1
|
Anderson G, Cosway EJ, James KD, Ohigashi I, Takahama Y. Generation and repair of thymic epithelial cells. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20230894. [PMID: 38980292 PMCID: PMC11232892 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20230894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In the vertebrate immune system, thymus stromal microenvironments support the generation of αβT cells from immature thymocytes. Thymic epithelial cells are of particular importance, and the generation of cortical and medullary epithelial lineages from progenitor stages controls the initiation and maintenance of thymus function. Here, we discuss the developmental pathways that regulate thymic epithelial cell diversity during both the embryonic and postnatal periods. We also examine how thymus microenvironments respond to injury, with particular focus on mechanisms that ensure regeneration of thymic epithelial cells for the restoration of thymus function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graham Anderson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Emilie J. Cosway
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kieran D. James
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen YG, Rieser E, Bhamra A, Surinova S, Kreuzaler P, Ho MH, Tsai WC, Peltzer N, de Miguel D, Walczak H. LUBAC enables tumor-promoting LTβ receptor signaling by activating canonical NF-κB. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:1267-1284. [PMID: 39215104 PMCID: PMC11445442 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01355-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR), a member of the TNF receptor superfamily (TNFR-SF), is essential for development and maturation of lymphoid organs. In addition, LTβR activation promotes carcinogenesis by inducing a proinflammatory secretome. Yet, we currently lack a detailed understanding of LTβR signaling. In this study we discovered the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) as a previously unrecognized and functionally crucial component of the native LTβR signaling complex (LTβR-SC). Mechanistically, LUBAC-generated linear ubiquitin chains enable recruitment of NEMO, OPTN and A20 to the LTβR-SC, where they act coordinately to regulate the balance between canonical and non-canonical NF-κB pathways. Thus, different from death receptor signaling, where LUBAC prevents inflammation through inhibition of cell death, in LTβR signaling LUBAC is required for inflammatory signaling by enabling canonical and interfering with non-canonical NF-κB activation. This results in a LUBAC-dependent LTβR-driven inflammatory, protumorigenic secretome. Intriguingly, in liver cancer patients with high LTβR expression, high expression of LUBAC correlates with poor prognosis, providing clinical relevance for LUBAC-mediated inflammatory LTβR signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Guang Chen
- Centre for Cell Death, Cancer, and Inflammation (CCCI), UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Eva Rieser
- Centre for Cell Death, Cancer, and Inflammation (CCCI), UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Research Centre, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Amandeep Bhamra
- Proteomics Research Translational Technology Platform, UCL Ciancer Institute and Cancer Research UK UCL Centre, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Silvia Surinova
- Proteomics Research Translational Technology Platform, UCL Ciancer Institute and Cancer Research UK UCL Centre, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Peter Kreuzaler
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Research Centre, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Meng-Hsing Ho
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chiuan Tsai
- Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nieves Peltzer
- CECAD Research Centre, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Translational Genomics and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Genome Editing, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Diego de Miguel
- Centre for Cell Death, Cancer, and Inflammation (CCCI), UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Research Centre, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Henning Walczak
- Centre for Cell Death, Cancer, and Inflammation (CCCI), UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK.
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- CECAD Research Centre, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hale LP, Macintyre AN, Bowles DE, Kwun J, Li J, Theriot B, Turek JW. Comprehensive Flow Cytometric, Immunohistologic, and Molecular Assessment of Thymus Function in Rhesus Macaques. Immunohorizons 2024; 8:500-510. [PMID: 39018546 PMCID: PMC11294275 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2300112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The critical importance of the thymus for generating new naive T cells that protect against novel infections and are tolerant to self-antigens has led to a recent revival of interest in monitoring thymic function in species other than humans and mice. Nonhuman primates such as rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) provide particularly useful animal models for translational research in immunology. In this study, we tested the performance of a 15-marker multicolor Ab panel for flow cytometric phenotyping of lymphocyte subsets directly from rhesus whole blood, with validation by thymectomy and T cell depletion. Immunohistochemical and multiplex RNA expression analysis of thymus tissue biopsies and molecular assays on PBMCs were used to further validate thymus function. Results identify Ab panels that can accurately classify rhesus naive T cells (CD3+CD45RA+CD197+ or CD3+CD28+CD95-) and recent thymic emigrants (CD8+CD28+CD95-CD103+CD197+) using just 100 µl of whole blood and commercially available fluorescent Abs. An immunohistochemical panel reactive with pan-cytokeratin (CK), CK14, CD3, Ki-67, CCL21, and TdT provides histologic evidence of thymopoiesis from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded thymus tissues. Identification of mRNAs characteristic of both functioning thymic epithelial cells and developing thymocytes and/or molecular detection of products of TCR gene rearrangement provide additional complementary methods to evaluate thymopoiesis, without requiring specific Abs. Combinations of multiparameter flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, multiplex gene expression, and TCR excision circle assays can comprehensively evaluate thymus function in rhesus macaques while requiring only minimal amounts of peripheral blood or biopsied thymus tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura P. Hale
- Department of Pathology and the Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Andrew N. Macintyre
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Dawn E. Bowles
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Jean Kwun
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Barbara Theriot
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Joseph W. Turek
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Currie C, Myklebust TÅ, Bjerknes C, Framroze B. Assessing the Potential of an Enzymatically Liberated Salmon Oil to Support Immune Health Recovery from Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection via Change in the Expression of Cytokine, Chemokine and Interferon-Related Genes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6917. [PMID: 39000027 PMCID: PMC11241394 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136917] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytokines, chemokines, and interferons are released in response to viral infection with the ultimate aim of viral clearance. However, in SARS-CoV-2 infection, there is an imbalanced immune response, with raised cytokine levels but only a limited interferon response with inefficient viral clearance. Furthermore, the inflammatory response can be exaggerated, which risks both acute and chronic sequelae. Several observational studies have suggested a reduced risk of progression to severe COVID-19 in subjects with a higher omega-3 index. However, randomized studies of omega-3 supplementation have failed to replicate this benefit. Omega-3 fats provide important anti-inflammatory effects; however, fatty fish contains many other fatty acids that provide health benefits distinct from omega-3. Therefore, the immune health benefit of whole salmon oil (SO) was assessed in adults with mild to moderate COVID-19. Eleven subjects were randomized to best supportive care (BSC) with or without a full spectrum, enzymatically liberated SO, dosed at 4g daily, for twenty-eight days. Nasal swabs were taken to measure the change in gene expression of markers of immune response and showed that the SO provided both broad inflammation-resolving effects and improved interferon response. The results also suggest improved lung barrier function and enhanced immune memory, although the clinical relevance needs to be assessed in longer-duration studies. In conclusion, the salmon oil was well tolerated and provided broad inflammation-resolving effects, indicating a potential to enhance immune health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Crawford Currie
- Hofseth BioCare, Keiser Wilhelms Gate 24, 6003 Alesund, Norway; (C.B.); (B.F.)
| | - Tor Åge Myklebust
- Department of Research and Innovation, More og Romsdal Hospital Trust, 6026 Ålesund, Norway;
- Department of Registration, Cancer Registry of Norway, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Christian Bjerknes
- Hofseth BioCare, Keiser Wilhelms Gate 24, 6003 Alesund, Norway; (C.B.); (B.F.)
| | - Bomi Framroze
- Hofseth BioCare, Keiser Wilhelms Gate 24, 6003 Alesund, Norway; (C.B.); (B.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ushio A, Matsuda-Lennikov M, Kalle-Youngoue F, Shimizu A, Abdelmaksoud A, Kelly MC, Ishimaru N, Takahama Y. Functionally diverse thymic medullary epithelial cells interplay to direct central tolerance. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114072. [PMID: 38581680 PMCID: PMC11079940 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) are essential for the establishment of self-tolerance in T cells. Promiscuous gene expression by a subpopulation of mTECs regulated by the nuclear protein Aire contributes to the display of self-genomic products to newly generated T cells. Recent reports have highlighted additional self-antigen-displaying mTEC subpopulations, namely Fezf2-expressing mTECs and a mosaic of self-mimetic mTECs including thymic tuft cells. In addition, a functionally different subset of mTECs produces chemokine CCL21, which attracts developing thymocytes to the medullary region. Here, we report that CCL21+ mTECs and Aire+ mTECs non-redundantly cooperate to direct self-tolerance to prevent autoimmune pathology by optimizing the deletion of self-reactive T cells and the generation of regulatory T cells. We also detect cooperation for self-tolerance between Aire and Fezf2, the latter of which unexpectedly regulates thymic tuft cells. Our results indicate an indispensable interplay among functionally diverse mTECs for the establishment of central self-tolerance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aya Ushio
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Department of Oral Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan
| | - Mami Matsuda-Lennikov
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Felix Kalle-Youngoue
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Akihide Shimizu
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Abdalla Abdelmaksoud
- Center for Cancer Research Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michael C Kelly
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Naozumi Ishimaru
- Department of Oral Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Symmank D, Richter FC, Rendeiro AF. Navigating the thymic landscape through development: from cellular atlas to tissue cartography. Genes Immun 2024; 25:102-104. [PMID: 38341523 PMCID: PMC11023925 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-024-00257-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Dörte Symmank
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria.
