1
|
Guo Y, Ohki S, Kawano Y, Kong WS, Ohno Y, Honda H, Kanno M, Yasuda T. Eed-dependent histone modification orchestrates the iNKT cell developmental program alleviating liver injury. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1467774. [PMID: 39372408 PMCID: PMC11449725 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1467774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is an evolutionarily conserved epigenetic modifier responsible for tri-methylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3). Previous studies have linked PRC2 to invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell development, but its physiological and precise role remained unclear. To address this, we conditionally deleted Eed, a core subunit of PRC2, in mouse T cells. The results showed that Eed-deficient mice exhibited a severe reduction in iNKT cell numbers, particularly NKT1 and NKT17 cells, while conventional T cells and NKT2 cells remained intact. Deletion of Eed disrupted iNKT cell differentiation, leading to increased cell death, which was accompanied by a severe reduction in H3K27me3 levels and abnormal expression of Zbtb16, Cdkn2a, and Cdkn1a. Interestingly, Eed-deficient mice were highly susceptible to acetaminophen-induced liver injury and inflammation in an iNKT cell-dependent manner, highlighting the critical role of Eed-mediated H3K27me3 marks in liver-resident iNKT cells. These findings provide further insight into the epigenetic orchestration of iNKT cell-specific transcriptional programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Guo
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shun Ohki
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yohei Kawano
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Weng Sheng Kong
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Ohno
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Honda
- Field of Human Disease Models, Major in Advanced Life Sciences and Medicine, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masamoto Kanno
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Medical Research and Development Programs Focused on Technology Transfers: Development of Advanced Measurement and Analysis Systems (AMED-SENTAN), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, Japan
- Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development-Core Research for Evolutionary Medical Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoharu Yasuda
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tong Q, Yao L, Su M, Yang YG, Sun L. Thymocyte migration and emigration. Immunol Lett 2024; 267:106861. [PMID: 38697225 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2024.106861] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Hematopoietic precursors (HPCs) entering into the thymus undergo a sequential process leading to the generation of a variety of T cell subsets. This developmental odyssey unfolds in distinct stages within the thymic cortex and medulla, shaping the landscape of T cell receptor (TCR) expression and guiding thymocytes through positive and negative selection. Initially, early thymic progenitors (ETPs) take residence in the thymic cortex, where thymocytes begin to express their TCR and undergo positive selection. Subsequently, thymocytes transition to the thymic medulla, where they undergo negative selection. Both murine and human thymocyte development can be broadly classified into distinct stages based on the expression of CD4 and CD8 coreceptors, resulting in categorizations as double negative (DN), double positive (DP) or single positive (SP) cells. Thymocyte migration to the appropriate thymic microenvironment at the right differentiation stage is pivotal for the development and the proper functioning of T cells, which is critical for adaptive immune responses. The journey of lymphoid progenitor cells into the T cell developmental pathway hinges on an ongoing dialogue between the differentiating cell and the signals emanating from the thymus niche. Herein, we review the contribution of the key factors mentioned above for the localization, migration and emigration of thymocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingyue Tong
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China
| | - Liyu Yao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Mengting Su
- National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China
| | - Yong-Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China.
