1
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Stankiewicz LN, Rossi FMV, Zandstra PW. Rebuilding and rebooting immunity with stem cells. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:597-616. [PMID: 38593798 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.03.012] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Advances in modern medicine have enabled a rapid increase in lifespan and, consequently, have highlighted the immune system as a key driver of age-related disease. Immune regeneration therapies present exciting strategies to address age-related diseases by rebooting the host's primary lymphoid tissues or rebuilding the immune system directly via biomaterials or artificial tissue. Here, we identify important, unanswered questions regarding the safety and feasibility of these therapies. Further, we identify key design parameters that should be primary considerations guiding technology design, including timing of application, interaction with the host immune system, and functional characterization of the target patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Stankiewicz
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Fabio M V Rossi
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Peter W Zandstra
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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2
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Miccoli A, Pianese V, Bidoli C, Fausto AM, Scapigliati G, Picchietti S. Transcriptome profiling of microdissected cortex and medulla unravels functional regionalization in the European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax thymus. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 145:109319. [PMID: 38145782 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is a sophisticated primary lymphoid organ in jawed vertebrates, but knowledge on teleost thymus remains scarce. In this study, for the first time in the European sea bass, laser capture microdissection was leveraged to collect two thymic regions based on histological features, namely the cortex and the medulla. The two regions were then processed by RNAseq and in-depth functional transcriptome analyses with the aim of revealing differential gene expression patterns and gene sets enrichments, ultimately unraveling unique microenvironments imperative for the development of functional T cells. The sea bass cortex emerged as a hub of T cell commitment, somatic recombination, chromatin remodeling, cell cycle regulation, and presentation of self antigens from autophagy-, proteasome- or proteases-processed proteins. The cortex therefore accommodated extensive thymocyte proliferation and differentiation up to the checkpoint of positive selection. The medulla instead appeared as the center stage in autoimmune regulation by negative selection and deletion of autoreactive T cells, central tolerance mechanisms and extracellular matrix organization. Region-specific canonical markers of T and non-T lineage cells as well as signals for migration to/from, and trafficking within, the thymus were identified, shedding light on the highly coordinated and exquisitely complex bi-directional interactions among thymocytes and stromal components. Markers ascribable to thymic nurse cells and poorly characterized post-aire mTEC populations were found in the cortex and medulla, respectively. An in-depth data mining also exposed previously un-annotated genomic resources with differential signatures. Overall, our findings contribute to a broader understanding of the relationship between regional organization and function in the European sea bass thymus, and provide essential insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying T-cell mediated adaptive immune responses in teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Miccoli
- National Research Council, Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), 60125, Ancona, Italy
| | - V Pianese
- Dept. for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Largo Dell'Università Snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - C Bidoli
- Dept. of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - A M Fausto
- Dept. for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Largo Dell'Università Snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - G Scapigliati
- Dept. for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Largo Dell'Università Snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - S Picchietti
- Dept. for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Largo Dell'Università Snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy.
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3
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Zhang X, He J, Zhao K, Liu S, Xuan L, Chen S, Xue R, Lin R, Xu J, Zhang Y, Xiang AP, Jin H, Liu Q. Mesenchymal stromal cells ameliorate chronic GVHD by boosting thymic regeneration in a CCR9-dependent manner in mice. Blood Adv 2023; 7:5359-5373. [PMID: 37363876 PMCID: PMC10509672 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022009646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Mature donor T cells within the graft contribute to severe damage of thymic epithelial cells (TECs), which are known as key mediators in the continuum of acute GVHD (aGVHD) and cGVHD pathology. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are reportedly effective in the prevention and treatment of cGVHD. In our previous pilot clinical trial in patients with refractory aGVHD, the incidence and severity of cGVHD were decreased, along with an increase in levels of blood signal joint T-cell receptor excision DNA circles after MSCs treatment, which indicated an improvement in thymus function of patients with GVHD, but the mechanisms leading to these effects remain unknown. Here, we show in a murine GVHD model that MSCs promoted the quantity and maturity of TECs as well as elevated the proportion of Aire-positive medullary TECs, improving both CD4+CD8+ double-positive thymocytes and thymic regulatory T cells, balancing the CD4:CD8 ratio in the blood. In addition, CCL25-CCR9 signaling axis was found to play an important role in guiding MSC homing to the thymus. These studies reveal mechanisms through which MSCs ameliorate cGVHD by boosting thymic regeneration and offer innovative strategies for improving thymus function in patients with GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiabao He
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hematology Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hematology Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiqi Liu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hematology Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Xuan
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hematology Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shan Chen
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hematology Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongtao Xue
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hematology Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ren Lin
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hematology Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hematology Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hematology Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Andy Peng Xiang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Jin
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hematology Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qifa Liu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hematology Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
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4
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Ramos SA, Armitage LH, Morton JJ, Alzofon N, Handler D, Kelly G, Homann D, Jimeno A, Russ HA. Generation of functional thymic organoids from human pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:829-840. [PMID: 36963390 PMCID: PMC10147832 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus is critical for the establishment of a functional and self-tolerant adaptive immune system but involutes with age, resulting in reduced naive T cell output. Generation of a functional human thymus from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is an attractive regenerative strategy. Direct differentiation of thymic epithelial progenitors (TEPs) from hPSCs has been demonstrated in vitro, but functional thymic epithelial cells (TECs) only form months after transplantation of TEPs in vivo. We show the generation of TECs in vitro in isogenic stem cell-derived thymic organoids (sTOs) consisting of TEPs, hematopoietic progenitor cells, and mesenchymal cells, differentiated from the same hPSC line. sTOs support T cell development, express key markers of negative selection, including the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) protein, and facilitate regulatory T cell development. sTOs provide the basis for functional patient-specific thymic organoid models, allowing for the study of human thymus function, T cell development, and transplant immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan A Ramos
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Lucas H Armitage
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - John J Morton
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Nathaniel Alzofon
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Diana Handler
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Geoffrey Kelly
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Dirk Homann
- Diabetes, Metabolism and Obesity Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Antonio Jimeno
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Holger A Russ
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Diabetes Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Pathology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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5
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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.
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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
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6
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Song EH, Xu M, Yang J, Xiao Y, Griffith AV, Xiong N. Delta-like 4-Derived Notch Signals Differentially Regulate Thymic Generation of Skin-Homing CCR10 +NK1.1 + Innate Lymphoid Cells at Neonatal and Adult Stages. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:950-959. [PMID: 35922065 PMCID: PMC9492633 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ for T cell development. Increasing evidence found that the thymus is also an important site for development of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). ILCs generated in thymi acquire unique homing properties that direct their localization into barrier tissues such as the skin and intestine, where they help local homeostasis. Mechanisms underlying the developmental programming of unique tissue-homing properties of ILCs are poorly understood. We report in this article that thymic stroma-derived Notch signaling is differentially involved in thymic generation of a population of NK1.1+ group 1 ILCs (ILC1s) with the CCR10+ skin-homing property in adult and neonatal mice. We found that thymic generation of CCR10+NK1.1+ ILC1s is increased in T cell-deficient mice at adult, but not neonatal, stages, supporting the notion that a large number of developing T cells interfere with signals required for generation of CCR10+NK1.1+ ILC1s. In an in vitro differentiation assay, increasing Notch signals promotes generation of CCR10+NK1.1+ ILC1s from hematopoietic progenitors. Knockout of the Notch ligand Delta-like 4 in thymic stroma impairs generation of CCR10+NK1.1+ ILC1s in adult thymi, but development of CCR10+NK1.1+ ILC1s in neonatal thymi is less dependent on Delta-like 4-derived Notch signals. Mechanistically, the Notch signaling is required for proper expression of the IL-7R CD127 on thymic NK1.1+ ILC1s, and deficiency of CD127 also impairs thymic generation of CCR10+NK1.1+ ILC1s at adult, but not perinatal, stages. Our findings advanced understanding of regulatory mechanisms of thymic innate lymphocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Hyeon Song
- The Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Biosciences Graduate Program, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Jie Yang
- The Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Biosciences Graduate Program, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Yangming Xiao
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Ann V Griffith
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Na Xiong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX;
- Division of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX; and
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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7
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Shichkin VP, Antica M. Key Factors for Thymic Function and Development. Front Immunol 2022; 13:926516. [PMID: 35844535 PMCID: PMC9280625 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.926516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is the organ responsible for T cell development and the formation of the adaptive immunity function. Its multicellular environment consists mainly of the different stromal cells and maturing T lymphocytes. Thymus-specific progenitors of epithelial, mesenchymal, and lymphoid cells with stem cell properties represent only minor populations. The thymic stromal structure predominantly determines the function of the thymus. The stromal components, mostly epithelial and mesenchymal cells, form this specialized area. They support the consistent developmental program of functionally distinct conventional T cell subpopulations. These include the MHC restricted single positive CD4+ CD8- and CD4- CD8+ cells, regulatory T lymphocytes (Foxp3+), innate natural killer T cells (iNKT), and γδT cells. Several physiological causes comprising stress and aging and medical treatments such as thymectomy and chemo/radiotherapy can harm the thymus function. The present review summarizes our knowledge of the development and function of the thymus with a focus on thymic epithelial cells as well as other stromal components and the signaling and transcriptional pathways underlying the thymic cell interaction. These critical thymus components are significant for T cell differentiation and restoring the thymic function after damage to reach the therapeutic benefits.
