1
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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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2
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Rojas-Pirela M, Andrade-Alviárez D, Medina L, Castillo C, Liempi A, Guerrero-Muñoz J, Ortega Y, Maya JD, Rojas V, Quiñones W, Michels PA, Kemmerling U. MicroRNAs: master regulators in host-parasitic protist interactions. Open Biol 2022; 12:210395. [PMID: 35702995 PMCID: PMC9198802 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs present in a wide diversity of organisms. MiRNAs regulate gene expression at a post-transcriptional level through their interaction with the 3' untranslated regions of target mRNAs, inducing translational inhibition or mRNA destabilization and degradation. Thus, miRNAs regulate key biological processes, such as cell death, signal transduction, development, cellular proliferation and differentiation. The dysregulation of miRNAs biogenesis and function is related to the pathogenesis of diseases, including parasite infection. Moreover, during host-parasite interactions, parasites and host miRNAs determine the probability of infection and progression of the disease. The present review is focused on the possible role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of diseases of clinical interest caused by parasitic protists. In addition, the potential role of miRNAs as targets for the design of drugs and diagnostic and prognostic markers of parasitic diseases is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Rojas-Pirela
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile,Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile,Facultad de Farmacia y Bioanálisis, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Diego Andrade-Alviárez
- Laboratorio de Enzimología de Parásitos, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Lisvaneth Medina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Christian Castillo
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile,Núcleo de Investigación Aplicada en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Chile
| | - Ana Liempi
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Jesús Guerrero-Muñoz
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Yessica Ortega
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile,Facultad de Farmacia y Bioanálisis, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Juan Diego Maya
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Verónica Rojas
- Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile
| | - Wilfredo Quiñones
- Laboratorio de Enzimología de Parásitos, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Paul A. Michels
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution and Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Ulrike Kemmerling
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
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3
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Nakagawa H, Ishiwata T. Effect of short- and long-term heat exposure on brain monoamines and emotional behavior in mice and rats. J Therm Biol 2021; 99:102923. [PMID: 34420602 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Heat exposure affects several physiological, neuronal, and emotional functions. Notably, monoaminergic neurotransmitters in the brain such as noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin, which regulate several basic physiological functions, such as thermoregulation, food intake, and energy balance, are affected by heat exposure and heat acclimation. Furthermore, cognition and emotional states are also affected by heat exposure and changes in brain monoamine levels. Short-term heat exposure has been reported to increase anxiety in some behavioral tests. In contrast, there is a possibility that long-term heat exposure decreases anxiety due to heat acclimation. These changes might be due to adaptation of the core body temperature and/or brain monoamine levels by heat exposure. In this review, we first outline the changes in brain monoamine levels and thereafter focus on changes in emotional behavior due to heat exposure and heat acclimation. Finally, we describe the relationships between emotional behavior and brain monoamine levels during heat acclimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikaru Nakagawa
- Graduate School of Community & Human Services, Rikkyo University, 1-2-26 Kitano, Niiza, Saitama, 352-8558, Japan; Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 5-3-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo, 102-0083, Japan.
| | - Takayuki Ishiwata
- Graduate School of Community & Human Services, Rikkyo University, 1-2-26 Kitano, Niiza, Saitama, 352-8558, Japan
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4
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Hypothyroidism impairs the host immune response during the acute phase of Chagas disease. Immunobiology 2020; 225:152024. [PMID: 33227693 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2020.152024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Diseases associated with thyroid hypofunction have been the subject of studies in infectious models, since several authors have demonstrated a pivotal role of iodinated hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) in the modulation of immune effector responses. Using a model of hypothyroidism induced by anti-thyroid drug, we investigated the influence of hypothyroidism in the course of acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection. For this, male Hannover Wistar rats were challenged with methimazole for 21 days (0.02% in drinking water), and water for control counterparts. After confirmation of the hypothyroidism, rats were intraperitoneally challenged with 1x105 blood trypomastigotes of the Y strain of T. cruzi. Our findings suggest that hypothyroidism impairs animal weight gain, but does not affect the health of essential organs. Interestingly, infected hypothyroid animals had a significant increase in thymic cell death, with consequent drop in lymphocyte frequency in whole blood (evaluated on the 11th day of infection). Analyzing the percentage of immune cells in the spleen, we found a strong influence of hypothyroidism as a negative regulator of B cells, and antigenic ability of macrophages (RT1b expression) in the course of the experimental chagasic infection. Enhanced serum IL-17A concentration was induced by T. cruzi infection, but hypothyroidism impaired the production of this mediator as seen in infected hypothyroid animals. Taken together, our work suggests for the first time that hypothyroidism may adversely interfere with the modulation of effective immunity in the early phase of Chagas' disease.
