1
|
Sipos F, Műzes G. Colonic Tuft Cells: The Less-Recognized Therapeutic Targets in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6209. [PMID: 38892399 PMCID: PMC11172904 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Tuft cells are more than guardian chemosensory elements of the digestive tract. They produce a variety of immunological effector molecules in response to stimulation; moreover, they are essential for defense against protozoa and nematodes. Beyond the description of their characteristics, this review aims to elucidate the potential pathogenic and therapeutic roles of colonic tuft cells in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, focusing on their primarily immunomodulatory action. Regarding inflammatory bowel disease, tuft cells are implicated in both maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier and in tissue repair and regeneration processes. In addition to maintaining intestinal homeostasis, they display complex immune-regulatory functions. During the development of colorectal cancer, tuft cells can promote the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, alter the gastrointestinal microenvironment, and modulate both the anti-tumor immune response and the tumor microenvironment. A wide variety of their biological functions can be targeted for anti-inflammatory or anti-tumor therapies; however, the adverse side effects of immunomodulatory actions must be strictly considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Sipos
- Immunology Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Györgyi Műzes
- Immunology Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Silverman JB, Vega PN, Tyska MJ, Lau KS. Intestinal Tuft Cells: Morphology, Function, and Implications for Human Health. Annu Rev Physiol 2024; 86:479-504. [PMID: 37863104 PMCID: PMC11193883 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-042022-030310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Tuft cells are a rare and morphologically distinct chemosensory cell type found throughout many organs, including the gastrointestinal tract. These cells were identified by their unique morphologies distinguished by large apical protrusions. Ultrastructural data have begun to describe the molecular underpinnings of their cytoskeletal features, and tuft cell-enriched cytoskeletal proteins have been identified, although the connection of tuft cell morphology to tuft cell functionality has not yet been established. Furthermore, tuft cells display variations in function and identity between and within tissues, leading to the delineation of distinct tuft cell populations. As a chemosensory cell type, they display receptors that are responsive to ligands specific for their environment. While many studies have demonstrated the tuft cell response to protists and helminths in the intestine, recent research has highlighted other roles of tuft cells as well as implicated tuft cells in other disease processes including inflammation, cancer, and viral infections. Here, we review the literature on the cytoskeletal structure of tuft cells. Additionally, we focus on new research discussing tuft cell lineage, ligand-receptor interactions, tuft cell tropism, and the role of tuft cells in intestinal disease. Finally, we discuss the implication of tuft cell-targeted therapies in human health and how the morphology of tuft cells may contribute to their functionality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer B Silverman
- Epithelial Biology Center and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; ,
| | - Paige N Vega
- Epithelial Biology Center and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; ,
| | - Matthew J Tyska
- Epithelial Biology Center and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; ,
| | - Ken S Lau
- Epithelial Biology Center and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; ,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang H, Huang YX, Xiong PY, Li JQ, Chen JL, Liu X, Gong YJ, Ding WJ. Possible connection between intestinal tuft cells, ILC2s and obesity. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1266667. [PMID: 38283340 PMCID: PMC10811205 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1266667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Intestinal tuft cells (TCs) are defined as chemosensory cells that can "taste" danger and induce immune responses. They play a critical role in gastrointestinal parasite invasion, inflammatory bowel diseases and high-fat diet-induced obesity. Intestinal IL-25, the unique product of TCs, is a key activator of type 2 immunity, especially to promote group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) to secret IL-13. Then the IL-13 mainly promotes intestinal stem cell (ISCs) proliferation into TCs and goblet cells. This pathway formulates the circuit in the intestine. This paper focuses on the potential role of the intestinal TC, ILC2 and their circuit in obesity-induced intestinal damage, and discussion on further study and the potential therapeutic target in obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yang
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu-Xing Huang
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Pei-Yu Xiong
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin-Qian Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ji-Lan Chen
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan-Ju Gong
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei-Jun Ding