| | - Felix Clemens Richter
- Institute of Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Department of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - André F Rendeiro
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ohigashi I, White AJ, Yang MT, Fujimori S, Tanaka Y, Jacques A, Kiyonari H, Matsushita Y, Turan S, Kelly MC, Anderson G, Takahama Y. Developmental conversion of thymocyte-attracting cells into self-antigen-displaying cells in embryonic thymus medulla epithelium. eLife 2024; 12:RP92552. [PMID: 38466627 PMCID: PMC10928509 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92552] [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: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymus medulla epithelium establishes immune self-tolerance and comprises diverse cellular subsets. Functionally relevant medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) include a self-antigen-displaying subset that exhibits genome-wide promiscuous gene expression promoted by the nuclear protein Aire and that resembles a mosaic of extrathymic cells including mucosal tuft cells. An additional mTEC subset produces the chemokine CCL21, thereby attracting positively selected thymocytes from the cortex to the medulla. Both self-antigen-displaying and thymocyte-attracting mTEC subsets are essential for self-tolerance. Here, we identify a developmental pathway by which mTECs gain their diversity in functionally distinct subsets. We show that CCL21-expressing mTECs arise early during thymus ontogeny in mice. Fate-mapping analysis reveals that self-antigen-displaying mTECs, including Aire-expressing mTECs and thymic tuft cells, are derived from CCL21-expressing cells. The differentiation capability of CCL21-expressing embryonic mTECs is verified in reaggregate thymus experiments. These results indicate that CCL21-expressing embryonic mTECs carry a developmental potential to give rise to self-antigen-displaying mTECs, revealing that the sequential conversion of thymocyte-attracting subset into self-antigen-displaying subset serves to assemble functional diversity in the thymus medulla epithelium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of TokushimaTokushimaJapan
| | - Andrea J White
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Mei-Ting Yang
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Sayumi Fujimori
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of TokushimaTokushimaJapan
| | - Yu Tanaka
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Alison Jacques
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Hiroshi Kiyonari
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics ResearchHyogoJapan
| | - Yosuke Matsushita
- Division of Genome Medicine, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of TokushimaTokushimaJapan
| | - Sevilay Turan
- Sequencing Facility, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer InstituteFrederickUnited States
| | - Michael C Kelly
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
James KD, Cosway EJ, Parnell SM, White AJ, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Assembling the thymus medulla: Development and function of epithelial cell heterogeneity. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300165. [PMID: 38161233 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300165] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is a unique primary lymphoid organ that supports the production of self-tolerant T-cells essential for adaptive immunity. Intrathymic microenvironments are microanatomically compartmentalised, forming defined cortical, and medullary regions each differentially supporting critical aspects of thymus-dependent T-cell maturation. Importantly, the specific functional properties of thymic cortical and medullary compartments are defined by highly specialised thymic epithelial cells (TEC). For example, in the medulla heterogenous medullary TEC (mTEC) contribute to the enforcement of central tolerance by supporting deletion of autoreactive T-cell clones, thereby counterbalancing the potential for random T-cell receptor generation to contribute to autoimmune disease. Recent advances have further shed light on the pathways and mechanisms that control heterogeneous mTEC development and how differential mTEC functionality contributes to control self-tolerant T-cell development. Here we discuss recent findings in relation to mTEC development and highlight examples of how mTEC diversity contribute to thymus medulla function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kieran D James
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Emilie J Cosway
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sonia M Parnell
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrea J White
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nakano K, Whitehead GS, Lyons-Cohen MR, Grimm SA, Wilkinson CL, Izumi G, Livraghi-Butrico A, Cook DN, Nakano H. Chemokine CCL19 promotes type 2 T-cell differentiation and allergic airway inflammation. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153:487-502.e9. [PMID: 37956733 PMCID: PMC10922373 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic asthma is driven largely by allergen-specific TH2 cells, which develop in regional lymph nodes on the interaction of naive CD4+ T cells with allergen-bearing dendritic cells that migrate from the lung. This migration event is dependent on CCR7 and its chemokine ligand, CCL21. However, is has been unclear whether the other CCR7 ligand, CCL19, has a role in allergic airway disease. OBJECTIVE This study sought to define the role of CCL19 in TH2 differentiation and allergic airway disease. METHODS Ccl19-deficient mice were studied in an animal model of allergic asthma. Dendritic cells or fibroblastic reticular cells from wild-type and Ccl19-deficient mice were cultured with naive CD4+ T cells, and cytokine production was measured by ELISA. Recombinant CCL19 was added to CD4+ T-cell cultures, and gene expression was assessed by RNA-sequencing and quantitative PCR. Transcription factor activation was assessed by flow cytometry. RESULTS Lungs of Ccl19-deficient mice had less allergic airway inflammation, reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, and less IL-4 and IL-13 production compared with lungs of Ccl19-sufficient animals. Naive CD4+ T cells cocultured with Ccl19-deficient dendritic cells or fibroblastic reticular cells produced lower amounts of type 2 cytokines than did T cells cocultured with their wild-type counterparts. Recombinant CCL19 increased phosphorylation of STAT5 and induced expression of genes associated with TH2 cell and IL-2 signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal a novel, TH2 cell-inducing function of CCL19 in allergic airway disease and suggest that strategies to block this pathway might help to reduce the incidence or severity of allergic asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Nakano
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Gregory S Whitehead
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Miranda R Lyons-Cohen
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Sara A Grimm
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Christina L Wilkinson
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Gentaro Izumi
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | | | - Donald N Cook
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC.
| | - Hideki Nakano
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fujimori S, Ohigashi I. The role of thymic epithelium in thymus development and age-related thymic involution. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION 2024; 71:29-39. [PMID: 38735722 DOI: 10.2152/jmi.71.29] [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] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
The establishment of an adaptive immune system is critical for protecting our bodies from neoplastic cancers and invading pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. As a primary lymphoid organ, the thymus generates lymphoid T cells that play a major role in the adaptive immune system. T cell generation in the thymus is controlled by interactions between thymocytes and other thymic cells, primarily thymic epithelial cells. Thus, the normal development and function of thymic epithelial cells are important for the generation of immunocompetent and self-tolerant T cells. On the other hand, the degeneration of the thymic epithelium due to thymic aging causes thymic involution, which is associated with the decline of adaptive immune function. Herein we summarize basic and current knowledge of the development and function of thymic epithelial cells and the mechanism of thymic involution. J. Med. Invest. 71 : 29-39, February, 2024.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sayumi Fujimori
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ohigashi I, White AJ, Yang MT, Fujimori S, Tanaka Y, Jacques A, Kiyonari H, Matsushita Y, Turan S, Kelly MC, Anderson G, Takahama Y. Developmental conversion of thymocyte-attracting cells into self-antigen-displaying cells in embryonic thymus medulla epithelium. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.03.560657. [PMID: 37873155 PMCID: PMC10592888 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.03.560657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Thymus medulla epithelium establishes immune self-tolerance and comprises diverse cellular subsets. Functionally relevant medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) include a self-antigen-displaying subset that exhibits genome-wide promiscuous gene expression promoted by the nuclear protein Aire and that resembles a mosaic of extrathymic cells including mucosal tuft cells. An additional mTEC subset produces the chemokine CCL21, thereby attracting positively selected thymocytes from the cortex to the medulla. Both self-antigen-displaying and thymocyte-attracting mTEC subsets are essential for self-tolerance. Here we identify a developmental pathway by which mTECs gain their diversity in functionally distinct subsets. We show that CCL21-expressing mTECs arise early during thymus ontogeny. Fate-mapping analysis reveals that self-antigen-displaying mTECs, including Aire-expressing mTECs and thymic tuft cells, are derived from CCL21-expressing cells. The differentiation capability of CCL21-expressing embryonic mTECs is verified in reaggregate thymus experiments. These results indicate that CCL21-expressing embryonic mTECs carry a developmental potential to give rise to self-antigen-displaying mTECs, revealing that the sequential conversion of thymocyte-attracting subset into self-antigen-displaying subset serves to assemble functional diversity in the thymus medulla epithelium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Andrea J. White
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Mei-Ting Yang
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Sayumi Fujimori
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Yu Tanaka
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Alison Jacques
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Hiroshi Kiyonari
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Yosuke Matsushita
- Division of Genome Medicine, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Sevilay Turan
- Sequencing Facility, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Michael C. Kelly