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5
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Does Prolactin treatment trigger imunoendocrine alterations during experimental T. cruzi infection? Cytokine 2019; 121:154736. [PMID: 31163343 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.154736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Prolactin (PRL) is a pleiotropic polypeptide hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland and negatively controlled by dopamine. Some researchers have associated the immune regulatory functions of PRL with some infectious diseases like Toxoplasma gondii and T. cruzi. This work aimed to analyze the possible immuno-modulatory effects of this hormone through the subcutaneous administration of PRL during the experimental Chagas disease. On the 14th day post-infection (dpi), PRL triggered increased percentages of NK cells in treated infected animals as compared to the infected and untreated ones. For early and late apoptosis, our results showed that in chronically infected groups, PRL counteracted splenocyte apoptosis as revealed by the reduced percentages of both, early and late apoptosis. Reduced percentages of spleen CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were detected in infected PRL treated rats (60 days post-infection). Concerning to B cells, a significant increased percentage of these cells was found for all PRL treated infected animals (14th dpi), but no statistically significant alteration was observed on the 60th days post-infection. Furthermore, PRL treatment triggered a significant increase in the percentage of CD4+ T lymphocytes IFN-γ producers, while on the 60th dpi, a reduced percentage of IFN-γ in these cells was observed in prolactin-treated rats compared to infected and untreated ones. Enhanced serum IL-12 levels were detected in infected and PRL treated subjects (60th dpi). Only on 7th day post-infection, the flow cytometric analysis of CFSE-stained CD3+ T cells showed an enhanced proliferation of polyclonal stimulated T cells in PRL-treated and infected animals. In this study, we demonstrated that PRL can influence many aspects of the immune response during the experimental Chagas' disease, and this substance could be used as a supporting trial along with the conventional drug treatment.
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6
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Silva AR, Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque CF, Pérez AR, Carvalho VDF. Immune-endocrine interactions related to a high risk of infections in chronic metabolic diseases: The role of PPAR gamma. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 854:272-281. [PMID: 30974105 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Diverse disturbances in immune-endocrine circuitries are involved in the development and aggravation of several chronic metabolic diseases (CMDs), including obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The chronic inflammatory syndrome observed in CMDs culminates in dysregulated immune responses with low microbial killing efficiency, by means low host innate immune response, and loss of ability to eliminate the pathogens, which results in a high prevalence of infectious diseases, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, and sepsis. Herein, we review evidence pointing out PPARγ as a putative player in immune-endocrine disturbances related to increased risk of infections in CMDs. Cumulated evidence indicates that PPARγ activation modulates host cells to control inflammation during CMDs because of PPARγ agonists have anti-inflammatory and pro-resolutive properties, increasing host ability to eliminate pathogen, modulating hormone production, and restoring glucose and lipid homeostasis. As such, we propose PPARγ as a putative therapeutic adjuvant for patients with CMDs to favor a better infection control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Ribeiro Silva
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Avenida Brasil, 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Cassiano Felippe Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Avenida Brasil, 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Unirio, Brazil.
| | - Ana Rosa Pérez
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario (IDICER-CONICET UNR), 2000, Rosario, Argentina.