| | - Liguang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lim S, J F van Son G, Wisma Eka Yanti NL, Andersson-Rolf A, Willemsen S, Korving J, Lee HG, Begthel H, Clevers H. Derivation of functional thymic epithelial organoid lines from adult murine thymus. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114019. [PMID: 38551965 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114019] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) orchestrate T cell development by imposing positive and negative selection on thymocytes. Current studies on TEC biology are hampered by the absence of long-term ex vivo culture platforms, while the cells driving TEC self-renewal remain to be identified. Here, we generate long-term (>2 years) expandable 3D TEC organoids from the adult mouse thymus. For further analysis, we generated single and double FoxN1-P2A-Clover, Aire-P2A-tdTomato, and Cldn4-P2A-tdTomato reporter lines by CRISPR knockin. Single-cell analyses of expanding clonal organoids reveal cells with bipotent stem/progenitor phenotypes. These clonal organoids can be induced to express Foxn1 and to generate functional cortical- and Aire-expressing medullary-like TECs upon RANK ligand + retinoic acid treatment. TEC organoids support T cell development from immature thymocytes in vitro as well as in vivo upon transplantation into athymic nude mice. This organoid-based platform allows in vitro study of TEC biology and offers a potential strategy for ex vivo T cell development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sangho Lim
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gijs J F van Son
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands; The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht 3584 CS, the Netherlands
| | - Ni Luh Wisma Eka Yanti
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Amanda Andersson-Rolf
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sam Willemsen
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Korving
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hong-Gyun Lee
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Harry Begthel
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands; The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht 3584 CS, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li D, Quan Z, Ni J, Li H, Qing H. The many faces of the zinc finger protein 335 in brain development and immune system. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115257. [PMID: 37541176 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger protein 335 (ZNF335) plays a crucial role in the methylation and, consequently, regulates the expression of a specific set of genes. Variants of the ZNF335 gene have been identified as risk factors for microcephaly in a variety of populations worldwide. Meanwhile, ZNF335 has also been identified as an essential regulator of T-cell development. However, an in-depth understanding of the role of ZNF335 in brain development and T cell maturation is still lacking. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of ZNF335 in neuronal and T cell development across a wide range of pre-clinical, post-mortem, ex vivo, in vivo, and clinical studies. We also review the current limitations regarding the study of the pathophysiological functions of ZNF335. Finally, we hypothesize a potential role for ZNF335 in brain disorders and discuss the rationale of targeting ZNF335 as a therapeutic strategy for preventing brain disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Zhenzhen Quan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Junjun Ni
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Hong Qing
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Park JS, Perl A. Endosome Traffic Modulates Pro-Inflammatory Signal Transduction in CD4 + T Cells-Implications for the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10749. [PMID: 37445926 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocytic recycling regulates the cell surface receptor composition of the plasma membrane. The surface expression levels of the T cell receptor (TCR), in concert with signal transducing co-receptors, regulate T cell responses, such as proliferation, differentiation, and cytokine production. Altered TCR expression contributes to pro-inflammatory skewing, which is a hallmark of autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), defined by a reduced function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the expansion of CD4+ helper T (Th) cells. The ensuing secretion of inflammatory cytokines, such as interferon-γ and interleukin (IL)-4, IL-17, IL-21, and IL-23, trigger autoantibody production and tissue infiltration by cells of the adaptive and innate immune system that induce organ damage. Endocytic recycling influences immunological synapse formation by CD4+ T lymphocytes, signal transduction from crosslinked surface receptors through recruitment of adaptor molecules, intracellular traffic of organelles, and the generation of metabolites to support growth, cytokine production, and epigenetic control of DNA replication and gene expression in the cell nucleus. This review will delineate checkpoints of endosome traffic that can be targeted for therapeutic interventions in autoimmune and other disease conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joy S Park
- Department of Medicine, Norton College of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Norton College of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Andras Perl
- Department of Medicine, Norton College of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Norton College of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Norton College of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Understanding the Roles of the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway during T-Cell Lymphopoiesis and in T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032962. [PMID: 36769284 PMCID: PMC9917970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (HH) signaling network is one of the main regulators of invertebrate and vertebrate embryonic development. Along with other networks, such as NOTCH and WNT, HH signaling specifies both the early patterning and the polarity events as well as the subsequent organ formation via the temporal and spatial regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. However, aberrant activation of HH signaling has been identified in a broad range of malignant disorders, where it positively influences proliferation, survival, and therapeutic resistance of neoplastic cells. Inhibitors targeting the HH pathway have been tested in preclinical cancer models. The HH pathway is also overactive in other blood malignancies, including T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). This review is intended to summarize our knowledge of the biological roles and pathophysiology of the HH pathway during normal T-cell lymphopoiesis and in T-ALL. In addition, we will discuss potential therapeutic strategies that might expand the clinical usefulness of drugs targeting the HH pathway in T-ALL.
