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Barrett A, Horkeby K, Corciulo C, Carlsten H, Lagerquist MK, Scheffler JM, Islander U. Role of estrogen signaling in fibroblastic reticular cells for innate and adaptive immune responses in antigen-induced arthritis. Immunol Cell Biol 2024; 102:578-592. [PMID: 38726582 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12773] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Women are more prone to develop rheumatoid arthritis, with peak incidence occurring around menopause. Estrogen has major effects on the immune system and is protective against arthritis. We have previously shown that treatment with estrogen inhibits inflammation and joint destruction in murine models of arthritis, although the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are specialized stromal cells that generate the three-dimensional structure of lymph nodes (LNs). FRCs are vital for coordinating immune responses from within LNs and are characterized by the expression of the chemokine CCL19, which attracts immune cells. The aim of this study was to determine whether the influence of estrogen on innate and adaptive immune cells in arthritis is mediated by estrogen signaling in FRCs. Conditional knockout mice lacking estrogen receptor α (ERα) in CCL19-expressing cells (Ccl19-CreERαfl/fl) were generated and tested. Ccl19-CreERαfl/fl mice and littermate controls were ovariectomized, treated with vehicle or estradiol and subjected to the 28-day-long antigen-induced arthritis model to enable analyses of differentiated T- and B-cell populations and innate cells in LNs by flow cytometry. The results reveal that while the response to estradiol treatment in numbers of FRCs per LN is significantly reduced in mice lacking ERα in FRCs, estrogen does not inhibit joint inflammation or markedly affect immune responses in this arthritis model. Thus, this study validates the Ccl19-CreERαfl/fl strain for studying estrogen signaling in FRCs within inflammatory diseases, although the chosen arthritis model is deemed unsuitable for addressing this question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Barrett
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karin Horkeby
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Center, Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carmen Corciulo
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hans Carlsten
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie K Lagerquist
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Center, Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Julia M Scheffler
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Islander
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- SciLifeLab, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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2
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Okabe Y. Development and organization of omental milky spots. Immunol Rev 2024; 324:68-77. [PMID: 38662554 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13337] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The milky spots in omentum are atypical lymphoid tissues that play a pivotal role in regulating immune responses in the peritoneal cavity. The milky spots act as central hubs for collecting antigens and particles from the peritoneal cavity, regulating lymphocyte trafficking, promoting the differentiation and self-renewal of immune cells, and supporting the local germinal centre response. In addition, the milky spots exhibit unique developmental characteristics that combine the features of secondary and tertiary lymphoid tissues. These structures are innately programmed to form during foetal development; however, they can also be formed postnatally in response to peritoneal irritation such as inflammation, infection, obesity, or tumour metastasis. In this review, I discuss emerging perspectives on homeostatic development and organization of the milky spots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasutaka Okabe
- Laboratory of Immune Homeostasis, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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3
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Telarovic I, Yong CSM, Kurz L, Vetrugno I, Reichl S, Fernandez AS, Cheng HW, Winkler R, Guckenberger M, Kipar A, Ludewig B, Pruschy M. Delayed tumor-draining lymph node irradiation preserves the efficacy of combined radiotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade in models of metastatic disease. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5500. [PMID: 38951172 PMCID: PMC11217506 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49873-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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors motivated investigations into leveraging the immunostimulatory properties of radiotherapy to overcome immune evasion and to improve treatment response. However, clinical benefits of radiotherapy-immunotherapy combinations have been modest. Routine concomitant tumor-draining lymph node irradiation (DLN IR) might be the culprit. As crucial sites for generating anti-tumor immunity, DLNs are indispensable for the in situ vaccination effect of radiotherapy. Simultaneously, DLN sparing is often not feasible due to metastatic spread. Using murine models of metastatic disease in female mice, here we demonstrate that delayed (adjuvant), but not neoadjuvant, DLN IR overcomes the detrimental effect of concomitant DLN IR on the efficacy of radio-immunotherapy. Moreover, we identify IR-induced disruption of the CCR7-CCL19/CCL21 homing axis as a key mechanism for the detrimental effect of DLN IR. Our study proposes delayed DLN IR as a strategy to maximize the efficacy of radio-immunotherapy across different tumor types and disease stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Telarovic
- Laboratory for Applied Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carmen S M Yong
- Laboratory for Applied Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Kurz
- Institute of Immunobiology, Medical Research Center, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Irene Vetrugno
- Laboratory for Applied Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Reichl
- Laboratory for Applied Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alba Sanchez Fernandez
- Laboratory for Applied Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hung-Wei Cheng
- Institute of Immunobiology, Medical Research Center, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Rona Winkler
- Laboratory for Applied Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Guckenberger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anja Kipar
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Ludewig
- Institute of Immunobiology, Medical Research Center, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Martin Pruschy
- Laboratory for Applied Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Qi H, Zheng Y, Li J, Chen K, Zhou L, Luo D, Huang S, Zhang J, Lv Y, Tian Z. Correlation of functional magnetic resonance imaging features of primary central nervous system lymphoma with vasculogenic mimicry and reticular fibers. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32111. [PMID: 38947483 PMCID: PMC11214443 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32111] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To deepen the imaging-pathological mechanism of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and provide a theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment, the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) characteristics of PCNSL were analyzed, and the relationship between the fMRI characteristics and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) and reticular fiber in PCNSL was discussed. Methods Ninety-six patients with PCNSL treated in our hospital were divided into three groups according to the pathological examination results, including strong positive group of VM (n = 40), weak positive group of VM (n = 56), strong positive group of reticular fiber (n = 45) and weak positive group of reticular fiber (n = 51). The levels of augmentation index and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were compared among the groups. receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to analyze the clinical value of ADC value in differential diagnosis of PCNSL. Results The levels of augmentation index in the strong positive group of VM were significantly higher than that in the weak positive group of VM, and the ADC value in the strong positive group of VM was significantly lower than that in the weak positive group of VM (P < 0.001). The levels of augmentation index in the strong positive group of reticular fiber were significantly higher than that in the weak positive group of reticular fiber, and ADC value in the strong positive group of reticular fiber was significantly lower than that in reticular fiber weak positive group (P < 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the levels of augmentation index were positively correlated with VM and reticular fiber (r = 0.529, 0.548, P < 0.001) and the ADC value was negatively correlated with VM and reticular fiber (r = -0.485, -0.513, P < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between necrotic lesions and VM (r = -0.185, P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) values of average ADC value, minimum ADC value, and maximum ADC value for individual differential diagnosis of PCNSL were 0.920, 0.901, and 0.702, while the AUC of the combined differential diagnosis was 0.985, with a sensitivity of 95.00 % and a specificity of 92.70 %. Conclusion The levels of augmentation index and the ADC value of PCNSL focus are significantly correlated with VM and reticular fiber, and there is a strong negative correlation between necrotic lesions and VM. MRI imaging technology is of great significance in revealing the biological behavior of PCNSL, which can effectively reveal the relationship between VM and reticular fibers and the MRI characteristics in PCNSL, thereby providing a new imaging basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of PCNSL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaiju Qi
- Department of Emergency, Shapingba Hospital, Chongqing University. people’s hospital of Shapingba district, 400033, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 400000, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiansheng Li
- Department of Radiology, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518104, China
| | - Kaixuan Chen
- Department of Radiology, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518104, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Dilin Luo
- Department of Radiology, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518104, China
| | - Shan Huang
- Department of Radiology, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518104, China
| | - Jiahui Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518104, China
| | - Yongge Lv
- Department of Radiology, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518104, China
| | - Zhu Tian
- Department of Emergency, Shapingba Hospital, Chongqing University. people’s hospital of Shapingba district, 400033, Chongqing, China
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5
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Jiang T, Li Y, Huang X, Jayakumar P, Billiar TR, Deng M. Activation of TLR9 signaling suppresses the immunomodulating functions of CD55 lo fibroblastic reticular cells during bacterial peritonitis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1337384. [PMID: 38827745 PMCID: PMC11140099 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1337384] [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: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are a subpopulation of stromal cells modulating the immune environments in health and disease. We have previously shown that activation of TLR9 signaling in FRC in fat-associated lymphoid clusters (FALC) regulate peritoneal immunity via suppressing immune cell recruitment and peritoneal resident macrophage (PRM) retention. However, FRCs are heterogeneous across tissues and organs. The functions of each FRC subset and the regulation of TLR9 in distinct FRC subsets are unknown. Here, we confirmed that specific deletion of TLR9 in FRC improved bacterial clearance and survival during peritoneal infection. Furthermore, using single-cell RNA sequencing, we found two subsets of FRCs (CD55hi and CD55lo) in the mesenteric FALC. The CD55hi FRCs were enriched in gene expression related to extracellular matrix formation. The CD55lo FRCs were enriched in gene expression related to immune response. Interestingly, we found that TLR9 is dominantly expressed in the CD55lo subset. Activation of TLR9 signaling suppressed proliferation, cytokine production, and retinoid metabolism in the CD55lo FRC, but not CD55hi FRC. Notably, we found that adoptive transfer of Tlr9 -/-CD55lo FRC from mesenteric FALC more effectively improved the survival during peritonitis compared with WT-FRC or Tlr9 -/-CD55hi FRC. Furthermore, we identified CD55hi and CD55lo subsets in human adipose tissue-derived FRC and confirmed the suppressive effect of TLR9 on the proliferation and cytokine production in the CD55lo subset. Therefore, inhibition of TLR9 in the CD55lo FRCs from adipose tissue could be a useful strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of FRC-based therapy for peritonitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Jiang
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Yiming Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Xingping Huang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, New York, NY, United States
| | - Preethi Jayakumar
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, New York, NY, United States
| | - Timothy R. Billiar
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Meihong Deng
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, New York, NY, United States
- Departments of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University/Northwell, New York, NY, United States
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6
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Liukang C, Zhao J, Tian J, Huang M, Liang R, Zhao Y, Zhang G. Deciphering infected cell types, hub gene networks and cell-cell communication in infectious bronchitis virus via single-cell RNA sequencing. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012232. [PMID: 38743760 PMCID: PMC11125504 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012232] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a coronavirus that infects chickens, which exhibits a broad tropism for epithelial cells, infecting the tracheal mucosal epithelium, intestinal mucosal epithelium, and renal tubular epithelial cells. Utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we systematically examined cells in renal, bursal, and tracheal tissues following IBV infection and identified tissue-specific molecular markers expressed in distinct cell types. We evaluated the expression of viral RNA in diverse cellular populations and subsequently ascertained that distal tubules and collecting ducts within the kidney, bursal mucosal epithelial cells, and follicle-associated epithelial cells exhibit susceptibility to IBV infection through immunofluorescence. Furthermore, our findings revealed an upregulation in the transcription of proinflammatory cytokines IL18 and IL1B in renal macrophages as well as increased expression of apoptosis-related gene STAT in distal tubules and collecting duct cells upon IBV infection leading to renal damage. Cell-to-cell communication unveiled potential interactions between diverse cell types, as well as upregulated signaling pathways and key sender-receiver cell populations after IBV infection. Integrating single-cell data from all tissues, we applied weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify gene modules that are specifically expressed in different cell populations. Based on the WGCNA results, we identified seven immune-related gene modules and determined the differential expression pattern of module genes, as well as the hub genes within these modules. Our comprehensive data provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of IBV as well as avian antiviral immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyin Liukang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaxin Tian