| | - Vinicius de Frias Carvalho
- Laboratório de Inflamação, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Avenida Brasil, 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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7
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da Fonseca LM, da Costa KM, Chaves VDS, Freire-de-Lima CG, Morrot A, Mendonça-Previato L, Previato JO, Freire-de-Lima L. Theft and Reception of Host Cell's Sialic Acid: Dynamics of Trypanosoma Cruzi Trans-sialidases and Mucin-Like Molecules on Chagas' Disease Immunomodulation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:164. [PMID: 30787935 PMCID: PMC6372544 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The last decades have produced a plethora of evidence on the role of glycans, from cell adhesion to signaling pathways. Much of that information pertains to their role on the immune system and their importance on the surface of many human pathogens. A clear example of this is the flagellated protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, which displays on its surface a great variety of glycoconjugates, including O-glycosylated mucin-like glycoproteins, as well as multiple glycan-binding proteins belonging to the trans-sialidase (TS) family. Among the latter, different and concurrently expressed molecules may present or not TS activity, and are accordingly known as active (aTS) and inactive (iTS) members. Over the last thirty years, it has been well described that T. cruzi is unable to synthesize sialic acid (SIA) on its own, making use of aTS to steal the host's SIA. Although iTS did not show enzymatic activity, it retains a substrate specificity similar to aTS (α-2,3 SIA-containing glycotopes), displaying lectinic properties. It is accepted that aTS members act as virulence factors in mammals coursing the acute phase of the T. cruzi infection. However, recent findings have demonstrated that iTS may also play a pathogenic role during T. cruzi infection, since it modulates events related to adhesion and invasion of the parasite into the host cells. Since both aTS and iTS proteins share structural substrate specificity, it might be plausible to speculate that iTS proteins are able to assuage and/or attenuate biological phenomena depending on the catalytic activity displayed by aTS members. Since SIA-containing glycotopes modulate the host immune system, it should not come as any surprise that changes in the sialylation of parasite's mucin-like molecules, as well as host cell glycoconjugates might disrupt critical physiological events, such as the building of effective immune responses. This review aims to discuss the importance of mucin-like glycoproteins and both aTS and iTS for T. cruzi biology, as well as to present a snapshot of how disturbances in both parasite and host cell sialoglycophenotypes may facilitate the persistence of T. cruzi in the infected mammalian host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Marques da Fonseca
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kelli Monteiro da Costa
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Victoria de Sousa Chaves
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Célio Geraldo Freire-de-Lima
- Laboratório de Imunomodulação, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Tuberculose, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucia Mendonça-Previato
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jose Osvaldo Previato
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Freire-de-Lima
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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8
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Legorreta-Herrera M. The Influence of Prolactin on the Immune Response to Parasitic Diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.3233/nib-170131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Martha Legorreta-Herrera
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México
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9
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Pérez AR, Morrot A, Carvalho VF, de Meis J, Savino W. Role of Hormonal Circuitry Upon T Cell Development in Chagas Disease: Possible Implications on T Cell Dysfunctions. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:334. [PMID: 29963015 PMCID: PMC6010535 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell response plays an essential role in the host resistance to infection by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. This infection is often associated with multiple manifestations of T cell dysfunction, both during the acute and the chronic phases of disease. Additionally, the normal development of T cells is affected. As seen in animal models of Chagas disease, there is a strong thymic atrophy due to massive death of CD4+CD8+ double-positive cells by apoptosis and an abnormal escape of immature and potentially autoreactive thymocytes from the organ. Furthermore, an increase in the release of corticosterone triggered by T. cruzi-driven systemic inflammation is strongly associated with the alterations seen in the thymus of infected animals. Moreover, changes in the levels of other hormones, including growth hormone, prolactin, and testosterone are also able to contribute to the disruption of thymic homeostasis secondary to T. cruzi infection. In this review, we discuss the role of hormonal circuits involved in the normal T cell development and trafficking, as well as their role on the thymic alterations likely related to the peripheral T cell disturbances largely reported in both chagasic patients and animal models of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rosa Pérez
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Immunology (IDICER-CONICET UNR), Rosario, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Ana Rosa Pérez, ,