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jang B, Kim H, Lee S, Won Y, Kaji I, Coffey RJ, Choi E, Goldenring JR. Dynamic tuft cell expansion during gastric metaplasia and dysplasia. J Pathol Clin Res 2024; 10:e352. [PMID: 38117182 PMCID: PMC10766036 DOI: 10.1002/cjp2.352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Tuft cells are chemosensory cells associated with luminal homeostasis, immune response, and tumorigenesis in the gastrointestinal tract. We aimed to elucidate alterations in tuft cell populations during gastric atrophy and tumorigenesis in humans with correlative comparison to relevant mouse models. Tuft cell distribution was determined in human stomachs from organ donors and in gastric pathologies including Ménétrier's disease, Helicobacter pylori gastritis, intestinal metaplasia (IM), and gastric tumors. Tuft cell populations were examined in Lrig1-KrasG12D , Mist1-KrasG12D , and MT-TGFα mice. Tuft cells were evenly distributed throughout the entire normal human stomach, primarily concentrated in the isthmal region in the fundus. Ménétrier's disease stomach showed increased tuft cells. Similarly, Lrig1-Kras mice and mice overexpressing TGFα showed marked foveolar hyperplasia and expanded tuft cell populations. Human stomach with IM or dysplasia also showed increased tuft cell numbers. Similarly, Mist1-Kras mice had increased numbers of tuft cells during metaplasia and dysplasia development. In human gastric cancers, tuft cells were rarely observed, but showed positive associations with well-differentiated lesions. In mouse gastric cancer xenografts, tuft cells were restricted to dysplastic well-differentiated mucinous cysts and were lost in less differentiated cancers. Taken together, tuft cell populations increased in atrophic human gastric pathologies, metaplasia, and dysplasia, but were decreased in gastric cancers. Similar findings were observed in mouse models, suggesting that, while tuft cells are associated with precancerous pathologies, their loss is most associated with the progression to invasive cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bogun Jang
- Section of Surgical SciencesVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
- Jeju National University College of MedicineJejuRepublic of Korea
- Department of PathologyJeju National University HospitalJejuRepublic of Korea
| | - Hyesung Kim
- Section of Surgical SciencesVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
- Jeju National University College of MedicineJejuRepublic of Korea
- Department of Cell and Developmental BiologyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Su‐Hyung Lee
- Section of Surgical SciencesVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
- Epithelial Biology CenterVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Yoonkyung Won
- Section of Surgical SciencesVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
- Epithelial Biology CenterVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Izumi Kaji
- Section of Surgical SciencesVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
- Department of Cell and Developmental BiologyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
- Epithelial Biology CenterVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Robert J Coffey
- Epithelial Biology CenterVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
- Department of Internal MedicineVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Eunyoung Choi
- Section of Surgical SciencesVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
- Department of Cell and Developmental BiologyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
- Epithelial Biology CenterVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
| | - James R Goldenring
- Section of Surgical SciencesVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
- Department of Cell and Developmental BiologyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
- Epithelial Biology CenterVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
- Nashville VA Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Posta E, Fekete I, Gyarmati E, Stündl L, Zold E, Barta Z. The Effects of Artificial Sweeteners on Intestinal Nutrient-Sensing Receptors: Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde? Life (Basel) 2023; 14:10. [PMID: 38276259 PMCID: PMC10817473 DOI: 10.3390/life14010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The consumption of artificial and low-calorie sweeteners (ASs, LCSs) is an important component of the Western diet. ASs play a role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, dysbiosis, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), and various inflammatory conditions. Intestinal nutrient-sensing receptors act as a crosstalk between dietary components, the gut microbiota, and the regulation of immune, endocrinological, and neurological responses. This narrative review aimed to summarize the possible effects of ASs and LCSs on intestinal nutrient-sensing receptors and their related functions. Based on the findings of various studies, long-term AS consumption has effects on the gut microbiota and intestinal nutrient-sensing receptors in modulating incretin hormones, antimicrobial peptides, and cytokine secretion. These effects contribute to the regulation of glucose metabolism, ion transport, gut permeability, and inflammation and modulate the gut-brain, and gut-kidney axes. Based on the conflicting findings of several in vitro, in vivo, and randomized and controlled studies, artificial sweeteners may have a role in the pathogenesis of IBDs, functional bowel diseases, metabolic syndrome, and cancers via the modulation of nutrient-sensing receptors. Further studies are needed to explore the exact mechanisms underlying their effects to decide the risk/benefit ratio of sugar intake reduction via AS and LCS consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edit Posta
- GI Unit, Department of Infectology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Bartok Bela Street 2-26, 4031 Debrecen, Hungary; (E.G.); (Z.B.)
