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Silva CS, Reis RL, Martins A, Neves NM. Recapitulation of Thymic Function by Tissue Engineering Strategies. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100773. [PMID: 34197034 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is responsible for the development and selection of T lymphocytes, which in turn also participate in the maturation of thymic epithelial cells. These events occur through the close interactions between hematopoietic stem cells and developing thymocytes with the thymic stromal cells within an intricate 3D network. The complex thymic microenvironment and function, and the current therapies to induce thymic regeneration or to overcome the lack of a functional thymus are herein reviewed. The recapitulation of the thymic function using tissue engineering strategies has been explored as a way to control the body's tolerance to external grafts and to generate ex vivo T cells for transplantation. In this review, the main advances in the thymus tissue engineering field are disclosed, including both scaffold- and cell-based strategies. In light of the current gaps and limitations of the developed systems, the design of novel biomaterials for this purpose with unique features is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina S. Silva
- 3B's Research Group I3Bs – Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory AvePark, Parque da Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra 4805‐017 Barco Guimarães Portugal
| | - Rui L. Reis
- 3B's Research Group I3Bs – Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory AvePark, Parque da Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra 4805‐017 Barco Guimarães Portugal
| | - Albino Martins
- 3B's Research Group I3Bs – Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory AvePark, Parque da Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra 4805‐017 Barco Guimarães Portugal
| | - Nuno M. Neves
- 3B's Research Group I3Bs – Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory AvePark, Parque da Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra 4805‐017 Barco Guimarães Portugal
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2
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Buzgo M, Plencner M, Rampichova M, Litvinec A, Prosecka E, Staffa A, Kralovic M, Filova E, Doupnik M, Lukasova V, Vocetkova K, Anderova J, Kubikova T, Zajicek R, Lopot F, Jelen K, Tonar Z, Amler E, Divin R, Fiori F. Poly-ε-caprolactone and polyvinyl alcohol electrospun wound dressings: adhesion properties and wound management of skin defects in rabbits. Regen Med 2019; 14:423-445. [PMID: 31180294 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2018-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study evaluates the effect of electrospun dressings in critical sized full-thickness skin defects in rabbits. Materials & methods: Electrospun poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers were tested in vitro and in vivo. Results: The PCL scaffold supported the proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The PVA scaffold showed significant swelling, high elongation capacity, limited protein adsorption and stimulation of cells. Nanofibrous dressings improved wound healing compared with the control group in vivo. A change of the PCL dressing every 7 days resulted in a decreased epithelial thickness and type I collagen level in the adhesive group, indicating peeling off of the newly formed tissue. In the PVA dressings, the exchange did not affect healing. Conclusion: The results demonstrate the importance of proper dressing exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matej Buzgo
- Department of Biophysics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Prague 5, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings, Czech Technical University, Trinecka 1024, 273 43 Bustehrad, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Plencner
- Department of Biophysics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Prague 5, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Michala Rampichova
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings, Czech Technical University, Trinecka 1024, 273 43 Bustehrad, Czech Republic
| | - Andrej Litvinec
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Prosecka
- Department of Biophysics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Prague 5, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Staffa
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings, Czech Technical University, Trinecka 1024, 273 43 Bustehrad, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kralovic
- Department of Biophysics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Prague 5, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings, Czech Technical University, Trinecka 1024, 273 43 Bustehrad, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Filova
- Department of Biophysics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Prague 5, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Doupnik
- Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings, Czech Technical University, Trinecka 1024, 273 43 Bustehrad, Czech Republic
| | - Vera Lukasova
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings, Czech Technical University, Trinecka 1024, 273 43 Bustehrad, Czech Republic
| | - Karolina Vocetkova
- Department of Biophysics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Prague 5, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings, Czech Technical University, Trinecka 1024, 273 43 Bustehrad, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Anderova
- Department of Anatomy & Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport, Charles University, Jose Martiho 31, 162 52 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Kubikova
- Biomedical Center and Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Husova 3, 301 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Zajicek
- Department of Burns Medicine, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Srobarova 1150/50, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Lopot
- Department of Anatomy & Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport, Charles University, Jose Martiho 31, 162 52 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Jelen
- Department of Anatomy & Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport, Charles University, Jose Martiho 31, 162 52 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Zbynek Tonar
- Biomedical Center and Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Husova 3, 301 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Evzen Amler
- Department of Biophysics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Prague 5, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings, Czech Technical University, Trinecka 1024, 273 43 Bustehrad, Czech Republic.,Nanoprogres, z.s.p.o., Nova 306, 530 09 Pardubice, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Divin
- Department of Biophysics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Prague 5, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings, Czech Technical University, Trinecka 1024, 273 43 Bustehrad, Czech Republic