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Faculty of Medicine, Tuberculosis Research Center, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Frias Carvalho
- Laboratory of Inflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliana de Meis
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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10
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Siddiqui S, Lustig A, Carter A, Sankar M, Daimon CM, Premont RT, Etienne H, van Gastel J, Azmi A, Janssens J, Becker KG, Zhang Y, Wood W, Lehrmann E, Martin JG, Martin B, Taub DD, Maudsley S. Genomic deletion of GIT2 induces a premature age-related thymic dysfunction and systemic immune system disruption. Aging (Albany NY) 2017; 9:706-740. [PMID: 28260693 PMCID: PMC5391227 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent research has proposed that GIT2 (G protein-coupled receptor kinase interacting protein 2) acts as an integrator of the aging process through regulation of 'neurometabolic' integrity. One of the commonly accepted hallmarks of the aging process is thymic involution. At a relatively young age, 12 months old, GIT2-/- mice present a prematurely distorted thymic structure and dysfunction compared to age-matched 12 month-old wild-type control (C57BL/6) mice. Disruption of thymic structure in GIT2-/- (GIT2KO) mice was associated with a significant reduction in the expression of the cortical thymic marker, Troma-I (cytokeratin 8). Double positive (CD4+CD8+) and single positive CD4+ T cells were also markedly reduced in 12 month-old GIT2KO mice compared to age-matched control wild-type mice. Coincident with this premature thymic disruption in GIT2KO mice was the unique generation of a novel cervical 'organ', i.e. 'parathymic lobes'. These novel organs did not exhibit classical peripheral lymph node-like characteristics but expressed high levels of T cell progenitors that were reflexively reduced in GIT2KO thymi. Using signaling pathway analysis of GIT2KO thymus and parathymic lobe transcriptomic data we found that the molecular signaling functions lost in the dysfunctional GIT2KO thymus were selectively reinstated in the novel parathymic lobe - suggestive of a compensatory effect for the premature thymic disruption. Broader inspection of high-dimensionality transcriptomic data from GIT2KO lymph nodes, spleen, thymus and parathymic lobes revealed a systemic alteration of multiple proteins (Dbp, Tef, Per1, Per2, Fbxl3, Ddit4, Sin3a) involved in the multidimensional control of cell cycle clock regulation, cell senescence, cellular metabolism and DNA damage. Altered cell clock regulation across both immune and non-immune tissues therefore may be responsible for the premature 'aging' phenotype of GIT2KO mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Siddiqui
- Receptor Pharmacology Unit, Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Ana Lustig
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, NIA, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Arnell Carter
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, NIA, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Mathavi Sankar
- Metabolism Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, NIA, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Caitlin M Daimon
- Metabolism Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, NIA, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | | | - Harmonie Etienne
- Translational Neurobiology Group, VIB Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jaana van Gastel
- Translational Neurobiology Group, VIB Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Abdelkrim Azmi
- Translational Neurobiology Group, VIB Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Janssens
- Translational Neurobiology Group, VIB Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kevin G Becker
- Gene Expression and Genomics Unit, Research Resources Branch, NIA, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Yongqing Zhang
- Gene Expression and Genomics Unit, Research Resources Branch, NIA, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - William Wood
- Gene Expression and Genomics Unit, Research Resources Branch, NIA, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Elin Lehrmann
- Gene Expression and Genomics Unit, Research Resources Branch, NIA, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - James G Martin
- Research Institute of the MUHC, Centre for Translational Biology (CTB), Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Bronwen Martin
- Metabolism Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, NIA, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Dennis D Taub
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, NIA, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Stuart Maudsley
- Receptor Pharmacology Unit, Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.,Translational Neurobiology Group, VIB Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Antwerp, Belgium
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11
