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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.
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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
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2
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Guo H, Guo L, Wang B, Jiang X, Wu Z, Mo XD, Sun YQ, Zhang YY, Wang ZD, Kong J, Yan CH, Huang XJ. Distinct Immune Homeostasis Remodeling Patterns after HLA-Matched and Haploidentical Transplantation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2400544. [PMID: 39225336 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a widely used treatment for a variety of hematopoietic disorders, and also provides a valuable platform for investigating the development of donor-derived immune cells in recipients post-HSCT. The immune system remodels from the donor to the recipient during allo-HSCT. However, little is known about the cell profile alterations as donor homeostasis rebalances to recipient homeostasis following HSCT. Here, multi-omics technology is applied at both the single cell and bulk sample levels, as well as spectrum flow cytometry and fluorescent transgenic mouse models, to dissect the dynamics of the rebalanced homeostatic immune system in recipients after allo-HSCT. The data reveal that all immune subpopulations observed in donors are successfully restored in recipients, though with varying levels of abundance. The remodeling of immune homeostasis exhibits different patterns in HLA-matched and haploidentical HSCT, highlighting distinct biases in T cell reconstitution from the central and peripheral pathways. Furthermore, ZNF683 is critical for maintaining the persistence and quiescence of CD8 T-cell in haploidentical HSCT. The research can serve as a foundation for developing novel strategies to induce immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huidong Guo
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Liping Guo
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Bixia Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xinya Jiang
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
- Research Unit of Key Technique for Diagnosis and Treatments of Hematologic Malignancies, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 2019RU029, China
| | - Zhigui Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Mo
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Yu-Qian Sun
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Zhi-Dong Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Jun Kong
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Chen-Hua Yan
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
- Research Unit of Key Technique for Diagnosis and Treatments of Hematologic Malignancies, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 2019RU029, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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3
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Ruiz Pérez M, Vandenabeele P, Tougaard P. The thymus road to a T cell: migration, selection, and atrophy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1443910. [PMID: 39257583 PMCID: PMC11384998 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1443910] [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: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The thymus plays a pivotal role in generating a highly-diverse repertoire of T lymphocytes while preventing autoimmunity. Thymus seeding progenitors (TSPs) are a heterogeneous group of multipotent progenitors that migrate to the thymus via CCR7 and CCR9 receptors. While NOTCH guides thymus progenitors toward T cell fate, the absence or disruption of NOTCH signaling renders the thymus microenvironment permissive to other cell fates. Following T cell commitment, developing T cells undergo multiple selection checkpoints by engaging with the extracellular matrix, and interacting with thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and other immune subsets across the different compartments of the thymus. The different selection checkpoints assess the T cell receptor (TCR) performance, with failure resulting in either repurposing (agonist selection), or cell death. Additionally, environmental cues such as inflammation and endocrine signaling induce acute thymus atrophy, contributing to the demise of most developing T cells during thymic selection. We discuss the occurrence of acute thymus atrophy in response to systemic inflammation. The thymus demonstrates high plasticity, shaping inflammation by abrogating T cell development and undergoing profound structural changes, and facilitating regeneration and restoration of T cell development once inflammation is resolved. Despite the challenges, thymic selection ensures a highly diverse T cell repertoire capable of discerning between self and non-self antigens, ultimately egressing to secondary lymphoid organs where they complete their maturation and exert their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Ruiz Pérez
- Molecular Signaling and Cell Death Unit, VIB-UGent, Center for Inflammation Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Vandenabeele
- Molecular Signaling and Cell Death Unit, VIB-UGent, Center for Inflammation Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Tougaard
- Molecular Signaling and Cell Death Unit, VIB-UGent, Center for Inflammation Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Mucosal Immunology, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
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4
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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.