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
T cell development is a complex multistep process that requires the coordinated activation of distinct signaling responses and the regulated progression of developing cells (thymocytes) through key stages of maturation. Although sophisticated techniques such as fetal thymus organ culture, in vitro thymocyte culture, and multiparameter flow cytometry-based cell sorting are now widely employed to evaluate thymocyte maturation by experienced laboratories, defects in T cell development can usually be identified with relatively simple flow cytometry screening methods. Here, we provide a basic protocol for assessment of T cell development that will enable laboratories with access to a multi-laser flow cytometer to screen mouse strains, including those generated from embryonic stem cells with targeted gene mutations, for thymocyte maturation defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Y M Lee
- Section on Hematopoiesis and Lymphocyte Biology, Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paul E Love
- Section on Hematopoiesis and Lymphocyte Biology, Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Inhibition of the immunoproteasome modulates innate immunity to ameliorate muscle pathology of dysferlin-deficient BlAJ mice. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:975. [PMID: 36402750 PMCID: PMC9675822 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05416-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Muscle repair in dysferlinopathies is defective. Although macrophage (Mø)-rich infiltrates are prominent in damaged skeletal muscles of patients with dysferlinopathy, the contribution of the immune system to the disease pathology remains to be fully explored. Numbers of both pro-inflammatory M1 Mø and effector T cells are increased in muscle of dysferlin-deficient BlAJ mice. In addition, symptomatic BlAJ mice have increased muscle production of immunoproteasome. In vitro analyses using bone marrow-derived Mø of BlAJ mice show that immunoproteasome inhibition results in C3aR1 and C5aR1 downregulation and upregulation of M2-associated signaling. Administration of immunoproteasome inhibitor ONX-0914 to BlAJ mice rescues muscle function by reducing muscle infiltrates and fibro-adipogenesis. These findings reveal an important role of immunoproteasome in the progression of muscular dystrophy in BlAJ mouse and suggest that inhibition of immunoproteasome may produce therapeutic benefit in dysferlinopathy.
Collapse
|
9
|
Li Y, Chen X. Progress on methods of T lymphocyte development in vitro. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2022; 51:491-499. [PMID: 37202105 PMCID: PMC10265001 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2021-0369] [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: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
T lymphocytes (T cells) play an important role in adoptive cellular immunotherapy (ACT). T cells can be stably derived and easily obtained by various methods of T cell development in vitro, which have more advantages than traditional methods of T cells isolated from autologous or allogeneic tissues. At present, there are mainly three methods for T cell development in vitro: fetal thymus organ culture, recombinant thymus organ culture and two-dimensional culture driven by Notch signal. Fetal thymus organ culture is easy to operate, the isolated thymus can support T cell differentiation and development to maturity in vitro, but the intact thymus has problems of limited maintenance time and difficulty in cell harvesting. In recombinant thymic organ culture, various thymic stromal cells are dispersed and recombined to construct a three-dimensional culture environment, which can support T cell maturation in vitro and in vivo; however, biomaterials and three-dimensional environment may lead to limited culture maintenance time and cell yield. Two-dimensional culture method uses artificial presentation of Notch signaling pathway ligands to drive T cell differentiation and development; the culture architecture is simple and stable, but it can only support T cell development to the early immature stage. This article reviews the research progress of various culture methods of T cell development in vitro, and discusses the existing problems and the future development to facilitate the application of ACT.
Collapse
|
10
|
Developmental Exposure to Endocrine Disrupter DDT Interferes with Age-Related Involution of Thymus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126678. [PMID: 35743120 PMCID: PMC9223823 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on the development and involution of the immune system is a possible reason for the increased incidence of disorders associated with inappropriate immune function. The thymus is a lymphoid and also an endocrine organ, and, accordingly, its development and functioning may be impaired by endocrine disruptors. The aim was to evaluate age-related thymus involution in mature rats exposed to the endocrine disruptor DDT during prenatal and postnatal ontogeny. Methodology included in vivo experiment on male Wistar rats exposed to low doses of DDT during prenatal and postnatal development and morphological assessment of thymic involution, including the immunohistochemical detection of proliferating thymocytes. The study was carried out at the early stage of involution. Results: DDT-exposed rats exhibited a normal anatomy, and the relative weight of the thymus was within the control ranges. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed increased cellularity of the cortex and the medulla, higher content of lymphoblasts, and more intensive proliferation rate of thymocytes compared to the control. Evaluation of thymic epithelial cells revealed a higher rate of thymic corpuscles formation. Conclusion: The data obtained indicate that endocrine disrupter DDT disturbs postnatal development of the thymus. Low-dose exposure to DDT during ontogeny does not suppress growth rate but violates the developmental program of the thymus by slowing down the onset of age-related involution and maintaining high cell proliferation rate. It may result in excessive formation of thymus-dependent areas in peripheral lymphoid organs and altered immune response.