| | - Fabrizio Fiori
- Universita Politecnica delle Marche, Di.S.C.O., Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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3
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Gallo V, Cirillo E, Giardino G, Pignata C. FOXN1 Deficiency: from the Discovery to Novel Therapeutic Approaches. J Clin Immunol 2017; 37:751-758. [DOI: 10.1007/s10875-017-0445-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Abstract
FOXN1 is a prodifferentiation transcription factor in the skin epithelium. Recently, it has also emerged as an important player in controlling the skin wound healing process, as it actively participates in reepithelialization and is thought to be responsible for scar formation. FOXN1 positivity is also a feature of pigmented keratinocytes, including nevi, and FOXN1 is an attribute of benign epithelial tumors. The lack of FOXN1 favors the skin regeneration process displayed by nude mice, pointing to FOXN1 as a switch between regeneration and reparative processes. The stem cell niche provides a functional source of cells after the loss of tissue following wounding. The involvement of prodifferentiation factors in the regulation of this pool of stem cells is suggested. However, the exact mechanism is still under question, and we speculate that the FOXN1 transcription factor is involved in this process. This review analyzes the pleiotropic effects of FOXN1 in the skin, its function in the tumorigenesis process, and its potential role in depletion of the stem cell niche after injury, as well as its suggested mechanistic role, acting in a cell-autonomous and a non-cell-autonomous manner during skin self-renewal.
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5
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Pan X, Sun Q, Zhang Y, Cai H, Gao Y, Shen Y, Zhang W. Biomimetic Macroporous PCL Scaffolds for Ex Vivo Expansion of Cord Blood-Derived CD34 + Cells with Feeder Cells Support. Macromol Biosci 2017; 17. [PMID: 28544462 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201700054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) with most current methods can hardly satisfy clinical application requirement. While in vivo, HSCs efficiently self-renew in niche where they interact with 3D extracellular matrix and stromal cells. Therefore, co-cultures of CD34+ cells and mesenchyme stem cells derived from human amniotic membrane (hAMSCs) on the basis of biomimetic macroporous three-dimensional (3D) poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds are developed, where scaffolds and hAMSCs are applied to mimic structural and cellular microenvironment of HSCs. The influence of scaffolds, feeder cells, and contact manners on expansion and stemness maintenance of CD34+ cells is investigated in this protocol. Biomimetic scaffolds-dependent co-cultures of CD34+ cells and hAMSCs can effectively promote the expansion of CD34+ cells; meanwhile, indirect contact is superior to direct contact. The combination of biomimetic scaffolds and hAMSCs represents a new strategy for achieving clinical-scale ex vivo expansion of CD34+ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuwei Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Qiong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yuanhao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Haibo Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yongjia Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Weian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
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6
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Ansari AR, Liu H. Acute Thymic Involution and Mechanisms for Recovery. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2017; 65:401-420. [PMID: 28331940 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-017-0462-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Acute thymic involution (ATI) is usually regarded as a virulence trait. It is caused by several infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi) and other factors, including stress, pregnancy, malnutrition and chemotherapy. However, the complex mechanisms that operate during ATI differ substantially from each other depending on the causative agent. For instance, a transient reduction in the size and weight of the thymus and depletion of populations of T cell subsets are hallmarks of ATI in many cases, whereas severe disruption of the anatomical structure of the organ is also associated with some factors, including fungal, parasitic and viral infections. However, growing evidence shows that ATI may be therapeutically halted or reversed. In this review, we highlight the current progress in this field with respect to numerous pathological factors and discuss the possible mechanisms. Moreover, these new observations also show that ATI can be mechanistically reversed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdur Rahman Ansari
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (CVAS), Jhang, Pakistan.,University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Huazhen Liu
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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7
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Belair DG, Abbott BD. Engineering epithelial-stromal interactions in vitro for toxicology assessment. Toxicology 2017; 382:93-107. [PMID: 28285100 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Crosstalk between epithelial and stromal cells drives the morphogenesis of ectodermal organs during development and promotes normal mature adult epithelial tissue homeostasis. Epithelial-stromal interactions (ESIs) have historically been examined using mammalian models and ex vivo tissue recombination. Although these approaches have elucidated signaling mechanisms underlying embryonic morphogenesis processes and adult mammalian epithelial tissue function, they are limited by the availability of tissue, low throughput, and human developmental or physiological relevance. In this review, we describe how bioengineered ESIs, using either human stem cells or co-cultures of human primary epithelial and stromal cells, have enabled the development of human in vitro epithelial tissue models that recapitulate the architecture, phenotype, and function of adult human epithelial tissues. We discuss how the strategies used to engineer mature epithelial tissue models in vitro could be extrapolated to instruct the design of organotypic culture models that can recapitulate the structure of embryonic ectodermal tissues and enable the in vitro assessment of events critical to organ/tissue morphogenesis. Given the importance of ESIs towards normal epithelial tissue development and function, such models present a unique opportunity for toxicological screening assays to incorporate ESIs to assess the impact of chemicals on mature and developing epidermal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Belair
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Toxicity Assessment Division, Developmental Toxicology Branch, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States.
