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of age-related thymic involution, and finally summarize potential rejuvenation strategies to restore aged thymic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Thomas
- Cell Biology, Immunology, and Microbiology Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
| | - Weikan Wang
- Cell Biology, Immunology, and Microbiology Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
| | - Dong-Ming Su
- 2Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
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41
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Brown MA, Su MA. An Inconvenient Variable: Sex Hormones and Their Impact on T Cell Responses. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 202:1927-1933. [PMID: 30885988 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiologic data demonstrate sex differences in autoimmune diseases, immune responses against infection, and antitumor immunity, and accumulating evidence suggests a major role for sex hormones in mediating these differences. In this study, we review recent advances in understanding how sex hormones regulate T cell responses to alter susceptibility to autoimmunity. Although sex hormones can directly alter gene transcriptional programs of T cells, we focus in this study on how sex hormones alter T cell development and function through their effects on thymic stromal cells and innate cell types. In addition to contributing to our understanding of sex differences, these findings also have implications for the therapeutic use of sex hormones and sex hormone modulators, which are now being prescribed to increasing numbers of patients for a wide variety of indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Brown
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Maureen A Su
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, College of Life Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095; and .,Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
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42
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Chun BM, Page DB, McArthur HL. Combination Immunotherapy Strategies in Breast Cancer. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12609-019-00333-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
We summarize combination immunotherapy strategies for the treatment of breast cancer, with a focus on metastatic disease. First, a general overview of combination approaches is presented according to breast cancer subtype. Second, additional review of promising combination approaches is presented.
Recent Findings
Combination strategies utilizing chemotherapy or radiotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibition are being evaluated across multiple phase III trials. Dual immunotherapy strategies, such as dual immune checkpoint inhibition or combined co-stimulation/co-inhibition, have supportive preclinical evidence and are under early clinical investigation. Modulation of the immune microenvironment via cytokines and vaccination strategies, as well as locally focused treatments to enhance antigenic responses, are active areas of research.
Summary
Pre-clinical and translational research sheds new light on numerous ways the immune system may be modulated to fight against cancer. We describe current and emerging combination approaches which may improve patient outcomes in metastatic breast cancer.
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43
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Kim I, Sanchez K, McArthur HL, Page D. Immunotherapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Present and Future. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12609-019-00345-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Immunotherapy is emerging as an effective treatment option for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. In this review, we summarize clinical data of immunotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer and comment on future directions in the field.
Recent Findings
IMpassion130 was a phase III trial that demonstrated progression-free survival benefit, and potentially overall survival benefit, of first-line chemotherapy (nab-paclitaxel) plus anti-programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) atezolizumab, among PD-L1-positive metastatic triple-negative breast cancers. Studies are ongoing to evaluate other combination therapies with immune checkpoint blockade in TNBC, and to evaluate efficacy in PD-L1-negative tumors and in later lines of therapy.
Summary
Immunotherapy is now a standard option in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Ongoing trials may expand the degree of clinical benefit. Further work is ongoing to identify novel predictive biomarkers, which in the future may enable a personalized approach of combination immunotherapy.
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44
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Page DB, Bear H, Prabhakaran S, Gatti-Mays ME, Thomas A, Cobain E, McArthur H, Balko JM, Gameiro SR, Nanda R, Gulley JL, Kalinsky K, White J, Litton J, Chmura SJ, Polley MY, Vincent B, Cescon DW, Disis ML, Sparano JA, Mittendorf EA, Adams S. Two may be better than one: PD-1/PD-L1 blockade combination approaches in metastatic breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2019; 5:34. [PMID: 31602395 PMCID: PMC6783471 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-019-0130-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibodies blocking programmed death 1 (anti-PD-1) or its ligand (anti-PD-L1) are associated with modest response rates as monotherapy in metastatic breast cancer, but are generally well tolerated and capable of generating dramatic and durable benefit in a minority of patients. Anti-PD-1/L1 antibodies are also safe when administered in combination with a variety of systemic therapies (chemotherapy, targeted therapies), as well as with radiotherapy. We summarize preclinical, translational, and preliminary clinical data in support of combination approaches with anti-PD-1/L1 in metastatic breast cancer, focusing on potential mechanisms of synergy, and considerations for clinical practice and future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B. Page
- Providence Cancer Institute; Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Portland, OR USA
| | - Harry Bear
- Division of Surgical Oncology and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Sangeetha Prabhakaran
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgery, University of New Mexico; University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | | | - Alexandra Thomas
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC USA
| | | | | | - Justin M. Balko
- Department of Medicine and Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Sofia R. Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Rita Nanda
- The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - James L. Gulley
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | | | - Julia White
- Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH USA
| | | | | | | | | | - David W. Cescon
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | | | - Joseph A. Sparano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Mittendorf