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8
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Bhalla P, Su DM, van Oers NSC. Thymus Functionality Needs More Than a Few TECs. Front Immunol 2022; 13:864777. [PMID: 35757725 PMCID: PMC9229346 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.864777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus, a primary lymphoid organ, produces the T cells of the immune system. Originating from the 3rd pharyngeal pouch during embryogenesis, this organ functions throughout life. Yet, thymopoiesis can be transiently or permanently damaged contingent on the types of systemic stresses encountered. The thymus also undergoes a functional decline during aging, resulting in a progressive reduction in naïve T cell output. This atrophy is evidenced by a deteriorating thymic microenvironment, including, but not limited, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions, fibrosis and adipogenesis. An exploration of cellular changes in the thymus at various stages of life, including mouse models of in-born errors of immunity and with single cell RNA sequencing, is revealing an expanding number of distinct cell types influencing thymus functions. The thymus microenvironment, established through interactions between immature and mature thymocytes with thymus epithelial cells (TEC), is well known. Less well appreciated are the contributions of neural crest cell-derived mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells, diverse hematopoietic cell populations, adipocytes, and fibroblasts in the thymic microenvironment. In the current review, we will explore the contributions of the many stromal cell types participating in the formation, expansion, and contraction of the thymus under normal and pathophysiological processes. Such information will better inform approaches for restoring thymus functionality, including thymus organoid technologies, beneficial when an individuals’ own tissue is congenitally, clinically, or accidentally rendered non-functional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Bhalla
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Dong-Ming Su
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, The University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Nicolai S C van Oers
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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9
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Fujimori S, Ohigashi I, Abe H, Matsushita Y, Katagiri T, Taketo MM, Takahama Y, Takada S. Fine-tuning of β-catenin in mouse thymic epithelial cells is required for postnatal T-cell development. eLife 2022; 11:69088. [PMID: 35042581 PMCID: PMC8769649 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69088] [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: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the thymus, the thymic epithelium provides a microenvironment essential for the development of functionally competent and self-tolerant T cells. Previous findings showed that modulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in mouse thymic epithelial cells (TECs) disrupts embryonic thymus organogenesis. However, the role of β-catenin in TECs for postnatal T-cell development remains to be elucidated. Here, we analyzed gain-of-function (GOF) and loss-of-function (LOF) of β-catenin highly specific in mouse TECs. We found that GOF of β-catenin in TECs results in severe thymic dysplasia and T-cell deficiency beginning from the embryonic period. By contrast, LOF of β-catenin in TECs reduces the number of cortical TECs and thymocytes modestly and only postnatally. These results indicate that fine-tuning of β-catenin expression within a permissive range is required for TECs to generate an optimal microenvironment to support postnatal T-cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayumi Fujimori
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University
- National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University
| | - Hayato Abe
- Student Laboratory, School of Medicine, Tokushima University
| | - Yosuke Matsushita
- Division of Genome Medicine, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University
| | - Toyomasa Katagiri
- Division of Genome Medicine, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University
| | - Makoto M Taketo
- Institute for Advancement of Clinical and Translational Science, Kyoto University Hospital
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
| | - Shinji Takada
- National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
- Department of Basic Biology in the School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI)
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10
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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.
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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
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11
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Han J, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. A 2020 View of Thymus Stromal Cells in T Cell Development. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 206:249-256. [PMID: 33397738 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is an intricate primary lymphoid organ, wherein bone marrow-derived lymphoid progenitor cells are induced to develop into functionally competent T cells that express a diverse TCR repertoire, which is selected to allow for the recognition of foreign Ags while avoiding self-reactivity or autoimmunity. Thymus stromal cells, which can include all non-T lineage cells, such as thymic epithelial cells, endothelial cells, mesenchymal/fibroblast cells, dendritic cells, and B cells, provide signals that are essential for thymocyte development as well as for the homeostasis of the thymic stroma itself. In this brief review, we focus on the key roles played by thymic stromal cells during early stages of T cell development, such as promoting the homing of thymic-seeding progenitors, inducing T lineage differentiation, and supporting thymocyte survival and proliferation. We also discuss recent advances on the transcriptional regulation that govern thymic epithelial cell function as well as the cellular and molecular changes that are associated with thymic involution and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxun Han
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada; and
| | - Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada; and.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
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12
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Nanaware PP, Jurewicz MM, Clement CC, Lu L, Santambrogio L, Stern LJ. Distinguishing Signal From Noise in Immunopeptidome Studies of Limiting-Abundance Biological Samples: Peptides Presented by I-A b in C57BL/6 Mouse Thymus. Front Immunol 2021; 12:658601. [PMID: 33995376 PMCID: PMC8116589 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.658601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antigen presentation by MHC-II proteins in the thymus is central to selection of CD4 T cells, but analysis of the full repertoire of presented peptides responsible for positive and negative selection is complicated by the low abundance of antigen presenting cells. A key challenge in analysis of limiting abundance immunopeptidomes by mass spectrometry is distinguishing true MHC-binding peptides from co-eluting non-specifically bound peptides present in the mixture eluted from immunoaffinity-purified MHC molecules. Herein we tested several approaches to minimize the impact of non-specific background peptides, including analyzing eluates from isotype-control antibody-conjugated beads, considering only peptides present in nested sets, and using predicted binding motif analysis to identify core epitopes. We evaluated these methods using well-understood human cell line samples, and then applied them to analysis of the I-Ab presented immunopeptidome of the thymus of C57BL/6 mice, comparing this to the more easily characterized splenic B cell and dendritic cell populations. We identified a total of 3473 unique peptides eluted from the various tissues, using a data dependent acquisition strategy with a false-discovery rate of <1%. The immunopeptidomes presented in thymus as compared to splenic B cells and DCs identified shared and tissue-specific epitopes. A broader length distribution was observed for peptides presented in the thymus as compared to splenic B cells or DCs. Detailed analysis of 61 differentially presented peptides indicated a wider distribution of I-Ab binding affinities in thymus as compared to splenic B cells. These results suggest different constraints on antigen processing and presentation pathways in central versus peripheral tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padma P. Nanaware
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Mollie M. Jurewicz
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Cristina C. Clement
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Liying Lu
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Laura Santambrogio
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lawrence J. Stern
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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13
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Nitta
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Klein M, Varga I. Hirschsprung's Disease-Recent Understanding of Embryonic Aspects, Etiopathogenesis and Future Treatment Avenues. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2020; 56:E611. [PMID: 33202966 PMCID: PMC7697404 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56110611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hirschsprung's disease is a neurocristopathy, caused by defective migration, proliferation, differentiation and survival of neural crest cells, leading to gut aganglionosis. It usually manifests rapidly after birth, affecting 1 in 5000 live births around the globe. In recent decades, there has been a significant improvement in the understanding of its genetics and the association with other congenital anomalies, which share the pathomechanism of improper development of the neural crest. Apart from that, several cell populations which do not originate from the neural crest, but contribute to the development of Hirschsprung's disease, have also been described, namely mast cells and interstitial cells of Cajal. From the diagnostic perspective, researchers also focused on "Variants of Hirschsprung's disease", which can mimic the clinical signs of the disease, but are in fact different entities, with distinct prognosis and treatment approaches. The treatment of Hirschsprung's disease is usually surgical resection of the aganglionic part of the intestine, however, as many as 30-50% of patients experience persisting symptoms. Considering this fact, this review article also outlines future hopes and perspectives in Hirschsprung's disease management, which has the potential to benefit from the advancements in the fields of cell-based therapy and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Klein
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Spitalska Street 24, SK-813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia;
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15
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de Barros SC, Suterwala BT, He C, Ge S, Chick B, Blumberg GK, Kim K, Klein S, Zhu Y, Wang X, Casero D, Crooks GM. Pleiotropic Roles of VEGF in the Microenvironment of the Developing Thymus. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:2423-2436. [PMID: 32989093 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neonatal life marks the apogee of murine thymic growth. Over the first few days after birth, growth slows and the murine thymus switches from fetal to adult morphology and function; little is known about the cues driving this dramatic transition. In this study, we show for the first time (to our knowledge) the critical role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on thymic morphogenesis beyond its well-known role in angiogenesis. During a brief window a few days after birth, VEGF inhibition induced rapid and profound remodeling of the endothelial, mesenchymal and epithelial thymic stromal compartments, mimicking changes seen during early adult maturation. Rapid transcriptional changes were seen in each compartment after VEGF inhibition, including genes involved in migration, chemotaxis, and cell adhesion as well as induction of a proinflammatory and proadipogenic signature in endothelium, pericytes, and mesenchyme. Thymocyte numbers fell subsequent to the stromal changes. Expression patterns and functional blockade of the receptors VEGFR2 and NRP1 demonstrated that VEGF mediates its pleiotropic effects through distinct receptors on each microenvironmental compartment of the developing mouse thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C de Barros