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rong Liang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ye Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guozhong Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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7
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Tsokos GC, Boulougoura A, Kasinath V, Endo Y, Abdi R, Li H. The immunoregulatory roles of non-haematopoietic cells in the kidney. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:206-217. [PMID: 37985868 PMCID: PMC11005998 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00786-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The deposition of immune complexes, activation of complement and infiltration of the kidney by cells of the adaptive and innate immune systems have long been considered responsible for the induction of kidney damage in autoimmune, alloimmune and other inflammatory kidney diseases. However, emerging findings have highlighted the contribution of resident immune cells and of immune molecules expressed by kidney-resident parenchymal cells to disease processes. Several types of kidney parenchymal cells seem to express a variety of immune molecules with a distinct topographic distribution, which may reflect the exposure of these cells to different pathogenic threats or microenvironments. A growing body of literature suggests that these cells can stimulate the infiltration of immune cells that provide protection against infections or contribute to inflammation - a process that is also regulated by draining kidney lymph nodes. Moreover, components of the immune system, such as autoantibodies, cytokines and immune cells, can influence the metabolic profile of kidney parenchymal cells in the kidney, highlighting the importance of crosstalk in pathogenic processes. The development of targeted nanomedicine approaches that modulate the immune response or control inflammation and damage directly within the kidney has the potential to eliminate the need for systemically acting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- George C Tsokos
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | | - Vivek Kasinath
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yushiro Endo
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Reza Abdi
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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8
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Perez-Shibayama C, Gil-Cruz C, Cadosch N, Lütge M, Cheng HW, De Martin A, Frischmann K, Joachimbauer A, Onder L, Papadopoulou I, Papadopoulou C, Ring S, Krebs P, Vu VP, Nägele MP, Rossi VA, Parianos D, Zsilavecz VW, Cooper LT, Flammer A, Ruschitzka F, Rainer PP, Schmidt D, Ludewig B. Bone morphogenic protein-4 availability in the cardiac microenvironment controls inflammation and fibrosis in autoimmune myocarditis. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2024; 3:301-316. [PMID: 39196111 PMCID: PMC11358008 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-024-00432-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Myocarditis is an inflammatory heart disease that leads to loss of cardiomyocytes and frequently precipitates fibrotic remodeling of the myocardium, culminating in heart failure. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying immune cell control and maintenance of tissue integrity in the inflamed cardiac microenvironment remain elusive. In this study, we found that bone morphogenic protein-4 (BMP4) gradients maintain cardiac tissue homeostasis by single-cell transcriptomics analyses of inflamed murine and human myocardial tissues. Cardiac BMP pathway dysregulation was reflected by reduced BMP4 serum concentration in patients with myocarditis. Restoration of BMP signaling by antibody-mediated neutralization of the BMP inhibitors gremlin-1 and gremlin-2 ameliorated T cell-induced myocardial inflammation in mice. Moreover, progression to inflammatory cardiomyopathy was blocked through the reduction of fibrotic remodeling and preservation of cardiomyocyte integrity. These results unveil the BMP4-gremlin axis as a druggable pathway for the treatment of myocardial inflammation, limiting the severe sequelae of cardiac fibrosis and heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Gil-Cruz
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nadine Cadosch
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Mechthild Lütge
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Hung-Wei Cheng
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Angelina De Martin
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Kira Frischmann
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Anna Joachimbauer
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Onder
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Iliana Papadopoulou
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Chrysa Papadopoulou
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Ring
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Krebs
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vivian P Vu
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias P Nägele
- University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Valentina A Rossi
- University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Danaë Parianos
- University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Leslie T Cooper
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Andreas Flammer
- University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frank Ruschitzka
- University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter P Rainer
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed Graz, Graz, Austria
- St. Johann in Tirol General Hospital, St. Johann in Tirol, Austria
| | - Dörthe Schmidt
- University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Ludewig
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
- University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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9
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Perrotta S, Carnevale D. Brain-Splenic Immune System Interactions in Hypertension: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:65-75. [PMID: 37942610 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.318230] [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: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension represents a major worldwide cause of death and disability, and it is becoming increasingly clear that available therapies are not sufficient to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events. Various mechanisms contribute to blood pressure increase: neurohormonal activation, autonomic nervous system imbalance, and immune activation. Of note, the brain is an important regulator of blood pressure levels; it recognizes the peripheral perturbation and organizes a reflex response by modulating immune system and hormonal release to attempt at restoring the homeostasis. The connection between the brain and peripheral organs is mediated by the autonomic nervous system, which also modulates immune and inflammatory responses. Interestingly, an increased autonomic nervous system activity has been correlated with an altered immune response in cardiovascular diseases. The spleen is the largest immune organ exerting a potent influence on the cardiovascular system during disease and is characterized by a dense noradrenergic innervation. Taken together, these aspects led to hypothesize a key role of neuroimmune mechanisms in the onset and progression of hypertension. This review discusses how the nervous and splenic immune systems interact and how the mechanisms underlying the neuroimmune cross talk influence the disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Perrotta
- Department of Angiocardioneurology and Translational Medicine, Unit of Neuro and Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy (S.P., D.C.)
