1
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Fernbach S, Mair NK, Abela IA, Groen K, Kuratli R, Lork M, Thorball CW, Bernasconi E, Filippidis P, Leuzinger K, Notter J, Rauch A, Hirsch HH, Huber M, Günthard HF, Fellay J, Kouyos RD, Hale BG. Loss of tolerance precedes triggering and lifelong persistence of pathogenic type I interferon autoantibodies. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20240365. [PMID: 39017930 PMCID: PMC11253716 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20240365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoantibodies neutralizing type I interferons (IFN-Is) can underlie infection severity. Here, we trace the development of these autoantibodies at high-resolution using longitudinal samples from 1,876 well-treated individuals living with HIV over a 35-year period. Similar to general populations, ∼1.9% of individuals acquired anti-IFN-I autoantibodies as they aged (median onset ∼63 years). Once detected, anti-IFN-I autoantibodies persisted lifelong, and titers increased over decades. Individuals developed distinct neutralizing and non-neutralizing autoantibody repertoires at discrete times that selectively targeted combinations of IFNα, IFNβ, and IFNω. Emergence of neutralizing anti-IFNα autoantibodies correlated with reduced baseline IFN-stimulated gene levels and was associated with subsequent susceptibility to severe COVID-19 several years later. Retrospective measurements revealed enrichment of pre-existing autoreactivity against other autoantigens in individuals who later developed anti-IFN-I autoantibodies, and there was evidence for prior viral infections or increased IFN at the time of anti-IFN-I autoantibody triggering. These analyses suggest that age-related loss of self-tolerance prior to IFN-I immune-triggering poses a risk of developing lifelong functional IFN-I deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Fernbach
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nina K. Mair
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Irene A. Abela
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Groen
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger Kuratli
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marie Lork
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian W. Thorball
- Precision Medicine Unit, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Enos Bernasconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale Lugano, University of Geneva and University of Southern Switzerland, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Paraskevas Filippidis
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Julia Notter
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Infection Prevention and Travel Medicine, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Andri Rauch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hans H. Hirsch
- Department of Biomedicine, Transplantation and Clinical Virology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Huber
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Huldrych F. Günthard
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jacques Fellay
- Precision Medicine Unit, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Roger D. Kouyos
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin G. Hale
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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2
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Xu Y, He C, Xi Y, Zhang Y, Bai Y. Gut microbiota and immunosenescence in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 104-105:32-45. [PMID: 39127266 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2024.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is generally defined as a disease of aging. With aging, the composition, diversity and functional characteristics of the gut microbiota occur changes, with a decline of beneficial commensal microbes triggered by intrinsic and extrinsic factors (e.g., diet, drugs and chronic health conditions). Nowadays, dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is recognized as a hallmark of cancer. At the same time, aging is accompanied by changes in innate and adaptive immunity, known as immunosenescence, as well as chronic low-grade inflammation, known as inflammaging. The elevated cancer incidence and mortality in the elderly are linked with aging-associated alterations in the gut microbiota that elicit systemic metabolic alterations, leading to immune dysregulation with potentially tumorigenic effects. The gut microbiota and immunosenescence might both affect the response to treatment in cancer patients. In-depth understanding of age-associated alterations in the gut microbiota and immunity will shed light on the risk of cancer development and progression in the elderly. Here, we describe the aging-associated changes of the gut microbiota in cancer, and review the evolving understanding of the gut microbiota-targeted intervention strategies. Furthermore, we summarize the knowledge on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of immunosenescence and its impact on cancer. Finally, we discuss the latest knowledge about the relationships between gut microbiota and immunosenescence, with implications for cancer therapy. Intervention strategies targeting the gut microbiota may attenuate inflammaging and rejuvenate immune function to provide antitumor benefits in elderly patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaozheng Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110136, China; Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning 110136, China.
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China.
| | - Ying Xi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110136, China; Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning 110136, China.
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110136, China; Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning 110136, China.
| | - Yibo Bai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110136, China; Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning 110136, China.
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3
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Kuo JF, Wu HY, Tung CW, Huang WH, Lin CS, Wang CC. Induction of Thymus Atrophy and Disruption of Thymocyte Development by Fipronil through Dysregulation of IL-7-Associated Genes. Chem Res Toxicol 2024. [PMID: 39141674 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.4c00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
The susceptibility of the immune system to immunotoxic chemicals is evident, particularly in the thymus, a vital primary immune organ prone to atrophy due to exposure to toxicants. Fipronil (FPN), a widely used insecticide, is of concern due to its potential neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and immunotoxicity. Our previous study showed that FPN disturbed the antigen-specific T-cell functionality in vivo. As T-cell lineage commitment and thymopoiesis are closely interconnected with the normal function of the T-cell-mediated immune responses, this study aims to further examine the toxic effects of FPN on thymocyte development. In this study, 4-week-old BALB/c mice received seven doses of FPN (1, 5, 10 mg/kg) by gavage. Thymus size, medulla/cortex ratio, total thymocyte counts, double-positive thymocyte population, and IL-7-positive cells decreased dose-dependently. IL-7 aids the differentiation of early T-cell precursors into mature T cells, and several essential genes contribute to the maturation of T cells in the thymus. Foxn1 ensures that the thymic microenvironment is suitable for the maturation of T-cell precursors. Lyl1 is involved in specifying lymphoid cells and maintaining T-cell development in the thymus. The c-Kit/SCF collaboration fosters a supportive thymic milieu to promote the formation of functional T cells. The expression of IL-7, IL-7R, c-Kit, SCF, Foxn1, and Lyl1 genes in the thymus was significantly diminished in FPN-treated groups with the concordance with the reduction of IL-7 signaling proteins (IL-7, IL-7R, c-KIT, SCF, LYL1, FOXO3A, and GABPA), suggesting that the dysregulation of T-cell lineage-related genes may contribute to the thymic atrophy induced by FPN. In addition, FPN disturbed the functionality of thymocytes with an increase of IL-4 and IFN-γ production and a decrease of IL-2 secretion after T-cell mitogen stimulation ex vivo. Collectively, FPN significantly deregulated genes related to T-cell progenitor differentiation, survival, and expansion, potentially leading to impaired thymopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Fang Kuo
- School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ying Wu
- Laboratory Animal Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Tung
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsiang Huang
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Si Lin
- School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chi Wang
- School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
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4
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Li H, Lin S, Wang Y, Shi Y, Fang X, Wang J, Cui H, Bian Y, Qi X. Immunosenescence: A new direction in anti-aging research. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 141:112900. [PMID: 39137628 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112900] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
The immune system is a major regulatory system of the body, that is composed of immune cells, immune organs, and related signaling factors. As an organism ages, observable age-related changes in the function of the immune system accumulate in a process described as 'immune aging. Research has shown that the impact of aging on immunity is detrimental, with various dysregulated responses that affect the function of immune cells at the cellular level. For example, increased aging has been shown to result in the abnormal chemotaxis of neutrophils and decreased phagocytosis of macrophages. Age-related diminished functionality of immune cell types has direct effects on host fitness, leading to poorer responses to vaccination, more inflammation and tissue damage, as well as autoimmune disorders and the inability to control infections. Similarly, age impacts the function of the immune system at the organ level, resulting in decreased hematopoietic function in the bone marrow, a gradual deficiency of catalase in the thymus, and thymic atrophy, resulting in reduced production of related immune cells such as B cells and T cells, further increasing the risk of autoimmune disorders in the elderly. As the immune function of the body weakens, aging cells and inflammatory factors cannot be cleared, resulting in a cycle of increased inflammation that accumulates over time. Cumulatively, the consequences of immune aging increase the likelihood of developing age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis, among others. Therefore, targeting the age-related changes that occur within cells of the immune system might be an effective anti-aging strategy. In this article, we summarize the relevant literature on immune aging research, focusing on its impact on aging, in hopes of providing new directions for anti-aging research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanzhou Li
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Shan Lin
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuming Wang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuexuan Shi
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xixing Fang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Jida Wang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Huantian Cui
- Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan, China.
| | - Yuhong Bian
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
| | - Xin Qi
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China.