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Batul T Suterwala
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Chongbin He
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Shundi Ge
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Brent Chick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Garrett K Blumberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Kenneth Kim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Sam Klein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Yuhua Zhu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - David Casero
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Gay M Crooks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095; .,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095; and.,Broad Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
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16
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Pan XH, Lin QK, Yao X, Li ZA, Cai XM, Pang RQ, Ruan GP. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells protect thymus structure and function in aged C57 mice by downregulating aging-related genes and upregulating autophagy- and anti-oxidative stress-related genes. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:16899-16920. [PMID: 32924972 PMCID: PMC7521525 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To study the effect of allogeneic umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on the structure and function of the thymus in aged C57 mice and provide a new method for the treatment of senile thymic atrophy. RESULTS The changes in the thymus cortex and medulla volume and the lymphocyte ratio were analyzed by immunofluorescence. For thymus tissue sections, immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect p16, p53, SOD, becline1, LC3b, p62, sirt1, and sirt3. Changes in CK5, CK8, CD4 and CD8 expression were observed. Treatment with mUCMSCs could promote hair regeneration in aging mice and regenerate the thymus structure. CONCLUSIONS mUCMSCs inhibited senescence of the thymus and promoted structural and functional thymus regeneration by downregulating the senescence genes p53 and p16 and upregulating the SOD, Sirt1 and Sirt3 genes, but the mechanism requires further research. METHODS C57 mice were obtained and met the requirements of thymic aging. mUCMSCs were infused via the tail vein at a dose of 1×107 cells/kg twice per week for 3 weeks. Six weeks after the last transplantation, the thymus was weighed, and the thymus-to-body weight ratio was calculated. The thymus tissue was stained with HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Hua Pan
- Kunming Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, 920th Hospital of The PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China,Stem Cell and Immune Cell Biomedical Techniques Integrated Engineering Laboratory of States and Regions, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China,Cell Therapy Technology Transfer Medical Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Qing-Keng Lin
- Kunming Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, 920th Hospital of The PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China,Stem Cell and Immune Cell Biomedical Techniques Integrated Engineering Laboratory of States and Regions, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China,Cell Therapy Technology Transfer Medical Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Xiang Yao
- Kunming Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, 920th Hospital of The PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China,Stem Cell and Immune Cell Biomedical Techniques Integrated Engineering Laboratory of States and Regions, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China,Cell Therapy Technology Transfer Medical Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Zi-An Li
- Kunming Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, 920th Hospital of The PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China,Stem Cell and Immune Cell Biomedical Techniques Integrated Engineering Laboratory of States and Regions, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China,Cell Therapy Technology Transfer Medical Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Xue-Min Cai
- Kunming Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, 920th Hospital of The PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China,Stem Cell and Immune Cell Biomedical Techniques Integrated Engineering Laboratory of States and Regions, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China,Cell Therapy Technology Transfer Medical Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Rong-Qing Pang
- Kunming Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, 920th Hospital of The PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China,Stem Cell and Immune Cell Biomedical Techniques Integrated Engineering Laboratory of States and Regions, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China,Cell Therapy Technology Transfer Medical Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Guang-Ping Ruan
- Kunming Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, 920th Hospital of The PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China,Stem Cell and Immune Cell Biomedical Techniques Integrated Engineering Laboratory of States and Regions, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China,Cell Therapy Technology Transfer Medical Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
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Fibroblasts as a source of self-antigens for central immune tolerance. Nat Immunol 2020; 21:1172-1180. [PMID: 32839611 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-020-0756-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblasts are one of the most common but also neglected types of stromal cells, the heterogeneity of which underlies the specific function of tissue microenvironments in development and regeneration. In the thymus, autoreactive T cells are thought to be negatively selected by reference to the self-antigens expressed in medullary epithelial cells, but the contribution of other stromal cells to tolerance induction has been poorly examined. In the present study, we report a PDGFR+ gp38+ DPP4- thymic fibroblast subset that is required for T cell tolerance induction. The deletion of the lymphotoxin β-receptor in thymic fibroblasts caused an autoimmune phenotype with decreased expression of tissue-restricted and fibroblast-specific antigens, offering insight into the long-sought target of lymphotoxin signaling in the context of the regulation of autoimmunity. Thus, thymic medullary fibroblasts play an essential role in the establishment of central tolerance by producing a diverse array of self-antigens.
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18
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Giardino G, Borzacchiello C, De Luca M, Romano R, Prencipe R, Cirillo E, Pignata C. T-Cell Immunodeficiencies With Congenital Alterations of Thymic Development: Genes Implicated and Differential Immunological and Clinical Features. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1837. [PMID: 32922396 PMCID: PMC7457079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Combined Immunodeficiencies (CID) are rare congenital disorders characterized by defective T-cell development that may be associated with B- and NK-cell deficiency. They are usually due to alterations in genes expressed in hematopoietic precursors but in few cases, they are caused by impaired thymic development. Athymia was classically associated with DiGeorge Syndrome due to TBX1 gene haploinsufficiency. Other genes, implicated in thymic organogenesis include FOXN1, associated with Nude SCID syndrome, PAX1, associated with Otofaciocervical Syndrome type 2, and CHD7, one of the genes implicated in CHARGE syndrome. More recently, chromosome 2p11.2 microdeletion, causing FOXI3 haploinsufficiency, has been identified in 5 families with impaired thymus development. In this review, we will summarize the main genetic, clinical, and immunological features related to the abovementioned gene mutations. We will also focus on different therapeutic approaches to treat SCID in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Giardino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Borzacchiello
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina De Luca
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Romano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Prencipe
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Cirillo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Pignata
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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19
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Bhalla P, Wysocki CA, van Oers NSC. Molecular Insights Into the Causes of Human Thymic Hypoplasia With Animal Models. Front Immunol 2020; 11:830. [PMID: 32431714 PMCID: PMC7214791 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DiGeorge), CHARGE syndrome, Nude/SCID and otofaciocervical syndrome type 2 (OTFCS2) are distinct clinical conditions in humans that can result in hypoplasia and occasionally, aplasia of the thymus. Thymic hypoplasia/aplasia is first suggested by absence or significantly reduced numbers of recent thymic emigrants, revealed in standard-of-care newborn screens for T cell receptor excision circles (TRECs). Subsequent clinical assessments will often indicate whether genetic mutations are causal to the low T cell output from the thymus. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to the thymic hypoplasia/aplasia in diverse human syndromes are not fully understood, partly because the problems of the thymus originate during embryogenesis. Rodent and Zebrafish models of these clinical syndromes have been used to better define the underlying basis of the clinical presentations. Results from these animal models are uncovering contributions of different cell types in the specification, differentiation, and expansion of the thymus. Cell populations such as epithelial cells, mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells, and thymocytes are variably affected depending on the human syndrome responsible for the thymic hypoplasia. In the current review, findings from the diverse animal models will be described in relation to the clinical phenotypes. Importantly, these results are suggesting new strategies for regenerating thymic tissue in patients with distinct congenital disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Bhalla
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Christian A Wysocki
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Nicolai S C van Oers
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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20
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Yang J, Restori KH, Xu M, Song EH, Zhao L, Hu S, Lyu P, Wang WB, Xiong N. Preferential Perinatal Development of Skin-Homing NK1.1 + Innate Lymphoid Cells for Regulation of Cutaneous Microbiota Colonization. iScience 2020; 23:101014. [PMID: 32283522 PMCID: PMC7155142 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper immune cell development at early ontogenic stages is critical for life-long health. How resident immune cells are established in barrier tissues at neonatal stages to provide early protection is an important but still poorly understood question. We herein report that a developmentally programmed preferential generation of skin-homing group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s) at perinatal stages helps regulate early skin microbiota colonization. We found that a population of skin-homing NK1.1+ ILC1s was preferentially generated in the perinatal thymi of mice. Unique thymic environments and progenitor cells are responsible for the preferential generation of skin-homing NK1.1+ ILC1s at perinatal stages. In the skin, NK1.1+ ILC1s regulate proper microbiota colonization and control the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa in neonatal mice. These findings provide insight into the development and function of tissue-specific immune cells at neonatal stages, a critical temporal window for establishment of local tissue immune homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Katherine H Restori