| | - Istvan Fekete
- Institute of Food Technology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (I.F.); (L.S.)
| | - Eva Gyarmati
- GI Unit, Department of Infectology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Bartok Bela Street 2-26, 4031 Debrecen, Hungary; (E.G.); (Z.B.)
- Doctoral School of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Blvd. 98, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Stündl
- Institute of Food Technology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (I.F.); (L.S.)
| | - Eva Zold
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Móricz Zsigmond Str. 22, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Zsolt Barta
- GI Unit, Department of Infectology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Bartok Bela Street 2-26, 4031 Debrecen, Hungary; (E.G.); (Z.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sun J, Li MX, Xie YM, Zhang YR, Chai YR. Thymic tuft cells: potential "regulators" of non-mucosal tissue development and immune response. Immunol Res 2023; 71:554-564. [PMID: 36961668 PMCID: PMC10037390 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-023-09372-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
As the leading central immune organ, the thymus is where T cells differentiate and mature, and plays an essential regulatory role in the adaptive immune response. Tuft cells, as chemosensory cells, were first found in rat tracheal epithelial, later gradually confirmed to exist in various mucosal and non-mucosal tissues. Although tuft cells are epithelial-derived, because of their wide heterogeneity, they show functions similar to cholinergic and immune cells in addition to chemosensory ability. As newly discovered non-mucosal tuft cells, thymic tuft cells have been demonstrated to be involved in and play vital roles in immune responses such as antigen presentation, immune tolerance, and type 2 immunity. In addition to their unique functions in the thymus, thymic tuft cells have the characteristics of peripheral tuft cells, so they may also participate in the process of tumorigenesis and virus infection. Here, we review tuft cells' characteristics, distribution, and potential functions. More importantly, the potential role of thymic tuft cells in immune response, tumorigenesis, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) infection was summarized and discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Sun
- Medical School of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, People's Republic of China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Xin Li
- Medical School of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Meng Xie
- School of Fine Arts of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Ru Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Kexuedadao Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Rong Chai
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Kexuedadao Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gut Epithelial Inositol Polyphosphate Multikinase Alleviates Experimental Colitis via Governing Tuft Cell Homeostasis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 14:1235-1256. [PMID: 35988719 PMCID: PMC9579329 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Inositol polyphosphate multikinase (IPMK), an essential enzyme for inositol phosphate metabolism, has been known to mediate major biological events such as growth. Recent studies have identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the IPMK gene associated with inflammatory bowel disease predisposition. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the functional significance of IPMK in gut epithelium. METHODS We generated intestinal epithelial cell (IEC)-specific Ipmk knockout (IPMKΔIEC) mice, and assessed their vulnerability against dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis. Both bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing were performed to analyze IPMK-deficient colonic epithelial cells and colonic tuft cells. RESULTS Although IPMKΔIEC mice developed normally and showed no intestinal abnormalities during homeostasis, Ipmk deletion aggravated dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis, with higher clinical colitis scores, and increased epithelial barrier permeability. Surprisingly, Ipmk deletion led to a significant decrease in the number of tuft cells without influencing other IECs. Single-cell RNA sequencing of mouse colonic tuft cells showed 3 distinct populations of tuft cells, and further showed that a transcriptionally inactive population was expanded markedly in IPMKΔIEC mice, while neuronal-related cells were relatively decreased. CONCLUSIONS Cholinergic output from tuft cells is known to be critical for the restoration of intestinal architecture upon damage, supporting that tuft cell-defective IPMKΔIEC mice are more prone to colitis. Thus, intestinal epithelial IPMK is a critical regulator of colonic integrity and tissue regeneration by determining tuft cell homeostasis and affecting cholinergic output.