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5
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Shane DX, Konovalova DM, Rajendran H, Yuan SY, Ma Y. Glucocorticoids impair T lymphopoiesis after myocardial infarction. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 327:H533-H544. [PMID: 38995212 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00195.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The thymus, where T lymphocytes develop and mature, is sensitive to insults such as tissue ischemia or injury. The insults can cause thymic atrophy and compromise T-cell development, potentially impairing adaptive immunity. The objective of this study was to investigate whether myocardial infarction (MI) induces thymic injury to impair T lymphopoiesis and to uncover the underlying mechanisms. When compared with sham controls, MI mice at day 7 post-MI exhibited smaller thymus, lower cellularity, as well as less thymocytes at different developmental stages, indicative of T-lymphopoiesis impairment following MI. Accordingly, the spleen of MI mice has less T cells and recent thymic emigrants (RTEs), implying that the thymus of MI mice releases fewer mature thymocytes than sham controls. Interestingly, the secretory function of splenic T cells was not affected by MI. Further experiments showed that the reduction of thymocytes in MI mice was due to increased thymocyte apoptosis. Removal of adrenal glands by adrenalectomy (ADX) prevented MI-induced thymic injury and dysfunction, whereas corticosterone supplementation in ADX + MI mice reinduced thymic injury and dysfunction, indicating that glucocorticoids mediate thymic damage triggered by MI. Eosinophils play essential roles in thymic regeneration postirradiation, and eosinophil-deficient mice exhibit impaired thymic recovery after sublethal irradiation. Interestingly, the thymus was fully regenerated in both wild-type and eosinophil-deficient mice at day 14 post-MI, suggesting that eosinophils are not critical for thymus regeneration post-MI. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that MI-induced glucocorticoids trigger thymocyte apoptosis and impair T lymphopoiesis, resulting in less mature thymocyte release to the spleen.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The thymus is essential for maintaining whole body T-cell output. Thymic injury can adversely affect T lymphopoiesis and T-cell immune response. This study demonstrates that MI induces thymocyte apoptosis and compromises T lymphopoiesis, resulting in fewer releases of mature thymocytes to the spleen. This process is mediated by glucocorticoids secreted by adrenal glands. Therefore, targeting glucocorticoids represents a novel approach to attenuate post-MI thymic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle X Shane
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Daria M Konovalova
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Harishkumar Rajendran
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Sarah Y Yuan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Yonggang Ma
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, United States
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6
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Pathak S, Hogan T, Rane S, Huang Y, Sinclair C, Barry S, Carnevalli L, Yates A, Seddon B. A linear ontogeny accounts for the development of naive, memory and tumour-infiltrating regulatory T cells in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.10.602914. [PMID: 39071363 PMCID: PMC11275882 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.10.602914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Foxp3 + Regulatory T cells (Treg) are a subset of CD4 + T cells that play critical functions in maintaining tolerance to self antigens and suppressing autoimmunity, regulating immune responses to pathogens and have a role in the pathophysiology of anti-tumoural immunity. Treg ontogeny is complex since they are generated following recognition of self antigens in the thymus during normal T cell development (thymic Treg), but are also induced from mature conventional T cells when activated by foreign antigen with appropriate additional cues (inducible Treg). How these distinct ontogenic pathways contribute to the maintenance and function of the mature Treg compartment in health and disease remains unclear. Here, we use a combination of fate mapping approaches in mice to map the ontogeny of Treg subsets throughout life and estimate rates of production, loss and self-renewal. We find that naive and effector/memory (EM) Treg subsets exhibit distinct dynamics but are both continuously replenished by de novo generation throughout life. Using an inducible Foxp3-dependent Cre fate reporter system, we show that naive Treg and not conventional T cells, are the predominant precursors of EM Treg in adults. Tonic development of new EM Treg is not influenced by foreign antigens from commensals, rather suggesting a role for self recognition. To investigate the ontogeny of Treg development in malignant disease, we used the same fate reporter systems to characterise the Treg infiltrate of three different model tumours. In all three cases, we found that Treg derived from pre-existing, EM Treg. Together, these results reveal a predominantly linear pathway of Treg development from thymic origin to EM Treg associated with pathophysiology of malignant disease, that is driven by self antigen recognition throughout.
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Kologrivova IV, Naryzhnaya NV, Suslova TE. Thymus in Cardiometabolic Impairments and Atherosclerosis: Not a Silent Player? Biomedicines 2024; 12:1408. [PMID: 39061983 PMCID: PMC11273826 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The thymus represents a primary organ of the immune system, harboring the generation and maturation of T lymphocytes. Starting from childhood, the thymus undergoes involution, being replaced with adipose tissue, and by an advanced age nearly all the thymus parenchyma is represented by adipocytes. This decline of thymic function is associated with compromised maturation and selection of T lymphocytes, which may directly impact the development of inflammation and induce various autoinflammatory disorders, including atherosclerosis. For a long time, thymus health in adults has been ignored. The process of adipogenesis in thymus and impact of thymic fat on cardiometabolism remains a mysterious process, with many issues being still unresolved. Meanwhile, thymus functional activity has a potential to be regulated, since islets of thymopoeisis remain in adults even at an advanced age. The present review describes the intricate process of thymic adipose involution, focusing on the issues of the thymus' role in the development of atherosclerosis and metabolic health, tightly interconnected with the state of vessels. We also review the recent information on the key molecular pathways and biologically active substances that may be targeted to manipulate both thymic function and atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina V. Kologrivova
- Cardiology Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 111A Kievskaya, Tomsk 634012, Russia; (N.V.N.); (T.E.S.)
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Hasan A, Macias JJ, Wood B, Malone-Perez M, Park G, Foster CA, Frazer JK. Dynamic Changes in Lymphocyte Populations Establish Zebrafish as a Thymic Involution Model. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:1733-1743. [PMID: 38656392 PMCID: PMC11163880 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is the site of T lymphocyte development and T cell education to recognize foreign, but not self, Ags. B cells also reside and develop in the thymus, although their functions are less clear. During "thymic involution," a process of lymphoid atrophy and adipose replacement linked to sexual maturation, thymocytes decline. However, thymic B cells decrease far less than T cells, such that B cells comprise ∼1% of human neonatal thymocytes but up to ∼10% in adults. All jawed vertebrates possess a thymus, and we and others have shown zebrafish (Danio rerio) also have thymic B cells. In this article, we investigated the precise identities of zebrafish thymic T and B cells and how they change with involution. We assessed the timing and specific details of zebrafish thymic involution using multiple lymphocyte-specific, fluorophore-labeled transgenic lines, quantifying the changes in thymic T- and B-lymphocytes pre- versus postinvolution. Our results prove that, as in humans, zebrafish thymic B cells increase relative to T cells postinvolution. We also performed RNA sequencing on D. rerio thymic and marrow lymphocytes of four novel double-transgenic lines, identifying distinct populations of immature T and B cells. Collectively, this is, to our knowledge, the first comprehensive analysis of zebrafish thymic involution, demonstrating its similarity to human involution and establishing the highly genetically manipulatable zebrafish model as a template for involution studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameera Hasan
- Dept. of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jose J. Macias
- Dept. of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Brashé Wood
- Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, and University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Megan Malone-Perez
- Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, and University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Gilseung Park
- Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Clay A. Foster
- Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, and University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - J. Kimble Frazer
- Dept. of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, and University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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9
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Liu T, Xia S. The Proteostasis of Thymic Stromal Cells in Health and Diseases. Protein J 2024; 43:447-463. [PMID: 38622349 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-024-10197-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is the key immune organ for the development of T cells. Different populations of thymic stromal cells interact with T cells, thereby controlling the dynamic development of T cells through their differentiation and function. Proteostasis represents a balance between protein expression, folding, and modification and protein clearance, and its fluctuation usually depends at least partially on related protein regulatory systems for further survival and effects. However, in terms of the substantial requirement for self-antigens and their processing burden, increasing evidence highlights that protein regulation contributes to the physiological effects of thymic stromal cells. Impaired proteostasis may expedite the progression of thymic involution and dysfunction, accompanied by the development of autoimmune diseases or thymoma. Hence, in this review, we summarize the regulation of proteostasis within different types of thymic stromal cells under physiological and pathological conditions to identify potential targets for thymic regeneration and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301, Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Sheng Xia
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301, Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China.