| | - Daniela Carnevale
- Department of Angiocardioneurology and Translational Medicine, Unit of Neuro and Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy (S.P., D.C.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy (D.C.)
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10
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De Martin A, Stanossek Y, Pikor NB, Ludewig B. Protective fibroblastic niches in secondary lymphoid organs. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20221220. [PMID: 38038708 PMCID: PMC10691961 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20221220] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are specialized fibroblasts of secondary lymphoid organs that provide the structural foundation of the tissue. Moreover, FRCs guide immune cells to dedicated microenvironmental niches where they provide lymphocytes and myeloid cells with homeostatic growth and differentiation factors. Inflammatory processes, including infection with pathogens, induce rapid morphological and functional adaptations that are critical for the priming and regulation of protective immune responses. However, adverse FRC reprogramming can promote immunopathological tissue damage during infection and autoimmune conditions and subvert antitumor immune responses. Here, we review recent findings on molecular pathways that regulate FRC-immune cell crosstalk in specialized niches during the generation of protective immune responses in the course of pathogen encounters. In addition, we discuss how FRCs integrate immune cell-derived signals to ensure protective immunity during infection and how therapies for inflammatory diseases and cancer can be developed through improved understanding of FRC-immune cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina De Martin
- Institute of Immunobiology, Medical Research Center, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Yves Stanossek
- Institute of Immunobiology, Medical Research Center, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Natalia Barbara Pikor
- Institute of Immunobiology, Medical Research Center, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Institute of Microbiology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Ludewig
- Institute of Immunobiology, Medical Research Center, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
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11
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Weber K, Bruer G, Krueger N, Schuster TB, Creutzenberg O, Schaudien D. Regenerative and progressing lesions in lungs and lung-associated lymph nodes from fourteen 90-day inhalation studies with chemically different particulate materials. Toxicol Lett 2023:S0378-4274(23)01118-9. [PMID: 38159619 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2023.12.011] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Rat lungs and lung-associated lymph nodes from 14 inhalation studies with chemically different particulate materials were histopathologically re-evaluated, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) data and lung burden analyses were compared. All investigated substances caused similar lesions. For most substances, 1 mg/m3 of respirable particulate matter was established as the borderline for adverse morphological changes after the 90-day exposure period, confirmed by the increase in polymorphonuclear neutrophils in BALF. Possible reversibility was demonstrated when recovery groups are included in the study especially allowing the differentiation between regeneration or progressing of inflammatory changes during the recovery period. It was concluded, that the major driver of toxicity is not an intrinsic chemical property of the particle but a particle effect. Concerning classification for specific target organ toxicant (STOT) repeated exposure (RE), this paper highlights that merely comparing the lowest concentration, at which adverse effects were observed, with the Classification Labelling and Packaging (CLP) regulation (EC) no. 1272/2008 guidance values is inappropriate and might lead to a STOT classification under CLP for a large part of the substances discussed in this paper, on the basis of typically mild to moderate findings in rat lung and lung-associated lymph nodes on day 1 after exposure. An in-depth evaluation of the pathologic findings is required and an expert judgement has to be included in the decision on classification and labeling, evaluating the type and severity of effects and comparing these with the classification criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gustav Bruer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Germany
| | - Nils Krueger
- Evonik Operations GmbH, Smart Materials, Hanau, Germany
| | | | - Otto Creutzenberg
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Germany
| | - Dirk Schaudien
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Germany.