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Eun Hyeon Song
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Luming Zhao
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Shaomin Hu
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Pingyun Lyu
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Wei-Bei Wang
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Na Xiong
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Department of Medicine-Division of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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21
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Jia K, Wang Y, Tong X, Wang R. KGF Is Delivered to Inflammatory and Induces the Epithelial Hyperplasia in Trinitrobenzene Sulfonic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis Rats. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2020; 14:217-231. [PMID: 32021106 PMCID: PMC6970615 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s227651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction KGF-modified MSCs can promote the repair of spinal cord injury and pulmonary fibrosis injury in rats. However, the effect of KGF-modified MSCs on UC rats is unclear. We aimed to explore the therapeutic effect and possible mechanism of KGF gene-modified MSCs on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced UC rats. Methods The lentivirus-mediated KGF gene was introduced into bone marrow MSCs of male rats. Female SD rats were induced to establish a UC model by TNBS. Untreated MSCs, MSCs carrying empty vectors (MSCs-vec) or MSCs carrying KGF gene (MSCs-KGF) were transplanted into UC rats by tail vein injection. Results Significantly high expression of KGF was observed in the intestinal tissues of the MSCs-KGF group. Compared with the challenged control group, the DAI score, CMDI score and TDI score of the MSCs group, MSCs-vec group and MSCs-KGF group were markedly lower. Treatment with MSCs obviously promoted the expression of claudin-1 and PCNA in intestinal tissues of UC rats. Simultaneously, compared with the challenged control group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 in the intestinal tissues of the MSCs groups were significantly decreased, while the levels of IL-10 were significantly increased. Most importantly, we found that MSCs-KGF significantly improved colonic morphology and tissue damage and inflammation in UC rats compared with MSCs and MSCs-vec. Further analysis showed that MSCs-KGF clearly promoted phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt and inhibited nuclear translocation of NF-κB in intestinal tissues of UC rats. Discussion MSCs, especially KGF-modified MSCs, can improve colonic tissue damage in UC rats by promoting intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and reducing colonic inflammatory response, which may be related to activation of PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibition of NF-κB activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Jia
- Department of Nutrition, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Nutrition, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Tong
- Department of Nutrition, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Nutrition, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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22
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Zhan Y, Wang L, Liu G, Zhang X, Yang J, Pan Y, Luo J. The Reparative Effects of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Chemotherapy-Damaged Thymus. Stem Cells Dev 2019; 28:186-195. [PMID: 30511904 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2018.0142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhan
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guangyang Liu
- Department of Research and Development, Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Institution, Yi-Chuang Institute of Bio-Industry, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jingci Yang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuxia Pan
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jianmin Luo
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Samal J, Kelly S, Na-Shatal A, Elhakiem A, Das A, Ding M, Sanyal A, Gupta P, Melody K, Roland B, Ahmed W, Zakir A, Bility M. Human immunodeficiency virus infection induces lymphoid fibrosis in the BM-liver-thymus-spleen humanized mouse model. JCI Insight 2018; 3:120430. [PMID: 30232273 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.120430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A major pathogenic feature associated with HIV infection is lymphoid fibrosis, which persists during antiretroviral therapy (ART). Lymphoid tissues play critical roles in the generation of antigen-specific immune response, and fibrosis disrupts the stromal network of lymphoid tissues, resulting in impaired immune cell trafficking and function, as well as immunodeficiency. Developing an animal model for investigating the impact of HIV infection-induced lymphoid tissue fibrosis on immunodeficiency and immune cell impairment is critical for therapeutics development and clinical translation. Said model will enable in vivo mechanistic studies, thus complementing the well-established surrogate model of SIV infection-induced lymphoid tissue fibrosis in macaques. We developed a potentially novel human immune system-humanized mouse model by coengrafting autologous fetal thymus, spleen, and liver organoids under the kidney capsule, along with i.v. injection of autologous fetal liver-derived hematopoietic stem cells, thus termed the BM-liver-thymus-spleen (BLTS) humanized mouse model. BLTS humanized mouse model supports development of human immune cells and human lymphoid organoids (human thymus and spleen organoids). HIV infection in BLTS humanized mice results in progressive fibrosis in human lymphoid tissues, which was associated with immunodeficiency in the lymphoid tissues, and lymphoid tissue fibrosis persists during ART, thus recapitulating clinical outcomes.
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Zhao K, Liu Q. The clinical application of mesenchymal stromal cells in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. J Hematol Oncol 2016; 9:46. [PMID: 27193054 PMCID: PMC4870746 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-016-0276-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells well known for repairing tissue, supporting hematopoiesis, and modulating immune and inflammation response. These outstanding properties make MSCs as an attractive candidate for cellular therapy in immune-based disorders, especially hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In this review, we outline the progress of MSCs in preventing and treating engraftment failure (EF), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following HSCT and critically discuss unsolved issues in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Blvd North, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qifa Liu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Blvd North, Guangzhou, China.
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25
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Chung B, Montel-Hagen A, Ge S, Blumberg G, Kim K, Klein S, Zhu Y, Parekh C, Balamurugan A, Yang OO, Crooks GM. Engineering the human thymic microenvironment to support thymopoiesis in vivo. Stem Cells 2015; 32:2386-96. [PMID: 24801626 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A system that allows manipulation of the human thymic microenvironment is needed both to elucidate the extrinsic mechanisms that control human thymopoiesis and to develop potential cell therapies for thymic insufficiency. In this report, we developed an implantable thymic microenvironment composed of two human thymic stroma populations critical for thymopoiesis; thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and thymic mesenchyme (TM). TECs and TM from postnatal human thymi were cultured in specific conditions, allowing cell expansion and manipulation of gene expression, before reaggregation into a functional thymic unit. Human CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) differentiated into T cells in the aggregates in vitro and in vivo following inguinal implantation of aggregates in immune deficient mice. Cord blood HSPC previously engrafted into murine bone marrow (BM), migrated to implants, and differentiated into human T cells with a broad T cell receptor repertoire. Furthermore, lentiviral-mediated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in TM enhanced implant size and function and significantly increased thymocyte production. These results demonstrate an in vivo system for the generation of T cells from human HSPC and represent the first model to allow manipulation of gene expression and cell composition in the microenvironment of the human thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brile Chung
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), California, USA
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Choi JY, Chun SY, Kim BS, Kim HT, Yoo ES, Shon YH, Lim JO, Yun SJ, Song PH, Chung SK, Yoo JJ, Kwon TG. Pre-clinical efficacy and safety evaluation of human amniotic fluid-derived stem cell injection in a mouse model of urinary incontinence. Yonsei Med J 2015; 56:648-57. [PMID: 25837169 PMCID: PMC4397433 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2015.56.3.648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Stem cell-based therapies represent new promises for the treatment of urinary incontinence. This study was performed to assess optimized cell passage number, cell dose, therapeutic efficacy, feasibility, toxicity, and cell trafficking for the first step of the pre-clinical evaluation of human amniotic fluid stem cell (hAFSC) therapy in a urinary incontinence animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS The proper cell passage number was analyzed with hAFSCs at passages 4, 6, and 8 at week 2. The cell dose optimization included 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, and 1×10⁶ cells at week 2. The in vivo cell toxicity was performed with 0.25×10⁶, 0.5×10⁶, and 1×10⁶ cells at weeks 2 and 4. Cell tracking was performed with 1×10⁶ cells at weeks 2 and 4. RESULTS The selected optimal cell passage number was smaller than 6, and the optimal cell dose was 1×10⁶ for the mouse model. In our pre-clinical study, hAFSC-injected animals showed normal values for several parameters. Moreover, the injected cells were found to be non-toxic and non-tumorigenic. Furthermore, the injected hAFSCs were rarely identified by in vivo cell trafficking in the target organs at week 2. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates for the first time the pre-clinical efficacy and safety of hAFSC injection in the urinary incontinence animal model and provides a basis for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Young Choi
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - So Young Chun
- Joint Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea
| | - Bum Soo Kim
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hyun Tae Kim
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Eun Sang Yoo
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Yun-Hee Shon
- Joint Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jeong Ok Lim
- Joint Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea
| | - Seok Joong Yun
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Phil Hyun Song
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sung Kwang Chung
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - James J Yoo
- Joint Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea.; Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Tae Gyun Kwon
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.; Joint Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea.