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Malin J, Martinez-Ruiz GU, Zhao Y, Shissler SC, Cowan JE, Ding Y, Morales-Sanchez A, Ishikawa M, Lavaert M, Das A, Butcher D, Warner AC, Kallarakal M, Chen J, Kedei N, Kelly M, Brinster LR, Allman D, Bhandoola A. Expression of the transcription factor Klf6 by thymic epithelial cells is required for thymus development. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg8126. [PMID: 37967174 PMCID: PMC10651122 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg8126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TEC) control T cell development and play essential roles in establishing self-tolerance. By using Foxn1-Cre-driven ablation of Klf6 gene in TEC, we identified Klf6 as a critical factor in TEC development. Klf6 deficiency resulted in a hypoplastic thymus-evident from fetal stages into adulthood-in which a dramatic increase in the frequency of apoptotic TEC was observed. Among cortical TEC (cTEC), a previously unreported cTEC population expressing the transcription factor Sox10 was relatively expanded. Within medullary TEC (mTEC), mTEC I and Tuft-like mTEC IV were disproportionately decreased. Klf6 deficiency altered chromatin accessibility and affected TEC chromatin configuration. Consistent with these defects, naïve conventional T cells and invariant natural killer T cells were reduced in the spleen. Late stages of T cell receptor-dependent selection of thymocytes were affected, and mice exhibited autoimmunity. Thus, Klf6 has a prosurvival role and affects the development of specific TEC subsets contributing to thymic function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Malin
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gustavo Ulises Martinez-Ruiz
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Research Division, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
- Children’s Hospital Federico Gomez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yongge Zhao
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Susannah C. Shissler
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Cowan
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Yi Ding
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Abigail Morales-Sanchez
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Children’s Hospital Federico Gomez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Masaki Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marieke Lavaert
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Arundhoti Das
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Donna Butcher
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Andrew C. Warner
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Melissa Kallarakal
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jingqiu Chen
- Office of Science and Technology Resources, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- ACROBiosystems, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Noemi Kedei
- Office of Science and Technology Resources, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michael Kelly
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lauren R. Brinster
- Division of Veterinary Resources, Office of Research Services, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David Allman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Avinash Bhandoola
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang W, Cheng Z, Wang X, An Q, Huang K, Dai Y, Meng Q, Zhang Y. Lactoferrin deficiency during lactation increases the risk of depressive-like behavior in adult mice. BMC Biol 2023; 21:242. [PMID: 37907907 PMCID: PMC10617225 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01748-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lactoferrin is an active protein in breast milk that plays an important role in the growth and development of infants and is implicated as a neuroprotective agent. The incidence of depression is currently increasing, and it is unclear whether the lack of lactoferrin during lactation affects the incidence of depressive-like behavior in adulthood. RESULTS Lack of lactoferrin feeding during lactation affected the barrier and innate immune functions of the intestine, disrupted the intestinal microflora, and led to neuroimmune dysfunction and neurodevelopmental delay in the hippocampus. When exposed to external stimulation, adult lactoferrin feeding-deficient mice presented with worse depression-like symptoms; the mechanisms involved were activation of the LPS-TLR4 signalling pathway in the intestine and hippocampus, reduced BDNF-CREB signaling pathway in hippocampus, increased abundance of depression-related bacteria, and decreased abundance of beneficial bacteria. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings reveal that lactoferrin feeding deficient during lactation can increase the risk of depressive-like behavior in adults. The mechanism is related to the regulatory effect of lactoferrin on the development of the "microbial-intestinal-brain" axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Wang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhimei Cheng
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiong Wang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qin An
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Kunlun Huang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunping Dai
- College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingyong Meng
- College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yali Zhang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sin JH, Sucharov J, Kashyap S, Wang Y, Proekt I, Liu X, Parent AV, Gupta A, Kastner P, Chan S, Gardner JM, Ntranos V, Miller CN, Anderson MS, Schjerven H, Waterfield MR. Ikaros is a principal regulator of Aire + mTEC homeostasis, thymic mimetic cell diversity, and central tolerance. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eabq3109. [PMID: 37889983 PMCID: PMC11433069 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abq3109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding the zinc-finger transcription factor Ikaros (IKZF1) are found in patients with immunodeficiency, leukemia, and autoimmunity. Although Ikaros has a well-established function in modulating gene expression programs important for hematopoietic development, its role in other cell types is less well defined. Here, we uncover functions for Ikaros in thymic epithelial lineage development in mice and show that Ikzf1 expression in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) is required for both autoimmune regulator-positive (Aire+) mTEC development and tissue-specific antigen (TSA) gene expression. Accordingly, TEC-specific deletion of Ikzf1 in mice results in a profound decrease in Aire+ mTECs, a global loss of TSA gene expression, and the development of autoimmunity. Moreover, Ikaros shapes thymic mimetic cell diversity, and its deletion results in a marked expansion of thymic tuft cells and muscle-like mTECs and a loss of other Aire-dependent mimetic populations. Single-cell analysis reveals that Ikaros modulates core transcriptional programs in TECs that correlate with the observed cellular changes. Our findings highlight a previously undescribed role for Ikaros in regulating epithelial lineage development and function and suggest that failed thymic central tolerance could contribute to the autoimmunity seen in humans with IKZF1 mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Hyung Sin
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Juliana Sucharov
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sujit Kashyap
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yi Wang
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- 10x Genomics, Pleasanton, CA, USA
| | - Irina Proekt
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xian Liu
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Audrey V. Parent
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Gupta
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Philippe Kastner
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U 1258, CNRS UMR 7104, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Susan Chan
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U 1258, CNRS UMR 7104, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - James M. Gardner
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vasilis Ntranos
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Corey N. Miller
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark S. Anderson
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hilde Schjerven
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael R. Waterfield
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lee DY, Song WH, Lim YS, Lee C, Rajbongshi L, Hwang SY, Kim BS, Lee D, Song YJ, Kim HG, Yoon S. Fish Collagen Peptides Enhance Thymopoietic Gene Expression, Cell Proliferation, Thymocyte Adherence, and Cytoprotection in Thymic Epithelial Cells via Activation of the Nuclear Factor-κB Pathway, Leading to Thymus Regeneration after Cyclophosphamide-Induced Injury. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:531. [PMID: 37888466 PMCID: PMC10608061 DOI: 10.3390/md21100531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolonged thymic involution results in decreased thymopoiesis and thymic output, leading to peripheral T-cell deficiency. Since the thymic-dependent pathway is the only means of generating fully mature T cells, the identification of strategies to enhance thymic regeneration is crucial in developing therapeutic interventions to revert immune suppression in immunocompromised patients. The present study clearly shows that fish collagen peptides (FCPs) stimulate activities of thymic epithelial cells (TECs), including cell proliferation, thymocyte adhesion, and the gene expression of thymopoietic factors such as FGF-7, IGF-1, BMP-4, VEGF-A, IL-7, IL-21, RANKL, LTβ, IL-22R, RANK, LTβR, SDF-1, CCL21, CCL25, CXCL5, Dll1, Dll4, Wnt4, CD40, CD80, CD86, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, FoxN1, leptin, cathepsin L, CK5, and CK8 through the NF-κB signal transduction pathway. Furthermore, our study also revealed the cytoprotective effects of FCPs on TECs against cyclophosphamide-induced cellular injury through the NF-κB signaling pathway. Importantly, FCPs exhibited a significant capability to facilitate thymic regeneration in mice after cyclophosphamide-induced damage via the NF-κB pathway. Taken together, this study sheds light on the role of FCPs in TEC function, thymopoiesis, and thymic regeneration, providing greater insight into the development of novel therapeutic strategies for effective thymus repopulation for numerous clinical conditions in which immune reconstitution is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Do Young Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Hoon Song
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Department of Urology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital and Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye Seon Lim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Changyong Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Lata Rajbongshi
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Yeong Hwang
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Soo Kim
- School of Biomedical Convergence Engineering, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjun Lee
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Jung Song
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital and Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwi-Gon Kim
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital and Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Sik Yoon