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12
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Sylvestre M, Barbier N, Sibut V, Nayar S, Monvoisin C, Leonard S, Saint-Vanne J, Martin A, Guirriec M, Latour M, Jouan F, Baulande S, Bohec M, Verdière L, Mechta-Grigoriou F, Mourcin F, Bertheuil N, Barone F, Tarte K, Roulois D. KDM6B drives epigenetic reprogramming associated with lymphoid stromal cell early commitment and immune properties. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh2708. [PMID: 38019914 PMCID: PMC10686565 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh2708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Mature lymphoid stromal cells (LSCs) are key organizers of immune responses within secondary lymphoid organs. Similarly, inflammation-driven tertiary lymphoid structures depend on immunofibroblasts producing lymphoid cytokines and chemokines. Recent studies have explored the origin and heterogeneity of LSC/immunofibroblasts, yet the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms involved in their commitment are still unknown. This study explored the transcriptomic and epigenetic reprogramming underlying LSC/immunofibroblast commitment. We identified the induction of lysine demethylase 6B (KDM6B) as the primary epigenetic driver of early immunofibroblast differentiation. In addition, we observed an enrichment for KDM6B gene signature in murine inflammatory fibroblasts and pathogenic stroma of patients with autoimmune diseases. Last, KDM6B was required for the acquisition of LSC/immunofibroblast functional properties, including the up-regulation of CCL2 and the resulting recruitment of monocytes. Overall, our results reveal epigenetic mechanisms that participate in the early commitment and immune properties of immunofibroblasts and support the use of epigenetic modifiers as fibroblast-targeting strategies in chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Sylvestre
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
| | - Nicolas Barbier
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
| | - Vonick Sibut
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
| | - Saba Nayar
- Centre for Translational inflammation Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham Research Laboratories, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Céline Monvoisin
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
| | - Simon Leonard
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
- LabEx IGO “Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology”, F-35043 Nantes, France
| | - Julien Saint-Vanne
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
- SITI, Pôle Biologie, CHU Rennes, F-35033 Rennes, France
| | - Ansie Martin
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
| | - Marion Guirriec
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
| | - Maëlle Latour
- SITI, Pôle Biologie, CHU Rennes, F-35033 Rennes, France
| | - Florence Jouan
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
| | - Sylvain Baulande
- Institut Curie Genomics of Excellence (ICGex) Platform, Institut Curie Research Center, PSL Research University, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Mylène Bohec
- Institut Curie Genomics of Excellence (ICGex) Platform, Institut Curie Research Center, PSL Research University, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Léa Verdière
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
| | - Fatima Mechta-Grigoriou
- Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Institut Curie, INSERM, U830, PSL Research University, 26, rue d’Ulm, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Mourcin
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
| | - Nicolas Bertheuil
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
- Department of Plastic Surgery, CHU Rennes, F-35033 Rennes, France
| | | | - Karin Tarte
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
- SITI, Pôle Biologie, CHU Rennes, F-35033 Rennes, France
| | - David Roulois
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
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13
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Han N, Zhou D, Ruan M, Yan M, Zhang C. Cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles drive pre-metastatic niche formation of lymph node via IFNGR1/JAK1/STAT1-activated-PD-L1 expression on FRCs in head and neck cancer. Oral Oncol 2023; 145:106524. [PMID: 37482043 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106524] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of FRCs regulated by cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles (CEVs) played in pre-metastatic niche (PMN) formation of lymph node (LN). MATERIALS AND METHODS The FRCs in sixty fresh cervical LNs from 20 patients were evaluated by flow cytometric analysis. Cells in LN with or without metastasis were analyzed by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). CEVs were isolated from the culture supernatant of primarily cultured cancer cells and cocultured with FRCs. Mass Spectrometry was used to identify LN metastasis related protein in CEVs. The activation of IFNGR1/JAK1/STAT1-activated-PD-L1 pathway in FRCs was detected by western blotting. FRCs were co-cultured with CD8+ T lymphocytes to confirm the cytotoxicity assay of FRCs. RESULTS The proportion of fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) was significantly higher in micro-metastatic LN in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients (HNSCC, p < 0.05) and scRNA-seq analysis further showed a high focus of extracellular vesicles-related pathway on FRCs in LN with metastasis (p < 0.05). Interferon gamma receptor 1 (IFNGR1) in CEVs can be engulfed by FRCs and promote PD-L1 expression on FRCs via JAK1-STAT1 pathway, resulting in an increased CD8+ T cell exhaustion. CONCLUSION IFNGR1, originated from cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles, promote PD-L1 expression on FRCs and subsequent CD8+ T cell exhaustion via JAK1-STAT1 activation, which facilitate pre-metastatic niche formation and tumor metastasis in sentinel lymph node in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Han
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Zhou
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Ruan
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ming Yan
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chenping Zhang
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China.