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10
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Mehta RS, Petersdorf EW, Spellman SR, Lee SJ. Combined effect of unrelated donor age and HLA peptide-binding motif match status on HCT outcomes. Blood Adv 2024; 8:2235-2242. [PMID: 38467032 PMCID: PMC11061210 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2024012669] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT An HLA-mismatched unrelated donor who is class I peptide-binding motif (PBM)-matched is preferred over a PBM-mismatched donor. We hypothesized that using a younger donor (aged ≤35 years vs >35 years) could compensate for the inferior overall survival (OS) associated with PBM mismatches. We compared 6 groups: HLA-matched/younger donor (n = 10 531), HLA-matched/older donor (n = 3572), PBM-matched/younger donor (n = 357), PBM-matched/older donor (n = 257), PBM-mismatched/younger donor (n = 616), and PBM-mismatched/older donor (n = 339) in patients undergoing transplantation with conventional graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis. In multivariate analysis, HLA-matched/younger donors were associated with superior OS relative to any other group. Pairwise comparisons showed that donor age significantly impacted OS in both HLA-matched and HLA-mismatched groups. Moreover, younger donors appeared to negate the detrimental effect of PBM mismatching: the PBM-matched/younger donor group had similar OS as the HLA-matched/older donor group and the PBM-mismatched/younger donor group had similar OS as the PBM-matched/older donor group. Our study suggests that older unrelated donor age and PBM mismatching confer similarly adverse effects on OS and the impacts are additive, a finding which may widen the "acceptable" donor pool. The best OS is observed with HLA-matched/younger donors and the worst with PBM-mismatched/older donors. These findings should be validated with other data sets and with posttransplantation cyclophosphamide-based prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohtesh S. Mehta
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Effie W. Petersdorf
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- Division of Translational Science and Therapeutics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Stephen R. Spellman
- Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, National Marrow Donor Program, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Stephanie J. Lee
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, National Marrow Donor Program, Minneapolis, MN
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11
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Morales-Hernández A. Patrolling progenitors: a first responder team. Blood 2024; 143:1883-1884. [PMID: 38722657 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2024024443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
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12
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Jun L, Lanwei Z, Jiayi W, Xinsheng Y. A New Immunological Index for the Elderly: High Proportion of Multiple TCR T Cells Based on scRNA-Seq. Aging Dis 2024; 15:948-950. [PMID: 38722790 PMCID: PMC11081166 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0509-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Li Jun
- Department of Immunology, Center of Immunomolecular Engineering, Innovation & Practice Base for Graduate Students Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Zhu Lanwei
- Department of Immunology, Center of Immunomolecular Engineering, Innovation & Practice Base for Graduate Students Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Wang Jiayi
- Department of Immunology, Center of Immunomolecular Engineering, Innovation & Practice Base for Graduate Students Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yao Xinsheng
- Department of Immunology, Center of Immunomolecular Engineering, Innovation & Practice Base for Graduate Students Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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13
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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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14
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Sun K, Wu C, Kong Q, Hu J, Shi L, Pi Y, Suolitiken D, Cui T, Chen L, He X, Song Z, Wu L, Wang J, Wang Z. Lymphocytes in Patients with Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Disease Exhibited Elevated PD-1/PD-L1 Expression and a Prevailing Th2 Immune Response. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2024; 16:e2024037. [PMID: 38882461 PMCID: PMC11178049 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2024.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background And Objectives Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus disease (CAEBV) is a proliferative disease of EBV+ T or natural killer (NK) cells with an unclear pathogenesis. This study aimed to examine the frequency and exhaustion levels of lymphocyte subsets in patients with CAEBV to further investigate the pathogenesis. Methods Using flow cytometry, we detected the frequency, expression levels of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and EBV infection status of peripheral T subsets and NK cells in patients with CAEBV and healthy individuals. Results 24 patients and 15 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. Patients showed notably higher expression levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 in peripheral T subsets and NK cells compared to healthy individuals (P < 0.05). EBV+ lymphocytes exhibited significantly higher PD-L1 expression levels than EBV- lymphocytes. Additionally, the frequency of effector memory T (Tem) cells was significantly increased in patients, and the PD-L1 expression level was positively correlated with the EBV load. Besides, helper T cell 2 (Th2) immune bias, also favoring EBV amplification, was found in patients, including increased Th2 cell frequency, enhanced response capacity, and elevated serum levels of associated cytokines. The distribution and PD-1 expression levels of peripheral T subsets returned to normal in patients who responded to PD-1 blockade therapy. Conclusions The up-regulation of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway of peripheral T and NK cells and Th2 immune predominance jointly promoted EBV replication and the development of CAEBV. PD-1 blockade therapy reduced the PD-1 expression level of lymphocytes and helped normalize the distribution of the T subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Sun
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chaofan Wu
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Kong
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Junxia Hu
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Shi
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yubo Pi
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dina Suolitiken
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Cui
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Leilei Chen
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodan He
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengyang Song
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Wu
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingshi Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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15
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Jiang Y, Lin Y, Yang C, He P, Liu Z, Wang H, Zhong R, Huang L, Li Z, Xu F, Lin X, Liu J, Xu X, Li S, Cui F, Wang W, Liang W, Zhao L, Hu J, Li B, Chen D, Tang W, Chen C, Fu J, Leng X, Pang D, He J, Liang H. Spatiotemporal distribution of mediastinal neoplasms: A comprehensive multi-center study. Lung Cancer 2024; 191:107558. [PMID: 38569278 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2024.107558] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mediastinal neoplasms are typical but uncommon thoracic diseases with increasing incidence and unfavorable prognoses. A comprehensive understanding of their spatiotemporal distribution is essential for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. However, previous studies are limited in scale and data coverage. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the distribution of mediastinal lesions, offering valuable insights into this disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS This multi-center, hospital-based observational study included 20 nationwide institutions. A retrospective search of electronic medical records from January 1st, 2009, to December 31st, 2020, was conducted, collecting sociodemographic data, computed tomography images, and pathologic diagnoses. Analysis focused on age, sex, time, location, and geographical region. Comparative assessments were made with global data from a multi-center database. RESULTS Among 7,765 cases, thymomas (30.7%), benign mediastinal cysts (23.4%), and neurogenic tumors (10.0%) were predominant. Distribution varied across mediastinal compartments, with thymomas (39.6%), benign cysts (28.1%), and neurogenic tumors (51.9%) most prevalent in the prevascular, visceral, and paravertebral mediastinum, respectively. Age-specific variations were notable, with germ cell tumors prominent in patients under 18 and aged 18-29, while thymomas were more common in patients over 30. The composition of mediastinal lesions across different regions of China remained relatively consistent, but it differs from that of the global population. CONCLUSION This study revealed significant heterogeneity in the spatiotemporal distribution of mediastinal neoplasms. These findings provide useful demographic data when considering the differential diagnosis of mediastinal lesions, and would be beneficial for tailoring disease prevention and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yuechun Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Ping He
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Zhichao Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Haixuan Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Ran Zhong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Linchong Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Zhigang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Fuhao Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xu Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Shuben Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Fei Cui
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Wenhua Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511495, China
| | - Jian Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Donglai Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenfang Tang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongshan City People's Hospital, Zhongshan 528403, China
| | - Chun Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350000, China
| | - Junke Fu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Xuefeng Leng
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dazhi Pang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518004, China
| | - Jianxing He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Hengrui Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou 510120, China.
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16
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Pejon TMM, Pereira GB, de Castro CA, Anibal FDF, Beck WR. Effects of 12 Weeks of Daily Melatonin Administration on Inflammatory Markers and Adipose Tissue Mass of Rats under Hypoestrogenism. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:740. [PMID: 38792922 PMCID: PMC11122738 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The hormonal state of hypoestrogenism is associated with the accumulation of white adipose tissue, which can induce an increase in pro-inflammatory markers, leading to progressive health complications. Melatonin can act on adipose tissue mass, promoting its reduction and influencing inflammation, reducing IL-6 and releasing IL-10, pro- and anti-inflammatory markers, respectively. However, the role of melatonin regarding such parameters under the context of hypoestrogenism remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 12 weeks of hypoestrogenism and melatonin on white adipose tissue mass and circulating levels of IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β-1, and leukotriene C4 (LTC4). Materials and Methods: The animals (Wistar rats with sixteen weeks of age at the beginning of the experiment) under hypoestrogenism were submitted to the surgical technique of bilateral ovariectomy. The animals received melatonin (10 mg·kg-1) or vehicles by orogastric gavage every day for 12 weeks and administration occurred systematically 1 h after the beginning of the dark period. White adipose tissue (perigonadal, peritoneal, and subcutaneous) was collected for mass recording, while blood was collected for the serum determination of IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β-1, and LTC4. Results: Hypoestrogenism increased the perigonadal and subcutaneous mass and IL-6 levels. Melatonin kept hypoestrogenic animals in physiological conditions similar to the control group and increased thymus tissue mass. Conclusions: Hypoestrogenism appears to have a negative impact on white adipose tissue mass and IL-6 and although melatonin commonly exerts a significant effect in preventing these changes, this study did not have a sufficiently negative impact caused by hypoestrogenism for melatonin to promote certain benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taciane Maria Melges Pejon
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology and Physical Exercise, Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos 13565-905, Brazil;
| | - Guilherme Borges Pereira
- Laboratory of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos 13565-905, Brazil;
| | - Cynthia Aparecida de Castro
- Laboratory of Pathology and Biocompatibility, Department of Morphology and Pathology, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos 13565-905, Brazil;
| | - Fernanda de Freitas Anibal
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Infectious Diseases, Department of Morphology and Pathology, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos 13565-905, Brazil;
| | - Wladimir Rafael Beck
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology and Physical Exercise, Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos 13565-905, Brazil;
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17
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Yang ZL, Tian C, He J, Pan H, Ruan GP, Zhao J, Wang K, Pan XH, Zhu XQ. Whole-transcriptome profiling reveals potential biomarkers for the reversal of thymic epithelial cell senescence by umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:7009-7021. [PMID: 38637117 PMCID: PMC11087093 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205738] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reduced numbers and dysfunction of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are important factors of thymic degeneration. Previous studies have found that umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) reverse the structure and function of the senescent thymus in vivo. However, the transcriptomic regulation mechanism is unclear. METHODS TECs were cultured with H2O2 for 72 hours to induce senescence. UCMSCs were cocultured with senescent TECs for 48 hours to detect SA-β-gal, P16 and Ki67. The cocultured TECs were collected for lncRNA, mRNA and miRNA sequencing to establish a competitive endogenous regulatory network (ceRNA). And RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence staining, and western blot were used to identified key genes. RESULTS Our results showed that H2O2 induced TEC aging and that UCMSCs reversed these changes. Compared with those in aged TECs, 2260 DE mRNAs, 1033 DE lncRNAs and 67 DE miRNAs were differentially expressed, and these changes were reversed by coculturing the cells with UCMSCs. Differential mRNA enrichment analysis of ceRNA regulation revealed that the PI3K-AKT pathway was a significant signaling pathway. UCMSC coculture upregulated VEGFA, which is the upstream factor of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and the expression of the key proteins PI3K and AKT. Thus, the expression of the cell cycle suppressor P27, which is downstream of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, was downregulated, while the expression of the cell cycle regulators CDK2 and CCNE was upregulated. CONCLUSION UCMSC coculture upregulated the expression of VEGFA, activated the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, increased the expression of CDK2 and CCNE, decreased the expression of P27, and promoted the proliferation of TECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zai-Ling Yang
- The Basic Medical Laboratory of the 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, The Transfer Medicine Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy Technology of Yunan, The Integrated Engineering Laboratory of Cell Biological Medicine of State and Regions, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- The Second People’s Hospital of Guiyang, Medical Laboratory, Guiyang 550023, Guizhou, China