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lan S, Li Z, Hao H, Liu S, Huang Z, Bai Y, Li Y, Yan X, Gao P, Chen S, Chu Y. A genome-wide transposon mutagenesis screening identifies LppB as a key factor associated with Mycoplasma bovis colonization and invasion into host cells. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23176. [PMID: 37665592 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300678r] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Mycoplasma spp., the smallest self-replicating and genome-reduced organisms, have raised a great concern in both the medical and veterinary fields due to their pathogenicity. The molecular determinants of these wall-less bacterium efficiently use their limited genes to ensure successful infection of the host remain unclear. In the present study, we used the ruminant pathogen Mycoplasma bovis as a model to identify the key factors for colonization and invasion into host cells. We constructed a nonredundant fluorescent transposon mutant library of M. bovis using a modified transposon plasmid, and identified 34 novel adhesion-related genes based on a high-throughput screening approach. Among them, the ΔLppB mutant exhibited the most apparent decrease in adhesion to embryonic bovine lung (EBL) cells. The surface-localized lipoprotein LppB, which is highly conserved in Mycoplasma species, was then confirmed as a key factor for M. bovis adhesion with great immunogenicity. LppB interacted with various components (fibronectin, vitronectin, collagen IV, and laminin) of host extracellular matrix (ECM) and promoted plasminogen activation through tPA to degrade ECM. The 439-502 amino acid region of LppB is a critical domain, and F465 and Y493 are important residues for the plasminogen activation activity. We further revealed LppB as a key factor facilitating internalization through clathrin- and lipid raft-mediated endocytosis, which helps the Mycoplasma invade the host cells. Our study indicates that LppB plays a key role in Mycoplasma infection and is a potential new therapeutic and vaccine target for Mycoplasma species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shimei Lan
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhangcheng Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huafang Hao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhicheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yutong Bai
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanzhao Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xinmin Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Pengcheng Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shengli Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuefeng Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Miyamoto M, Kawato Y, Fujie R, Kurowarabe K, Fujiwara K, Nobusawa R, Hayashi R, Iida K, Ohigashi I, Hayasaka H. CCL21-Ser expression in melanoma cells recruits CCR7 + naïve T cells to tumor tissues and promotes tumor growth. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:3509-3522. [PMID: 37421165 PMCID: PMC10475776 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15902] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
CCL21-Ser, a chemokine encoded by the Ccl21a gene, is constitutively expressed in the thymic epithelial cells and stromal cells of secondary lymphoid organs. It regulates immune cell migration and survival through its receptor CCR7. Herein, using CCL21-Ser-expressing melanoma cells and the Ccl21a-deficient mice, we demonstrated the functional role of cancer cell-derived CCL21-Ser in melanoma growth in vivo. The B16-F10 tumor growth was significantly decreased in Ccl21a-deficient mice compared with that in wild-type mice, indicating that host-derived CCL21-Ser contributes to melanoma proliferation in vivo. In Ccl21a-deficient mice, tumor growth of melanoma cells expressing CCL21-Ser was significantly enhanced, suggesting that CCL21-Ser from melanoma cells promotes tumor growth in the absence of host-derived CCL21-Ser. The increase in tumor growth was associated with an increase in the CCR7+ CD62L+ T cell frequency in the tumor tissue but was inversely correlated with Treg frequency, suggesting that naïve T cells primarily promote tumor growth. Adoptive transfer experiments demonstrated that naïve T cells are preferentially recruited from the blood into tumors with melanoma cell-derived CCL21-Ser expression. These results suggest that CCL21-Ser from melanoma cells promotes the infiltration of CCR7+ naïve T cells into the tumor tissues and creates a tumor microenvironment favorable for melanoma growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Miyamoto
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and EngineeringKindai UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Yuki Kawato
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringKindai UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Ryonosuke Fujie
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and EngineeringKindai UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Kaoru Kurowarabe
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and EngineeringKindai UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Kakeru Fujiwara
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and EngineeringKindai UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Reika Nobusawa
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and EngineeringKindai UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Ryota Hayashi
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and EngineeringKindai UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Kei Iida
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and EngineeringKindai UniversityOsakaJapan
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringKindai UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical SciencesUniversity of TokushimaTokushimaJapan
| | - Haruko Hayasaka
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and EngineeringKindai UniversityOsakaJapan
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringKindai UniversityOsakaJapan
- Research Institute for Science and TechnologyKindai UniversityOsakaJapan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Fujie R, Kurowarabe K, Yamada Y, Fujiwara K, Nakatani H, Tsutsumi K, Hayashi R, Kawahata H, Miyamoto M, Ozawa M, Katakai T, Takahama Y, Ohigashi I, Hayasaka H. Endogenous CCL21-Ser deficiency reduces B16-F10 melanoma growth by enhanced antitumor immunity. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19215. [PMID: 37664721 PMCID: PMC10469598 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19215] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The chemokine CCL21 regulates immune and cancer cell migration through its receptor CCR7. The Ccl21a gene encodes the isoform CCL21-Ser, predominantly expressed in the thymic medulla and the secondary lymphoid tissues. This study examined the roles of CCL21-Ser in the antitumor immune response in Ccl21a-knockout (KO) mice. The Ccl21a-KO mice showed significantly decreased growth of B16-F10 and YUMM1.7 melanomas and increased growth of MC38 colon cancer, despite no significant difference in LLC lung cancer and EO771 breast cancer. The B16-F10 tumor in Ccl21a-KO mice showed melanoma-specific activated CD8+ T cell and NK cell infiltration and higher Treg counts than wild-type mice. B16-F10 tumors in Ccl21a-KO mice showed a reduction in the positive correlation between the ratio of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to activated CD8+ T cells and tumor weight. In Ccl21a-KO tumor, the intratumoral Tregs showed lower co-inhibitory receptors TIM-3 and TIGIT. Taken together, these results suggest that endogenous CCL21-Ser supports melanoma growth in vivo by maintaining Treg function and suppressing antitumor immunity by CD8+ T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryonosuke Fujie
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, 3-4-1, Kowakae, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Kaoru Kurowarabe
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, 3-4-1, Kowakae, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamada
- Faculty of Science & Engineering, Kindai University, 3-4-1, Kowakae, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Kakeru Fujiwara
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, 3-4-1, Kowakae, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Hayato Nakatani
- Faculty of Science & Engineering, Kindai University, 3-4-1, Kowakae, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Kenta Tsutsumi
- Faculty of Science & Engineering, Kindai University, 3-4-1, Kowakae, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Ryota Hayashi
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, 3-4-1, Kowakae, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Hinami Kawahata
- Faculty of Science & Engineering, Kindai University, 3-4-1, Kowakae, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Megumi Miyamoto
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, 3-4-1, Kowakae, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Madoka Ozawa
- Department of Immunology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Tomoya Katakai
- Department of Immunology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Haruko Hayasaka
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, 3-4-1, Kowakae, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
- Faculty of Science & Engineering, Kindai University, 3-4-1, Kowakae, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
- Research Institute for Science and Technology, Kindai University, 3-4-1, Kowakae, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Takahama Y. The thymoproteasome in shaping the CD8 + T-cell repertoire. Curr Opin Immunol 2023; 83:102336. [PMID: 37210932 PMCID: PMC10524569 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102336] [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: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The thymoproteasome is a type of proteasome expressed specifically in thymic cortical epithelial cells. Thymoproteasome affects antigen processing of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I-associated peptides and optimizes positive selection of CD8+ T cells. However, it remains unanswered whether and how thymoproteasome-dependent MHC-I-associated self-peptides contribute to positive selection of cortical thymocytes. This short piece discusses the potential mechanisms of thymoproteasome contribution to positive selection of MHC-I-restricted CD8+ T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda 20892, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Han L, Zhang L. CCL21/CCR7 axis as a therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 121:110431. [PMID: 37331295 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110431] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) is a G protein-coupled receptor containing 7 transmembrane domains that is expressed on various cells, such as naive T/B cells, central memory T cells, regulatory T cells, immature/mature dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer cells, and a minority of tumor cells. Chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) is the known high-affinity ligand that binds to CCR7 and drives cell migration in tissues. CCL21 is mainly produced by stromal cells and lymphatic endothelial cells, and its expression is significantly increased under inflammatory conditions. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have shown a strong association between CCL21/CCR7 axis and disease severity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis, ankylosing spondylitis, and asthma. Disrupting CCL21/CCR7 interaction with antibodies or inhibitors prevents the migration of CCR7-expressing immune and non-immune cells at the site of inflammation and reduces disease severity. This review emphasizes the importance of the CCL21 /CCR7 axis in autoimmune diseases and evaluates its potential as a novel therapeutic target for these conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Le Han
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University Medical College, Jiangyin 214400, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Centre of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Center of Rheumatoid Arthritis of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
James KD, White AJ, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. The medulla controls effector primed γδT-cell development in the adult mouse thymus. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2350388. [PMID: 36929102 PMCID: PMC10947249 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