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14
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D'Rozario J, Knoblich K, Lütge M, Shibayama CP, Cheng HW, Alexandre YO, Roberts D, Campos J, Dutton EE, Suliman M, Denton AE, Turley SJ, Boyd RL, Mueller SN, Ludewig B, Heng TSP, Fletcher AL. Fibroblastic reticular cells provide a supportive niche for lymph node-resident macrophages. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250355. [PMID: 36991561 PMCID: PMC10947543 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250355] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The lymph node (LN) is home to resident macrophage populations that are essential for immune function and homeostasis, but key factors controlling this niche are undefined. Here, we show that fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are an essential component of the LN macrophage niche. Genetic ablation of FRCs caused rapid loss of macrophages and monocytes from LNs across two in vivo models. Macrophages co-localized with FRCs in human LNs, and murine single-cell RNA-sequencing revealed that FRC subsets broadly expressed master macrophage regulator CSF1. Functional assays containing purified FRCs and monocytes showed that CSF1R signaling was sufficient to support macrophage development. These effects were conserved between mouse and human systems. These data indicate an important role for FRCs in maintaining the LN parenchymal macrophage niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D'Rozario
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Konstantin Knoblich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mechthild Lütge
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | - Hung-Wei Cheng
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Yannick O Alexandre
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Roberts
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Joana Campos
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Emma E Dutton
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Muath Suliman
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alice E Denton
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Shannon J Turley
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Richard L Boyd
- Cartherics Pty Ltd, Hudson Institute for Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
| | - Scott N Mueller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Burkhard Ludewig
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Tracy S P Heng
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Anne L Fletcher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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15
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Lütge M, De Martin A, Gil-Cruz C, Perez-Shibayama C, Stanossek Y, Onder L, Cheng HW, Kurz L, Cadosch N, Soneson C, Robinson MD, Stoeckli SJ, Ludewig B, Pikor NB. Conserved stromal-immune cell circuits secure B cell homeostasis and function. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:1149-1160. [PMID: 37202489 PMCID: PMC10307622 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01503-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
B cell zone reticular cells (BRCs) form stable microenvironments that direct efficient humoral immunity with B cell priming and memory maintenance being orchestrated across lymphoid organs. However, a comprehensive understanding of systemic humoral immunity is hampered by the lack of knowledge of global BRC sustenance, function and major pathways controlling BRC-immune cell interactions. Here we dissected the BRC landscape and immune cell interactome in human and murine lymphoid organs. In addition to the major BRC subsets underpinning the follicle, including follicular dendritic cells, PI16+ RCs were present across organs and species. As well as BRC-produced niche factors, immune cell-driven BRC differentiation and activation programs governed the convergence of shared BRC subsets, overwriting tissue-specific gene signatures. Our data reveal that a canonical set of immune cell-provided cues enforce bidirectional signaling programs that sustain functional BRC niches across lymphoid organs and species, thereby securing efficient humoral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mechthild Lütge
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Angelina De Martin
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Gil-Cruz
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | - Yves Stanossek
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Onder
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Hung-Wei Cheng
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Kurz
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Nadine Cadosch
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Charlotte Soneson
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mark D Robinson
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sandro J Stoeckli
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Ludewig
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - Natalia B Pikor
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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16
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De Martin A, Stanossek Y, Lütge M, Cadosch N, Onder L, Cheng HW, Brandstadter JD, Maillard I, Stoeckli SJ, Pikor NB, Ludewig B. PI16 + reticular cells in human palatine tonsils govern T cell activity in distinct subepithelial niches. Nat Immunol 2023:10.1038/s41590-023-01502-4. [PMID: 37202490 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01502-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) direct the interaction and activation of immune cells in discrete microenvironments of lymphoid organs. Despite their important role in steering innate and adaptive immunity, the age- and inflammation-associated changes in the molecular identity and functional properties of human FRCs have remained largely unknown. Here, we show that human tonsillar FRCs undergo dynamic reprogramming during life and respond vigorously to inflammatory perturbation in comparison to other stromal cell types. The peptidase inhibitor 16 (PI16)-expressing reticular cell (PI16+ RC) subset of adult tonsils exhibited the strongest inflammation-associated structural remodeling. Interactome analysis combined with ex vivo and in vitro validation revealed that T cell activity within subepithelial niches is controlled by distinct molecular pathways during PI16+ RC-lymphocyte interaction. In sum, the topological and molecular definition of the human tonsillar stromal cell landscape reveals PI16+ RCs as a specialized FRC niche at the core of mucosal immune responses in the oropharynx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina De Martin
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Yves Stanossek
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Mechthild Lütge
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Nadine Cadosch
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Onder
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Hung-Wei Cheng
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Joshua D Brandstadter
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ivan Maillard
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sandro J Stoeckli
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Natalia B Pikor
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Ludewig
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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17
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Yoshihara T, Okabe Y. Aldh1a2 + fibroblastic reticular cells regulate lymphocyte recruitment in omental milky spots. J Exp Med 2023; 220:213908. [PMID: 36880532 PMCID: PMC9997506 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20221813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphoid clusters in visceral adipose tissue omentum, known as milky spots, play a central role in the immunological defense in the abdomen. Milky spots exhibit hybrid nature between secondary lymph organs and ectopic lymphoid tissues, yet their development and maturation mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we identified a subset of fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) that are uniquely present in omental milky spots. These FRCs were characterized by the expression of retinoic acid-converting enzyme, Aldh1a2, and endothelial cell marker, Tie2, in addition to canonical FRC-associated genes. Diphtheria toxin-mediated ablation of Aldh1a2+ FRCs resulted in the alteration in milky spot structure with a significant reduction in size and cellularity. Mechanistically, Aldh1a2+ FRCs regulated the display of chemokine CXCL12 on high endothelial venules (HEVs), which recruit blood-borne lymphocytes from circulation. We further found that Aldh1a2+ FRCs are required for the maintenance of peritoneal lymphocyte composition. These results illustrate the homeostatic roles of FRCs in the formation of non-classical lymphoid tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Yoshihara
- Laboratory of Immune Homeostasis, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University , Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasutaka Okabe
- Laboratory of Immune Homeostasis, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University , Osaka, Japan.,Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University , Osaka, Japan.,Japan Science and Technology Agency , PRESTO, Kawaguchi, Japan
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18
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Stromal regulation of the intestinal barrier. Mucosal Immunol 2023; 16:221-231. [PMID: 36708806 DOI: 10.1016/j.mucimm.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The intestinal barrier is a complex structure that allows the absorption of nutrients while ensuring protection against intestinal pathogens and balanced immunity. The development and maintenance of a functional intestinal barrier is a multifactorial process that is only partially understood. Here we review novel findings on the emerging role of mesenchymal cells in this process using insights gained from lineage tracing approaches, Cre-based gene deletion, and single-cell transcriptomics. The current evidence points toward a key organizer role for distinct mesenchymal lineages in intestinal development and homeostasis, regulating both epithelial and immune components of the intestinal barrier. We further discuss recent findings on functional mesenchymal heterogeneity and implications for intestinal regeneration and inflammatory intestinal pathologies.