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A novel aspect of the structure of the avian thymic medulla. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 359:489-501. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-2027-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Zhao K, Lou R, Huang F, Peng Y, Jiang Z, Huang K, Wu X, Zhang Y, Fan Z, Zhou H, Liu C, Xiao Y, Sun J, Li Y, Xiang P, Liu Q. Immunomodulation effects of mesenchymal stromal cells on acute graft-versus-host disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2014; 21:97-104. [PMID: 25300866 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2014.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a major cause of death after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This study evaluated the immunomodulation effects of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from bone marrow of a third-party donor for refractory aGVHD. Forty-seven patients with refractory aGVHD were enrolled: 28 patients receiving MSC and 19 patients without MSC treatment. MSCs were given at a median dose of 1 × 10(6) cells/kg weekly until patients got complete response or received 8 doses of MSCs. After 125 doses of MSCs were administered, with a median of 4 doses (range, 2 to 8) per patient, overall response rate was 75% in the MSC group compared with 42.1% in the non-MSC group (P = .023). The incidence of cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus infections, and tumor relapse was not different between the 2 groups during aGVHD treatment and follow-up. The incidence and severity of chronic GVHD in the MSC group were lower than those in the non-MSC group (P = .045 and P = .005). The ratio of CD3(+)CD4(+)/CD3(+)CD8(+) T cells, the frequencies of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs), and the levels of signal joint T cell-receptor excision DNA circles (sjTRECs) after MSCs treatment were higher than those pretreatment. MSC-treated patients exhibited higher Tregs frequencies and sjTRECs levels than those in the non-MSC group at 8 and 12 weeks after treatment. MSCs derived from bone marrow of a third-party donor are effective to refractory aGVHD. It might reduce the incidence and severity of chronic GVHD in aGVHD patients by improving thymic function and induction of Tregs but not increase the risks of infections and tumor relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Lou
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fen Huang
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanwen Peng
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zujun Jiang
- Department of Hematology, Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, SUN Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, SUN Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuli Wu
- Institute of Hematology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiping Fan
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongsheng Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Can Liu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Institute of Hematology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Xiang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qifa Liu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Miki Y, Hamada K, Yoshino T, Miyatani K, Takahashi K. Type AB thymoma is not a mixed tumor of type A and type B thymomas, but a distinct type of thymoma. Virchows Arch 2014; 464:725-34. [PMID: 24802113 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-014-1587-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Type AB thymoma is generally regarded to be a mixture of type A and type B thymomas, but has not been studied extensively. In this study, we precisely investigated the characteristics of type AB thymoma immunohistochemically and compared it with other types of thymoma, including type A, metaplastic, and type B1 thymoma. In type A thymoma, the tumor cells were composed solely of pan-cytokeratin (CK-AE1/AE3)(+) claudin-1(+) vimentin(-) epithelial membrane antigen (EMA)(-) short spindle cells. Metaplastic thymoma exhibited biphasic architecture of epithelial islands of short spindle cells, which were phenotypically almost identical to the tumor cells in type A thymoma, and anastomosing bundles of CK-AE1/AE3(-) claudin-1(-) vimentin(+) EMA(+) fibroblast-like long spindle-shaped epithelial cells. Interestingly, we found that there were two distinctive subtypes of cell in type AB thymoma: the conventional subtype and the metaplastic subtype. The conventional subtype is characterized by type A-like components resembling type A thymoma. The metaplastic subtype is characterized by type A-like components extensively resembling the anastomosing bundles of fibroblast-like long spindle epithelial cells. Interestingly, the metaplastic subtype was a major subtype (14/19 cases), while the conventional subtype was a minor one (5/19 cases). In contrast to the rarity of metaplastic thymoma, the metaplastic subtype of type AB thymoma appears to be a major subtype of type AB thymoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukari Miki
- Department of Medical Technology, Kagawa Prefectural University of Health Science, Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan
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30
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Liu G, Wang L, Pang T, Zhu D, Xu Y, Wang H, Cong X, Liu Y. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells regulate thymic epithelial cell development and function in Foxn1(-/-) mice. Cell Mol Immunol 2014; 11:275-84. [PMID: 24561455 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2013.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic microenvironments are essential for the maturation of thymocytes, which can be anatomically compartmentalized into cortical and medullar regions. The absence of the gene encoding the transcription factor forkhead box n1 (Foxn1) causes epithelial differentiation to stall in the precursor stage, resulting in the formation of an abnormal thymus. In this study, we used human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) to treat Foxn1(-/-) mice, and then analyzed the maturation and distribution of thymic epithelial cells in the Foxn1(-/-) thymic rudiment and the thymopoiesis of this newly developed rudiment. Our data showed a well-organized cortex-medulla architecture and an obvious improvement in the maturation of thymic epithelial cells along with the appearance of UEA-1(+)MHCII(hi) thymic epithelial cells in the rudiment. We further demonstrated improved thymopoiesis and the enhanced export of mature T cells with increased numbers of regulatory T cells into the peripheral blood. Furthermore, we observed that MSCs can engraft into thymic tissue and express many cytokines or proteins, particularly keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and CD248, which are essential for thymic development. Collectively, our data identified a new mechanism for MSCs, which may provide a proper microenvironment for the reconstitution and functional maturation of the thymus in Foxn1(-/-) mice. Additionally, we elicited additional insights into the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in several autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyang Liu
- 1] Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China [2] Alliancells Institute of Stem Cells and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lihua Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Hospital of Blood Diseases, Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union of Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianxiang Pang
- The State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Hospital of Blood Diseases, Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union of Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Delin Zhu
- Alliancells Institute of Stem Cells and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Alliancells Institute of Stem Cells and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hanyu Wang
- Alliancells Institute of Stem Cells and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiuli Cong
- 1] Alliancells Institute of Stem Cells and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Tianjin, China [2] University of Florida, Department of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Yongjun Liu
- Alliancells Institute of Stem Cells and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Tianjin, China
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31
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Osada M, Singh VJ, Wu K, Sant’Angelo DB, Pezzano M. Label retention identifies a multipotent mesenchymal stem cell-like population in the postnatal thymus. PLoS One 2013; 8:e83024. [PMID: 24340075 PMCID: PMC3858364 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic microenvironments are essential for the proper development and selection of T cells critical for a functional and self-tolerant adaptive immune response. While significant turnover occurs, it is unclear whether populations of adult stem cells contribute to the maintenance of postnatal thymic epithelial microenvironments. Here, the slow cycling characteristic of stem cells and their property of label-retention were used to identify a K5-expressing thymic stromal cell population capable of generating clonal cell lines that retain the capacity to differentiate into a number of mesenchymal lineages including adipocytes, chondrocytes and osteoblasts suggesting a mesenchymal stem cell-like phenotype. Using cell surface analysis both culture expanded LRCs and clonal thymic mesenchymal cell lines were found to express Sca1, PDGFRα, PDGFRβ,CD29, CD44, CD49F, and CD90 similar to MSCs. Sorted GFP-expressing stroma, that give rise to TMSC lines, contribute to thymic architecture when reaggregated with fetal stroma and transplanted under the kidney capsule of nude mice. Together these results show that the postnatal thymus contains a population of mesenchymal stem cells that can be maintained in culture and suggests they may contribute to the maintenance of functional thymic microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masako Osada