Collapse
|
8
|
Harris BT, Rajasekaran V, Blackmur JP, O'Callaghan A, Donnelly K, Timofeeva M, Vaughan-Shaw PG, Din FVN, Dunlop MG, Farrington SM. Transcriptional dynamics of colorectal cancer risk associated variation at 11q23.1 correlate with tuft cell abundance and marker expression in silico. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13609. [PMID: 35948568 PMCID: PMC9365857 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17887-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterised by heritable risk that is not well understood. Heritable, genetic variation at 11q23.1 is associated with increased colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, demonstrating eQTL effects on 3 cis- and 23 trans-eQTL targets. We sought to determine the relationship between 11q23.1 cis- and trans-eQTL target expression and test for potential cell-specificity. scRNAseq from 32,361 healthy colonic epithelial cells was aggregated and subject to weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). One module (blue) included 19 trans-eQTL targets and was correlated with POU2AF2 expression only. Following unsupervised clustering of single cells, the expression of 19 trans-eQTL targets was greatest and most variable in cluster number 11, which transcriptionally resembled tuft cells. 14 trans-eQTL targets were found to demarcate this cluster, 11 of which were corroborated in a second dataset. Intra-cluster WGCNA and module preservation analysis then identified twelve 11q23.1 trans-eQTL targets to comprise a network that was specific to cluster 11. Finally, linear modelling and differential abundance testing showed 11q23.1 trans-eQTL target expression was predictive of cluster 11 abundance. Our findings suggest 11q23.1 trans-eQTL targets comprise a POU2AF2-related network that is likely tuft cell-specific and reduced expression of these genes correlates with reduced tuft cell abundance in silico.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley T Harris
- Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Vidya Rajasekaran
- Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James P Blackmur
- Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alan O'Callaghan
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kevin Donnelly
- Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Maria Timofeeva
- Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Public Health, D-IAS, Danish Institute for Advanced Study, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Peter G Vaughan-Shaw
- Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Farhat V N Din
- Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Malcolm G Dunlop
- Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Susan M Farrington
- Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Although tuft cells were discovered over 60 years ago, their functions have long been enigmatic, especially in human health. Nonetheless, tuft cells have recently emerged as key orchestrators of the host response to diverse microbial infections in the gut and airway. While tuft cells are epithelial in origin, they exhibit functions akin to immune cells and mediate important interkingdom interactions between the host and helminths, protists, viruses, and bacteria. With broad intra- and intertissue heterogeneity, tuft cells sense and respond to microbes with exquisite specificity. Tuft cells can recognize helminth and protist infection, driving a type 2 immune response to promote parasite expulsion. Tuft cells also serve as the primary physiologic target of persistent murine norovirus (MNV) and promote immune evasion. Recently, tuft cells were also shown to be infected by rotavirus. Other viral infections, such as influenza A virus, can induce tuft cell–dependent tissue repair. In the context of coinfection, tuft cells promote neurotropic flavivirus replication by dampening antiviral adaptive immune responses. Commensal and pathogenic bacteria can regulate tuft cell abundance and function and, in turn, tuft cells are implicated in modulating bacterial infiltration and mucosal barrier integrity. However, the contribution of tuft cells to microbial sensing in humans and their resulting effector responses are poorly characterized. Herein, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of microbial activation of tuft cells with an emphasis on tuft cell heterogeneity and differences between mouse and human tuft cell biology as it pertains to human health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madison S. Strine
