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Shim JA, Lee SM, Jeong JW, Kim H, Son WJ, Park JH, Song P, Im SH, Bae S, Park JH, Jo Y, Hong C. NFAT1 and NFκB regulates expression of the common γ-chain cytokine receptor in activated T cells. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:309. [PMID: 37904191 PMCID: PMC10617197 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01326-7] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cytokines of the common γ chain (γc) family are critical for the development, differentiation, and survival of T lineage cells. Cytokines play key roles in immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases, allergies, and cancer. Although γc is considered an assistant receptor to transmit cytokine signals and is an indispensable receptor in the immune system, its regulatory mechanism is not yet well understood. OBJECTIVE This study focused on the molecular mechanisms that γc expression in T cells is regulated under T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation. METHODS The γc expression in TCR-stimulated T cells was determined by flow cytometry, western blot and quantitative RT-PCR. The regulatory mechanism of γc expression in activated T cells was examined by promoter-luciferase assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. NFAT1 and NFκB deficient cells generated using CRISPR-Cas9 and specific inhibitors were used to examine their role in regulation of γc expression. Specific binding motif was confirmed by γc promotor mutant cells generated using CRISPR-Cas9. IL-7TgγcTg mice were used to examine regulatory role of γc in cytokine signaling. RESULTS We found that activated T cells significantly upregulated γc expression, wherein NFAT1 and NFκB were key in transcriptional upregulation via T cell receptor stimulation. Also, we identified the functional binding site of the γc promoter and the synergistic effect of NFAT1 and NFκB in the regulation of γc expression. Increased γc expression inhibited IL-7 signaling and rescued lymphoproliferative disorder in an IL-7Tg animal model, providing novel insights into T cell homeostasis. CONCLUSION Our results indicate functional cooperation between NFAT1 and NFκB in upregulating γc expression in activated T cells. As γc expression also regulates γc cytokine responsiveness, our study suggests that γc expression should be considered as one of the regulators in γc cytokine signaling and the development of T cell immunotherapies. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju A Shim
- Department of Anatomy, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Room 504, 49 Busandaehak-Ro, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-Do, 50612, South Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - So Min Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Room 504, 49 Busandaehak-Ro, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-Do, 50612, South Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
- PNU GRAND Convergence Medical Science Education Research Center, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woo Jeong
- Department of Anatomy, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Room 504, 49 Busandaehak-Ro, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-Do, 50612, South Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
- PNU GRAND Convergence Medical Science Education Research Center, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyori Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Room 504, 49 Busandaehak-Ro, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-Do, 50612, South Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
- PNU GRAND Convergence Medical Science Education Research Center, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Jae Son
- Department of Chemistry, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Hong Park
- Herbal Medicine Resources Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Naju, 58245, Republic of Korea
- University of Science & Technology (UST), KIOM Campus, Korean Convergence Medicine Major, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Parkyong Song
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
- PNU GRAND Convergence Medical Science Education Research Center, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Sin-Hyeog Im
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Korea
| | - Sangsu Bae
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hyun Park
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Yuna Jo
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Anatomy, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Room 515, 49 Busandaehak-Ro, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-Do, 50612, South Korea.
| | - Changwan Hong
- Department of Anatomy, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Room 504, 49 Busandaehak-Ro, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-Do, 50612, South Korea.
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea.
- PNU GRAND Convergence Medical Science Education Research Center, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea.