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, CUNY, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Varan J. Singh
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, CUNY, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Kenmin Wu
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, CUNY, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Derek B. Sant’Angelo
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Mark Pezzano
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, CUNY, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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32
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Lee YH, Williams A, Hong CS, You Y, Senoo M, Saint-Jeannet JP. Early development of the thymus in Xenopus laevis. Dev Dyn 2013; 242:164-78. [PMID: 23172757 PMCID: PMC3640628 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.23905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Xenopus laevis has been a model of choice for comparative and developmental studies of the immune system, little is known about organogenesis of the thymus, a primary lymphoid organ in vertebrates. Here we examined the expression of three transcription factors that have been functionally associated with pharyngeal gland development, gcm2, hoxa3, and foxn1, and evaluated the neural crest contribution to thymus development. RESULTS In most species Hoxa3 is expressed in the third pharyngeal pouch endoderm where it directs thymus formation. In Xenopus, the thymus primordium is derived from the second pharyngeal pouch endoderm, which is hoxa3-negative, suggesting that a different mechanism regulates thymus formation in frogs. Unlike other species foxn1 is not detected in the epithelium of the pharyngeal pouch in Xenopus, rather, its expression is initiated as thymic epithelial cell starts to differentiate and express MHC class II molecules. Using transplantation experiments we show that while neural crest cells populate the thymus primordia, they are not required for the specification and initial development of this organ or for T-cell differentiation in frogs. CONCLUSIONS These studies provide novel information on early thymus development in Xenopus, and highlight a number of features that distinguish Xenopus from other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Hoon Lee
- Department of Oral Anatomy, School of Dentistry & Institute of Oral Biosciences, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Allison Williams
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Chang-Soo Hong
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngjae You
- Department of Oral Anatomy, School of Dentistry & Institute of Oral Biosciences, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Makoto Senoo
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Saint-Jeannet
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Basic Science & Craniofacial Biology, New York University, College of Dentistry, 345 East 24Street, New York, NY 10010, USA
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Lymphocyte-stromal cell interaction induces IL-7 expression by interferon regulatory factors. Mol Immunol 2013; 54:378-85. [PMID: 23376291 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2013.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Revised: 12/22/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between lymphocytes and stromal cells plays important roles in coordinated development of early lymphocytes. IL-7 is an essential cytokine for early lymphocyte development produced by stromal cells in the thymus and bone marrow. Although IL-7 is induced by interaction of early lymphocytes and stromal cells, its molecular basis is still unknown. To address this question, we employed co-culture system with an IL-7-dependent pre-B cell line, DW34, and a thymic stromal cell line, TSt-4. Co-culture with DW34 cells enhanced the levels of IL-7 transcripts in TSt-4 cells. Interestingly, the co-culture also induced transcripts of IFN-α and IFN-β but not of IFN-γ. In addition, exogenous IFN-β stimulation increased the levels of IL-7 transcripts in TSt-4 cells. Next, to elucidate the molecular mechanism of IL-7 induction, we analyzed the IL-7 promoter activity by reporter assay. The IL-7 promoter showed specific transcriptional activity in TSt-4 cells. An interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) in the IL-7 promoter was essential for the induction of IL-7 transcription by both co-culture and IFN-β stimulation. Finally, overexpression of wild-type and dominant-negative forms of interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) activated and repressed, respectively, the IL-7 promoter in TSt-4 cells. Collectively, these results suggested that IRFs activated by lymphocyte adhesion induce IL-7 transcription through ISRE in stromal cells and that type I IFNs may be involved in the activation of IRFs. Thus, this study implied a physiological function of the IFN/IRF signal during lymphocyte development.
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Abstract
For a very long time, we studied the metallophilic macrophages of the rodent thymus and in this review our results on morphological, histochemical, enzymehistochemical, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural and functional features of these cells, as well as the molecular regulation of their development, will be presented. Furthermore, the differences between species will also be discussed and the comparisons with similar/related cell types (metallophilic macrophages in the marginal sinus of the spleen, subcapsular sinus of the lymph nodes and germinal centers of secondary lymphoid follicles) will be made. Metallophilic macrophages are strategically positioned in the thymic cortico-medullary zone and are very likely to be involved in: (i) the metabolism, synthesis and production of bioactive lipids, most likely arachidonic acid metabolites, based on their histochemical and enzymehistochemical features, and (ii) the process of negative selection that occurs in the thymus, based on their ultrastructural features and their reactivity after the application of toxic or immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory agents. Taken together, their phenotypic and functional features strongly suggest that metallophilic macrophages play a significant role in the thymic physiology.
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Korte J, Fröhlich T, Kohn M, Kaspers B, Arnold GJ, Härtle S. 2D DIGE analysis of the bursa of Fabricius reveals characteristic proteome profiles for different stages of chicken B-cell development. Proteomics 2012; 13:119-33. [PMID: 23135993 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201200177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Revised: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Antibody producing B-cells are an essential component of the immune system. In contrast to human and mice where B-cells develop in the bone marrow, chicken B-cells develop in defined stages in the bursa of Fabricius, a gut associated lymphoid tissue. In order to gain a better understanding of critical biological processes like immigration of B-cell precursors into the bursa anlage, their differentiation and final emigration from the bursa we analyzed the proteome dynamics of this organ during embryonic and posthatch development. Samples were taken from four representative developmental stages (embryonic day (ED) 10, ED18, day 2, and day 28) and compared in an extensive 2D DIGE approach comprising six biological replicates per time point. Cluster analysis and PCA demonstrated high reliability and reproducibility of the obtained data set and revealed distinctive proteome profiles for the selected time points, which precisely reflect the differentiation processes. One hundred fifty three protein spots with significantly different intensities were identified by MS. We detected alterations in the abundance of several proteins assigned to retinoic acid metabolism (e.g. retinal-binding protein 5) and the actin-cytoskeleton (e.g. vinculin and gelsolin). By immunohistochemistry, desmin was identified as stromal cell protein associated with the maturation of B-cell follicles. Strongest protein expression difference (10.8-fold) was observed for chloride intracellular channel 2. This protein was thus far not associated with B-cell biology but our data suggest an important function in bursa B-cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Korte
- Department for Veterinary Science, Institute for Animal Physiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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36
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Emerging roles for multipotent, bone marrow-derived stromal cells in host defense. Blood 2012; 119:1801-9. [PMID: 22228625 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-10-384354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Multipotent, bone marrow-derived stromal cells (BMSCs, also known as mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs]), are culture-expanded, nonhematopoietic cells with immunomodulatory effects currently being investigated as novel cellular therapy to prevent and to treat clinical disease associated with aberrant immune response. Emerging preclinical studies suggest that BMSCs may protect against infectious challenge either by direct effects on the pathogen or through indirect effects on the host. BMSCs may reduce pathogen burden by inhibiting growth through soluble factors or by enhancing immune cell antimicrobial function. In the host, BMSCs may attenuate pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine induction, reduce pro-inflammatory cell migration into sites of injury and infection, and induce immunoregulatory soluble and cellular factors to preserve organ function. These preclinical studies provide provocative hints into the direction MSC therapeutics may take in the future. Notably, BMSCs appear to function as a critical fulcrum, providing balance by promoting pathogen clearance during the initial inflammatory response while suppressing inflammation to preserve host integrity and facilitate tissue repair. Such exquisite balance in BMSC function appears intrinsically linked to Toll-like receptor signaling and immune crosstalk.