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center, Boston, MA USA
| | - Sylvia Adams
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
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45
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Pouzolles M, Machado A, Guilbaud M, Irla M, Gailhac S, Barennes P, Cesana D, Calabria A, Benedicenti F, Sergé A, Raman I, Li QZ, Montini E, Klatzmann D, Adjali O, Taylor N, Zimmermann VS. Intrathymic adeno-associated virus gene transfer rapidly restores thymic function and long-term persistence of gene-corrected T cells. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2019; 145:679-697.e5. [PMID: 31513879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2019.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with T-cell immunodeficiencies are generally treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, but alternatives are needed for patients without matched donors. An innovative intrathymic gene therapy approach that directly targets the thymus might improve outcomes. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the efficacy of intrathymic adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotypes to transduce thymocyte subsets and correct the T-cell immunodeficiency in a zeta-associated protein of 70 kDa (ZAP-70)-deficient murine model. METHODS AAV serotypes were injected intrathymically into wild-type mice, and gene transfer efficiency was monitored. ZAP-70-/- mice were intrathymically injected with an AAV8 vector harboring the ZAP70 gene. Thymus structure, immunophenotyping, T-cell receptor clonotypes, T-cell function, immune responses to transgenes and autoantibodies, vector copy number, and integration were evaluated. RESULTS AAV8, AAV9, and AAV10 serotypes all transduced thymocyte subsets after in situ gene transfer, with transduction of up to 5% of cells. Intrathymic injection of an AAV8-ZAP-70 vector into ZAP-70-/- mice resulted in a rapid thymocyte differentiation associated with the development of a thymic medulla. Strikingly, medullary thymic epithelial cells expressing the autoimmune regulator were detected within 10 days of gene transfer, correlating with the presence of functional effector and regulatory T-cell subsets with diverse T-cell receptor clonotypes in the periphery. Although thymocyte reconstitution was transient, gene-corrected peripheral T cells harboring approximately 1 AAV genome per cell persisted for more than 40 weeks, and AAV vector integration was detected. CONCLUSIONS Intrathymic AAV-transduced progenitors promote a rapid restoration of the thymic architecture, with a single wave of thymopoiesis generating long-term peripheral T-cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Pouzolles
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Alice Machado
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Mickaël Guilbaud
- INSERM UMR1089, Université de Nantes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Magali Irla
- Center of Immunology Marseille-Luminy (CIML), INSERM U1104, CNRS UMR7280, Aix-Marseille Université UM2, Marseille, France
| | - Sarah Gailhac
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre Barennes
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy (i3), Paris, France
| | - Daniela Cesana
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Calabria
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Benedicenti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Arnauld Sergé
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Indu Raman
- Microarray Core Facility, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex
| | - Quan-Zhen Li
- Microarray Core Facility, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex; Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex
| | - Eugenio Montini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - David Klatzmann
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy (i3), Paris, France; AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Biotherapy (CIC-BTi) and Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (i2B), Paris, France
| | - Oumeya Adjali
- INSERM UMR1089, Université de Nantes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, Nantes, France.
| | - Naomi Taylor
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France; Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.
| | - Valérie S Zimmermann
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
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46
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Roldan E, Perales MA, Barba P. Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation with CD34+ Cell Selection. Clin Hematol Int 2019; 1:154-160. [PMID: 34595425 PMCID: PMC8432362 DOI: 10.2991/chi.d.190613.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of allogeneic stem cell transplant is hampered by the development of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) which has direct impact on treatment-related mortality and morbidity. As a result, T cell depletion through positive selection of CD34+ cells has emerged as a promising strategy to reduce acute and chronic GvHD in these patients. In this review, we summarize the main characteristics of allogeneic stem cell transplant with CD34+ cell selection including risks of graft failure, GvHD, infection, organ toxicity, and long-term survival. Moreover, we highlight future strategies to improve the results of this platform and to consolidate its use in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Roldan
- Hematology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital-Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Pg. Vall Hebron 119, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Perales
- Adult BMT Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pere Barba
- Hematology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital-Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Pg. Vall Hebron 119, Barcelona, Spain
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47
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Abstract
The contributions of the peripheral adaptive and innate immune systems to CNS autoimmunity have been extensively studied. However, the role of thymic selection in these conditions is much less well understood. The thymus is the primary lymphoid organ for the generation of T cells; thymic mechanisms ensure that cells with an overt autoreactive specificity are eliminated before they emigrate to the periphery and control the generation of thymic regulatory T cells. Evidence from animal studies demonstrates that thymic T cell selection is important for establishing tolerance to autoantigens. However, there is a considerable knowledge gap regarding the role of thymic selection in autoimmune conditions of the human CNS. In this Review, we critically examine the current body of experimental evidence for the contribution of thymic tolerance to CNS autoimmune diseases. An understanding of why dysfunction of either thymic or peripheral tolerance mechanisms rarely leads to CNS inflammation is currently lacking. We examine the potential of de novo T cell formation and thymic selection as novel therapeutic avenues and highlight areas for future study that are likely to make these targets the focus of future treatments.