| | - Chuan Tian
- The Basic Medical Laboratory of the 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, The Transfer Medicine Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy Technology of Yunan, The Integrated Engineering Laboratory of Cell Biological Medicine of State and Regions, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Jie He
- The Basic Medical Laboratory of the 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, The Transfer Medicine Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy Technology of Yunan, The Integrated Engineering Laboratory of Cell Biological Medicine of State and Regions, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Hang Pan
- The Basic Medical Laboratory of the 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, The Transfer Medicine Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy Technology of Yunan, The Integrated Engineering Laboratory of Cell Biological Medicine of State and Regions, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Guang-Ping Ruan
- The Basic Medical Laboratory of the 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, The Transfer Medicine Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy Technology of Yunan, The Integrated Engineering Laboratory of Cell Biological Medicine of State and Regions, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- The Basic Medical Laboratory of the 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, The Transfer Medicine Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy Technology of Yunan, The Integrated Engineering Laboratory of Cell Biological Medicine of State and Regions, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Kai Wang
- The Basic Medical Laboratory of the 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, The Transfer Medicine Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy Technology of Yunan, The Integrated Engineering Laboratory of Cell Biological Medicine of State and Regions, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Xing-Hua Pan
- The Basic Medical Laboratory of the 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, The Transfer Medicine Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy Technology of Yunan, The Integrated Engineering Laboratory of Cell Biological Medicine of State and Regions, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiang-Qing Zhu
- The Basic Medical Laboratory of the 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, The Transfer Medicine Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy Technology of Yunan, The Integrated Engineering Laboratory of Cell Biological Medicine of State and Regions, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
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18
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Snijckers RPM, Foks AC. Adaptive immunity and atherosclerosis: aging at its crossroads. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1350471. [PMID: 38686373 PMCID: PMC11056569 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1350471] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Adaptive immunity plays a profound role in atherosclerosis pathogenesis by regulating antigen-specific responses, inflammatory signaling and antibody production. However, as we age, our immune system undergoes a gradual functional decline, a phenomenon termed "immunosenescence". This decline is characterized by a reduction in proliferative naïve B- and T cells, decreased B- and T cell receptor repertoire and a pro-inflammatory senescence associated secretory profile. Furthermore, aging affects germinal center responses and deteriorates secondary lymphoid organ function and structure, leading to impaired T-B cell dynamics and increased autoantibody production. In this review, we will dissect the impact of aging on adaptive immunity and the role played by age-associated B- and T cells in atherosclerosis pathogenesis, emphasizing the need for interventions that target age-related immune dysfunction to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda C. Foks
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
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19
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Lin TD, Rubinstein ND, Fong NL, Smith M, Craft W, Martin-McNulty B, Perry R, Delaney MA, Roy MA, Buffenstein R. Evolution of T cells in the cancer-resistant naked mole-rat. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3145. [PMID: 38605005 PMCID: PMC11009300 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47264-x] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Naked mole-rats (NMRs) are best known for their extreme longevity and cancer resistance, suggesting that their immune system might have evolved to facilitate these phenotypes. Natural killer (NK) and T cells have evolved to detect and destroy cells infected with pathogens and to provide an early response to malignancies. While it is known that NMRs lack NK cells, likely lost during evolution, little is known about their T-cell subsets in terms of the evolution of the genes that regulate their function, their clonotypic diversity, and the thymus where they mature. Here we find, using single-cell transcriptomics, that NMRs have a large circulating population of γδT cells, which in mice and humans mostly reside in peripheral tissues and induce anti-cancer cytotoxicity. Using single-cell-T-cell-receptor sequencing, we find that a cytotoxic γδT-cell subset of NMRs harbors a dominant clonotype, and that their conventional CD8 αβT cells exhibit modest clonotypic diversity. Consistently, perinatal NMR thymuses are considerably smaller than those of mice yet follow similar involution progression. Our findings suggest that NMRs have evolved under a relaxed intracellular pathogenic selective pressure that may have allowed cancer resistance and longevity to become stronger targets of selection to which the immune system has responded by utilizing γδT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzuhua D Lin
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California, CA, USA
| | | | - Nicole L Fong
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California, CA, USA
| | - Megan Smith
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California, CA, USA
| | - Wendy Craft
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California, CA, USA
| | | | - Rebecca Perry
- Department of Biological Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois, IL, USA
| | | | - Margaret A Roy
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California, CA, USA
| | - Rochelle Buffenstein
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California, CA, USA.
- Department of Biological Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois, IL, USA.
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20
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Lagou MK, Argyris DG, Vodopyanov S, Gunther-Cummins L, Hardas A, Poutahidis T, Panorias C, DesMarais S, Entenberg C, Carpenter RS, Guzik H, Nishku X, Churaman J, Maryanovich M, DesMarais V, Macaluso FP, Karagiannis GS. Morphometric Analysis of the Thymic Epithelial Cell (TEC) Network Using Integrated and Orthogonal Digital Pathology Approaches. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.11.584509. [PMID: 38559037 PMCID: PMC10979902 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.11.584509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The thymus, a central primary lymphoid organ of the immune system, plays a key role in T cell development. Surprisingly, the thymus is quite neglected with regards to standardized pathology approaches and practices for assessing structure and function. Most studies use multispectral flow cytometry to define the dynamic composition of the thymus at the cell population level, but they are limited by lack of contextual insight. This knowledge gap hinders our understanding of various thymic conditions and pathologies, particularly how they affect thymic architecture, and subsequently, immune competence. Here, we introduce a digital pathology pipeline to address these challenges. Our approach can be coupled to analytical algorithms and utilizes rationalized morphometric assessments of thymic tissue, ranging from tissue-wide down to microanatomical and ultrastructural levels. This pipeline enables the quantitative assessment of putative changes and adaptations of thymic structure to stimuli, offering valuable insights into the pathophysiology of thymic disorders. This versatile pipeline can be applied to a wide range of conditions that may directly or indirectly affect thymic structure, ranging from various cytotoxic stimuli inducing acute thymic involution to autoimmune diseases, such as myasthenia gravis. Here, we demonstrate applicability of the method in a mouse model of age-dependent thymic involution, both by confirming established knowledge, and by providing novel insights on intrathymic remodeling in the aged thymus. Our orthogonal pipeline, with its high versatility and depth of analysis, promises to be a valuable and practical toolset for both basic and translational immunology laboratories investigating thymic function and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria K Lagou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Dimitrios G Argyris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Integrated Imaging Program for Cancer Research, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Stepan Vodopyanov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Leslie Gunther-Cummins
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Alexandros Hardas
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Theofilos Poutahidis
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christos Panorias
- Division of Statistics and Operational Research, Department of Mathematics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sophia DesMarais
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Conner Entenberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Randall S Carpenter
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Hillary Guzik
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Xheni Nishku
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Joseph Churaman
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Maria Maryanovich
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Cancer Dormancy and Tumor Microenvironment Institute, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Vera DesMarais
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Frank P Macaluso
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - George S Karagiannis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Integrated Imaging Program for Cancer Research, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Cancer Dormancy and Tumor Microenvironment Institute, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
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21
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Pereira B, Correia FP, Alves IA, Costa M, Gameiro M, Martins AP, Saraiva JA. Epigenetic reprogramming as a key to reverse ageing and increase longevity. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102204. [PMID: 38272265 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102204] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The pursuit for the fountain of youth has long been a fascination amongst scientists and humanity. Ageing is broadly characterized by a cellular decline with increased susceptibility to age-related diseases, being intimately associated with epigenetic modifications. Recently, reprogramming-induced rejuvenation strategies have begun to greatly alter longevity research not only to tackle age-related defects but also to possibly reverse the cellular ageing process. Hence, in this review, we highlight the major epigenetic changes during ageing and the state-of-art of the current emerging epigenetic reprogramming strategies leveraging on transcription factors. Notably, partial reprogramming enables the resetting of the ageing clock without erasing cellular identity. Promising chemical-based rejuvenation strategies harnessing small molecules, including DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors are also discussed. Moreover, in parallel to longevity interventions, the foundations of epigenetic clocks for accurate ageing assessment and evaluation of reprogramming approaches are briefly presented. Going further, with such scientific breakthroughs, we are witnessing a rise in the longevity biotech industry aiming to extend the health span and ideally achieve human rejuvenation one day. In this context, we overview the main scenarios proposed for the future of the socio-economic and ethical challenges associated with such an emerging field. Ultimately, this review aims to inspire future research on interventions that promote healthy ageing for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Pereira
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Inês A Alves
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Margarida Costa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mariana Gameiro
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana P Martins
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jorge A Saraiva
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
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22
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Godoy S, Parrón I, Millet JP, Caylà JA, Follia N, Carol M, Orcau A, Alsedà M, Toledo D, Plans P, Ferrús G, Barrabeig I, Clotet L, Domínguez A, Godoy P. Risk of tuberculosis among pulmonary tuberculosis contacts: the importance of time of exposure to index cases. Ann Epidemiol 2024; 91:12-17. [PMID: 38219967 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2024.01.004] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The intensity of exposure to index cases of tuberculosis [TB] may increase the risk of TB in their contacts. The aim was to determine TB risk factors among contacts of TB index cases. METHODS A cohort study was carried out in the contacts of pulmonary TB cases registered by the epidemiological surveillance network from 01/01/2019 to 06/30/2021. The factors associated with the risk of TB in contacts were determined using the adjusted odds ratio [aOR] and its 95% confidence interval [CI]. RESULTS From 847 TB cases, 7087 contacts were identified. The prevalence of TB was 2.0% [145/7087] and was higher in < 5 years compared to those ≥ 65 years [4.4% versus 1.2%; p < 0.001], in those exposed ≥ 6 h daily [4%], and < 6 h daily [1.6%] with respect to weekly exposure of < 6 h [0.7%; p < 0.001]. Those contacts exposed ≥ 6 h daily [aOR= 6.9; 95%CI:2.1-22.1], < 5 years [aOR= 8.3; 95%CI:1.8-37.8] and immigrants [aOR= 1.7; 95%CI:1.1-2.7] had a higher risk of TB. CONCLUSIONS The risk of TB increases with the time of exposure to the index case and this risk is also higher in < 5 years and immigrants. Contact tracing has a high yield for detecting new cases of TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Godoy
- Universitat de Lleida [UdL]. Institut de Recerca Biomédica de Lleida [IRBLleida], Lleida, Spain; Institut Català de la Salut, Lleida, Spain
| | - Ignasi Parrón
- Agència de Salut Pública Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan-Pau Millet
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública [CIBERESP], Madrid, Spain; Barcelona Tuberculosis Research Unit Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; Epidemiology Service. Public Health Agency of Barcelona. Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan A Caylà
- Barcelona Tuberculosis Research Unit Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Follia
- Agència de Salut Pública Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Monica Carol
- Agència de Salut Pública Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angels Orcau
- Epidemiology Service. Public Health Agency of Barcelona. Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel Alsedà
- Universitat de Lleida [UdL]. Institut de Recerca Biomédica de Lleida [IRBLleida], Lleida, Spain; Agència de Salut Pública Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diana Toledo
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública [CIBERESP], Madrid, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pere Plans
- Agència de Salut Pública Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain; Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública [CIBERESP], Madrid, Spain
| | - Gloria Ferrús
- Agència de Salut Pública Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Barrabeig
- Agència de Salut Pública Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain; Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública [CIBERESP], Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Clotet
- Agència de Salut Pública Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angela Domínguez
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública [CIBERESP], Madrid, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pere Godoy
- Universitat de Lleida [UdL]. Institut de Recerca Biomédica de Lleida [IRBLleida], Lleida, Spain; Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública [CIBERESP], Madrid, Spain; Hospital Universitari de Santa Maria, Lleida, Spain.