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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
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5
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Cosway EJ, James KD, White AJ, Parnell SM, Bacon A, McKenzie ANJ, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. The alarmin IL33 orchestrates type 2 immune-mediated control of thymus regeneration. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7201. [PMID: 37938566 PMCID: PMC10632327 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43072-x] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
As the primary site of T-cell development, the thymus dictates immune competency of the host. The rates of thymus function are not constant, and thymus regeneration is essential to restore new T-cell production following tissue damage from environmental factors and therapeutic interventions. Here, we show the alarmin interleukin (IL) 33 is a product of Sca1+ thymic mesenchyme both necessary and sufficient for thymus regeneration via a type 2 innate immune network. IL33 stimulates expansion of IL5-producing type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2), which triggers a cellular switch in the intrathymic availability of IL4. This enables eosinophil production of IL4 to re-establish thymic mesenchyme prior to recovery of thymopoiesis-inducing epithelial compartments. Collectively, we identify a positive feedback mechanism of type 2 innate immunity that regulates the recovery of thymus function following tissue injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie J Cosway
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kieran D James
- 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
| | | | - 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.
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6
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Shen J, Wang Y, Zheng F, Cao S, Lan Q, Xu K, Pan B. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor regulates IL-22 receptor expression on thymic epithelial cell and accelerates thymus regeneration. NPJ Regen Med 2023; 8:64. [PMID: 37938575 PMCID: PMC10632505 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-023-00339-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Improving regeneration of damaged thymus is important for reconstituting T-cell immunity. Interleukin-22 (IL-22) was proved to improve thymus regeneration through recovering thymic epithelial cells (TECs). The IL-22 receptor IL-22RA1 is crucial for mediating IL-22 functions. Mechanism that regulates IL-22RA1 expression is unknown. Through using TECs-conditional knockout mice, we found aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is important for thymus regeneration, because Foxn1-cre-mediated AHR knockout (AhrKO) significantly blocks recovery of thymus cells. Giving mice the AHR inhibitor CH-223191 or the AHR agonist FICZ blocks or accelerates thymus regeneration, respectively. AhrKO-mediated blockade of thymus regeneration could not be rescued by giving exogenous IL-22. Mechanistically, AhrKO mice shows decreased IL-22RA1 expression. In the murine TECs cell line mTEC1 cells, targeting AHR shows an impact on IL-22RA1 mRNA levels. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays, we find AHR co-operates with STAT3, binds the promotor region of IL-22RA1 gene and transcriptionally increases IL-22RA1 expression in mTEC1 cells. Foxn1-cre-mediated IL-22RA1 knockout (Il22ra1KO) blocks thymus regeneration after irradiation. Furthermore, targeting AHR or IL-22RA1 has significant impacts on severity of murine chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), which is an autoimmune-like complication following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Giving FICZ decreases cGVHD, whereas Il22ra1KO exacerbates cGVHD. The impacts on cGVHD are associated with thymus regeneration and T-cell immune reconstitution. In conclusion, we report an unrecognized function of TECs-expressed AHR in thymus regeneration and AHR transcriptionally regulates IL-22RA1 expression, which have implications for improving thymus regeneration and controlling cGVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Shen
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Fei Zheng
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Shuo Cao
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Qiu Lan
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Kailin Xu
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
| | - Bin Pan
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
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7
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Horie K, Namiki K, Kinoshita K, Miyauchi M, Ishikawa T, Hayama M, Maruyama Y, Hagiwara N, Miyao T, Murata S, Kobayashi TJ, Akiyama N, Akiyama T. Acute irradiation causes a long-term disturbance in the heterogeneity and gene expression profile of medullary thymic epithelial cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1186154. [PMID: 38022666 PMCID: PMC10652284 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1186154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus has the ability to regenerate from acute injury caused by radiation, infection, and stressors. In addition to thymocytes, thymic epithelial cells in the medulla (mTECs), which are crucial for T cell self-tolerance by ectopically expressing and presenting thousands of tissue-specific antigens (TSAs), are damaged by these insults and recover thereafter. However, given recent discoveries on the high heterogeneity of mTECs, it remains to be determined whether the frequency and properties of mTEC subsets are restored during thymic recovery from radiation damage. Here we demonstrate that acute total body irradiation with a sublethal dose induces aftereffects on heterogeneity and gene expression of mTECs. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis showed that irradiation reduces the frequency of mTECs expressing AIRE, which is a critical regulator of TSA expression, 15 days after irradiation. In contrast, transit-amplifying mTECs (TA-mTECs), which are progenitors of AIRE-expressing mTECs, and Ccl21a-expressing mTECs, were less affected. Interestingly, a detailed analysis of scRNA-seq data suggested that the proportion of a unique mTEC cluster expressing Ccl25 and a high level of TSAs was severely decreased by irradiation. In sum, we propose that the effects of acute irradiation disrupt the heterogeneity and properties of mTECs over an extended period, which potentially leads to an impairment of thymic T cell selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Horie