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48
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Lee JY, Han AR, Lee DR. T Lymphocyte Development and Activation in Humanized Mouse Model. Dev Reprod 2019; 23:79-92. [PMID: 31321348 PMCID: PMC6635618 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2019.23.2.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Humanized mice, containing engrafted human cells and tissues, are emerging as an
important in vivo platform for studying human diseases. Since
the development of Nod scid gamma (NSG) mice bearing mutations
in the IL-2 receptor gamma chain, many investigators have used NSG mice
engrafted with human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to generate functional
human immune systems in vivo, results in high efficacy of human
cell engraftment. The development of NSG mice has allowed significant advances
to be made in studies on several human diseases, including cancer and
graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), and in regenerative medicine. Based on the
human HSC transplantation, organ transplantation including thymus and liver in
the renal capsule has been performed. Also, immune reconstruction of cells, of
the lymphoid as well as myeloid lineages, has been partly accomplished. However,
crosstalk between pluripotent stem cell derived therapeutic cells with human
leukocyte antigen (HLA) mis/matched types and immune CD3 T cells have not been
fully addressed. To overcome this hurdle, human major histocompatibility complex
(MHC) molecules, not mouse MHC molecules, are required to generate functional T
cells in a humanized mouse model. Here, we briefly summarize characteristics of
the humanized mouse model, focusing on development of CD3 T cells with MHC
molecules. We also highlight the necessity of the humanized mouse model for the
treatment of various human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Yoon Lee
- Dept. of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Korea
| | - A-Reum Han
- Dept. of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Korea
| | - Dong Ryul Lee
- Dept. of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Korea
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49
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El-Kadiry AEH, Rafei M. Restoring thymic function: Then and now. Cytokine 2019; 120:202-209. [PMID: 31108430 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Thymic vulnerability, a leading cause of defective immunity, was discovered decades ago. To date, several strategies have been investigated to unveil any immunorestorative capacities they might confer. Studies exploiting castration, transplantation, adoptive cell therapies, hormones/growth factors, and cytokines have demonstrated enhanced in vitro and in vivo thymopoiesis, albeit with clinical restrictions. In this review, we will dissect the thymus on a physiological and pathological level and discuss the pros and cons of several strategies esteemed thymotrophic from a pre-clinical perspective. Finally, we will shed light on interleukin (IL)-21, a pharmacologically-promising cytokine with a significant thymotrophic nature, and elaborate on its potential clinical efficacy and safety in immune-deficient subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abed El-Hakim El-Kadiry
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Qc, Canada; Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, Qc, Canada
| | - Moutih Rafei
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Qc, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Qc, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Qc, Canada.
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50
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Simons L, Cavazzana M, André I. Concise Review: Boosting T-Cell Reconstitution Following Allogeneic Transplantation-Current Concepts and Future Perspectives. Stem Cells Transl Med 2019; 8:650-657. [PMID: 30887712 PMCID: PMC6591542 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.18-0248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the treatment of choice for a large number of malignant and nonmalignant (inherited) diseases of the hematopoietic system. Nevertheless, non‐HLA identical transplantations are complicated by a severe T‐cell immunodeficiency associated with a high rate of infection, relapse and graft‐versus‐host disease. Initial recovery of T‐cell immunity following HSCT relies on peripheral expansion of memory T cells mostly driven by cytokines. The reconstitution of a diverse, self‐tolerant, and naive T‐cell repertoire, however, may take up to 2 years and crucially relies on the interaction of T‐cell progenitors with the host thymic epithelium, which may be altered by GvHD, age or transplant‐related toxicities. In this review, we summarize current concepts to stimulate reconstitution of a peripheral and polyclonal T‐cell compartment following allogeneic transplantation such as graft manipulation (i.e., T‐cell depletion), transfusion of ex vivo manipulated donor T cells or the exogenous administration of cytokines and growth factors to stimulate host‐thymopoiesis with emphasis on approaches which have led to clinical trials. Particular attention will be given to the development of cellular therapies such as the ex vivo generation of T‐cell precursors to fasten generation of a polyclonal and functional host‐derived T‐cell repertoire. Having been tested so far only in preclinical mouse models, clinical studies are now on the way to validate the efficacy of such T‐cell progenitors in enhancing immune reconstitution following HSCT in various clinical settings. stem cells translational medicine2019;00:1–8
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Simons
- Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, Paris, France.,Department of Biotherapy, Necker Children's Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marina Cavazzana
- Biotherapy Clinical Investigation Center, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Ouest, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM CIC, Paris, France.,Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, Paris, France.,Department of Biotherapy, Necker Children's Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle André
- Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
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