γδT cells are produced in the thymus throughout life and provide immunity at epithelial-rich sites. Unlike conventional αβT cells, γδT-cell development involves intrathymic acquisition of effector function, with priming for either IL17 or IFN-γ production occurring during embryonic or adult life, respectively. How the thymus controls effector-primed γδT-cell generation in adulthood is poorly understood. Here, we distinguished de novo γδT cells from those undergoing thymus recirculation and/or retention using Rag2GFP mice alongside markers of maturation/effector priming including CD24, CD25, CD73, and IFN-γ, the latter by crossing with IFN-γYFP GREAT mice. We categorize newly developing γδT-cells into an ordered sequence where CD25+ CD73- IFN-γYFP- precursors are followed sequentially by CD25- CD73+ IFN-γYFP- intermediates and CD25- CD73+ IFN-γYFP+ effectors. To determine intrathymic requirements controlling this sequence, we examined γδT-cell development in Relb-/- thymus grafts that lack medullary microenvironments. Interestingly, medulla deficiency did not alter CD25+ γδT-cell precursor generation, but significantly impaired development of effector primed stages. This impact on γδT-cell priming was mirrored in plt/plt mice lacking the medullary chemoattractants CCL19 and CCL21, and also Ccl21a-/- but not Ccl19-/- mice. Collectively, we identify the medulla as an important site for effector priming during adult γδT-cell development and demonstrate a specific role for the medullary epithelial product CCL21 in this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kieran D. James
- Institute of Immunology and ImmunotherapyUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Andrea J. White
- Institute of Immunology and ImmunotherapyUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | | | - Graham Anderson
- Institute of Immunology and ImmunotherapyUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lucas B, White AJ, Klein F, Veiga-Villauriz C, Handel A, Bacon A, Cosway EJ, James KD, Parnell SM, Ohigashi I, Takahama Y, Jenkinson WE, Hollander GA, Lu WY, Anderson G. Embryonic keratin19 + progenitors generate multiple functionally distinct progeny to maintain epithelial diversity in the adult thymus medulla. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2066. [PMID: 37045811 PMCID: PMC10097809 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37589-4] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus medulla is a key site for immunoregulation and tolerance, and its functional specialisation is achieved through the complexity of medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC). While the importance of the medulla for thymus function is clear, the production and maintenance of mTEC diversity remains poorly understood. Here, using ontogenetic and inducible fate-mapping approaches, we identify mTEC-restricted progenitors as a cytokeratin19+ (K19+) TEC subset that emerges in the embryonic thymus. Importantly, labelling of a single cohort of K19+ TEC during embryogenesis sustains the production of multiple mTEC subsets into adulthood, including CCL21+ mTEClo, Aire+ mTEChi and thymic tuft cells. We show K19+ progenitors arise prior to the acquisition of multiple mTEC-defining features including RANK and CCL21 and are generated independently of the key mTEC regulator, Relb. In conclusion, we identify and define a multipotent mTEC progenitor that emerges during embryogenesis to support mTEC diversity into adult life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth Lucas
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Andrea J White
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Fabian Klein
- Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Clara Veiga-Villauriz
- Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Adam Handel
- Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrea Bacon
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Emilie J Cosway
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Kieran D James
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Sonia M Parnell
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, NCI/NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Georg A Hollander
- Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Paediatric Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wei-Yu Lu
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Morales-Sanchez A, Shissler SC, Cowan JE, Bhandoola A. Revelations in Thymic Epithelial Cell Biology and Heterogeneity from Single-Cell RNA Sequencing and Lineage Tracing Methodologies. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2580:25-49. [PMID: 36374449 PMCID: PMC10802793 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2740-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) make up the thymic microenvironments that support the generation of a functionally competent and self-tolerant T-cell repertoire. Cortical (c)TECs, present in the cortex, are essential for early thymocyte development including selection of thymocytes expressing functional TCRs (positive selection). Medullary (m)TECs, located in the medulla, play a key role in late thymocyte development, including depletion of self-reactive T cells (negative selection) and selection of regulatory T cells. In recent years, transcriptomic analysis by single-cell (sc)RNA sequencing (Seq) has revealed TEC heterogeneity previously masked by population-level RNA-Seq or phenotypic studies. We summarize the discoveries made possible by scRNA-Seq, including the identification of novel mTEC subsets, advances in understanding mTEC promiscuous gene expression, and TEC alterations from embryonic to adult stages. Whereas pseudotime analyses of scRNA-Seq data can suggest relationships between TEC subsets, experimental methods such as lineage tracing and reaggregate thymic organ culture (RTOC) are required to test these hypotheses. Lineage tracing - namely, of β5t or Aire expressing cells - has exposed progenitor and parent-daughter cellular relationships within TEC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Morales-Sanchez
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Children's Hospital of Mexico Federico Gomez, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Susannah C Shissler
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer E Cowan
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Avinash Bhandoola
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
The microenvironment of the thymus is composed of a group of stromal cells that include endoderm-derived thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and mesenchymal stromal cells such as fibroblasts and serves as a site for the development of T cells. TECs are known to play an essential role in T cell differentiation and selection. Mesenchymal stromal cells have been less studied in terms of their immunological significance compared to TECs. Recently, new technologies have made it possible to identify and characterize mesenchymal stromal cells in the thymus, revealing their unique functions in thymic organogenesis and T cell development. This review outlines the current views on mesenchymal stromal cells in the thymus, particularly highlighting the newly discovered function of thymic fibroblasts in T cell repertoire selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Nitta
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Semwal MK, Hester AK, Xiao Y, Udeaja C, Cepeda S, Verschelde JS, Jones N, Wedemeyer SA, Emtage S, Wimberly K, Griffith AV. Redox status regulates autophagy in thymic stromal cells and promotes T cell tolerance. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2204296119. [PMID: 36161925 PMCID: PMC9549397 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204296119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic stromal cells (TSCs) are critical regulators of T cell tolerance, but their basic biology has remained under-characterized because they are relatively rare and difficult to isolate. Recent work has revealed that constitutive autophagy in TSCs is required for self-antigen presentation and central T cell tolerance induction; however, the mechanisms regulating constitutive autophagy in TSCs are not well understood. Hydrogen peroxide has been shown to increase autophagy flux in other tissues, and we previously identified conspicuously low expression of the hydrogen peroxide-quenching enzyme catalase in TSCs. We investigated whether the redox status of TSCs established by low catalase expression regulates their basal autophagy levels and their capacity to impose central T cell tolerance. Transgenic overexpression of catalase diminished autophagy in TSCs and impaired thymocyte clonal deletion, concomitant with increased frequencies of spontaneous lymphocytic infiltrates in lung and liver and of serum antinuclear antigen reactivity. Effects on clonal deletion and autoimmune indicators were diminished in catalase transgenic mice when autophagy was rescued by expression of the Becn1F121A/F121A knock-in allele. These results suggest a metabolic mechanism by which the redox status of TSCs may regulate central T cell tolerance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manpreet K. Semwal
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Allison K. Hester
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
- Department of Medicine, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Yangming Xiao
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Chioma Udeaja
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Sergio Cepeda
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - John S. Verschelde
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Nicholas Jones
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Sarah A. Wedemeyer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Simon Emtage
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Kymberly Wimberly
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Ann V. Griffith
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Provin N, Giraud M. Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells Into Thymic Epithelial Cells and Generation of Thymic Organoids: Applications for Therapeutic Strategies Against APECED. Front Immunol 2022; 13:930963. [PMID: 35844523 PMCID: PMC9277542 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.930963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ essential for the induction of central immune tolerance. Maturing T cells undergo several steps of expansion and selection mediated by thymic epithelial cells (TECs). In APECED and other congenital pathologies, a deficiency in genes that regulate TEC development or their ability to select non auto-reactive thymocytes results in a defective immune balance, and consequently in a general autoimmune syndrome. Restoration of thymic function is thus crucial for the emergence of curative treatments. The last decade has seen remarkable progress in both gene editing and pluripotent stem cell differentiation, with the emergence of CRISPR-based gene correction, the trivialization of reprogramming of somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSc) and their subsequent differentiation into multiple cellular fates. The combination of these two approaches has paved the way to the generation of genetically corrected thymic organoids and their use to control thymic genetic pathologies affecting self-tolerance. Here we review the recent advances in differentiation of iPSc into TECs and the ability of the latter to support a proper and efficient maturation of thymocytes into functional and non-autoreactive T cells. A special focus is given on thymus organogenesis and pathway modulation during iPSc differentiation, on the impact of the 2/3D structure on the generated TECs, and on perspectives for therapeutic strategies in APECED based on patient-derived iPSc corrected for AIRE gene mutations.