Collapse
|
11
|
Chen C, Zhang C, Deng Y, Du S, Wang H, Li D. Thymic hypoplasia induced by copy number variations contributed to explaining sudden infant death based on forensic autopsies. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 336:111323. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
12
|
Chakrabarti S, Hoque M, Jamil NZ, Singh VJ, Pollacksmith D, Meer N, Pezzano MT. Bone Marrow-Derived Cells Contribute to the Maintenance of Thymic Stroma including TECs. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:6061746. [PMID: 35528618 PMCID: PMC9076333 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6061746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In paradox to critical functions for T-cell selection and self-tolerance, the thymus undergoes profound age-associated atrophy and loss of T-cell function, further enhanced by cancer therapies. Identifying thymic epithelial progenitor populations capable of forming functional thymic tissue will be critical in understanding thymic epithelial cell (TEC) ontogeny and designing strategies to reverse involution. We identified a new population of progenitor cells, present in both the thymus and bone marrow (BM) of mice, that coexpress the hematopoietic marker CD45 and the definitive thymic epithelial marker EpCAM and maintain the capacity to form functional thymic tissue. Confocal analysis and qRT-PCR of sorted cells from both BM and thymus confirmed coexpression of CD45 and EpCAM. Grafting of C57BL/6 fetal thymi under the kidney capsule of H2BGFP transgenic mice revealed that peripheral CD45+ EpCAM+ GFP-expressing cells migrate into the developing thymus and contribute to both TECs and FSP1-expressing thymic stroma. Sorted BM-derived CD45+ EpCAM+ cells contribute to reaggregate thymic organ cultures (RTOCs) and differentiate into keratin and FoxN1-expressing TECs, demonstrating that BM cells can contribute to the maintenance of TEC microenvironments previously thought to be derived solely from endoderm. BM-derived CD45+ EpCAM+ cells represent a new source of progenitor cells that contribute to thymic homeostasis. Future studies will characterize the contribution of BM-derived CD45+ EpCAM+ TEC progenitors to distinct functional TEC microenvironments in both the steady-state thymus and under conditions of demand. Cell therapies utilizing this population may help counteract thymic involution in cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shami Chakrabarti
- Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Biology, City College of New York CUNY, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Mohammed Hoque
- Department of Biology, City College of New York CUNY, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Nawshin Zara Jamil
- Department of Biology, City College of New York CUNY, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Varan J. Singh
- Department of Biology, City College of New York CUNY, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Daniel Pollacksmith
- Department of Biology, City College of New York CUNY, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Neelab Meer
- Department of Biology, City College of New York CUNY, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Mark T. Pezzano
- Department of Biology, City College of New York CUNY, New York, NY 10031, USA
- Program in Biology, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang H, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. Thymic Microenvironment: Interactions Between Innate Immune Cells and Developing Thymocytes. Front Immunol 2022; 13:885280. [PMID: 35464404 PMCID: PMC9024034 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.885280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is a crucial organ for the development of T cells. T cell progenitors first migrate from the bone marrow into the thymus. During the journey to become a mature T cell, progenitors require interactions with many different cell types within the thymic microenvironment, such as stromal cells, which include epithelial, mesenchymal and other non-T-lineage immune cells. There are two crucial decision steps that are required for generating mature T cells: positive and negative selection. Each of these two processes needs to be performed efficiently to produce functional MHC-restricted T cells, while simultaneously restricting the production of auto-reactive T cells. In each step, there are various cell types that are required for the process to be carried out suitably, such as scavengers to clean up apoptotic thymocytes that fail positive or negative selection, and antigen presenting cells to display self-antigens during positive and negative selection. In this review, we will focus on thymic non-T-lineage immune cells, particularly dendritic cells and macrophages, and the role they play in positive and negative selection. We will also examine recent advances in the understanding of their participation in thymus homeostasis and T cell development. This review will provide a perspective on how the thymic microenvironment contributes to thymocyte differentiation and T cell maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen Wang
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Adachi Y. Effects of Fatty Acids on Proliferation of Cultured Wild-type and FABP5-KO Thymic Epithelial Cells. J UOEH 2022; 44:239-248. [PMID: 36089341 DOI: 10.7888/juoeh.44.239] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lipids including fatty acids (FAs), which are water-insoluble molecules, are not only a cellular energy source but also signaling molecules that induce and modulate the expression of various cellular functions. Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABP) bind FAs in the cytoplasm, and are thought to determine the cellular localization of FAs. In a previous observation, FABP5 was expressed in thymic epithelial cells (TEC) in the thymus and was influenced by FAs. Fatty acids have mostly inhibitory effects on various cell types, including cancer cells, but their effects on TEC have not been well investigated. In this study, we investigated the effects of long-chain FAs (LCFAs) and the involvement of FABP5 in cell proliferation using a serum-free primary culture system. The results showed that saturated fatty acids did not affect proliferation, but n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated FA (LCPUFA) reduced, n-6 LCPUFA increased, and retinoic acid strongly reduced the percentage of proliferating wild-type TEC. The proliferation of FABP5-KO TEC was more significantly affected by LCPUFA, suggesting that FABP5 is an important modulator of FA-mediated TEC proliferation. These observations may provide a basis for exploring the properties of TEC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Adachi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sharma H, Moroni L. Recent Advancements in Regenerative Approaches for Thymus Rejuvenation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2100543. [PMID: 34306981 PMCID: PMC8292900 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The thymus plays a key role in adaptive immunity by generating a diverse population of T cells that defend the body against pathogens. Various factors from disease and toxic insults contribute to the degeneration of the thymus resulting in a fewer output of T cells. Consequently, the body is prone to a wide host of diseases and infections. In this review, first, the relevance of the thymus is discussed, followed by thymic embryological organogenesis and anatomy as well as the development and functionality of T cells. Attempts to regenerate the thymus include in vitro methods, such as forming thymic organoids aided by biofabrication techniques that are transplantable. Ex vivo methods that have shown promise in enhancing thymic regeneration are also discussed. Current regenerative technologies have not yet matched the complexity and functionality of the thymus. Therefore, emerging techniques that have shown promise and the challenges that lie ahead are explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Himal Sharma
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment of Complex Tissue RegenerationMaastricht UniversityMaastricht6229 ERNetherlands
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment of Complex Tissue RegenerationMaastricht UniversityMaastricht6229 ERNetherlands
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Efficient Generation of iPSC-Derived Hematoendothelial Progenitors and Specification Toward T cell Lineage. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2454:423-442. [PMID: 33755900 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2021_355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
One of the major obstacles for adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of T cells is the loss of effector function and proliferative ability of isolated antigen-specific T cells after prolonged ex vivo expansion. To overcome this issue, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which have unlimited proliferation and differentiation potential, can be used to generate a large number of antigen-specific T cells. Here, we describe an efficient differentiation protocol for the generation of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells from human T cell-derived iPSCs (T-iPSCs). The protocol consists of three main steps including differentiation of T-iPSCs toward hematoendothelial progenitors (HEPs), co-culture of HEPs with OP9-DL1 cells, and stimulation of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling to obtain CD8 single-positive (SP) T cells. This culture system is simple and efficient; therefore, will offer a powerful tool for studying T cell development and applications in adoptive immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
17
|
Tuning T helper cell differentiation by ITK. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 48:179-185. [PMID: 32049330 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
CD4+ effector T cells effectuate T cell immune responses, producing cytokines to orchestrate the nature and type of immune responses. The non-receptor tyrosine kinase IL-2 inducible T cell kinase (ITK), a mediator of T cell Receptor signaling, plays a critical role in tuning the development of these effector cells. In this review we discussed the role that signals downstream of ITK, including the Ras/MAPK pathway, play in differentially controlling the differentiation of TH17, Foxp3+ T regulatory (Treg) cells, and Type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells, supporting a model of ITK signals controlling a decision point in the effector T cell differentiation process.
Collapse
|
18
|
Tsukamoto T. HIV Impacts CD34 + Progenitors Involved in T-Cell Differentiation During Coculture With Mouse Stromal OP9-DL1 Cells. Front Immunol 2019; 10:81. [PMID: 30761146 PMCID: PMC6361802 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 causes the loss of CD4+ T cells via depletion or impairment of their production. The latter involves infection of thymocytes, but the involvement of hematopoietic CD34+ cells remains unclear even though HIV-positive patients frequently manifest myelosuppression. In order to have a closer look at the impact of HIV-1 on T-lineage differentiation, this study utilized the OP9-DL1 coculture system, which supports in vitro T-lineage differentiation of human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. In the newly developed in vitro OP9-DL1/HIV-1 model, cord-derived CD34+ cells were infected with CXCR4-tropic HIV-1NL4−3 and cocultured. The HIV-infected cocultures exhibited reduced CD4+ T-cell growth at weeks 3–5 post infection compared to autologous uninfected cocultures. Further assays and analyses revealed that CD34+CD7+CXCR4+ cells can be quickly depleted as early as 1 week after infection of the subset, and this was accompanied by the emergence of rare CD34+CD7+CD4+ cells. A subsequent theoretical model analysis suggested potential influence of HIV-1 on the differentiation rate or death rate of lymphoid progenitor cells. These results indicate that CXCR4-tropic HIV-1 strains may impact the dynamics of CD34+CD7+ lymphoid progenitor cell pools, presumably leading to impaired T-cell production potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Tsukamoto