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Losada-Barragán M, Umaña-Pérez A, Cuervo-Escobar S, Berbert LR, Porrozzi R, Morgado FN, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Savino W, Sánchez-Gómez M, Cuervo P. Protein malnutrition promotes dysregulation of molecules involved in T cell migration in the thymus of mice infected with Leishmania infantum. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45991. [PMID: 28397794 PMCID: PMC5387407 DOI: 10.1038/srep45991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein malnutrition, the most deleterious cause of malnutrition in developing countries, has been considered a primary risk factor for the development of clinical visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Protein malnutrition and infection with Leishmania infantum leads to lymphoid tissue disorganization, including changes in cellularity and lymphocyte subpopulations in the thymus and spleen. Here we report that protein malnutrition modifies thymic chemotactic factors by diminishing the CCL5, CXCL12, IGF1, CXCL9 and CXCL10 protein levels in infected animals. Nevertheless, T cells preserve their migratory capability, as they were able to migrate ex vivo in response to chemotactic stimuli, indicating that malnutrition may compromise the thymic microenvironment and alter in vivo thymocyte migration. Decrease in chemotactic factors protein levels was accompanied by an early increase in the parasite load of the spleen. These results suggest that the precondition of malnutrition is affecting the cell-mediated immune response to L. infantum by altering T cell migration and interfering with the capacity of protein-deprived animals to control parasite spreading and proliferation. Our data provide evidence for a disturbance of T lymphocyte migration involving both central and peripheral T-cells, which likely contribute to the pathophysiology of VL that occurs in malnourished individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Losada-Barragán
- Laboratório de Pesquisas em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Adriana Umaña-Pérez
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Facultad de Ciencias, Grupo de Investigación en Hormonas, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sergio Cuervo-Escobar
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Facultad de Ciencias, Grupo de Investigación en Hormonas, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luiz Ricardo Berbert
- Laboratório de Pesquisas sobre o Timo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Renato Porrozzi
- Laboratório de Pesquisas em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Fernanda N Morgado
- Laboratório de Pesquisas em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratório de Pesquisas sobre o Timo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Myriam Sánchez-Gómez
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Facultad de Ciencias, Grupo de Investigación en Hormonas, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Patricia Cuervo
- Laboratório de Pesquisas em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
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12
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Ansari AR, Liu H. Acute Thymic Involution and Mechanisms for Recovery. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2017; 65:401-420. [PMID: 28331940 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-017-0462-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Acute thymic involution (ATI) is usually regarded as a virulence trait. It is caused by several infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi) and other factors, including stress, pregnancy, malnutrition and chemotherapy. However, the complex mechanisms that operate during ATI differ substantially from each other depending on the causative agent. For instance, a transient reduction in the size and weight of the thymus and depletion of populations of T cell subsets are hallmarks of ATI in many cases, whereas severe disruption of the anatomical structure of the organ is also associated with some factors, including fungal, parasitic and viral infections. However, growing evidence shows that ATI may be therapeutically halted or reversed. In this review, we highlight the current progress in this field with respect to numerous pathological factors and discuss the possible mechanisms. Moreover, these new observations also show that ATI can be mechanistically reversed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdur Rahman Ansari
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (CVAS), Jhang, Pakistan.,University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Huazhen Liu
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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13
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MHC-mismatched mixed chimerism augments thymic regulatory T-cell production and prevents relapse of EAE in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:15994-9. [PMID: 26647186 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1521157112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system with demyelination, axon damage, and paralysis. Induction of mixed chimerism with allogeneic donors has been shown to not cause graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in animal models and humans. We have reported that induction of MHC-mismatched mixed chimerism can cure autoimmunity in autoimmune NOD mice, but this approach has not yet been tested in animal models of MS, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Here, we report that MHC-mismatched mixed chimerism with C57BL/6 (H-2(b)) donor in SJL/J (H-2(s)) EAE recipients eliminates clinical symptoms and prevents relapse. This cure is demonstrated by not only disappearance of clinical signs but also reversal of autoimmunity; elimination of infiltrating T, B, and macrophage cells in the spinal cord; and regeneration of myelin sheath. The reversal of autoimmunity is associated with a marked reduction of autoreactivity of CD4(+) T cells and significant increase in the percentage of Foxp3(+) Treg among host-type CD4(+) T cells in the spleen and lymph nodes. The latter is associated with a marked reduction of the percentage of host-type CD4(+)CD8(+) thymocytes and an increase of Treg percentage among the CD4(+)CD8(+) and CD4(+)CD8(-) thymocytes. Thymectomy leads to loss of prevention of EAE relapse by induction of mixed chimerism, although there is a dramatic expansion of host-type Treg cells in the lymph nodes. These results indicate that induction of MHC-mismatched mixed chimerism can restore thymic negative selection of autoreactive CD4(+) T cells, augment production of Foxp3(+) Treg, and cure EAE.