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23
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Dinges SS, Amini K, Notarangelo LD, Delmonte OM. Primary and secondary defects of the thymus. Immunol Rev 2024; 322:178-211. [PMID: 38228406 PMCID: PMC10950553 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13306] [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: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is the primary site of T-cell development, enabling generation, and selection of a diverse repertoire of T cells that recognize non-self, whilst remaining tolerant to self- antigens. Severe congenital disorders of thymic development (athymia) can be fatal if left untreated due to infections, and thymic tissue implantation is the only cure. While newborn screening for severe combined immune deficiency has allowed improved detection at birth of congenital athymia, thymic disorders acquired later in life are still underrecognized and assessing the quality of thymic function in such conditions remains a challenge. The thymus is sensitive to injury elicited from a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors, and its self-renewal capacity decreases with age. Secondary and age-related forms of thymic dysfunction may lead to an increased risk of infections, malignancy, and autoimmunity. Promising results have been obtained in preclinical models and clinical trials upon administration of soluble factors promoting thymic regeneration, but to date no therapy is approved for clinical use. In this review we provide a background on thymus development, function, and age-related involution. We discuss disease mechanisms, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for primary and secondary thymic defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S. Dinges
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kayla Amini
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Luigi D. Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ottavia M. Delmonte
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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24
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Collins CP, Longo DL, Murphy WJ. The immunobiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccine responses: potential influences of cross-reactive memory responses and aging on efficacy and off-target effects. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1345499. [PMID: 38469293 PMCID: PMC10925677 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1345499] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune responses to both SARS-CoV-2 infection and its associated vaccines have been highly variable within the general population. The increasing evidence of long-lasting symptoms after resolution of infection, called post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or "Long COVID," suggests that immune-mediated mechanisms are at play. Closely related endemic common human coronaviruses (hCoV) can induce pre-existing and potentially cross-reactive immunity, which can then affect primary SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as vaccination responses. The influence of pre-existing immunity from these hCoVs, as well as responses generated from original CoV2 strains or vaccines on the development of new high-affinity responses to CoV2 antigenic viral variants, needs to be better understood given the need for continuous vaccine adaptation and application in the population. Due in part to thymic involution, normal aging is associated with reduced naïve T cell compartments and impaired primary antigen responsiveness, resulting in a reliance on the pre-existing cross-reactive memory cell pool which may be of lower affinity, restricted in diversity, or of shorter duration. These effects can also be mediated by the presence of down-regulatory anti-idiotype responses which also increase in aging. Given the tremendous heterogeneity of clinical data, utilization of preclinical models offers the greatest ability to assess immune responses under a controlled setting. These models should now involve prior antigen/viral exposure combined with incorporation of modifying factors such as age on immune responses and effects. This will also allow for mechanistic dissection and understanding of the different immune pathways involved in both SARS-CoV-2 pathogen and potential vaccine responses over time and how pre-existing memory responses, including potential anti-idiotype responses, can affect efficacy as well as potential off-target effects in different tissues as well as modeling PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig P. Collins
- Graduate Program in Immunology, University of California (UC) Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Dan L. Longo
- Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - William J. Murphy
- Departments of Dermatology and Internal Medicine (Hematology/Oncology), University of California (UC) Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
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25
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Chung HY, Shin HY, Choi Y, Park HJ, Lee JG, Lee CY, Park BJ, Kim GJ, Kim SW. Germinal centers are associated with postthymectomy myasthenia gravis in patients with thymoma. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16119. [PMID: 37909803 PMCID: PMC11235914 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16119] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Germinal centers (GCs) can be observed in the thymic tissues of patients with thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis (MG). Although an association between thymic GCs and MG has been suggested, it is unknown whether the presence of GCs could predict the development of MG after the resection of thymoma, known as postthymectomy MG. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of previously nonmyasthenic patients who underwent surgical removal of the thymoma. All available thymic tissue slides were rereviewed by a pathologist to assess for GCs. Patients were classified into GC-positive and GC-negative groups based on the presence of GCs. The incidence of postthymectomy MG was compared between the two groups, and the risk factors for postthymectomy MG were assessed. RESULTS Of the 196 previously nonmyasthenic patients who underwent thymoma resection, 21 were GC-positive, whereas 175 were GC-negative. Postthymectomy MG developed in 11 (5.6%) patients and showed a higher incidence in the GC-positive group than in the GC-negative group (33.3% vs. 2.3%, p < 0.001). No postoperative radiotherapy and the presence of GCs were risk factors for postthymectomy MG in the univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, invasive thymoma (hazard ratio [HR] = 9.835, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.358-105.372), postoperative radiotherapy (HR = 0.160, 95% CI = 0.029-0.893), and presence of GCs (HR = 15.834, 95% CI = 3.742-67.000) were significantly associated with postthymectomy MG. CONCLUSIONS Thymic GCs may be a significant risk factor for postthymectomy MG. Even in patients with thymoma who do not show clinical symptoms of MG, postthymectomy MG should be considered, especially if thymic GCs are observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Yoon Chung
- Department of NeurologyYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulKorea
- Department of NeurologyYongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health SystemYonginKorea
| | - Ha Young Shin
- Department of NeurologyYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulKorea
| | - Young‐Chul Choi
- Department of NeurologyYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulKorea
| | - Hyung Jun Park
- Department of NeurologyYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulKorea
| | - Jin Gu Lee
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulKorea
| | - Chang Young Lee
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulKorea
| | - Byung Jo Park
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulKorea
| | - Gi Jeong Kim
- Department of PathologyYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulKorea
| | - Seung Woo Kim
- Department of NeurologyYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulKorea
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26
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Buckley DJ, Sharma S, Joseph B, Fayyaz AH, Canizales A, Terrebonne KJ, Trott DW. Early life thymectomy induces arterial dysfunction in mice. GeroScience 2024; 46:1035-1051. [PMID: 37354388 PMCID: PMC10828352 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00853-y] [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: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging of the arteries is characterized by increased large artery stiffness and impaired endothelium-dependent dilation. We have previously shown that in old (22-24 month) mice T cells accumulate within aorta and mesentery. We have also shown that pharmacologic and genetic deletion of these T cells ameliorates age-related arterial dysfunction. These data indicate that T cells contribute to arterial aging; however, it is unknown if aged T cells alone can induce arterial dysfunction in otherwise young mice. To produce an aged-like T cell phenotype, mice were thymectomized at three-weeks of age or were left with their thymus intact. At 9 months of age, thymectomized mice exhibited greater proportions of both CD4 + and CD8 + memory T cells compared to controls in the blood. Similar changes were observed in the T cells accumulating in the aorta and mesentery. We also observed greater numbers of proinflammatory cytokine producing T cells in the aorta and mesentery. The phenotypic T cell changes in the blood, aorta and mesentery of thymectomized mice were similar to those observed when we compared young (4-6 month) to old thymus intact mice. Along with these alterations, compared to controls, thymectomized mice exhibited augmented large artery stiffness and greater aortic collagen deposition as well as impaired mesenteric artery endothelium dependent dilation due to blunted nitric oxide bioavailability. These results indicate that early life thymectomy results in arterial dysfunction and suggest that an aged-like T cell phenotype alone is sufficient to induce arterial dysfunction in otherwise young mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Buckley
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 655 W. Mitchell St., Arlington, TX, 76010, USA
| | - Sunita Sharma
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 655 W. Mitchell St., Arlington, TX, 76010, USA
| | - Blessy Joseph
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 655 W. Mitchell St., Arlington, TX, 76010, USA
| | - Alia H Fayyaz
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 655 W. Mitchell St., Arlington, TX, 76010, USA
| | - Alexandra Canizales
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 655 W. Mitchell St., Arlington, TX, 76010, USA
| | - Konner J Terrebonne
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 655 W. Mitchell St., Arlington, TX, 76010, USA
| | - Daniel W Trott
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 655 W. Mitchell St., Arlington, TX, 76010, USA.