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Center for AIDS Research, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Piao J, Meng F, Fang H, Piao F, Jin B, Li M, Li W. Effect of Taurine on Thymus Differentiation of Dex-Induced Immunosuppressive Mice. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1155:381-390. [PMID: 31468416 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-8023-5_36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) has positive effects on the formation of immune systems. In this study, we evaluated the effects of taurine on the development of T lymphocyte subpopulations in thymus of immunosuppresive mice. The immunosuppressed mice model was established by intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone (Dex) for 7 days. Mice (male, Kunming strain) were randomly divided into three groups, the normal control group (Cont.), the Dex-induced immunosuppressive model group (Dex + PBS), and the taurine intervention group (Dex + TAU). Taurine was administered at a dose of 200 mg/kg for 30 days or until euthanasia. Total cell numbers in the thymi of mice were evaluated by cell count, and the flow cytometry was used to determine the proportion of different cell subsets. Our results showed that the size and weight of thymi of Dex + PBS group were significantly smaller than those of Cont. group, and taurine administration efficiently increased the thymus index. Taurine also significantly increased the number of CD4- CD8- double negative (DN), CD4+ CD8+ double positive (DP), CD4+ single positive (CD4+) and CD8+ SP (CD8+) cells compared with the Dex + PBS group, but did not affect the CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio in thymus of Dex-induced immunoseppressive mice. Our results suggested that taurine has a positive effect on thymus differentiation in Dex-induced immunosuppressive mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Piao
- College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Fanpeng Meng
- College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Hui Fang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Fengyuan Piao
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Bo Jin
- Fundamental and Applied Cryobiology Group, Reproductive and Genetic Medicine Center, Dalian Municipal Women and Children's Medical Center, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Ming Li
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Wenzhe Li
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gao Y, Zhao H, Wang P, Wang J, Zou L. The roles of SOCS3 and STAT3 in bacterial infection and inflammatory diseases. Scand J Immunol 2018; 88:e12727. [PMID: 30341772 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gao
- Translational Neuroscience & Neural Regeneration and Repair Institute/Institute of Cell Therapy; The People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University; Yichang China
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm Sweden
| | - Honglei Zhao
- Translational Neuroscience & Neural Regeneration and Repair Institute/Institute of Cell Therapy; The People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University; Yichang China
- Department of Oncology-Pathology; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm Sweden
| | - Peng Wang
- Translational Neuroscience & Neural Regeneration and Repair Institute/Institute of Cell Therapy; The People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University; Yichang China
| | - Jun Wang
- Translational Neuroscience & Neural Regeneration and Repair Institute/Institute of Cell Therapy; The People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University; Yichang China
| | - Lili Zou
- Translational Neuroscience & Neural Regeneration and Repair Institute/Institute of Cell Therapy; The People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University; Yichang China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Liu L, He C, Liu J, Lv Z, Wang G, Gao H, Dai Y, Cooper DKC, Cai Z, Mou L. Transplant Tolerance: Current Insights and Strategies for Long-Term Survival of Xenografts. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2018; 66:355-364. [PMID: 29992337 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-018-0517-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Xenotransplantation is an attractive solution to the problem of allograft shortage. However, transplants across discordant species barriers are subject to vigorous immunologic and pathobiologic hurdles, some of which might be overcome with the induction of immunologic tolerance. Several strategies have been designed to induce tolerance to a xenograft at both the central (including induction of mixed chimerism and thymic transplantation) and peripheral (including adoptive transfer of regulatory cells and blocking T cell costimulation) levels. Currently, xenograft tolerance has been well-established in rodent models, but these protocols have not yet achieved similar success in nonhuman primates. This review will discuss the major barriers that impede the establishment of immunological tolerance across xenogeneic barriers and the potential solution to these challenges, and provide a perspective on the future of the development of novel tolerance-inducing strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Shenzhen Xenotransplantation Medical Engineering Research and Development Center' Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, Guangdong, China.,Department of Gastroenterology' Center For Digestive Diseases, People's Hospital of Baoan District, The 8th people's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518101, Guangdong, China
| | - Chen He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, Guangdong, China
| | - Jintao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology' Center For Digestive Diseases, People's Hospital of Baoan District, The 8th people's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518101, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiwu Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology' Center For Digestive Diseases, People's Hospital of Baoan District, The 8th people's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518101, Guangdong, China
| | - Ganlu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology' Center For Digestive Diseases, People's Hospital of Baoan District, The 8th people's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518101, Guangdong, China
| | - Hanchao Gao
- Shenzhen Xenotransplantation Medical Engineering Research and Development Center' Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, Guangdong, China