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Li W, Yang Y, Liu S, Zhang D, Ren X, Tang M, Zhang W, Chen X, Huang C, Yu B. Paxbp1 is indispensable for the survival of CD4 and CD8 double-positive thymocytes. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1183367. [PMID: 37404821 PMCID: PMC10315898 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1183367] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The lifespan of double-positive (DP) thymocytes is critical for intrathymic development and shaping the peripheral T cell repertoire. However, the molecular mechanisms that control DP thymocyte survival remain poorly understood. Paxbp1 is a conserved nuclear protein that has been reported to play important roles in cell growth and development. Its high expression in T cells suggests a possible role in T cell development. Here, we observed that deletion of Paxbp1 resulted in thymic atrophy in mice lacking Paxbp1 in the early stages of T cell development. Conditional loss of Paxbp1 resulted in fewer CD4+CD8+ DP T cells, CD4 and CD8 single positive (SP) T cells in the thymus, and fewer T cells in the periphery. Meanwhile, Paxbp1 deficiency had limited effects on the CD4-CD8- double negative (DN) or immature single-positive (ISP) cell populations. Instead, we observed a significant increase in the susceptibility of Paxbp1-deficient DP thymocytes to apoptosis. Consistent with this, RNA-Seq analysis revealed a significant enrichment of the apoptotic pathway within differentially expressed genes in Paxbp1-deficient DP cells compared to control DP cells. Together, our results suggest a new function for Paxbp1, which is an important mediator of DP thymocyte survival and critical for proper thymic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Li
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Translational Medicine of Dermatology, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Translational Medicine of Dermatology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shenglin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Hunan Province, College of Biological and Food Engineering, Huaihua University, Huaihua, Hunan, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Translational Medicine of Dermatology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuanyao Ren
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Translational Medicine of Dermatology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Mindan Tang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Translational Medicine of Dermatology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Translational Medicine of Dermatology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaofan Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Translational Medicine of Dermatology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Cong Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Translational Medicine of Dermatology, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Translational Medicine of Dermatology, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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3
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Liman N, Park JH. Markers and makers of NKT17 cells. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1090-1098. [PMID: 37258582 PMCID: PMC10317953 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01015-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are thymus-generated innate-like αβ T cells that undergo terminal differentiation in the thymus. Such a developmental pathway differs from that of conventional αβ T cells, which are generated in the thymus but complete their functional maturation in peripheral tissues. Multiple subsets of iNKT cells have been described, among which IL-17-producing iNKT cells are commonly referred to as NKT17 cells. IL-17 is considered a proinflammatory cytokine that can play both protective and pathogenic roles and has been implicated as a key regulatory factor in many disease settings. Akin to other iNKT subsets, NKT17 cells acquire their effector function during thymic development. However, the cellular mechanisms that drive NKT17 subset specification, and how iNKT cells in general acquire their effector function prior to antigen encounter, remain largely unknown. Considering that all iNKT cells express the canonical Vα14-Jα18 TCRα chain and all iNKT subsets display the same ligand specificity, i.e., glycolipid antigens in the context of the nonclassical MHC-I molecule CD1d, the conundrum is explaining how thymic NKT17 cell specification is determined. Mapping of the molecular circuitry of NKT17 cell differentiation, combined with the discovery of markers that identify NKT17 cells, has provided new insights into the developmental pathway of NKT17 cells. The current review aims to highlight recent advances in our understanding of thymic NKT17 cell development and to place these findings in the larger context of iNKT subset specification and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurcin Liman
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jung-Hyun Park
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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McAuley GE, Yiu G, Chang PC, Newby GA, Campo-Fernandez B, Fitz-Gibbon ST, Wu X, Kang SHL, Garibay A, Butler J, Christian V, Wong RL, Everette KA, Azzun A, Gelfer H, Seet CS, Narendran A, Murguia-Favela L, Romero Z, Wright N, Liu DR, Crooks GM, Kohn DB. Human T cell generation is restored in CD3δ severe combined immunodeficiency through adenine base editing. Cell 2023; 186:1398-1416.e23. [PMID: 36944331 PMCID: PMC10876291 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
CD3δ SCID is a devastating inborn error of immunity caused by mutations in CD3D, encoding the invariant CD3δ chain of the CD3/TCR complex necessary for normal thymopoiesis. We demonstrate an adenine base editing (ABE) strategy to restore CD3δ in autologous hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Delivery of mRNA encoding a laboratory-evolved ABE and guide RNA into a CD3δ SCID patient's HSPCs resulted in a 71.2% ± 7.85% (n = 3) correction of the pathogenic mutation. Edited HSPCs differentiated in artificial thymic organoids produced mature T cells exhibiting diverse TCR repertoires and TCR-dependent functions. Edited human HSPCs transplanted into immunodeficient mice showed 88% reversion of the CD3D defect in human CD34+ cells isolated from mouse bone marrow after 16 weeks, indicating correction of long-term repopulating HSCs. These findings demonstrate the preclinical efficacy of ABE in HSPCs for the treatment of CD3δ SCID, providing a foundation for the development of a one-time treatment for CD3δ SCID patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E McAuley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Gloria Yiu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Patrick C Chang