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27
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Yang X, Chen X, Wang W, Qu S, Lai B, Zhang J, Chen J, Han C, Tian Y, Xiao Y, Gao W, Wu Y. Transcriptional profile of human thymus reveals IGFBP5 is correlated with age-related thymic involution. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1322214. [PMID: 38318192 PMCID: PMC10839013 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1322214] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymus is the main immune organ which is responsible for the production of self-tolerant and functional T cells, but it shrinks rapidly with age after birth. Although studies have researched thymus development and involution in mouse, the critical regulators that arise with age in human thymus remain unclear. We collected public human single-cell transcriptomic sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets containing 350,678 cells from 36 samples, integrated them as a cell atlas of human thymus. Clinical samples were collected and experiments were performed for validation. We found early thymocyte-specific signaling and regulons which played roles in thymocyte migration, proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation. Nevertheless, signaling patterns including number, strength and path completely changed during aging, Transcription factors (FOXC1, MXI1, KLF9, NFIL3) and their target gene, IGFBP5, were resolved and up-regulated in aging thymus and involved in promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), responding to steroid and adipogenesis process of thymic epithelial cell (TECs). Furthermore, we validated that IGFBP5 protein increased at TECs and Hassall's corpuscle in both human and mouse aging thymus and knockdown of IGFBP5 significantly increased the expression of proliferation-related genes in thymocytes. Collectively, we systematically explored cell-cell communications and regulons of early thymocytes as well as age-related differences in human thymus by using both bioinformatic and experimental verification, indicating IGFBP5 as a functional marker of thymic involution and providing new insights into the mechanisms of thymus involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Yang
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xichan Chen
- Institute of Immunology People’s Liberation Army (PLA) & Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Siming Qu
- Organ Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Binbin Lai
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ji Zhang
- Institute of Immunology People’s Liberation Army (PLA) & Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Institute of Immunology People’s Liberation Army (PLA) & Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Han
- Institute of Immunology People’s Liberation Army (PLA) & Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Tian
- Institute of Immunology People’s Liberation Army (PLA) & Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yingbin Xiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weiwu Gao
- Institute of Immunology People’s Liberation Army (PLA) & Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yuzhang Wu
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Institute of Immunology People’s Liberation Army (PLA) & Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
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28
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Hou C, Wang Z, Lu X. Impact of immunosenescence and inflammaging on the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors. CANCER PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPY 2024; 2:24-30. [PMID: 38328711 PMCID: PMC10846300 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpt.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are employed in immunotherapeutic applications for patients with weakened immune systems and can improve the ability of T cells to kill cancer cells. Although ICIs can potentially treat different types of cancers in various groups of patients, their effectiveness may differ among older individuals. The reason ICIs are less effective in older adults is not yet clearly understood, but age-related changes in the immune system, such as immunosenescence and inflammation, may play a role. Therefore, this review focuses on recent advances in understanding the effects of immunosenescence and inflammation on the efficacy of ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuandong Hou
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
- Department of Hematology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Zining Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
- Department of Hematology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xuechun Lu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
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29
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Xu X, Tao N, Sun C, Hoffman RD, Shi D, Ying Y, Dong S, Gao J. Ligustilide prevents thymic immune senescence by regulating Thymosin β15-dependent spatial distribution of thymic epithelial cells. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 123:155216. [PMID: 38061285 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymus is the most crucial organ connecting immunity and aging. The progressive senescence of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) leads to the involution of thymus under aging, chronic stress and other factors. Ligustilide (LIG) is a major active component of the anti-aging Chinese herbal medicine Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, but its role in preventing TEC-based thymic aging remains elusive. PURPOSE This study explored the protective role of Ligustilide in alleviating ADM (adriamycin) -induced thymic immune senescence and its underlying molecular mechanisms. METHOD The protective effect of Ligustilide on ADM-induced thymic atrophy was examined by mouse and organotypic models, and conformed by SA-β-gal staining in TECs. The abnormal spatial distribution of TECs in the senescent thymus was analyzed using H&E, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. The possible mechanisms of Ligustilide in ADM-induced thymic aging were elucidated by qPCR, fluorescence labeling and Western blot. The mechanism of Ligustilide was subsequently validated through actin polymerization inhibitor, genetic engineering to regulate Thymosin β15 (Tβ15) and Tβ4 expression, molecular docking and β Thymosin-G-actin cross-linking assay. RESULTS At a 5 mg/kg dose, Ligustilide markedly ameliorated ADM-induced weight loss and limb grip weakness in mice. It also reversed thymic damage and restored positive selection impaired by ADM. In vitro, ADM disrupted thymic structure, reduced TECs number and hindered double negative (DN) T cell differentiation. Ligustilide counteracted these effects, promoted TEC proliferation and reticular differentiation, leading to an increase in CD4+ single positive (CD4SP) T cell proportion. Mechanistically, ADM diminished the microfilament quantity in immortalized TECs (iTECs), and lowered the expression of cytoskeletal marker proteins. Molecular docking and cross-linking assay revealed that Ligustilide inhibited the protein binding between G-actin and Tβ15 by inhibiting the formation of the Tβ15-G-actin complex, thus enhancing the microfilament assembly capacity in TECs. CONCLUSION This study, for the first time, reveals that Ligustilide can attenuate actin depolymerization, protects TECs from ADM-induced acute aging by inhibiting the binding of Tβ15 to G-actin, thereby improving thymic immune function. Moreover, it underscores the interesting role of Ligustilide in maintaining cytoskeletal assembly and network structure of TECs, offering a novel perspective for deeper understanding of anti thymic aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xie Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Nana Tao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Caihua Sun
- Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Robert D Hoffman
- Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90066, USA.
| | - Dongling Shi
- Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yuyuan Ying
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Shujie Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jianli Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China.
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Yang Z, Peng Y, Yuan J, Xia H, Luo L, Wu X. Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Promising Treatment for Thymic Involution. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1450:29-38. [PMID: 37421539 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2023_780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is the main immune organ in the body. However, the thymus gradually degenerates in early life, leading to a reduction in T-cell production and a decrease in immune function. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising alternative for the treatment of thymus senescence due to their homing ability to the site of inflammation and their paracrine, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, the heterogeneity, difficulty of survival in vivo, short residence time, and low homing efficiency of the injected MSCs affect the clinical therapeutic effect. This article reviews strategies to improve the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell therapy, including the selection of appropriate cell doses, transplantation frequency, and interval cycles. The survival rate of MSCs can be improved to some extent by improving the infusion mode of MSCs, such as simulating the in vivo environment, applying the biological technology of hydrogels and microgels, and iron oxide labeling technology, which can improve the curative effect and homing of MSCs, promote the regeneration of thymic epithelial cells, and restore the function of the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zailing Yang
- The Second People's Hospital of Guiyang, Medical Laboratory, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Yunxiao Peng
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Jun Yuan
- The Second People's Hospital of Guiyang, Medical Laboratory, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Haixiong Xia
- The Second People's Hospital of Guiyang, Medical Laboratory, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Li Luo
- The Second People's Hospital of Guiyang, Medical Laboratory, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Xijun Wu
- The Second People's Hospital of Guiyang, Medical Laboratory, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China.