| | - Yifan Dai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Xenotransplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - David K C Cooper
- Xenotransplantation Program/Department of Surgery, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Zhiming Cai
- Shenzhen Xenotransplantation Medical Engineering Research and Development Center' Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, Guangdong, China
| | - Lisha Mou
- Shenzhen Xenotransplantation Medical Engineering Research and Development Center' Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Effect of Pasteurella multocida Soluble Antigen Stimulation on the In Vitro Response of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Holstein Calves. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2018. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2018-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The expressions of cytokines mRNA, including interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin- 17A (IL-17A) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), their master regulatory transcription factors, and signal transducers and activator of transcription (STAT) stimulated in vitro with Pasteurella (P.) multocida soluble antigen were examined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from Holstein calves. The healthy Holstein calves were divided into three groups; 2 weeks old (2W Group, N=8), 6 weeks old (6W Group, N=8), and 10 weeks old (10W Group, N=8). PBMC were stimulated in vitro by soluble antigen of P. multocida. There were significantly lower expressions of IFN-γ, IL-4, and STAT-6 mRNA of PBMC stimulated with P. multocida soluble antigen in the 2W Group compared to that in the 10W Group. Expression of IL-17A and IFN-γ in PBMC stimulated with P. multocida soluble antigen were significantly higher compared with the PBMC without stimulation in the 6W groups. The results of the present study demonstrated that 2W old calves had decreased cytokine expression of PBMC when in vitro stimulated with P. multocida soluble antigen in vitro.
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
Thymocyte selection involves the positive and negative selection of the repertoire of T cell receptors (TCRs) such that the organism does not suffer autoimmunity, yet has the benefit of the ability to recognize any invading pathogen. The signal transduced through the TCR is translated into a number of different signaling cascades that result in transcription factor activity in the nucleus and changes to the cytoskeleton and motility. Negative selection involves inducing apoptosis in thymocytes that express strongly self-reactive TCRs, whereas positive selection must induce survival and differentiation programs in cells that are more weakly self-reactive. The TCR recognition event is analog by nature, but the outcome of signaling is not. A large number of molecules regulate the strength of the TCR-derived signal at various points in the cascades. This review discusses the various factors that can regulate the strength of the TCR signal during thymocyte development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R J Gascoigne
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, and Immunology Program, National University of Singapore, Singapore 11759;
| | - Vasily Rybakin
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, REGA Institute, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Oreste Acuto
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Brzostek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, and Immunology Program, National University of Singapore, Singapore 11759;
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Calvo-Asensio I, Barthlott T, von Muenchow L, Lowndes NF, Ceredig R. Differential Response of Mouse Thymic Epithelial Cell Types to Ionizing Radiation-Induced DNA Damage. Front Immunol 2017; 8:418. [PMID: 28450862 PMCID: PMC5389985 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are the main components of the thymic stroma that support and control T-cell development. Preparative regimens using DNA-damaging agents, such as total body irradiation and/or chemotherapeutic drugs, that are necessary prior to bone marrow transplantation (BMT) have profound deleterious effects on the hematopoietic system, including the thymic stroma, which may be one of the main causes for the prolonged periods of T-cell deficiency and the inefficient T cell reconstitution that are common following BMT. The DNA damage response (DDR) is a complex signaling network that allows cells to respond to all sorts of genotoxic insults. Hypoxia is known to modulate the DDR and play a role affecting the survival capacity of different cell types. In this study, we have characterized in detail the DDR of cortical and medullary TEC lines and their response to ionizing radiation, as well as the effects of hypoxia on their DDR. Although both mTECs and cTECs display relatively high radio-resistance, mTEC cells have an increased survival capacity to ionizing radiation (IR)-induced DNA damage, and hypoxia specifically decreases the radio-resistance of mTECs by upregulating the expression of the pro-apoptotic factor Bim. Analysis of the expression of TEC functional factors by primary mouse TECs showed a marked decrease of highly important genes for TEC function and confirmed cTECs as the most affected cell type by IR. These findings have important implications for improving the outcomes of BMT and promoting successful T cell reconstitution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Calvo-Asensio
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.,Genome Stability Laboratory, Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Thomas Barthlott
- Pediatric Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University Children's Hospital (UKBB) and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lilly von Muenchow
- Developmental and Molecular Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Noel F Lowndes
- Genome Stability Laboratory, Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Rhodri Ceredig