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kano Namiki
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kyouhei Kinoshita
- Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maki Miyauchi
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ishikawa
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Mio Hayama
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuya Maruyama
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Naho Hagiwara
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takahisa Miyao
- YCI Laboratory for Immunological Transcriptomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shigeo Murata
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Nobuko Akiyama
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Taishin Akiyama
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
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8
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Buxbaum NP, Socié G, Hill GR, MacDonald KPA, Tkachev V, Teshima T, Lee SJ, Ritz J, Sarantopoulos S, Luznik L, Zeng D, Paczesny S, Martin PJ, Pavletic SZ, Schultz KR, Blazar BR. Chronic GvHD NIH Consensus Project Biology Task Force: evolving path to personalized treatment of chronic GvHD. Blood Adv 2023; 7:4886-4902. [PMID: 36322878 PMCID: PMC10463203 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022007611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) remains a prominent barrier to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantion as the leading cause of nonrelapse mortality and significant morbidity. Tremendous progress has been achieved in both the understanding of pathophysiology and the development of new therapies for cGvHD. Although our field has historically approached treatment from an empiric position, research performed at the bedside and bench has elucidated some of the complex pathophysiology of cGvHD. From the clinical perspective, there is significant variability of disease manifestations between individual patients, pointing to diverse biological underpinnings. Capitalizing on progress made to date, the field is now focused on establishing personalized approaches to treatment. The intent of this article is to concisely review recent knowledge gained and formulate a path toward patient-specific cGvHD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya P. Buxbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY
| | - Gerard Socié
- Hematology-Transplantation, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris & University of Paris – INSERM UMR 676, Hospital Saint Louis, Paris, France
| | - Geoffrey R. Hill
- Division of Medical Oncology, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Kelli P. A. MacDonald
- Department of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Victor Tkachev
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Takanori Teshima
- Department of Hematology, Hokkaido University Faculty of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Stephanie J. Lee
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Jerome Ritz
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Stefanie Sarantopoulos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Leo Luznik
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Defu Zeng
- Arthur D. Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, The Beckman Research Institute, Hematologic Maligancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Sophie Paczesny
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Cancer Immunology Program, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Paul J. Martin
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Steven Z. Pavletic
- Immune Deficiency Cellular Therapy Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Kirk R. Schultz
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Bruce R. Blazar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, University of Minnesota, Minneappolis, MN
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9
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Gail LM, Schell KJ, Łacina P, Strobl J, Bolton SJ, Steinbakk Ulriksen E, Bogunia-Kubik K, Greinix H, Crossland RE, Inngjerdingen M, Stary G. Complex interactions of cellular players in chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1199422. [PMID: 37435079 PMCID: PMC10332803 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1199422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease is a life-threatening inflammatory condition that affects many patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Although we have made substantial progress in understanding disease pathogenesis and the role of specific immune cell subsets, treatment options are still limited. To date, we lack a global understanding of the interplay between the different cellular players involved, in the affected tissues and at different stages of disease development and progression. In this review we summarize our current knowledge on pathogenic and protective mechanisms elicited by the major involved immune subsets, being T cells, B cells, NK cells and antigen presenting cells, as well as the microbiome, with a special focus on intercellular communication of these cell types via extracellular vesicles as up-and-coming fields in chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease research. Lastly, we discuss the importance of understanding systemic and local aberrant cell communication during disease for defining better biomarkers and therapeutic targets, eventually enabling the design of personalized treatment schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Marie Gail