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Sairafi D, Mattsson J, Uhlin M, Uzunel M. Thymic function after allogeneic stem cell transplantation is dependent on graft source and predictive of long term survival. Clin Immunol 2011; 142:343-50. [PMID: 22227522 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2011.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Revised: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
T-cell deficiency after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is common and has major impact on clinical outcome. In this retrospective study 210 patients were analyzed with regards to levels of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) during the first 24 months after transplantation. We could for the first time show a significant correlation between the use of bone marrow grafts and higher TREC levels >6 months post-ASCT (p<0.001). Treatment with anti-thymocyte globulin was correlated with lower TREC levels ≤6 months post-ASCT (p<0.001). Patients with TREC levels above median at 3 months had a superior overall survival, 80% vs. 56% (p=0.002), and lower transplantation-related mortality, 7% vs. 21% (p=0.01). We conclude that graft source and conditioning regimen may have a significant effect on T-cell reconstitution after ASCT and can thus affect outcome. These results strongly support the use of TREC measurement as part of the standard repertoire of immunological monitoring after ASCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius Sairafi
- Center for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation, B87, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Uhlin M, Sairafi D, Berglund S, Thunberg S, Gertow J, Ringden O, Uzunel M, Remberger M, Mattsson J. Mesenchymal stem cells inhibit thymic reconstitution after allogeneic cord blood transplantation. Stem Cells Dev 2011; 21:1409-17. [PMID: 21861757 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2011.0310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cord blood (CB) as a source of stem cells has been a successful addition to the field of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT). The increased human leukocyte antigen (HLA) permissiveness of CB grafts has made it possible for more patients to undergo treatment. The drawback is that patients suffer from a longer period of compromised immunity. We analyzed T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels after cord blood transplantation (CBT) in 50 patients transplanted at our center. These immunological parameters were compared retrospectively with clinical factors and complications. We found that TREC levels after CBT were lower in adults, patients with myeloablative conditioning, and in patients with a lower nucleated cell dose in the graft. In addition mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) as co-infusion at the time of CBT had a negative effect on TREC reconstitution. This was found to be associated with decreased overall survival for this patient category. Reduced IgM and IgG levels post-CBT were associated with a major AB0 mismatch, and infusion of MSCs. Our results highlight the importance of close monitoring of the immune reconstitution after CBT. In addition it shows a potentially new suppressive effect of MSCs on the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Uhlin
- Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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39
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Cimpean AM, Ceauşu R, Encică S, Gaje PN, Ribatti D, Raica M. Platelet-derived growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α expression in the normal human thymus and thymoma. Int J Exp Pathol 2011; 92:340-4. [PMID: 21645144 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2613.2011.00777.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and its receptors (PDGFRs) are strongly involved in the normal development of several organs, tumour angiogenesis and malignant progression and metastasis. Few studies concerning their expression, distribution and role in normal and pathological human thymus are available in the literature. The aim of this study has been to analyse the immunohistochemical expression of PDGF and PDGFR-α in prenatal and postnatal normal human thymus and thymomal biopsy specimens. The results demonstrated immunoreactivity to both PDGF and PDGFR-α in all specimens, but the intensity, distribution and number of positive cells were different in normal thymus and thymomas, and also among different tumour types. PDGF and PDGFR-α were weakly expressed in foetal and postnatal humans with a different distribution between cortex and medulla in both blood vessels and epithelial cells, whereas they were overexpressed in thymoma, especially in type B2 and B3, in the tumour epithelial cells. Overall, these data suggest that PDGF and PDGFR-α may be involved in the pathophysiology of the human thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Maria Cimpean
- Department of Histology, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania
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Hu KX, Wang MH, Fan C, Wang L, Guo M, Ai HS. CM-DiI labeled mesenchymal stem cells homed to thymus inducing immune recovery of mice after haploidentical bone marrow transplantation. Int Immunopharmacol 2011; 11:1265-70. [PMID: 21530684 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2011.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Revised: 04/01/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The results of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have been disappointing due to the high incidence of severe graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and infectious complications. It is well known that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can prevent severe acute GVHD in HSCT. However, there is a controversy concerning whether MSC-mediated suppression of T cell functions is accompanied by inducing T cells maturation effects after HSCT. The CB6F1((H-2bd)) female mice irradiated with 8 Gy (60)Co γ-rays were divided into two groups: mice in the MSCs group were infused with MSCs labeled with cm-DiI and mononuclear cells from the bone marrow and spleen of BALB/c((H-2d)) mice; the control group was infused with only the mononuclear cells of BALB/c((H-2d)) mice. After transplantation, chimerisms of donor MSCs were observed in the recipients. The recovery of the T-lymphocyte subpopulation, the proliferative activity of T-cells after stimulation with ConA, the mixed lymphocytes' reaction between donor and recipient and three parts, and the number of apoptosis thymus cells were compared in two groups. The results showed that MSCs preferentially homed to the thymus and grew there, a more rapid recovery of T-cells in the peripheral blood, and decreased the apoptosis of the thymocytes. Thus MSCs may affect the thymus in order to improve T-cells maturation and immune system recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-xun Hu
- Department of Hematology and Transplantation, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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41
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Osada M, Jardine L, Misir R, Andl T, Millar SE, Pezzano M. DKK1 mediated inhibition of Wnt signaling in postnatal mice leads to loss of TEC progenitors and thymic degeneration. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9062. [PMID: 20161711 PMCID: PMC2817005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2009] [Accepted: 01/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thymic epithelial cell (TEC) microenvironments are essential for the
recruitment of T cell precursors from the bone marrow, as well as the
subsequent expansion and selection of thymocytes resulting in a mature
self-tolerant T cell repertoire. The molecular mechanisms, which control
both the initial development and subsequent maintenance of these critical
microenvironments, are poorly defined. Wnt signaling has been shown to be
important to the development of several epithelial tissues and organs.
Regulation of Wnt signaling has also been shown to impact both early
thymocyte and thymic epithelial development. However, early blocks in thymic
organogenesis or death of the mice have prevented analysis of a role of
canonical Wnt signaling in the maintenance of TECs in the postnatal
thymus. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we demonstrate that tetracycline-regulated expression of the canonical
Wnt inhibitor DKK1 in TECs localized in both the cortex and medulla of adult
mice, results in rapid thymic degeneration characterized by a loss of
ΔNP63+ Foxn1+ and
Aire+ TECs, loss of K5K8DP TECs thought to represent
or contain an immature TEC progenitor, decreased TEC proliferation and the
development of cystic structures, similar to an aged thymus. Removal of DKK1
from DKK1-involuted mice results in full recovery, suggesting that canonical
Wnt signaling is required for the differentiation or proliferation of TEC
populations needed for maintenance of properly organized adult thymic
epithelial microenvironments. Conclusions/Significance Taken together, the results of this study demonstrate that canonical Wnt
signaling within TECs is required for the maintenance of epithelial
microenvironments in the postnatal thymus, possibly through effects on TEC
progenitor/stem cell populations. Downstream targets of Wnt signaling, which
are responsible for maintenance of these TEC progenitors may provide useful
targets for therapies aimed at counteracting age associated thymic
involution or the premature thymic degeneration associated with cancer
therapy and bone marrow transplants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masako Osada
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, New York, New York,
United States of America
| | - Logan Jardine
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, New York, New York,
United States of America
| | - Ruth Misir
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, New York, New York,
United States of America
| | - Thomas Andl
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
of America
| | - Sarah E. Millar
- Departments of Dermatology and Cell and Developmental Biology, University
of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of
America
| | - Mark Pezzano
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, New York, New York,
United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Gordon J, Patel SR, Mishina Y, Manley NR. Evidence for an early role for BMP4 signaling in thymus and parathyroid morphogenesis. Dev Biol 2010; 339:141-54. [PMID: 20043899 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2008] [Revised: 12/16/2009] [Accepted: 12/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The thymus and parathyroids are pharyngeal endoderm-derived organs that develop from common organ primordia, which undergo a series of morphological events resulting in separate organs in distinct locations in the embryo. Previous gene expression and functional analyses have suggested a role for BMP4 signaling in early thymus organogenesis. We have used conditional deletion of Bmp4 or Alk3 from the pharyngeal endoderm and/or the surrounding mesenchyme using Foxg1-Cre, Wnt1-Cre or Foxn1-Cre. Deleting Bmp4 from both neural crest cells (NCC) and early endoderm-derived epithelial cells in Foxg1-Cre;Bmp4 conditional mutants resulted in defects in thymus-parathyroid morphogenesis. Defects included reduced condensation of mesenchymal cells around the epithelium, partial absence of the thymic capsule, a delay in thymus and parathyroid separation, and failed or dramatically reduced organ migration. Patterning of the primordia and initial organ differentiation were not affected in any of the mutants. Deleting Bmp4 from NCC-derived mesenchyme or differentiating thymic epithelial cells (TECs) had no effects on thymus-parathyroid development, while loss of Alk3 from either neural crest cells or TECs resulted in only a mild thymic hypoplasia. these results show that the processes of cell specification and morphogenesis during thymus-parathyroid development are independently controlled, and suggest a specific temporal and spatial role for BMP4-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during early thymus and parathyroid morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Gordon
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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43
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Mori K, Itoi M, Tsukamoto N, Amagai T. Foxn1 is essential for vascularization of the murine thymus anlage. Cell Immunol 2010; 260:66-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2009.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2009] [Revised: 09/23/2009] [Accepted: 09/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Abstract
A pool of immature T cells with a seemingly unrestricted repertoire of antigen specificities is generated life-long in the thymus. Amongst these cells are, however, thymocytes that express a strongly self-reactive antigen receptor and hence hold the potential to trigger autoimmunity. To prevent such an outcome, the thymus employs several independent but functionally related strategies that act in parallel to enforce self-tolerance. The deletion of strongly self-reactive thymocytes and the generation of regulatory T cells constitute the two most efficient mechanisms to induce and maintain immunological tolerance. Thymic epithelial cells of the medulla express for this purpose tissue-restricted self-antigens. This review will focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms operative in the thymus to shape a repertoire of mature T cells tolerant to self-antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Holländer
- Department of Clinical-Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Pediatric Immunology, Center for Biomedicine, University of Basel and The University Children's Hospital, Switzerland.