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Craig B. Wilen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- * E-mail: ,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hendel SK, Kellermann L, Hausmann A, Bindslev N, Jensen KB, Nielsen OH. Tuft Cells and Their Role in Intestinal Diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:822867. [PMID: 35237268 PMCID: PMC8884241 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.822867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The interests in intestinal epithelial tuft cells, their basic physiology, involvement in immune responses and relevance for gut diseases, have increased dramatically over the last fifteen years. A key discovery in 2016 of their close connection to helminthic and protozoan infection has further spurred the exploration of these rare chemosensory epithelial cells. Although very sparse in number, tuft cells are now known as important sentinels in the gastrointestinal tract as they monitor intestinal content using succinate as well as sweet and bitter taste receptors. Upon stimulation, tuft cells secrete a broad palette of effector molecules, including interleukin-25, prostaglandin E2 and D2, cysteinyl leukotriene C4, acetylcholine, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and β-endorphins, some of which with immunomodulatory functions. Tuft cells have proven indispensable in anti-helminthic and anti-protozoan immunity. Most studies on tuft cells are based on murine experiments using double cortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) as a marker, while human intestinal tuft cells can be identified by their expression of the cyclooxygenase-1 enzyme. So far, only few studies have examined tuft cells in humans and their relation to gut disease. Here, we present an updated view on intestinal epithelial tuft cells, their physiology, immunological hub function, and their involvement in human disease. We close with a discussion on how tuft cells may have potential therapeutic value in a clinical context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Kjærgaard Hendel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Sebastian Kjærgaard Hendel,
| | - Lauge Kellermann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Annika Hausmann
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Bindslev
- Department of Biomedical Sciences , University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim Bak Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ole Haagen Nielsen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rajeev S, Sosnowski O, Li S, Allain T, Buret AG, McKay DM. Enteric Tuft Cells in Host-Parasite Interactions. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091163. [PMID: 34578195 PMCID: PMC8467374 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteric tuft cells are chemosensory epithelial cells gaining attention in the field of host-parasite interactions. Expressing a repertoire of chemosensing receptors and mediators, these cells have the potential to detect lumen-dwelling helminth and protozoan parasites and coordinate epithelial, immune, and neuronal cell defenses against them. This review highlights the versatility of enteric tuft cells and sub-types thereof, showcasing nuances of tuft cell responses to different parasites, with a focus on helminths reflecting the current state of the field. The role of enteric tuft cells in irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal viral infection is assessed in the context of concomitant infection with parasites. Finally, the review presents pertinent questions germane to understanding the enteric tuft cell and its role in enteric parasitic infections. There is much to be done to fully elucidate the response of this intriguing cell type to parasitic-infection and there is negligible data on the biology of the human enteric tuft cell—a glaring gap in knowledge that must be filled.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sruthi Rajeev
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (S.R.); (S.L.)
- Inflammation Research Network and Host-Parasite Interaction Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (O.S.); (T.A.); (A.G.B.)
| | - Olivia Sosnowski
- Inflammation Research Network and Host-Parasite Interaction Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (O.S.); (T.A.); (A.G.B.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Shuhua Li
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (S.R.); (S.L.)
- Inflammation Research Network and Host-Parasite Interaction Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (O.S.); (T.A.); (A.G.B.)
| | - Thibault Allain
- Inflammation Research Network and Host-Parasite Interaction Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (O.S.); (T.A.); (A.G.B.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - André G. Buret
- Inflammation Research Network and Host-Parasite Interaction Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (O.S.); (T.A.); (A.G.B.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Derek M. McKay
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (S.R.); (S.L.)
- Inflammation Research Network and Host-Parasite Interaction Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (O.S.); (T.A.); (A.G.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-403-220-7362
| |
Collapse
|