Collapse
|
28
|
Lancaster JN, Keatinge‐Clay DE, Srinivasan J, Li Y, Selden HJ, Nam S, Richie ER, Ehrlich LIR. Central tolerance is impaired in the middle-aged thymic environment. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13624. [PMID: 35561351 PMCID: PMC9197411 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the earliest hallmarks of immune aging is thymus involution, which not only reduces the number of newly generated and exported T cells, but also alters the composition and organization of the thymus microenvironment. Thymic T‐cell export continues into adulthood, yet the impact of thymus involution on the quality of newly generated T‐cell clones is not well established. Notably, the number and proportion of medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) and expression of tissue‐restricted antigens (TRAs) decline with age, suggesting the involuting thymus may not promote efficient central tolerance. Here, we demonstrate that the middle‐aged thymic environment does not support rapid motility of medullary thymocytes, potentially diminishing their ability to scan antigen presenting cells (APCs) that display the diverse self‐antigens that induce central tolerance. Consistent with this possibility, thymic slice assays reveal that the middle‐aged thymic environment does not support efficient negative selection or regulatory T‐cell (Treg) induction of thymocytes responsive to either TRAs or ubiquitous self‐antigens. This decline in central tolerance is not universal, but instead impacts lower‐avidity self‐antigens that are either less abundant or bind to TCRs with moderate affinities. Additionally, the decline in thymic tolerance by middle age is accompanied by both a reduction in mTECs and hematopoietic APC subsets that cooperate to drive central tolerance. Thus, age‐associated changes in the thymic environment result in impaired central tolerance against moderate‐avidity self‐antigens, potentially resulting in export of increasingly autoreactive naive T cells, with a deficit of Treg counterparts by middle age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N. Lancaster
- Department of Molecular Biosciences The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
| | | | - Jayashree Srinivasan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Molecular Biosciences The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
| | - Hilary J. Selden
- Department of Molecular Biosciences The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
| | - Seohee Nam
- Department of Molecular Biosciences The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
| | - Ellen R. Richie
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas USA
| | - Lauren I. R. Ehrlich
- Department of Molecular Biosciences The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
- Department of Oncology Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhang Y, Garcia-Ibanez L, Ulbricht C, Lok LSC, Pike JA, Mueller-Winkler J, Dennison TW, Ferdinand JR, Burnett CJM, Yam-Puc JC, Zhang L, Alfaro RM, Takahama Y, Ohigashi I, Brown G, Kurosaki T, Tybulewicz VLJ, Rot A, Hauser AE, Clatworthy MR, Toellner KM. Recycling of memory B cells between germinal center and lymph node subcapsular sinus supports affinity maturation to antigenic drift. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2460. [PMID: 35513371 PMCID: PMC9072412 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29978-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection or vaccination leads to the development of germinal centers (GC) where B cells evolve high affinity antigen receptors, eventually producing antibody-forming plasma cells or memory B cells. Here we follow the migratory pathways of B cells emerging from germinal centers (BEM) and find that many BEM cells migrate into the lymph node subcapsular sinus (SCS) guided by sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). From the SCS, BEM cells may exit the lymph node to enter distant tissues, while some BEM cells interact with and take up antigen from SCS macrophages, followed by CCL21-guided return towards the GC. Disruption of local CCL21 gradients inhibits the recycling of BEM cells and results in less efficient adaption to antigenic variation. Our findings thus suggest that the recycling of antigen variant-specific BEM cells and transport of antigen back to GC may support affinity maturation to antigenic drift.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Laura Garcia-Ibanez
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Carolin Ulbricht
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum (DRFZ), a Leibniz Institute, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laurence S C Lok
- University of Cambridge Molecular Immunity Unit, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jeremy A Pike
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Thomas W Dennison
- University of Cambridge Molecular Immunity Unit, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - John R Ferdinand
- University of Cambridge Molecular Immunity Unit, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Cameron J M Burnett
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Juan C Yam-Puc
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Raul Maqueda Alfaro
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, The National Polytechnic Institute, Cinvestav-IPN, Av. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, Gustavo A. Madero, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Geoffrey Brown
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, The National Polytechnic Institute, Cinvestav-IPN, Av. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, Gustavo A. Madero, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Tomohiro Kurosaki
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Differentiation, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Differentiation, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | | | - Antal Rot
- Centre for Microvascular Research, The William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University London, EC1M 6BQ, London, UK
- Centre for Inflammation and Therapeutic Innovation, Queen Mary University London, EC1M 6BQ, London, UK
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Anja E Hauser
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum (DRFZ), a Leibniz Institute, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Menna R Clatworthy
- University of Cambridge Molecular Immunity Unit, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kai-Michael Toellner
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cosway EJ, White AJ, Parnell SM, Schweighoffer E, Jolin HE, Bacon A, Rodewald HR, Tybulewicz V, McKenzie ANJ, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Eosinophils are an essential element of a type 2 immune axis that controls thymus regeneration. Sci Immunol 2022; 7:eabn3286. [PMID: 35275754 PMCID: PMC7612579 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abn3286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic interventions used for cancer treatment provoke thymus damage and limit the recovery of protective immunity. Here, we show that eosinophils are an essential part of an intrathymic type 2 immune network that enables thymus recovery after ablative therapy. Within hours of damage, the thymus undergoes CCR3-dependent colonization by peripheral eosinophils, which reestablishes the epithelial microenvironments that control thymopoiesis. Eosinophil regulation of thymus regeneration occurs via the concerted action of NKT cells that trigger CCL11 production via IL4 receptor signaling in thymic stroma, and ILC2 that represent an intrathymic source of IL5, a cytokine that therapeutically boosts thymus regeneration after damage. Collectively, our findings identify an intrathymic network composed of multiple innate immune cells that restores thymus function during reestablishment of the adaptive immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilie J. Cosway
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrea J. White
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sonia M. Parnell
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Andrea Bacon
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Hans-Reimer Rodewald
- Division of Cellular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Victor Tybulewicz
- Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK,Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | | | - W. E. Jenkinson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK,Correspondence to: Professor Graham Anderson, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Floor 4 Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom. Tel: (44)1214146817.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
Whether autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is free from graft-versus-host disease is controversial. Alawam et al. (2021. J. Exp. Med.https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20211239) now demonstrate that prolonged damage in thymic medullary epithelial cells causes the failure in self-tolerance in newly generated T cells and provokes post-transplant autoimmunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Alawam AS, Cosway EJ, James KD, Lucas B, Bacon A, Parnell SM, White AJ, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Failures in thymus medulla regeneration during immune recovery cause tolerance loss and prime recipients for auto-GVHD. J Exp Med 2022; 219:212911. [PMID: 34910105 PMCID: PMC8679781 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20211239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a widely used therapy for blood cancers and primary immunodeficiency. Following transplant, the thymus plays a key role in immune reconstitution by generating a naive αβT cell pool from transplant-derived progenitors. While donor-derived thymopoiesis during the early post-transplant period is well studied, the ability of the thymus to synchronize T cell development with essential tolerance mechanisms is poorly understood. Using a syngeneic mouse transplant model, we analyzed T cell recovery alongside the regeneration and function of intrathymic microenvironments. We report a specific and prolonged failure in the post-transplant recovery of medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs). This manifests as loss of medulla-dependent tolerance mechanisms, including failures in Foxp3+ regulatory T cell development and formation of the intrathymic dendritic cell pool. In addition, defective negative selection enables escape of self-reactive conventional αβT cells that promote autoimmunity. Collectively, we show that post-transplant T cell recovery involves an uncoupling of thymopoiesis from thymic tolerance, which results in autoimmune reconstitution caused by failures in thymic medulla regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah S Alawam
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Emilie J Cosway
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kieran D James
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Beth Lucas
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrea Bacon
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sonia M Parnell
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrea J White
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Zmrhal V, Svoradova A, Batik A, Slama P. Three-Dimensional Avian Hematopoietic Stem Cell Cultures as a Model for Studying Disease Pathogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:730804. [PMID: 35127695 PMCID: PMC8811169 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.730804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture is attracting increasing attention today because it can mimic tissue environments and provide more realistic results than do conventional cell cultures. On the other hand, very little attention has been given to using 3D cell cultures in the field of avian cell biology. Although mimicking the bone marrow niche is a classic challenge of mammalian stem cell research, experiments have never been conducted in poultry on preparing in vitro the bone marrow niche. It is well known, however, that all diseases cause immunosuppression and target immune cells and their development. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) reside in the bone marrow and constitute a source for immune cells of lymphoid and myeloid origins. Disease prevention and control in poultry are facing new challenges, such as greater use of alternative breeding systems and expanding production of eggs and chicken meat in developing countries. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic will draw greater attention to the importance of disease management in poultry because poultry constitutes a rich source of zoonotic diseases. For these reasons, and because they will lead to a better understanding of disease pathogenesis, in vivo HSC niches for studying disease pathogenesis can be valuable tools for developing more effective disease prevention, diagnosis, and control. The main goal of this review is to summarize knowledge about avian hematopoietic cells, HSC niches, avian immunosuppressive diseases, and isolation of HSC, and the main part of the review is dedicated to using 3D cell cultures and their possible use for studying disease pathogenesis with practical examples. Therefore, this review can serve as a practical guide to support further preparation of 3D avian HSC niches to study the pathogenesis of avian diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Zmrhal
- Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Svoradova
- Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production in Nitra, Luzianky, Slovak Republic
| | - Andrej Batik
- Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Slama
- Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Mino N, Muro R, Ota A, Nitta S, Lefebvre V, Nitta T, Fujio K, Takayanagi H. The transcription factor Sox4 is required for thymic tuft cell development. Int Immunol 2022; 34:45-52. [PMID: 34687536 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxab098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) help shape the thymic microenvironment for T-cell development by expressing a variety of peripheral tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs). The self-tolerance of T cells is established by negative selection of autoreactive T cells that bind to TRAs. To increase the diversity of TRAs, a fraction of mTECs terminally differentiates into distinct subsets resembling atypical types of epithelial cells in specific peripheral tissues. As such, thymic tuft cells that express peripheral tuft cell genes have recently emerged. Here, we show that the transcription factor SRY-box transcription factor 4 (Sox4) is highly expressed in mTECs and is essential for the development of thymic tuft cells. Mice lacking Sox4 specifically in TECs had a significantly reduced number of thymic tuft cells with no effect on the differentiation of other mTEC subsets, including autoimmune regulator (Aire)+ and Ccl21a+ mTECs. Furthermore, Sox4 expression was diminished in mice deficient in TEC-specific lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR), indicating a role for the LTβR-Sox4 axis in the differentiation of thymic tuft cells. Given that Sox4 promotes differentiation of peripheral tuft cells, our findings suggest that mTECs employ the same transcriptional program as peripheral epithelial cells. This mechanism may explain how mTECs diversify peripheral antigen expression to project an immunological self within the thymic medulla.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nanami Mino
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryunosuke Muro
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayami Ota
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sachiko Nitta
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Veronique Lefebvre
- Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Pediatric Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Takeshi Nitta
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keishi Fujio
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takayanagi
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Martinez-Ruíz GU, Morales-Sánchez A, Bhandoola A. Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation in thymic epithelial cells. Immunol Rev 2022; 305:43-58. [PMID: 34750841 PMCID: PMC8766885 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is required for the development of both adaptive and innate-like T cell subsets. There is keen interest in manipulating thymic function for therapeutic purposes in circumstances of autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, and for purposes of immunotherapy. Within the thymus, thymic epithelial cells play essential roles in directing T cell development. Several transcription factors are known to be essential for thymic epithelial cell development and function, and a few transcription factors have been studied in considerable detail. However, the role of many other transcription factors is less well understood. Further, it is likely that roles exist for other transcription factors not yet known to be important in thymic epithelial cells. Recent progress in understanding of thymic epithelial cell heterogeneity has provided some new insight into transcriptional requirements in subtypes of thymic epithelial cells. However, it is unknown whether progenitors of thymic epithelial cells exist in the adult thymus, and consequently, developmental relationships linking putative precursors with differentiated cell types are poorly understood. While we do not presently possess a clear understanding of stage-specific requirements for transcription factors in thymic epithelial cells, new single-cell transcriptomic and epigenomic technologies should enable rapid progress in this field. Here, we review our current knowledge of transcription factors involved in the development, maintenance, and function of thymic epithelial cells, and the mechanisms by which they act.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Ulises Martinez-Ruíz
- T Cell Biology and Development Unit, Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Research Division, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
- Children’s Hospital of Mexico Federico Gomez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Abigail Morales-Sánchez
- T Cell Biology and Development Unit, Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Children’s Hospital of Mexico Federico Gomez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Avinash Bhandoola
- T Cell Biology and Development Unit, Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ohigashi I, Matsuda-Lennikov M, Takahama Y. Peptides for T cell selection in the thymus. Peptides 2021; 146:170671. [PMID: 34624431 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-associated peptides generated and displayed by antigen-presenting cells in the thymus are essential for the generation of functional and self-tolerant T cells that protect our body from various pathogens. The peptides displayed by cortical thymic epithelial cells (cTECs) are generated by unique enzymatic machineries including the thymoproteasomes, and are involved in the positive selection of self-protective T cells. On the other hand, the peptides displayed by medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) and thymic dendritic cells (DCs) are involved in further selection to establish self-tolerance in T cells. Although the biochemical nature of the peptide repertoire displayed in the thymus remains unclear, many studies have suggested a thymus-specific mechanism for the generation of MHC-associated peptides in the thymus. In this review, we summarize basic knowledge and recent advances in MHC-associated thymic peptides, focusing on the generation and function of thymoproteasome-dependent peptides specifically displayed by cTECs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan.