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Beatriz Campo-Fernandez
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sorel T Fitz-Gibbon
- Department of Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xiaomeng Wu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sung-Hae L Kang
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Amber Garibay
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jeffrey Butler
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Valentina Christian
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ryan L Wong
- Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kelcee A Everette
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Anthony Azzun
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Hila Gelfer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Christopher S Seet
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Broad Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Aru Narendran
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Luis Murguia-Favela
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Zulema Romero
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Nicola Wright
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Gay M Crooks
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Broad Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Donald B Kohn
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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5
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Luo S, Liman N, Li C, Crossman A, Wang ECY, Meylan F, Park JH. The cytokine receptor DR3 identifies and promotes the activation of thymic NKT17 cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:76. [PMID: 36847849 PMCID: PMC10838626 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04726-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells correspond to a population of thymus-generated T cells with innate-like characteristics and effector functions. Among the various iNKT subsets, NKT17 is the only subset that produces the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17. But, how NKT17 cells acquire this ability and what would selectively trigger their activation remain incompletely understood. Here, we identified the cytokine receptor DR3 being specifically expressed on thymic NKT17 cells and mostly absent on other thymic iNKT subsets. Moreover, DR3 ligation promoted the in vivo activation of thymic NKT17 cells and provided costimulatory effects upon agonistic α-GalCer stimulation. Thus, we identified a specific surface marker for thymic NKT17 cells that triggers their activation and augments their effector functions both in vivo and in vitro. These findings provide new insights for deciphering the role and function of murine NKT17 cells and for understanding the development and activation mechanisms of iNKT cells in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunqun Luo
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Nurcin Liman
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Can Li
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Assiatu Crossman
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Eddie C Y Wang
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Françoise Meylan
- Translational Immunology Section, NIAMS, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jung-Hyun Park
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Zhang M, Lin X, Yang Z, Li X, Zhou Z, Love PE, Huang J, Zhao B. Metabolic regulation of T cell development. Front Immunol 2022; 13:946119. [PMID: 35958585 PMCID: PMC9357944 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.946119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell development in the thymus is tightly controlled by complex regulatory mechanisms at multiple checkpoints. Currently, many studies have focused on the transcriptional and posttranslational control of the intrathymic journey of T-cell precursors. However, over the last few years, compelling evidence has highlighted cell metabolism as a critical regulator in this process. Different thymocyte subsets are directed by distinct metabolic pathways and signaling networks to match the specific functional requirements of the stage. Here, we epitomize these metabolic alterations during the development of a T cell and review several recent works that provide insights into equilibrating metabolic quiescence and activation programs. Ultimately, understanding the interplay between cellular metabolism and T cell developmental programs may offer an opportunity to selectively regulate T cell subset functions and to provide potential novel therapeutic approaches to modulate autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoxi Lin
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhou Yang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xia Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiguang Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Paul E. Love
- Section on Hematopoiesis and Lymphocyte Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Zhao, ; ; Jiaqi Huang, ;;
| | - Bin Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Zhao, ; ; Jiaqi Huang, ;;
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Bao X, Qin Y, Lu L, Zheng M. Transcriptional Regulation of Early T-Lymphocyte Development in Thymus. Front Immunol 2022; 13:884569. [PMID: 35432347 PMCID: PMC9008359 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.884569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