| | - Barbara D Abbott
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Toxicity Assessment Division, Developmental Toxicology Branch, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
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8
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Pan X, Sun Q, Cai H, Gao Y, Tan W, Zhang W. Encapsulated feeder cells within alginate beads for ex vivo expansion of cord blood-derived CD34+ cells. Biomater Sci 2016; 4:1441-53. [DOI: 10.1039/c6bm00191b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A co-culture system based on encapsulated feeder cells within alginate beads was developed through optimizing the detailed aspects of the cell culture system to expand CD34-positive (CD34+) cells ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuwei Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
| | - Qiong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
| | - Haibo Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
| | - Yun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
| | - Wensong Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
| | - Weian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
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9
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D'Assante R, Fusco A, Palamaro L, Giardino G, Gallo V, Cirillo E, Pignata C. Unraveling the Link Between Ectodermal Disorders and Primary Immunodeficiencies. Int Rev Immunol 2015; 35:25-38. [PMID: 25774666 DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2015.1010724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) include a heterogeneous group of mostly monogenic diseases characterized by functional/developmental alterations of the immune system. Skin and skin annexa abnormalities may be a warning sign of immunodeficiency, since both epidermal and thymic epithelium have ectodermal origin. In this review, we will focus on the most common immune disorders associated with ectodermal alterations. Elevated IgE levels represent the immunological hallmark of hyper-IgE syndrome, characterized by severe eczema and susceptibility to infections. Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) is a group of rare disorders that affect tissues of ectodermal origin. Hypoidrotic ED (HED), the most common form, is inherited as autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive or X-linked trait (XLHED). HED and XLHED are caused by mutations in NEMO and EDA-1 genes, respectively, and show similarities in the cutaneous involvement but differences in the susceptibility to infections and immunological phenotype. Alterations in the transcription factor FOXN1 gene, expressed in the mature thymic and skin epithelia, are responsible for human and murine athymia and prevent the development of the T-cell compartment associated to ectodermal abnormalities such as alopecia and nail dystrophy. The association between developmental abnormalities of the skin and immunodeficiencies suggest a role of the skin as a primary lymphoid organ. Recently, it has been demonstrated that a co-culture of human skin-derived keratinocytes and fibroblasts, in the absence of thymic components, can support the survival of human haematopoietic stem cells and their differentiation into T-lineage committed cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta D'Assante
- a Department of Translational Medical Sciences , Federico II University , Naples , Italy
| | - Anna Fusco
- a Department of Translational Medical Sciences , Federico II University , Naples , Italy
| | - Loredana Palamaro
- a Department of Translational Medical Sciences , Federico II University , Naples , Italy
| | - Giuliana Giardino
- a Department of Translational Medical Sciences , Federico II University , Naples , Italy
| | - Vera Gallo
- a Department of Translational Medical Sciences , Federico II University , Naples , Italy
| | - Emilia Cirillo
- a Department of Translational Medical Sciences , Federico II University , Naples , Italy
| | - Claudio Pignata
- a Department of Translational Medical Sciences , Federico II University , Naples , Italy
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10
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Thymopentin enhances the generation of T-cell lineage derived from human embryonic stem cells in vitro. Exp Cell Res 2015; 331:387-98. [PMID: 25576384 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2014.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 12/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Thymopentin is a group of biologically active peptide secreted mainly by the epithelial cells of thymic cortex and medulla. Whether it promotes T cells production from human embryonic stem cells(hESCs) in vitro remains an elusive issue. In the present study, we develop a novel strategy that enhances T-cell lineage differentiation of hESCs in collagen matrix culture by sequential cytokine cocktails treatment combined with thymopentin stimulation. We observed that approximately 30.75% cells expressed CD34 on day 14 of the cultures and expressed the surface markers of erythroid, lymphoid and myeloid lineages. The results of colony assays and gene expressions by RT-PCR analysis also demonstrated that hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) derived from hESCs were capable of multi-lineage differentiation. Further study revealed that culturing with thymopentin treatment, the CD34(+)CD45RA(+)CD7(+) cells sorted from HPCs expressed T-cell-related genes, IKAROS, DNTT, TCRγ and TCRβ, and T-cell surface markers, CD3, cytoplasmic CD3, CD5, CD27, TCRγδ, CD4 and CD8. The differentiated cells produced the cytokines including IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-α in response to stimulation, providing the evidence for T-cell function of these cells. In conclusion, thymopentin enhances T-cell lineage differentiation from hESCs in vitro by mimicking thymus peptide environment in vivo.