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Corral-Ruiz GM, Pérez-Vega MJ, Galán-Salinas A, Mancilla-Herrera I, Barrios-Payán J, Fabila-Castillo L, Hernández-Pando R, Sánchez-Torres LE. Thymic atrophy induced by Plasmodium berghei ANKA and Plasmodium yoelii 17XL infection. Immunol Lett 2023; 264:4-16. [PMID: 37875239 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.10.006] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is the anatomical site where T cells undergo a complex process of differentiation, proliferation, selection, and elimination of autorreactive cells which involves molecular signals in different intrathymic environment. However, the immunological functions of the thymus can be compromised upon exposure to different infections, affecting thymocyte populations. In this work, we investigated the impact of malaria parasites on the thymus by using C57BL/6 mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA and Plasmodium yoelii 17XL; these lethal infection models represent the most severe complications, cerebral malaria, and anemia respectively. Data showed a reduction in the thymic weight and cellularity involving different T cell maturation stages, mainly CD4-CD8- and CD4+CD8+ thymocytes, as well as an increased presence of apoptotic cells, leading to significant thymic cortex reduction. Thymus atrophy showed no association with elevated serum cytokines levels, although increased glucocorticoid levels did. The severity of thymic damage in both models reached the same extend although it occurs at different stages of infection, showing that thymic atrophy does not depend on parasitemia level but on the specific host-parasite interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Corral-Ruiz
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico; Posgrado en Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - M J Pérez-Vega
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico; Posgrado en Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - A Galán-Salinas
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico; Posgrado en Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - I Mancilla-Herrera
- Departamento de Infectología e Inmunología, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - J Barrios-Payán
- Sección de Patología Experimental, Departamento de Patología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - L Fabila-Castillo
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - R Hernández-Pando
- Sección de Patología Experimental, Departamento de Patología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - L E Sánchez-Torres
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Yang J, Liu J, Liang J, Li F, Wang W, Chen H, Xie X. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in age-associated thymic involution: Mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 92:102115. [PMID: 37922996 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is a critical immune organ with endocrine and immune functions that plays important roles in the physiological and pathological processes of the body. However, with aging, the thymus undergoes degenerative changes leading to decreased production and output of naive T cells and the secretion of thymic hormones and related cytokines, thereby promoting the occurrence and development of various age-associated diseases. Therefore, identifying essential processes that regulate age-associated thymic involution is crucial for long-term control of thymic involution and age-associated disease progression. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a well-established process involved in organ aging and functional impairment through tissue fibrosis in several organs, such as the heart and kidney. In the thymus, EMT promotes fibrosis and potentially adipogenesis, leading to thymic involution. This review focuses on the factors involved in thymic involution, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormones, from the perspective of EMT. Furthermore, current interventions for reversing age-associated thymic involution by targeting EMT-associated processes are summarized. Understanding the key mechanisms of thymic involution through EMT as an entry point may promote the development of new therapies and clinical agents to reverse thymic involution and age-associated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Yang
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Juan Liu
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jiayu Liang
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Fan Li
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Huan Chen
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Nucleic Acid Medicine of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
| | - Xiang Xie
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
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Sonar SA, Watanabe M, Nikolich JŽ. Disorganization of secondary lymphoid organs and dyscoordination of chemokine secretion as key contributors to immune aging. Semin Immunol 2023; 70:101835. [PMID: 37651849 PMCID: PMC10840697 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Aging is characterized by progressive loss of organ and tissue function, and the immune system is no exception to that inevitable principle. Of all the age-related changes in the body, reduction of the size of, and naïve T (Tn) cell output from, the thymus occurs earliest, being prominent already before or by the time of puberty. Therefore, to preserve immunity against new infections, over much of their lives, vertebrates dominantly rely on peripheral maintenance of the Tn cell pool in the secondary lymphoid organs (SLO). However, SLO structure and function subsequently also deteriorate with aging. Several recent studies have made a convincing case that this deterioration is of major importance to the erosion of protective immunity in the last third of life. Specifically, the SLO were found to accumulate multiple degenerative changes with aging. Importantly, the results from adoptive transfer and parabiosis studies teach us that the old microenvironment is the limiting factor for protective immunity in old mice. In this review, we discuss the extent, mechanisms, and potential role of stromal cell aging in the age-related alteration of T cell homeostatic maintenance and immune function decline. We use that discussion to frame the potential strategies to correct the SLO stromal aging defects - in the context of other immune rejuvenation approaches, - to improve functional immune responses and protective immunity in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandip Ashok Sonar
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA; The University of Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Makiko Watanabe
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA; The University of Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Janko Ž Nikolich
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA; The University of Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA; the Aegis Consortium for Pandemic-free Future, University of Arizona Health Sciences, USA; BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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Lee DY, Song WH, Lim YS, Lee C, Rajbongshi L, Hwang SY, Kim BS, Lee D, Song YJ, Kim HG, Yoon S. Fish Collagen Peptides Enhance Thymopoietic Gene Expression, Cell Proliferation, Thymocyte Adherence, and Cytoprotection in Thymic Epithelial Cells via Activation of the Nuclear Factor-κB Pathway, Leading to Thymus Regeneration after Cyclophosphamide-Induced Injury. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:531. [PMID: 37888466 PMCID: PMC10608061 DOI: 10.3390/md21100531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolonged thymic involution results in decreased thymopoiesis and thymic output, leading to peripheral T-cell deficiency. Since the thymic-dependent pathway is the only means of generating fully mature T cells, the identification of strategies to enhance thymic regeneration is crucial in developing therapeutic interventions to revert immune suppression in immunocompromised patients. The present study clearly shows that fish collagen peptides (FCPs) stimulate activities of thymic epithelial cells (TECs), including cell proliferation, thymocyte adhesion, and the gene expression of thymopoietic factors such as FGF-7, IGF-1, BMP-4, VEGF-A, IL-7, IL-21, RANKL, LTβ, IL-22R, RANK, LTβR, SDF-1, CCL21, CCL25, CXCL5, Dll1, Dll4, Wnt4, CD40, CD80, CD86, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, FoxN1, leptin, cathepsin L, CK5, and CK8 through the NF-κB signal transduction pathway. Furthermore, our study also revealed the cytoprotective effects of FCPs on TECs against cyclophosphamide-induced cellular injury through the NF-κB signaling pathway. Importantly, FCPs exhibited a significant capability to facilitate thymic regeneration in mice after cyclophosphamide-induced damage via the NF-κB pathway. Taken together, this study sheds light on the role of FCPs in TEC function, thymopoiesis, and thymic regeneration, providing greater insight into the development of novel therapeutic strategies for effective thymus repopulation for numerous clinical conditions in which immune reconstitution is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do Young Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Hoon Song
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Department of Urology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital and Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye Seon Lim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Changyong Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Lata Rajbongshi
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Yeong Hwang
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Soo Kim
- School of Biomedical Convergence Engineering, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjun Lee
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Jung Song
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital and Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwi-Gon Kim
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital and Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Sik Yoon
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
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35
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Hicks J, Olson M, Mitchell C, Juran CM, Paul AM. The Impact of Microgravity on Immunological States. Immunohorizons 2023; 7:670-682. [PMID: 37855736 PMCID: PMC10615652 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2200063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
As we explore other planetary bodies, astronauts will face unique environmental and physiological challenges. The human immune system has evolved under Earth's gravitational force. Consequently, in the microgravity environment of space, immune function is altered. This can pose problematic consequences for astronauts on deep space missions where medical intervention will be limited. Studying the unique environment of microgravity has its challenges, yet current research has uncovered immunological states that are probable during exploration missions. As microgravity-induced immune states are uncovered, novel countermeasure developments and personalized mitigation programs can be designed to improve astronaut health. This can also benefit immune-related monitoring programs for disorders on Earth. This is a comprehensive review, including gaps in knowledge, of simulated and spaceflight microgravity studies in human and rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janelle Hicks
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
| | - Makaila Olson
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
| | - Carol Mitchell
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
| | - Cassandra M. Juran
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA
| | - Amber M. Paul
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA
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36
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Lee S, Song SG, Chung DH. Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis for Thymic Epithelial Cells of Aged Mice and Humans. Immune Netw 2023; 23:e36. [PMID: 37970235 PMCID: PMC10643332 DOI: 10.4110/in.2023.23.e36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) play a critical role in thymic development and thymopoiesis. As individuals age, TECs undergo various changes that impact their functions, leading to a reduction in cell numbers and impaired thymic selection. These age-related alterations have been observed in both mice and humans. However, the precise mechanisms underlying age-related TEC dysfunction remain unclear. Furthermore, there is a lack of a comprehensive study that connects mouse and human biological processes in this area. To address this gap, we conducted an extensive transcriptome analysis of young and old TECs in mice, complemented by further analysis of publicly available human TEC single-cell RNA sequencing data. Our analysis revealed alterations in both known and unknown pathways that potentially contribute to age-related TEC dysfunction. Specifically, we observed downregulation of pathways related to cell proliferation, T cell development, metabolism, and cytokine signaling in old age TECs. Conversely, TGF-β, BMP, and Wnt signaling pathways were upregulated, which have been known to be associated with age-related TEC dysfunctions or newly discovered in this study. Importantly, we found that these age-related changes in mouse TECs were consistently present in human TECs as well. This cross-species validation further strengthens the significance of our findings. In conclusion, our comprehensive analysis provides valuable insight into the biological and immunological characteristics of aged TECs in both mice and humans. These findings contribute to a better understanding of thymic involution and age-induced immune dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangsin Lee
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Seung Geun Song
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Doo Hyun Chung