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14
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Linhares-Lacerda L, Palu CC, Ribeiro-Alves M, Paredes BD, Morrot A, Garcia-Silva MR, Cayota A, Savino W. Differential Expression of microRNAs in Thymic Epithelial Cells from Trypanosoma cruzi Acutely Infected Mice: Putative Role in Thymic Atrophy. Front Immunol 2015; 6:428. [PMID: 26347748 PMCID: PMC4543887 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A common feature seen in acute infections is a severe atrophy of the thymus. This occurs in the murine model of acute Chagas disease. Moreover, in thymuses from Trypanosoma cruzi acutely infected mice, thymocytes exhibit an increase in the density of fibronectin and laminin integrin-type receptors, with an increase in migratory response ex vivo. Thymic epithelial cells (TEC) play a major role in the intrathymic T cell differentiation. To date, the consequences of molecular changes promoted by parasite infection upon thymus have not been elucidated. Considering the importance of microRNA for gene expression regulation, 85 microRNAs (mRNAs) were analyzed in TEC from T. cruzi acutely infected mice. The infection significantly modulated 29 miRNAs and modulation of 9 was also dependent whether TEC sorted out from the thymus exhibited cortical or medullary phenotype. In silico analysis revealed that these miRNAs may control target mRNAs known to be responsible for chemotaxis, cell adhesion, and cell death. Considering that we sorted TEC in the initial phase of thymocyte loss, it is conceivable that changes in TEC miRNA expression profile are functionally related to thymic atrophy, providing new clues to better understanding the mechanisms of the thymic involution seen in experimental Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandra Linhares-Lacerda
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Institute Oswaldo Cruz, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Cintia Cristina Palu
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Institute Oswaldo Cruz, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Marcelo Ribeiro-Alves
- HIV/AIDS Clinical Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Bruno Diaz Paredes
- The National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | | | - Alfonso Cayota
- Functional Genomics Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo , Montevideo , Uruguay
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Institute Oswaldo Cruz, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
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15
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Freire-de-Lima L, Fonseca LM, Oeltmann T, Mendonça-Previato L, Previato JO. The trans-sialidase, the major Trypanosoma cruzi virulence factor: Three decades of studies. Glycobiology 2015. [PMID: 26224786 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwv057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas' disease is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Since the description of Chagas'disease in 1909 extensive research has identified important events in the disease in order to understand the biochemical mechanism that modulates T. cruzi-host cell interactions and the ability of the parasite to ensure its survival in the infected host. Exactly 30 years ago, we presented evidence for the first time of a trans-sialidase activity in T. cruzi (T. cruzi-TS). This enzyme transfers sialic acid from the host glycoconjugates to the terminal β-galactopyranosyl residues of mucin-like molecules on the parasite's cell surface. Thenceforth, many articles have provided convincing data showing that T. cruzi-TS is able to govern relevant mechanisms involved in the parasite's survival in the mammalian host, such as invasion, escape from the phagolysosomal vacuole, differentiation, down-modulation of host immune responses, among others. The aim of this review is to cover the history of the discovery of T. cruzi-TS, as well as some well-documented biological effects encompassed by this parasite's virulence factor, an enzyme with potential attributes to become a drug target against Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Freire-de-Lima
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21944902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - L M Fonseca
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21944902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - T Oeltmann
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - L Mendonça-Previato
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21944902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - J O Previato
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21944902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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16