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11
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Palamaro L, Romano R, Fusco A, Giardino G, Gallo V, Pignata C. FOXN1 in Organ Development and Human Diseases. Int Rev Immunol 2014; 33:83-93. [DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2013.870171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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12
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Fusco A, Panico L, Gorrese M, Bianchino G, Barone MV, Grieco V, Vitiello L, D’Assante R, Romano R, Palamaro L, Scalia G, Vecchio LD, Pignata C. Molecular evidence for a thymus-independent partial T cell development in a FOXN1-/- athymic human fetus. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81786. [PMID: 24349129 PMCID: PMC3857207 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is the primary organ able to support T cell ontogeny, abrogated in FOXN1(-/-) human athymia. Although evidence indicates that in animal models T lymphocytes may differentiate at extrathymic sites, whether this process is really thymus-independent has still to be clarified. In an athymic FOXN1(-/-) fetus, in which we previously described a total blockage of CD4(+) and partial blockage of CD8(+) cell development, we investigated whether intestine could play a role as extrathymic site of T-lymphopoiesis in humans. We document the presence of few extrathymically developed T lymphocytes and the presence in the intestine of CD3(+) and CD8(+), but not of CD4(+) cells, a few of them exhibiting a CD45RA(+) naïve phenotype. The expression of CD3εεpTα, RAG1 and RAG2 transcripts in the intestine and TCR gene rearrangement was also documented, thus indicating that in humans the partial T cell ontogeny occurring at extrathymic sites is a thymus- and FOXN1-independent process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fusco
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Panico
- Unit of Pathology, National Relevance Hospital “S.G. Moscati”, Avellino, Italy
| | - Marisa Gorrese
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Biotechnology–CEINGE, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Bianchino
- Molecular Oncology Unit, IRCCS, “Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata”, Rionero in Vulture, Pz, Italy
| | - Maria V. Barone
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Vitina Grieco
- Molecular Oncology Unit, IRCCS, “Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata”, Rionero in Vulture, Pz, Italy
| | - Laura Vitiello
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Pathology, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta D’Assante
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Romano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Loredana Palamaro
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Scalia
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Biotechnology–CEINGE, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Del Vecchio
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Biotechnology–CEINGE, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Pignata
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
- * E-mail:
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13
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Romano R, Palamaro L, Fusco A, Giardino G, Gallo V, Del Vecchio L, Pignata C. FOXN1: A Master Regulator Gene of Thymic Epithelial Development Program. Front Immunol 2013; 4:187. [PMID: 23874334 PMCID: PMC3709140 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell ontogeny is a sophisticated process, which takes place within the thymus through a series of well-defined discrete stages. The process requires a proper lympho-stromal interaction. In particular, cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells (cTECs, mTECs) drive T cell differentiation, education, and selection processes, while the thymocyte-dependent signals allow thymic epithelial cells (TECs) to maturate and provide an appropriate thymic microenvironment. Alterations in genes implicated in thymus organogenesis, including Tbx1, Pax1, Pax3, Pax9, Hoxa3, Eya1, and Six1, affect this well-orchestrated process, leading to disruption of thymic architecture. Of note, in both human and mice, the primordial TECs are yet unable to fully support T cell development and only after the transcriptional activation of the Forkhead-box n1 (FOXN1) gene in the thymic epithelium this essential function is acquired. FOXN1 is a master regulator in the TEC lineage specification in that it down-stream promotes transcription of genes, which, in turn, regulate TECs differentiation. In particular, FOXN1 mainly regulates TEC patterning in the fetal stage and TEC homeostasis in the post-natal thymus. An inborn null mutation in FOXN1 leads to Nude/severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) phenotype in mouse, rat, and humans. In Foxn1−/− nude animals, initial formation of the primordial organ is arrested and the primordium is not colonized by hematopoietic precursors, causing a severe primary T cell immunodeficiency. In humans, the Nude/SCID phenotype is characterized by congenital alopecia of the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes, nail dystrophy, and a severe T cell immunodeficiency, inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder. Aim of this review is to summarize all the scientific information so far available to better characterize the pivotal role of the master regulator FOXN1 transcription factor in the TEC lineage specifications and functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Romano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, "Federico II" University , Naples , Italy
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