| | - Mami Matsuda-Lennikov
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Borelli A, Irla M. Lymphotoxin: from the physiology to the regeneration of the thymic function. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:2305-2314. [PMID: 34290396 PMCID: PMC8329281 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00834-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The members of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) superfamily, the ligand lymphotoxin α1β2 (LTα1β2) and its unique receptor lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR), play a pivotal role in the establishment and regulation of the immune system by allowing a tight communication between lymphocytes and stromal cells. Recent advances using transgenic mice harboring a specific deletion of the Ltbr gene in distinct stromal cells have revealed important roles for LTβR signaling in the thymic function that ensures the generation of a diverse and self-tolerant T-cell repertoire. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge on this signaling axis in the thymic homing of lymphoid progenitors and peripheral antigen-presenting cells, the trafficking and egress of thymocytes, the differentiation of medullary thymic epithelial cells, and the establishment of central tolerance. We also highlight the importance of LTα1β2/LTβR axis in controlling the recovery of the thymic function after myeloablative conditioning regimen, opening novel perspectives in regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Borelli
- grid.417850.f0000 0004 0639 5277Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d’Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Magali Irla
- grid.417850.f0000 0004 0639 5277Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d’Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
ThymUS in times of stress. Nat Immunol 2021; 22:545-549. [PMID: 33692548 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-021-00897-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
39
|
Pinheiro RGR, Alves NL. The Early Postnatal Life: A Dynamic Period in Thymic Epithelial Cell Differentiation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:668528. [PMID: 34220815 PMCID: PMC8250140 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.668528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The microenvironments formed by cortical (c) and medullary (m) thymic epithelial cells (TECs) play a non-redundant role in the generation of functionally diverse and self-tolerant T cells. The role of TECs during the first weeks of the murine postnatal life is particularly challenging due to the significant augment in T cell production. Here, we critically review recent studies centered on the timely coordination between the expansion and maturation of TECs during this period and their specialized role in T cell development and selection. We further discuss how aging impacts on the pool of TEC progenitors and maintenance of functionally thymic epithelial microenvironments, and the implications of these chances in the capacity of the thymus to sustain regular thymopoiesis throughout life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben G R Pinheiro
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Doctoral Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno L Alves
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Nitta T, Ota A, Iguchi T, Muro R, Takayanagi H. The fibroblast: An emerging key player in thymic T cell selection. Immunol Rev 2021; 302:68-85. [PMID: 34096078 PMCID: PMC8362222 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12985] [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: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts have recently attracted attention as a key stromal component that controls the immune responses in lymphoid tissues. The thymus has a unique microenvironment comprised of a variety of stromal cells, including fibroblasts and thymic epithelial cells (TECs), the latter of which is known to be important for T cell development because of their ability to express self‐antigens. Thymic fibroblasts contribute to thymus organogenesis during embryogenesis and form the capsule and medullary reticular network in the adult thymus. However, the immunological significance of thymic fibroblasts has thus far only been poorly elucidated. In this review, we will summarize the current views on the development and functions of thymic fibroblasts as revealed by new technologies such as multicolor flow cytometry and single cell–based transcriptome profiling. Furthermore, the recently discovered role of medullary fibroblasts in the establishment of T cell tolerance by producing a unique set of self‐antigens will be highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Nitta
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayami Ota
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Iguchi
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryunosuke Muro
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takayanagi
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Han J, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. A 2020 View of Thymus Stromal Cells in T Cell Development. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 206:249-256. [PMID: 33397738 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is an intricate primary lymphoid organ, wherein bone marrow-derived lymphoid progenitor cells are induced to develop into functionally competent T cells that express a diverse TCR repertoire, which is selected to allow for the recognition of foreign Ags while avoiding self-reactivity or autoimmunity. Thymus stromal cells, which can include all non-T lineage cells, such as thymic epithelial cells, endothelial cells, mesenchymal/fibroblast cells, dendritic cells, and B cells, provide signals that are essential for thymocyte development as well as for the homeostasis of the thymic stroma itself. In this brief review, we focus on the key roles played by thymic stromal cells during early stages of T cell development, such as promoting the homing of thymic-seeding progenitors, inducing T lineage differentiation, and supporting thymocyte survival and proliferation. We also discuss recent advances on the transcriptional regulation that govern thymic epithelial cell function as well as the cellular and molecular changes that are associated with thymic involution and regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianxun Han
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada; and
| | - Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada; and.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ohigashi I, Takahama Y. Thymoproteasome optimizes positive selection of CD8 + T cells without contribution of negative selection. Adv Immunol 2021; 149:1-23. [PMID: 33993918 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Functionally competent and self-tolerant T cell repertoire is shaped through positive and negative selection in the cortical and medullary microenvironments of the thymus. The thymoproteasome specifically expressed in the cortical thymic epithelium is essential for the optimal generation of CD8+ T cells. Although how the thymoproteasome governs the generation of CD8+ T cells is not fully understood, accumulating evidence suggests that the thymoproteasome optimizes CD8+ T cell production through the processing of self-peptides associated with MHC class I molecules expressed by cortical thymic epithelial cells. In this review, we describe recent advances in the mechanism of thymoproteasome-dependent generation of CD8+ T cells, focusing on the process of cortical positive selection independent of apoptosis-mediated negative selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Srinivasan J, Lancaster JN, Singarapu N, Hale LP, Ehrlich LIR, Richie ER. Age-Related Changes in Thymic Central Tolerance. Front Immunol 2021; 12:676236. [PMID: 33968086 PMCID: PMC8100025 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.676236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and hematopoietic antigen presenting cells (HAPCs) in the thymus microenvironment provide essential signals to self-reactive thymocytes that induce either negative selection or generation of regulatory T cells (Treg), both of which are required to establish and maintain central tolerance throughout life. HAPCs and TECs are comprised of multiple subsets that play distinct and overlapping roles in central tolerance. Changes that occur in the composition and function of TEC and HAPC subsets across the lifespan have potential consequences for central tolerance. In keeping with this possibility, there are age-associated changes in the cellular composition and function of T cells and Treg. This review summarizes changes in T cell and Treg function during the perinatal to adult transition and in the course of normal aging, and relates these changes to age-associated alterations in thymic HAPC and TEC subsets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jayashree Srinivasan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | | | - Nandini Singarapu
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX, United States
| | - Laura P Hale
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Lauren I R Ehrlich
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States.,Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Ellen R Richie
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Zhang Q, Liang Z, Zhang J, Lei T, Dong X, Su H, Chen Y, Zhang Z, Tan L, Zhao Y. Sirt6 Regulates the Development of Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cells and Contributes to the Establishment of Central Immune Tolerance. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:655552. [PMID: 33869219 PMCID: PMC8044826 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.655552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although some advances have been made in understanding the molecular regulation of mTEC development, the role of epigenetic regulators in the development and maturation of mTEC is poorly understood. Here, using the TEC-specific Sirt6 knockout mice, we found the deacetylase Sirtuin 6 (Sirt6) is essential for the development of functionally competent mTECs. First of all, TEC-specific Sirt6 deletion dramatically reduces the mTEC compartment, which is caused by reduced DNA replication and subsequent impaired proliferation ability of Sirt6-deficient mTECs. Secondly, Sirt6 deficiency specifically accelerates the differentiation of mTECs from CD80–Aire– immature population to CD80+Aire– intermediate mature population by promoting the expression of Spib. Finally, Sirt6 ablation in TECs markedly interferes the proper expression of tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs) and impairs the development of thymocytes and nTreg cells. In addition, TEC conditional knockout of Sirt6 results in severe autoimmune disease manifested by reduced body weight, the infiltration of lymphocytes and the presence of autoantibodies. Collectively, this study reveals that the expression of epigenetic regulator Sirt6 in TECs is crucial for the development and differentiation of mTECs, which highlights the importance of Sirt6 in the establishment of central immune tolerance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - 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
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Lei