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kimberly Julia Schell
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Piotr Łacina
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Johanna Strobl
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Steven J. Bolton
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Hildegard Greinix
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Rachel Emily Crossland
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Georg Stary
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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10
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Hino C, Xu Y, Xiao J, Baylink DJ, Reeves ME, Cao H. The potential role of the thymus in immunotherapies for acute myeloid leukemia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1102517. [PMID: 36814919 PMCID: PMC9940763 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1102517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the factors which shape T-lymphocyte immunity is critical for the development and application of future immunotherapeutic strategies in treating hematological malignancies. The thymus, a specialized central lymphoid organ, plays important roles in generating a diverse T lymphocyte repertoire during the infantile and juvenile stages of humans. However, age-associated thymic involution and diseases or treatment associated injury result in a decline in its continuous role in the maintenance of T cell-mediated anti-tumor/virus immunity. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy that mainly affects older adults, and the disease's progression is known to consist of an impaired immune surveillance including a reduction in naïve T cell output, a restriction in T cell receptor repertoire, and an increase in frequencies of regulatory T cells. As one of the most successful immunotherapies thus far developed for malignancy, T-cell-based adoptive cell therapies could be essential for the development of a durable effective treatment to eliminate residue leukemic cells (blasts) and prevent AML relapse. Thus, a detailed cellular and molecular landscape of how the adult thymus functions within the context of the AML microenvironment will provide new insights into both the immune-related pathogenesis and the regeneration of a functional immune system against leukemia in AML patients. Herein, we review the available evidence supporting the potential correlation between thymic dysfunction and T-lymphocyte impairment with the ontogeny of AML (II-VI). We then discuss how the thymus could impact current and future therapeutic approaches in AML (VII). Finally, we review various strategies to rejuvenate thymic function to improve the precision and efficacy of cancer immunotherapy (VIII).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hino
- Department of Internal Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Yi Xu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,Loma Linda University Cancer Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey Xiao
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - David J Baylink
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Mark E Reeves
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,Loma Linda University Cancer Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Huynh Cao
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,Loma Linda University Cancer Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States
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11
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Gaudeaux P, Moirangthem RD, Bauquet A, Simons L, Joshi A, Cavazzana M, Nègre O, Soheili S, André I. T-Cell Progenitors As A New Immunotherapy to Bypass Hurdles of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:956919. [PMID: 35874778 PMCID: PMC9300856 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.956919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the treatment of preference for numerous malignant and non-malignant hemopathies. The outcome of this approach is significantly hampered by not only graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), but also infections and relapses that may occur because of persistent T-cell immunodeficiency following transplantation. Reconstitution of a functional T-cell repertoire can take more than 1 year. Thus, the major challenge in the management of allogeneic HSCT relies on the possibility of shortening the window of immune deficiency through the acceleration of T-cell recovery, with diverse, self-tolerant, and naïve T cells resulting from de novo thymopoiesis from the donor cells. In this context, adoptive transfer of cell populations that can give rise to mature T cells faster than HSCs while maintaining a safety profile compatible with clinical use is of major interest. In this review, we summarize current advances in the characterization of thymus seeding progenitors, and their ex vivo generated counterparts, T-cell progenitors. Transplantation of the latter has been identified as a worthwhile approach to shorten the period of immune deficiency in patients following allogeneic HSCT, and to fulfill the clinical objective of reducing morbimortality due to infections and relapses. We further discuss current opportunities for T-cell progenitor-based therapy manufacturing, including iPSC cell sources and off-the-shelf strategies. These opportunities will be analyzed in the light of results from ongoing clinical studies involving T-cell progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Gaudeaux
- Human Lymphohematopoiesis Laboratory, Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR 1163, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Smart Immune, Paris, France
| | - Ranjita Devi Moirangthem
- Human Lymphohematopoiesis Laboratory, Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR 1163, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Laura Simons
- Smart Immune, Paris, France