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19
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Hou Y, Qiao S, Li M, Han X, Wei X, Pang Y, Mao H. The gene signature of tertiary lymphoid structures within ovarian cancer predicts the prognosis and immunotherapy benefit. Front Genet 2023; 13:1090640. [PMID: 36704336 PMCID: PMC9871364 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1090640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) has the lowest survival rate among gynecologic malignancies. Ectopic lymphocyte aggregates, namely tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), have been reported as positive biomarkers for tumor prognosis. However, the related gene signature of tertiary lymphoid structure in ovarian cancer was less understood. Therefore, this study first exhibited the organizational patterns of tertiary lymphoid structure by H&E staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and confirmed the improved survival values of tertiary lymphoid structure and quantified tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (CD20+ B cells and CD8+ T cells) in ovarian cancer patients. Secondly, we collected the genes involved in tertiary lymphoid structure from databases. By the univariate regression analysis, the tertiary lymphoid structure gene signature (CETP, CCR7, SELL, LAMP3, CCL19, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and CXCL13) with prognostic value, characteristically of ovarian cancer, was constructed in the TCGA dataset and validated in the GSE140082 dataset. Thirdly, by performing CIBERSORT and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) analysis, we found that the high expression of this gene signature was positively correlated with developed immune infiltration and reduced immune escape. The improved IPS score and application in the IMvigor210 dataset received PD-L1 proved the predictive value of immunotherapy for this gene signature. Furthermore, this signature showed a better correlation between tumor mutation burden and classical checkpoint genes. In conclusion, Tertiary lymphoid structure plays important role in tumor immunity and the gene signature can be evaluated as a biomarker for predicting prognosis and guiding immunotherapy in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Division of Gynecology Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Key Laboratory of Gynecology Oncology of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Urogynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Sijing Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Division of Gynecology Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Key Laboratory of Gynecology Oncology of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Urogynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Division of Gynecology Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Key Laboratory of Gynecology Oncology of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Urogynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xue Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Division of Gynecology Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Key Laboratory of Gynecology Oncology of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Urogynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xuan Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Division of Gynecology Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Key Laboratory of Gynecology Oncology of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Urogynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yingxin Pang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Division of Gynecology Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Key Laboratory of Gynecology Oncology of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Urogynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hongluan Mao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Division of Gynecology Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Key Laboratory of Gynecology Oncology of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Urogynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,*Correspondence: Hongluan Mao,
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Gauthier V, Kyriazi M, Nefla M, Pucino V, Raza K, Buckley CD, Alsaleh G. Fibroblast heterogeneity: Keystone of tissue homeostasis and pathology in inflammation and ageing. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1137659. [PMID: 36926329 PMCID: PMC10011104 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1137659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts, derived from the embryonic mesenchyme, are a diverse array of cells with roles in development, homeostasis, repair, and disease across tissues. In doing so, fibroblasts maintain micro-environmental homeostasis and create tissue niches by producing a complex extracellular matrix (ECM) including various structural proteins. Although long considered phenotypically homogenous and functionally identical, the emergence of novel technologies such as single cell transcriptomics has allowed the identification of different phenotypic and cellular states to be attributed to fibroblasts, highlighting their role in tissue regulation and inflammation. Therefore, fibroblasts are now recognised as central actors in many diseases, increasing the need to discover new therapies targeting those cells. Herein, we review the phenotypic heterogeneity and functionality of these cells and their roles in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Gauthier
- Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Kyriazi
- Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Meriam Nefla
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina Pucino
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Karim Raza
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West, Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher D Buckley
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ghada Alsaleh
- Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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21
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Fairchild RL. Fibroblastic reticular cells orchestrate long-term graft survival following recipient treatment with CD40 ligand-targeted costimulatory blockade. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:165174. [PMID: 36519546 PMCID: PMC9753987 DOI: 10.1172/jci165174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) maintain the architecture of secondary lymphoid organs, which optimize interactions between antigen-presenting dendritic cells and reactive naive T cells. In this issue of the JCI, Zhao, Jung, and colleagues investigated CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cell development and long-term heart allograft survival in recipients treated with peritransplant costimulatory blockade to inhibit CD40/CD40 ligand (CD40L) signaling. Treatment with an anti-CD40L monoclonal antibody (mAb) increased the lymph node (LN) population of Madcam1+ FRCs and altered their transcription profile to express immunoregulatory mediators. Administration of nanoparticles, containing the anti-CD40L mAb and a targeting antibody against high endothelial venules, delivered the treatment into LNs of allograft recipients. Direct LN delivery of the costimulatory blockade allowed decreased dosing and increased the efficacy in extending graft survival. The results provide insights into mechanisms by which FRCs can promote donor-reactive tolerance, and establish a strategy for administering costimulation-blocking reagents that circumvent systemic effects and improve allograft outcomes.