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45
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Zuklys S, Gill J, Keller MP, Hauri-Hohl M, Zhanybekova S, Balciunaite G, Na KJ, Jeker LT, Hafen K, Tsukamoto N, Amagai T, Taketo MM, Krenger W, Holländer GA. Stabilized beta-catenin in thymic epithelial cells blocks thymus development and function. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 182:2997-3007. [PMID: 19234195 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0713723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Thymic T cell development is dependent on a specialized epithelial microenvironment mainly composed of cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells (TECs). The molecular programs governing the differentiation and maintenance of TECs remain largely unknown. Wnt signaling is central to the development and maintenance of several organ systems but a specific role of this pathway for thymus organogenesis has not yet been ascertained. In this report, we demonstrate that activation of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway by a stabilizing mutation of beta-catenin targeted exclusively to TECs changes the initial commitment of endodermal epithelia to a thymic cell fate. Consequently, the formation of a correctly composed and organized thymic microenvironment is prevented, thymic immigration of hematopoietic precursors is restricted, and intrathymic T cell differentiation is arrested at a very early developmental stage causing severe immunodeficiency. These results suggest that a precise regulation of canonical Wnt signaling in thymic epithelia is essential for normal thymus development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saulius Zuklys
- Department of Clinical-Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Pediatric Immunology, University of Basel, and Basel University Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
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46
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Gene expression profile of the third pharyngeal pouch reveals role of mesenchymal MafB in embryonic thymus development. Blood 2009; 113:2976-87. [PMID: 19164599 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2008-06-164921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus provides a microenvironment that induces the differentiation of T-progenitor cells into functional T cells and that establishes a diverse yet self-tolerant T-cell repertoire. However, the mechanisms that lead to the development of the thymus are incompletely understood. We report herein the results of screening for genes that are expressed in the third pharyngeal pouch, which contains thymic primordium. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based cDNA subtraction screening for genes expressed in microdissected tissues of the third pharyngeal pouch rather than the second pharyngeal arch yielded one transcription factor, MafB, which was predominantly expressed in CD45(-)IA(-)PDGFRalpha(+) mesenchymal cells and was detectable even in the third pharyngeal pouch of FoxN1-deficient nude mice. Interestingly, the number of CD45(+) cells that initially accumulated in the embryonic thymus was significantly decreased in MafB-deficient mice. Alterations of gene expression in the embryonic thymi of MafB-deficient mice included the reduced expression of Wnt3 and BMP4 in mesenchymal cells and of CCL21 and CCL25 in epithelial cells. These results suggest that MafB expressed in third pharyngeal pouch mesenchymal cells critically regulates lymphocyte accumulation in the embryonic thymus.
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47
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Griffith AV, Cardenas K, Carter C, Gordon J, Iberg A, Engleka K, Epstein JA, Manley NR, Richie ER. Increased thymus- and decreased parathyroid-fated organ domains in Splotch mutant embryos. Dev Biol 2008; 327:216-27. [PMID: 19135046 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2008.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2007] [Revised: 11/13/2008] [Accepted: 12/16/2008] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Embryos that are homozygous for Splotch, a null allele of Pax3, have a severe neural crest cell (NCC) deficiency that generates a complex phenotype including spina bifida, exencephaly and cardiac outflow tract abnormalities. Contrary to the widely held perception that thymus aplasia or hypoplasia is a characteristic feature of Pax3(Sp/Sp) embryos, we find that thymic rudiments are larger and parathyroid rudiments are smaller in E11.5-12.5 Pax3(Sp/Sp) compared to Pax3(+/+) embryos. The thymus originates from bilateral third pharyngeal pouch primordia containing endodermal progenitors of both thymus and parathyroid glands. Analyses of Foxn1 and Gcm2 expression revealed a dorsal shift in the border between parathyroid- and thymus-fated domains at E11.5, with no change in the overall cellularity or volume of each shared primordium. The border shift increases the allocation of third pouch progenitors to the thymus domain and correspondingly decreases allocation to the parathyroid domain. Initial patterning in the E10.5 pouch was normal suggesting that the observed change in the location of the organ domain interface arises during border refinement between E10.5 and E11.5. Given the well-characterized NCC defects in Splotch mutants, these findings implicate NCCs in regulating patterning of third pouch endoderm into thymus- versus parathyroid-specified domains, and suggest that organ size is determined in part by the number of progenitor cells specified to a given fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann V Griffith
- Department of Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park Research Division, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
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Odaka C. Localization of mesenchymal cells in adult mouse thymus: their abnormal distribution in mice with disorganization of thymic medullary epithelium. J Histochem Cytochem 2008; 57:373-82. [PMID: 19110482 DOI: 10.1369/jhc.2008.952895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic mesenchymal cells are known to be important for the development of the early fetal thymus into a functionally mature organ supporting T cell differentiation. We examined the expression of mesenchymal markers: pan-mesenchymal marker ER-TR7, desmin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), and alpha- and beta-chain of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFRalpha, PDGFRbeta) in thymi of normal adult mice. Desmin and ER-TR7 revealed specific staining in the capsule, septa, and perivascular cells. Most perivascular cells highly expressed PDGFRbeta at the same levels as desmin. Low expression of PDGFRalpha was detected in the capsule, intralobular septa, and some perivascular cells of normal adult thymi. alpha-SMA, used to identify vascular smooth muscle cells, was detectable on arterioles and some large venules but not on capillaries. Thus, desmin, PDGFRalpha, and PDGFRbeta were localized in the capsule, septa, and perivascular cells in thymus of adult mouse, although there were differences in the expression level among these markers. On the other hand, the expression of mesenchymal markers was detectable in the region of the thymic medullary epithelium of lymphotoxin beta receptor-deficient mice and plt/plt mice, indicating that mesenchymal cells were abnormally localized in the region. These results suggest that disorganization of the medullary epithelium may be accompanied by aberrant distribution of mesenchyme in adult mouse thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chikako Odaka
- Department of Safety Research on Blood and Biological Products, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 4-7-1, Gakuen, Musashimurayama, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan.
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Foster K, Sheridan J, Veiga-Fernandes H, Roderick K, Pachnis V, Adams R, Blackburn C, Kioussis D, Coles M. Contribution of neural crest-derived cells in the embryonic and adult thymus. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 180:3183-9. [PMID: 18292542 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.180.5.3183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Neural crest (NC)-derived mesenchyme has previously been shown to play an important role in the development of fetal thymus. Using Wnt1-Cre and Sox10-Cre mice crossed to Rosa26(eYfp) reporter mice, we have revealed NC-derived mesenchymal cells in the adult murine thymus. We report that NC-derived cells infiltrate the thymus before day 13.5 of embryonic development (E13.5) and differentiate into cells with characteristics of smooth muscle cells associated with large vessels, and pericytes associated with capillaries. In the adult organ at 3 mo of age, these NC-derived perivascular cells continue to be associated with the vasculature, providing structural support to the blood vessels and possibly regulating endothelial cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Foster
- Molecular Immunology, National Institute for Medical Research, Edinburgh, UK
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50
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Müller SM, Stolt CC, Terszowski G, Blum C, Amagai T, Kessaris N, Iannarelli P, Richardson WD, Wegner M, Rodewald HR. Neural crest origin of perivascular mesenchyme in the adult thymus. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2008; 180:5344-51. [PMID: 18390716 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.180.8.5344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The endodermal epithelial thymus anlage develops in tight association with neural crest (NC)-derived mesenchyme. This epithelial-NC interaction is crucial for thymus development, but it is not known how NC supports thymus development or whether NC cells or their progeny make any significant contribution to the adult thymus. By nude mouse blastocyst complementation and by cell surface phenotype, we could previously separate thymus stroma into Foxn1-dependent epithelial cells and a Foxn1-independent mesenchymal cell population. These mesenchymal cells expressed vascular endothelial growth factor-A, and contributed to thymus vascularization. These data suggested a physical or functional association with thymic blood vessels, but the origin, location in the thymus, and function of these stromal cells remained unknown. Using a transgenic mouse expressing Cre recombinase in premigratory NC (Sox10-Cre), we have now fate-mapped the majority of these adult mesenchymal cells to a NC origin. NC-derived cells represent tightly vessel-associated pericytes that are sandwiched between endothelium and epithelium along the entire thymus vasculature. The ontogenetic, phenotypic, and positional definition of this distinct perivascular mesenchymal compartment provides a cellular basis for the role of NC in thymus development and possibly maintenance, and might be useful to address properties of the endothelial-epithelial barrier in the adult thymus.
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