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Lepletier A, de Almeida L, Santos L, da Silva Sampaio L, Paredes B, González FB, Freire-de-Lima CG, Beloscar J, Bottasso O, Einicker-Lamas M, Pérez AR, Savino W, Morrot A. Early double-negative thymocyte export in Trypanosoma cruzi infection is restricted by sphingosine receptors and associated with human chagas disease. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3203. [PMID: 25330249 PMCID: PMC4199546 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is able to target the thymus and induce alterations of the thymic microenvironmental and lymphoid compartments. Acute infection results in severe atrophy of the organ and early release of immature thymocytes into the periphery. To date, the pathophysiological effects of thymic changes promoted by parasite-inducing premature release of thymocytes to the periphery has remained elusive. Herein, we show that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a potent mediator of T cell chemotaxis, plays a role in the exit of immature double-negative thymocytes in experimental Chagas disease. In thymuses from T. cruzi-infected mice we detected reduced transcription of the S1P kinase 1 and 2 genes related to S1P biosynthesis, together with increased transcription of the SGPL1 sphingosine-1-lyase gene, whose product inactivates S1P. These changes were associated with reduced intrathymic levels of S1P kinase activity. Interestingly, double-negative thymocytes from infected animals expressed high levels of the S1P receptor during infection, and migrated to lower levels of S1P. Moreover, during T. cruzi infection, this thymocyte subset expresses high levels of IL-17 and TNF-α cytokines upon polyclonal stimulation. In vivo treatment with the S1P receptor antagonist FTY720 resulted in recovery the numbers of double-negative thymocytes in infected thymuses to physiological levels. Finally, we showed increased numbers of double-negative T cells in the peripheral blood in severe cardiac forms of human Chagas disease. The formation of mature lineage-committed T cells requires the specialized environment of the thymus, a central organ of the immune system supporting the development of self-tolerant T cells. Key events of intrathymic T-cell development include lineage commitment, selection events and thymic emigration. This organ undergoes physiological involution during aging. However, acute thymic atrophy can occur in the presence autoimmune diseases, malignant tumors and infections caused by intracellular pathogens. The present study shows that the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi changes the thymic microenvironmental and lymphoid compartments, resulting in premature release of very immature CD4−CD8− double-negative thymocytes, TCRneg/low, which bear a pro-inflammatory activation profile. Strikingly, we also found elevated levels of these undifferentiated T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of patients in severe cardiac forms of chronic Chagas disease. Importantly, we provided evidence that migration of CD4−CD8− T cells from infected mouse thymus is due to sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1-dependent chemotaxis. These findings point to an important role for bioactive signaling sphingolipids in the thymic escape of immature thymocytes to the periphery in Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailin Lepletier
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Liliane de Almeida
- Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Santos
- Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luzia da Silva Sampaio
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruno Paredes
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Juan Beloscar
- Servicio de Clínica Médica, Hospital J.B. Iturraspe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Oscar Bottasso
- Servicio de Clínica Médica, Hospital J.B. Iturraspe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Einicker-Lamas
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Rosa Pérez
- Institute of Immunology, National University of Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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17
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Liu B, Zhang X, Deng W, Liu J, Li H, Wen M, Bao L, Qu J, Liu Y, Li F, An Y, Qin C, Cao B, Wang C. Severe influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection induces thymic atrophy through activating innate CD8(+)CD44(hi) T cells by upregulating IFN-γ. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1440. [PMID: 25275588 PMCID: PMC4649502 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Thymic atrophy has been described as a consequence of infection by several pathogens including highly pathogenic avian influenza virus and is induced through diverse mechanisms. However, whether influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection induces thymic atrophy and the mechanisms underlying this process have not been completely elucidated. Our results show that severe infection of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 led to progressive thymic atrophy and CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) T-cells depletion due to apoptosis. The viruses were present in thymus, where they activated thymic innate CD8+CD44hi single-positive (SP) thymocytes to secrete a large amount of IFN-γ. Milder thymic atrophy was observed in innate CD8+ T-cell-deficient mice (C57BL/6J). Neutralization of IFN-γ could significantly rescue the atrophy, but peramivir treatment did not significantly alleviate thymic atrophy. In this study, we demonstrated that thymic innate CD8+CD44hi SP T-cells have critical roles in influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection-induced thymic atrophy through secreting IFN-γ. This exceptional mechanism might serve as a target for the prevention and treatment of thymic atrophy induced by influenza A(H1N1)pdm09.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - X Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - W Deng
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - J Liu
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Beijing, China