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22
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23
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Intestinal fibroblastic reticular cell niches control innate lymphoid cell homeostasis and function. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2027. [PMID: 35440118 PMCID: PMC9018819 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29734-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) govern immune cell homeostasis in the intestine and protect the host against microbial pathogens. Various cell-intrinsic pathways have been identified that determine ILC development and differentiation. However, the cellular components that regulate ILC sustenance and function in the intestinal lamina propria are less known. Using single-cell transcriptomic analysis of lamina propria fibroblasts, we identify fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) that underpin cryptopatches (CPs) and isolated lymphoid follicles (ILFs). Genetic ablation of lymphotoxin-β receptor expression in Ccl19-expressing FRCs blocks the maturation of CPs into mature ILFs. Interactome analysis shows the major niche factors and processes underlying FRC-ILC crosstalk. In vivo validation confirms that a sustained lymphotoxin-driven feedforward loop of FRC activation including IL-7 generation is critical for the maintenance of functional ILC populations. In sum, our study indicates critical fibroblastic niches within the intestinal lamina propria that control ILC homeostasis and functionality and thereby secure protective gut immunity. Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) support localisation of immune cells in secondary lymphoid tissues but less is known about the lamina propria. Here the authors use scRNA-seq and intestinal infection to characterise FRCs in the intestinal lamina propria and show specialised niches that foster innate lymphoid cells during homeostasis and infection.
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24
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Onder L, Cheng HW, Ludewig B. Visualization and functional characterization of lymphoid organ fibroblasts. Immunol Rev 2021; 306:108-122. [PMID: 34866192 PMCID: PMC9300201 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are specialized stromal cells of lymphoid organs that generate the structural foundation of the tissue and actively interact with immune cells. Distinct FRC subsets position lymphocytes and myeloid cells in specialized niches where they present processed or native antigen and provide essential growth factors and cytokines for immune cell activation and differentiation. Niche‐specific functions of FRC subpopulations have been defined using genetic targeting, high‐dimensional transcriptomic analyses, and advanced imaging methods. Here, we review recent findings on FRC‐immune cell interaction and the elaboration of FRC development and differentiation. We discuss how imaging approaches have not only shaped our understanding of FRC biology, but have critically advanced the niche concept of immune cell maintenance and control of immune reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Onder
- Institute of Immunobiology, Medical Research Center, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Hung-Wei Cheng
- Institute of Immunobiology, Medical Research Center, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Ludewig
- Institute of Immunobiology, Medical Research Center, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
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25
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Fibroblasts: The B's knees of follicular lymphoma. Immunity 2021; 54:1628-1630. [PMID: 34380060 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2021.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblasts are the immunological architects of lymph nodes. In this issue of Immunity, Mourcin et al. describe the human tonsil fibroblast landscape and predicted T and B cell interactions. Transcriptomic changes in follicular lymphoma could provide untapped clinical targets.
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26
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Fletcher AL, Turley SJ. Who am I? (re-)Defining fibroblast identity and immunological function in the age of bioinformatics. Immunol Rev 2021; 302:5-9. [PMID: 34219244 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne L Fletcher
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
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27
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Lütge M, Pikor NB, Ludewig B. Differentiation and activation of fibroblastic reticular cells. Immunol Rev 2021; 302:32-46. [PMID: 34046914 PMCID: PMC8361914 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Secondary lymphoid organs (SLO) are underpinned by fibroblastic reticular cells (FRC) that form dedicated microenvironmental niches to secure induction and regulation of innate and adaptive immunity. Distinct FRC subsets are strategically positioned in SLOs to provide niche factors and govern efficient immune cell interaction. In recent years, the use of specialized mouse models in combination with single-cell transcriptomics has facilitated the elaboration of the molecular FRC landscape at an unprecedented resolution. While single-cell RNA-sequencing has advanced the resolution of FRC subset characterization and function, the high dimensionality of the generated data necessitates careful analysis and validation. Here, we reviewed novel findings from high-resolution transcriptomic analyses that refine our understanding of FRC differentiation and activation processes in the context of infection and inflammation. We further discuss concepts, strategies, and limitations for the analysis of single-cell transcriptome data from FRCs and the wide-ranging implications for our understanding of stromal cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mechthild Lütge
- Institute of Immunobiology, Medical Research Center, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Natalia B Pikor
- Institute of Immunobiology, Medical Research Center, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Ludewig
- Institute of Immunobiology, Medical Research Center, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.,Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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