T-lymphocytes play crucial roles for maintaining immune homeostasis by fighting against various pathogenic microorganisms and establishing self-antigen tolerance. They will go through several stages and checkpoints in the thymus from progenitors to mature T cells, from CD4-CD8- double negative (DN) cells to CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP) cells, finally become CD4+ or CD8+ single positive (SP) cells. The mature SP cells then emigrate out of the thymus and further differentiate into distinct subsets under different environment signals to perform specific functions. Each step is regulated by various transcriptional regulators downstream of T cell receptors (TCRs) that have been extensively studied both in vivo and vitro via multiple mouse models and advanced techniques, such as single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq). This review will summarize the transcriptional regulators participating in the early stage of T cell development reported in the past decade, trying to figure out cascade networks in each process and provide possible research directions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyang Bao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingyu Qin
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Linrong Lu
- Shanghai Immune Therapy Institute, Renji Hospital, Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingzhu Zheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Park JY, Won HY, DiPalma DT, Hong C, Park JH. Protein abundance of the cytokine receptor γc controls the thymic generation of innate-like T cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:17. [PMID: 34971407 PMCID: PMC8754256 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04067-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Innate-like T (iT) cells comprise a population of immunoregulatory T cells whose effector function is imposed during their development in the thymus to provide protective immunity prior to antigen encounter. The molecular mechanism that drives the generation of iT cells remains unclear. Here, we report that the cytokine receptor γc plays a previously unappreciated role for thymic iT cells by controlling their cellular abundance, lineage commitment, and subset differentiation. As such, γc overexpression on thymocytes dramatically altered iT cell generation in the thymus, as it skewed the subset composition of invariant NKT (iNKT) cells and promoted the generation of IFNγ-producing innate CD8 T cells. Mechanistically, we found that the γc-STAT6 axis drives the differentiation of IL-4-producing iNKT cells, which in turn induced the generation of innate CD8 T cells. Collectively, these results reveal a cytokine-driven circuity of thymic iT cell differentiation that is controlled by the abundance of γc proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Young Park
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Seoul National University Dental Hospital, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Daehakno 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
| | - Hee Yeun Won
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Devon T DiPalma
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Changwan Hong
- Department of Anatomy, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, 626-870, South Korea
| | - Jung-Hyun Park
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Luo S, Kwon J, Crossman A, Park PW, Park JH. CD138 expression is a molecular signature but not a developmental requirement for RORγt+ NKT17 cells. JCI Insight 2021; 6:148038. [PMID: 34549726 PMCID: PMC8492317 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.148038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are potent immunomodulatory cells that acquire effector function during their development in the thymus. IL-17-producing iNKT cells are commonly referred to as NKT17 cells, and they are unique among iNKT cells to express the heparan sulfate proteoglycan CD138 and the transcription factor RORγt. Whether and how CD138 and RORγt contribute to NKT17 cell differentiation, and whether there is an interplay between RORγt and CD138 expression to control iNKT lineage fate, remain mostly unknown. Here, we showed that CD138 expression was only associated with and not required for the differentiation and IL-17 production of NKT17 cells. Consequently, CD138-deficient mice still generated robust numbers of IL-17-producing RORγt+ NKT17 cells. Moreover, forced expression of RORγt significantly promoted the generation of thymic NKT17 cells, but did not induce CD138 expression on non-NKT17 cells. These results indicated that NKT17 cell generation and IL-17 production were driven by RORγt, employing mechanisms that were independent of CD138. Therefore, our study effectively dissociated CD138 expression from the RORγt-driven molecular pathway of NKT17 cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunqun Luo
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Juntae Kwon
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Assiatu Crossman
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Pyong Woo Park
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jung-Hyun Park
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Protein phosphatase 2A has an essential role in promoting thymocyte survival during selection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:12422-12427. [PMID: 31152132 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1821116116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of thymocytes to mature T cells in the thymus is tightly controlled by cellular selection, in which only a small fraction of thymocytes equipped with proper quality of TCRs progress to maturation. It is pivotal to protect the survival of the few T cells, which pass the selection. However, the signaling events, which safeguard the cell survival in thymus, are not totally understood. In this study, protein Ser/Thr phosphorylation in thymocytes undergoing positive selection is profiled by mass spectrometry. The results revealed large numbers of dephosphorylation changes upon T cell receptor (TCR) activation during positive selection. Subsequent substrate analysis pinpointed protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) as the enzyme responsible for the dephosphorylation changes in developing thymocytes. PP2A catalytic subunit α (Ppp2ca) deletion in the T cell lineage in Ppp2ca flox/flox-Lck-Cre mice (PP2A cKO) displayed dysregulated dephosphorylation of apoptosis-related proteins in double-positive (DP) cells and caused substantially decreased numbers of DP CD4+ CD8+ cells. Increased levels of apoptosis in PP2A cKO DP cells were found to underlie aberrant thymocyte development. Finally, the defective thymocyte development in PP2A cKO mice could be rescued by either Bcl2 transgene expression or by p53 knockout. In summary, our work reveals an essential role of PP2A in promoting thymocyte development through the regulation of cell survival.
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