- University of 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
| | - Huiting Su
- Department of Central Laboratory and Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yifang Chen
- 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
| | - Liang Tan
- Center of Organ Transplantation, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Perniola R, Fierabracci A, Falorni A. Autoimmune Addison's Disease as Part of the Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 1: Historical Overview and Current Evidence. Front Immunol 2021; 12:606860. [PMID: 33717087 PMCID: PMC7953157 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.606860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS1) is caused by pathogenic variants of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene, located in the chromosomal region 21q22.3. The related protein, AIRE, enhances thymic self-representation and immune self-tolerance by localization to chromatin and anchorage to multimolecular complexes involved in the initiation and post-initiation events of tissue-specific antigen-encoding gene transcription. Once synthesized, the self-antigens are presented to, and cause deletion of, the self-reactive thymocyte clones. The clinical diagnosis of APS1 is based on the classic triad idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (HPT)—chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis—autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD), though new criteria based on early non-endocrine manifestations have been proposed. HPT is in most cases the first endocrine component of the syndrome; however, APS1-associated AAD has received the most accurate biochemical, clinical, and immunological characterization. Here is a comprehensive review of the studies on APS1-associated AAD from initial case reports to the most recent scientific findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Perniola
- Department of Pediatrics-Neonatal Intensive Care, V. Fazzi Hospital, ASL LE, Lecce, Italy
| | - Alessandra Fierabracci
- Infectivology and Clinical Trials Research Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Falorni
- Section of Internal Medicine and Endocrinological and Metabolic Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
James KD, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Non-Epithelial Stromal Cells in Thymus Development and Function. Front Immunol 2021; 12:634367. [PMID: 33717173 PMCID: PMC7946857 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.634367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus supports T-cell development via specialized microenvironments that ensure a diverse, functional and self-tolerant T-cell population. These microenvironments are classically defined as distinct cortex and medulla regions that each contain specialized subsets of stromal cells. Extensive research on thymic epithelial cells (TEC) within the cortex and medulla has defined their essential roles during T-cell development. Significantly, there are additional non-epithelial stromal cells (NES) that exist alongside TEC within thymic microenvironments, including multiple subsets of mesenchymal and endothelial cells. In contrast to our current understanding of TEC biology, the developmental origins, lineage relationships, and functional properties, of NES remain poorly understood. However, experimental evidence suggests these cells are important for thymus function by either directly influencing T-cell development, or by indirectly regulating TEC development and/or function. Here, we focus attention on the contribution of NES to thymic microenvironments, including their phenotypic identification and functional classification, and explore their impact on thymus function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kieran D James
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Ishikawa T, Akiyama N, Akiyama T. In Pursuit of Adult Progenitors of Thymic Epithelial Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 12:621824. [PMID: 33717123 PMCID: PMC7946825 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.621824] [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: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral T cells capable of discriminating between self and non-self antigens are major components of a robust adaptive immune system. The development of self-tolerant T cells is orchestrated by thymic epithelial cells (TECs), which are localized in the thymic cortex (cortical TECs, cTECs) and medulla (medullary TECs, mTECs). cTECs and mTECs are essential for differentiation, proliferation, and positive and negative selection of thymocytes. Recent advances in single-cell RNA-sequencing technology have revealed a previously unknown degree of TEC heterogeneity, but we still lack a clear picture of the identity of TEC progenitors in the adult thymus. In this review, we describe both earlier and recent findings that shed light on features of these elusive adult progenitors in the context of tissue homeostasis, as well as recovery from stress-induced thymic atrophy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan.,Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Nobuko Akiyama
- Laboratory for Immunogenetics, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Taishin Akiyama
- Laboratory of Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan.,Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Irla M. RANK Signaling in the Differentiation and Regeneration of Thymic Epithelial Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 11:623265. [PMID: 33552088 PMCID: PMC7862717 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.623265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) provide essential clues for the proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation of thymocytes. Recent advances in mouse and human have revealed that TECs constitute a highly heterogeneous cell population with distinct functional properties. Importantly, TECs are sensitive to thymic damages engendered by myeloablative conditioning regimen used for bone marrow transplantation. These detrimental effects on TECs delay de novo T-cell production, which can increase the risk of morbidity and mortality in many patients. Alike that TECs guide the development of thymocytes, reciprocally thymocytes control the differentiation and organization of TECs. These bidirectional interactions are referred to as thymic crosstalk. The tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) member, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) and its cognate ligand RANKL have emerged as key players of the crosstalk between TECs and thymocytes. RANKL, mainly provided by positively selected CD4+ thymocytes and a subset of group 3 innate lymphoid cells, controls mTEC proliferation/differentiation and TEC regeneration. In this review, I discuss recent advances that have unraveled the high heterogeneity of TECs and the implication of the RANK-RANKL signaling axis in TEC differentiation and regeneration. Targeting this cell-signaling pathway opens novel therapeutic perspectives to recover TEC function and T-cell production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magali Irla
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Nitta T, Takayanagi H. Non-Epithelial Thymic Stromal Cells: Unsung Heroes in Thymus Organogenesis and T Cell Development. Front Immunol 2021; 11:620894. [PMID: 33519827 PMCID: PMC7840694 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.620894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The stromal microenvironment in the thymus is essential for generating a functional T cell repertoire. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are numerically and phenotypically one of the most prominent stromal cell types in the thymus, and have been recognized as one of most unusual cell types in the body by virtue of their unique functions in the course of the positive and negative selection of developing T cells. In addition to TECs, there are other stromal cell types of mesenchymal origin, such as fibroblasts and endothelial cells. These mesenchymal stromal cells are not only components of the parenchymal and vascular architecture, but also have a pivotal role in controlling TEC development, although their functions have been less extensively explored than TECs. Here, we review both the historical studies on and recent advances in our understanding of the contribution of such non-TEC stromal cells to thymic organogenesis and T cell development. In particular, we highlight the recently discovered functional effect of thymic fibroblasts on T cell repertoire selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Nitta
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
James KD, Legler DF, Purvanov V, Ohigashi I, Takahama Y, Parnell SM, White AJ, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Medullary stromal cells synergize their production and capture of CCL21 for T-cell emigration from neonatal mouse thymus. Blood Adv 2021; 5:99-112. [PMID: 33570638 PMCID: PMC7805325 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020003192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The release of newly selected αβT cells from the thymus is key in establishing a functional adaptive immune system. Emigration of the first cohorts of αβT cells produced during the neonatal period is of particular importance, because it initiates formation of the peripheral αβT-cell pool and provides immune protection early in life. Despite this, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of thymus emigration are poorly understood. We examined the involvement of diverse stromal subsets and individual chemokine ligands in this process. First, we demonstrated functional dichotomy in the requirement for CCR7 ligands and identified CCL21, but not CCL19, as an important regulator of neonatal thymus emigration. To explain this ligand-specific requirement, we examined sites of CCL21 production and action and found Ccl21 gene expression and CCL21 protein distribution occurred within anatomically distinct thymic areas. Although Ccl21 transcription was limited to subsets of medullary epithelium, CCL21 protein was captured by mesenchymal stroma consisting of integrin α7+ pericytes and CD34+ adventitial cells at sites of thymic exit. This chemokine compartmentalization involved the heparan sulfate-dependent presentation of CCL21 via its C-terminal extension, explaining the absence of a requirement for CCL19, which lacks this domain and failed to be captured by thymic stroma. Collectively, we identified an important role for CCL21 in neonatal thymus emigration, revealing the importance of this chemokine in initial formation of the peripheral immune system. Moreover, we identified an intrathymic mechanism involving cell-specific production and presentation of CCL21, which demonstrated a functional synergy between thymic epithelial and mesenchymal cells for αβT-cell emigration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kieran D James
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel F Legler
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau, University of Konstanz, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan; and
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Sonia M Parnell
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea J White
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|