- Department of Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Akshay Joshi
- Human Lymphohematopoiesis Laboratory, Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR 1163, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Marina Cavazzana
- Smart Immune, Paris, France
- Department of Biotherapy, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Centre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Biotherapy Clinical Investigation Center, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Cité, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM CIC 1416, Paris, France
- Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Isabelle André
- Human Lymphohematopoiesis Laboratory, Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR 1163, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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12
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Kalaidina E, Utterson EC, Mokshagundam D, He M, Shenoy S, Cooper MA. Case Report: "Primary Immunodeficiency"-Severe Autoimmune Enteropathy in a Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipient Treated With Abatacept and Alemtuzumab. Front Immunol 2022; 13:863218. [PMID: 35450071 PMCID: PMC9017746 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.863218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders of immune dysregulation following heart transplantation in children have been reported; however, the management of such disorders remains uncertain and challenging. In this case report, we describe a clinical course of a child with severe autoimmune enteropathy after a heart transplant in infancy and detail a treatment approach with abatacept and alemtuzumab. A 21-month-old girl with a medical history of congenital dilated cardiomyopathy and heart transplantation at 2 months was evaluated for chronic hematochezia. The patient underwent an extensive workup, including endoscopic biopsy which showed crypt apoptosis, similar to that seen with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Results of her immune workup were consistent with status post-thymectomy but also demonstrated evidence of immune dysregulation. Specifically, her immune phenotype at diagnosis demonstrated T-cell lymphopenia, restricted TCR repertoire and skewing of T-cell compartment toward memory phenotype, increase in serum soluble ILR2a, and hypergammaglobulinemia. In the absence of response to more standard immune modulation, the patient was treated with CTLA4-Ig (abatacept), followed by a combination of abatacept and a JAK inhibitor and, finally, a combination of abatacept and alemtuzumab. Following therapy with alemtuzumab, the patient achieved remission for the first time in her life. Her clinical course was complicated by a relapse after 6 months which again readily responded to alemtuzumab. Ultimately, despite these remissions, the patient suffered an additional relapse. This case highlights the challenges of neonatal thymectomy and adds new insights into the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of severe autoimmune enteropathy in pediatric heart transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizaveta Kalaidina
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy/Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Elizabeth C Utterson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology/Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Deepa Mokshagundam
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Mai He
- Department of Pathology/Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Shalini Shenoy
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Megan A Cooper
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology/Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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13
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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14
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Adegoke AO, Lin J, Anderson CC. Loss of thymic function promotes EAE relapse in anti-CD52-treated mice. CURRENT RESEARCH IN IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 3:37-41. [PMID: 35496821 PMCID: PMC9040091 DOI: 10.1016/j.crimmu.2022.03.001] [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: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-CD52 treatment creates a long-lasting CD4 T cell lymphopenia and reduces multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses in humans. In contrast, anti-CD52 therapy at disease onset more fully suppresses experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice, and T cell repopulation is rapid. To test whether prolonged T cell lymphopenia promotes relapses, we thymectomized mice prior to EAE induction and anti-CD52 treatment. Thymectomy greatly reduced the number of recent thymic emigrant T cells and was associated with a prolonged reduction in CD4 T cells in peripheral blood. Two-thirds of thymectomized C57BL/6 mice had an EAE relapse post anti-CD52 treatment, while no surgery and sham surgery euthymic controls remained relapse-free. These data demonstrate that thymus function can alter the effectiveness of anti-CD52 treatment. Thymectomy significantly reduces the proportion of newly generated T cells. Thymectomy predisposes anti-CD52-treated mice to EAE relapse. Thymectomy-promoted EAE relapse in anti-CD52 treated mice is associated with weight decline and prolonged T cell lymphopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeolu O. Adegoke
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Diabetes and Transplant Institutes, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jiaxin Lin
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Diabetes and Transplant Institutes, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Colin C. Anderson
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Diabetes and Transplant Institutes, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Corresponding author. Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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