| | - H Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - M Wen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - L Bao
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - J Qu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Y Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - F Li
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Y An
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - C Qin
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - B Cao
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - C Wang
- 1] Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China [2] Department of Respiratory Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China [3] Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Beijing, China [4] Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Ministry of Heath, P. R. China, Beijing, China
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18
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Lepletier A, de Carvalho VF, e Silva PMR, Villar S, Pérez AR, Savino W, Morrot A. Trypanosoma cruzi disrupts thymic homeostasis by altering intrathymic and systemic stress-related endocrine circuitries. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2470. [PMID: 24324845 PMCID: PMC3852165 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that experimental infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi
is associated with changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Increased glucocorticoid (GC)
levels are believed to be protective against the effects of acute stress during infection but result
in depletion of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes by apoptosis, driving to thymic
atrophy. However, very few data are available concerning prolactin (PRL), another stress-related
hormone, which seems to be decreased during T. cruzi infection. Considering the
immunomodulatory role of PRL upon the effects caused by GC, we investigated if intrathymic
cross-talk between GC and PRL receptors (GR and PRLR, respectively) might influence T.
cruzi-induced thymic atrophy. Using an acute experimental model, we observed changes in
GR/PRLR cross-activation related with the survival of CD4+CD8+
thymocytes during infection. These alterations were closely related with systemic changes,
characterized by a stress hormone imbalance, with progressive GC augmentation simultaneously to PRL
reduction. The intrathymic hormone circuitry exhibited an inverse modulation that seemed to
counteract the GC-related systemic deleterious effects. During infection, adrenalectomy protected
the thymus from the increase in apoptosis ratio without changing PRL levels, whereas an additional
inhibition of circulating PRL accelerated the thymic atrophy and led to an increase in
corticosterone systemic levels. These results demonstrate that the PRL impairment during infection
is not caused by the increase of corticosterone levels, but the opposite seems to occur.
Accordingly, metoclopramide (MET)-induced enhancement of PRL secretion protected thymic atrophy in
acutely infected animals as well as the abnormal export of immature and potentially autoreactive
CD4+CD8+ thymocytes to the periphery. In conclusion, our findings
clearly show that Trypanosoma cruzi subverts mouse thymus homeostasis by altering
intrathymic and systemic stress-related endocrine circuitries with major consequences upon the
normal process of intrathymic T cell development. It is currently estimated that 90 million people in America are exposed to T.
cruzi infection, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Despite the mortality and
morbidity, this infection is yet considered a neglected disease, due to the lack of effective, safe,
and affordable pharmaceuticals for controlling it. T. cruzi leads to
immunosuppression of the T cell compartment and to chronic cardiac inflammation, which seems to be
associated with the disruption of thymic homeostasis. Thymus atrophy, characteristic of acute
infection, is mainly associated with the loss of immature CD4+CD8+
thymocytes, which in turn is associated with increased corticosterone systemic levels, together with
their premature export to the periphery as potential autorreactive cells. Although being deleterious
to the thymus, GCs are protective during this infection, for avoiding an exacerbated
pro-inflammatory response. Here we demonstrate that the increase of GCs in plasma is related to the
impairment of PRL systemic levels. The intrathymic hormonal circuitry is also altered during
infection and an imbalance of the cross-talk involving GR and PRL is related with
CD4+CD8+ depletion. The partial restoration of PRL levels prevented
thymus atrophy of infected mice, thus partially reverting the T. cruzi-induced
subversion of the organ, ultimately reestablishing thymus homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailin Lepletier
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute,
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Silvina Villar
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences,
National University of Rosario and CONICET, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Ana Rosa Pérez
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences,
National University of Rosario and CONICET, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute,
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute,
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Paulo de Goes Institute of
Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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