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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Napoli C, Coscioni E, Trama U, Strozziero MG, Benincasa G. An evidence-based debate on epigenetics and immunosenescence in COVID-19. CURRENT RESEARCH IN IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 4:100069. [PMID: 37781451 PMCID: PMC10539895 DOI: 10.1016/j.crimmu.2023.100069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosenescence contributes to the decline of immune function leading to a reduced ability to respond to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in elderly patients. Clinical course of COVID-19 is widely heterogeneous and guided by the possible interplay between genetic background and epigenetic-sensitive mechanisms underlying the immunosenescence which could explain, at least in part, the higher percentage of disease severity in elderly individuals. The most convincing evidence regards the hypomethylation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) promoter gene in lungs as well as the citrullination of histone H3 in neutrophils which have been associated with worsening of COVID-19 outcome in elderly patients. In contrast, centenarians who have showed milder symptoms have been associated to a younger "epigenetic age" based on DNA methylation profiles at specific genomic sites (epigenetic clock). Some large prospective studies showed that the acceleration of epigenetic aging as well as the shortening of telomeres were significantly associated with lymphopenia and poor outcome suggesting prognostic biomarkers in elderly COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, randomized clinical trials showed that statins, L-arginine, and resveratrol could mediate anti-inflammatory effects via indirect epigenetic interference and might improve COVID-19 outcome. Here, we discuss the epigenetic-sensitive events which might contribute to increase the risk of severity and mortality in older subjects and possible targeted therapies to counteract immunosenescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Napoli
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- U.O.C. Division of Clinical Immunology, Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialistics, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Enrico Coscioni
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, AOU San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggid'Aragona, 84131, Salerno, Italy
| | - Ugo Trama
- Regional Pharmaceutical Unit, Campania Region, 80143 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Strozziero
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- IRCCS Synlab SDN Naples Italy
| | - Giuditta Benincasa
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
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Hieber C, Grabbe S, Bros M. Counteracting Immunosenescence-Which Therapeutic Strategies Are Promising? Biomolecules 2023; 13:1085. [PMID: 37509121 PMCID: PMC10377144 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging attenuates the overall responsiveness of the immune system to eradicate pathogens. The increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by innate immune cells under basal conditions, termed inflammaging, contributes to impaired innate immune responsiveness towards pathogen-mediated stimulation and limits antigen-presenting activity. Adaptive immune responses are attenuated as well due to lowered numbers of naïve lymphocytes and their impaired responsiveness towards antigen-specific stimulation. Additionally, the numbers of immunoregulatory cell types, comprising regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, that inhibit the activity of innate and adaptive immune cells are elevated. This review aims to summarize our knowledge on the cellular and molecular causes of immunosenescence while also taking into account senescence effects that constitute immune evasion mechanisms in the case of chronic viral infections and cancer. For tumor therapy numerous nanoformulated drugs have been developed to overcome poor solubility of compounds and to enable cell-directed delivery in order to restore immune functions, e.g., by addressing dysregulated signaling pathways. Further, nanovaccines which efficiently address antigen-presenting cells to mount sustained anti-tumor immune responses have been clinically evaluated. Further, senolytics that selectively deplete senescent cells are being tested in a number of clinical trials. Here we discuss the potential use of such drugs to improve anti-aging therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Hieber
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephan Grabbe
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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Quiros-Roldan E, Sottini A, Signorini SG, Serana F, Tiecco G, Imberti L. Autoantibodies to Interferons in Infectious Diseases. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051215. [PMID: 37243300 DOI: 10.3390/v15051215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-cytokine autoantibodies and, in particular, anti-type I interferons are increasingly described in association with immunodeficient, autoimmune, and immune-dysregulated conditions. Their presence in otherwise healthy individuals may result in a phenotype characterized by a predisposition to infections with several agents. For instance, anti-type I interferon autoantibodies are implicated in Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pathogenesis and found preferentially in patients with critical disease. However, autoantibodies were also described in the serum of patients with viral, bacterial, and fungal infections not associated with COVID-19. In this review, we provide an overview of anti-cytokine autoantibodies identified to date and their clinical associations; we also discuss whether they can act as enemies or friends, i.e., are capable of acting in a beneficial or harmful way, and if they may be linked to gender or immunosenescence. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the production of autoantibodies could improve the approach to treating some infections, focusing not only on pathogens, but also on the possibility of a low degree of autoimmunity in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Quiros-Roldan
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia and University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Sottini
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Federico Serana
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Tiecco
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia and University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Luisa Imberti
- Section of Microbiology, University of Brescia, P. le Spedali Civili, 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Shevyrev D, Tereshchenko V, Berezina TN, Rybtsov S. Hematopoietic Stem Cells and the Immune System in Development and Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065862. [PMID: 36982935 PMCID: PMC10056303 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) support haematopoiesis throughout life and give rise to the whole variety of cells of the immune system. Developing in the early embryo, passing through the precursor stage, and maturing into the first HSCs, they undergo a fairly large number of divisions while maintaining a high regenerative potential due to high repair activity. This potential is greatly reduced in adult HSCs. They go into a state of dormancy and anaerobic metabolism to maintain their stemness throughout life. However, with age, changes occur in the pool of HSCs that negatively affect haematopoiesis and the effectiveness of immunity. Niche aging and accumulation of mutations with age reduces the ability of HSCs to self-renew and changes their differentiation potential. This is accompanied by a decrease in clonal diversity and a disturbance of lymphopoiesis (decrease in the formation of naive T- and B-cells) and the predominance of myeloid haematopoiesis. Aging also affects mature cells, regardless of HSC, therefore, phagocytic activity and the intensity of the oxidative burst decrease, and the efficiency of processing and presentation of antigens by myeloid cells is impaired. Aging cells of innate and adaptive immunity produce factors that form a chronic inflammatory background. All these processes have a serious negative impact on the protective properties of the immune system, increasing inflammation, the risk of developing autoimmune, oncological, and cardiovascular diseases with age. Understanding the mechanisms of reducing the regenerative potential in a comparative analysis of embryonic and aging HSCs, the features of inflammatory aging will allow us to get closer to deciphering the programs for the development, aging, regeneration and rejuvenation of HSCs and the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniil Shevyrev
- Centre for Cell Technology and Immunology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sirius, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Valeriy Tereshchenko
- Centre for Cell Technology and Immunology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sirius, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Tatiana N Berezina
- Department of Scientific Basis of Extreme Psychology, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, 127051 Moscow, Russia
| | - Stanislav Rybtsov
- Centre for Cell Technology and Immunology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sirius, 354340 Sochi, Russia
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
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This S, Rogers D, Mallet Gauthier È, Mandl JN, Melichar HJ. What's self got to do with it: Sources of heterogeneity among naive T cells. Semin Immunol 2023; 65:101702. [PMID: 36463711 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
There is a long-standing assumption that naive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are largely homogeneous populations despite the extraordinary diversity of their T cell receptors (TCR). The self-immunopeptidome plays a key role in the selection of the naive T cell repertoire in the thymus, and self-peptides are also an important driver of differences between individual naive T cells with regard to their subsequent functional contributions to an immune response. Accumulating evidence suggests that as early as the β-selection stage of T cell development, when only one of the recombined chains of the mature TCR is expressed, signaling thresholds may be established for positive selection of immature thymocytes. Stochastic encounters subsequently made with self-ligands during positive selection in the thymus imprint functional biases that a T cell will carry with it throughout its lifetime, although ongoing interactions with self in the periphery ensure a level of plasticity in the gene expression wiring of naive T cells. Identifying the sources of heterogeneity in the naive T cell population and which functional attributes of T cells can be modulated through post-thymic interventions versus those that are fixed during T cell development, could enable us to better select or generate T cells with particular traits to improve the efficacy of T cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien This
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Disease, and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Immunology-Oncology Unit, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Dakota Rogers
- Department of Physiology and McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ève Mallet Gauthier
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Disease, and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Immunology-Oncology Unit, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Judith N Mandl
- Department of Physiology and McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Heather J Melichar
- Immunology-Oncology Unit, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
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Kolosova NG, Kozhevnikova OS, Muraleva NA, Rudnitskaya EA, Rumyantseva YV, Stefanova NA, Telegina DV, Tyumentsev MA, Fursova AZ. SkQ1 as a Tool for Controlling Accelerated Senescence Program: Experiments with OXYS Rats. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2022; 87:1552-1562. [PMID: 36717446 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922120124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
According to the concept suggested by V. P. Skulachev and co-authors, aging of living organisms can be considered as a special case of programmed death of an organism - phenoptosis, and mitochondrial antioxidant SkQ1 is capable of inhibiting both acute and chronic phenoptosis (aging). The authors of the concept associate effects of SkQ1 with suppression of the enhanced generation of ROS in mitochondria. Numerous studies have confirmed the ability of SkQ1 to inhibit manifestations of the "healthy", or physiological, aging. According to the results of our studies, SkQ1 is especially effective in suppressing the program of genetically determined accelerated senescence in OXYS rats, which appears as an early development of a complex of age-related diseases: cataracts, retinopathy (similar to the age-related macular degeneration in humans), osteoporosis, and signs of Alzheimer's disease. Accelerated senescence in OXYS rats is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, but no direct associations with oxidative stress have been identified. Nevertheless, SkQ1 is able to prevent and/or suppress development of all manifestations of accelerated senescence in OXYS rats. Its effects are due to impact on the activity of many signaling pathways and processes, but first of all they are associated with restoration of the structural and functional parameters of mitochondria. It could be suggested that the use of SkQ1 could represent a promising strategy in prevention of accelerated phenoptosis - early development of a complex of age-related diseases (multimorbidity) in people predisposed to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya G Kolosova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
| | - Oyuna S Kozhevnikova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Natalia A Muraleva
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A Rudnitskaya
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Yuliya V Rumyantseva
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Natalia A Stefanova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Darya V Telegina
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Mikhail A Tyumentsev
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Anzhella Zh Fursova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Novosibirsk State Medical University, Novosibirsk, 630091, Russia
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