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sun H, Liu P, Nolan LK, Lamont SJ. Thymus transcriptome reveals novel pathways in response to avian pathogenic Escherichia coli infection. Poult Sci 2016; 95:2803-2814. [PMID: 27466434 PMCID: PMC5144662 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pew202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) can cause significant morbidity in chickens. The thymus provides the essential environment for T cell development; however, the thymus transcriptome has not been examined for gene expression in response to APEC infection. An improved understanding of the host genomic response to APEC infection could inform future breeding programs for disease resistance and APEC control. We therefore analyzed the transcriptome of the thymus of birds challenged with APEC, contrasting susceptible and resistant phenotypes. Thousands of genes were differentially expressed in birds of the 5-day post infection (dpi) challenged-susceptible group vs. 5 dpi non-challenged, in 5 dpi challenged-susceptible vs. 5 dpi challenged-resistant birds, as well as in 5 dpi vs. one dpi challenged-susceptible birds. The Toll-like receptor signaling pathway was the major innate immune response for birds to respond to APEC infection. Moreover, lysosome and cell adhesion molecules pathways were common mechanisms for chicken response to APEC infection. The T-cell receptor signaling pathway, cell cycle, and p53 signaling pathways were significantly activated in resistant birds to resist APEC infection. These results provide a comprehensive assessment of global gene networks and biological functionalities of differentially expressed genes in the thymus under APEC infection. These findings provide novel insights into key molecular genetic mechanisms that differentiate host resistance from susceptibility in this primary lymphoid tissue, the thymus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China, 225009.,Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames 50011
| | - P Liu
- Department of Statistics, Iowa State University, Ames 50011
| | - L K Nolan
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames 50011
| | - S J Lamont
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames 50011
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Di Gangi R, Alves da Costa T, Thomé R, Peron G, Burger E, Verinaud L. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection promotes thymic disarrangement and premature egress of mature lymphocytes expressing prohibitive TCRs. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:209. [PMID: 27189089 PMCID: PMC4869377 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1561-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paracoccidioidomycosis, a chronic granulomatous fungal disease caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeast cells affects mainly rural workers, albeit recently cases in immunosuppressed individuals has been reported. Protective immune response against P. brasiliensis is dependent on the activity of helper T cells especially IFN-γ-producing Th1 cells. It has been proposed that Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is able to modulate the immune response towards a permissive state and that the thymus plays a major role in it. METHODS In this paper, we show that acute infection of BALB/c mice with P. brasiliensis virulent isolate (Pb18) might cause alterations in the thymic environment as well as the prohibitive TCR-expressing T cells in the spleens. RESULTS After seven days of infection, we found yeast cells on the thymic stroma, the thymic epithelial cells (TEC) were altered regarding their spatial-orientation and inflammatory mediators gene expression was increased. Likewise, thymocytes (differentiating T cells) presented higher migratory ability in ex vivo experiments. Notwithstanding, P. brasiliensis-infected mice showed an increased frequency of prohibitive TCR-expressing T cells in the spleens, suggesting that the selection processes that occur in the thymus may be compromised during the acute infection. CONCLUSION In this paper, for the first time, we show that acute infection with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeast cells promotes thymic alterations leading to a defective repertoire of peripheral T cells. The data presented here may represent new mechanisms by which P. brasiliensis subverts the immune response towards the chronic infection observed in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Di Gangi
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Cidade Universitária, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago Alves da Costa
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Cidade Universitária, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo Thomé
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Cidade Universitária, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Peron
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Cidade Universitária, SP, Brazil
| | - Eva Burger
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Liana Verinaud
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Cidade Universitária, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Sinkora M, Butler JE. Progress in the use of swine in developmental immunology of B and T lymphocytes. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 58:1-17. [PMID: 26708608 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The adaptive immune system of higher vertebrates is believed to have evolved to counter the ability of pathogens to avoid expulsion because their high rate of germline mutations. Vertebrates developed this adaptive immune response through the evolution of lymphocytes capable of somatic generation of a diverse repertoire of their antigenic receptors without the need to increase the frequency of germline mutation. The focus of our research and this article is on the ontogenetic development of the lymphocytes, and the repertoires they generate in swine. Several features are discussed including (a) the "closed" porcine placenta means that de novo fetal development can be studied for 114 days without passive influence from the mother, (b) newborn piglets are precocial permitting them to be reared without their mothers in germ-free isolators, (c) swine are members of the γδ-high group of mammals and thus provides a greater opportunity to characterize the role of γδ T cells and (d) because swine have a simplified variable heavy and light chain genome they offer a convenient system to study antibody repertoire development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marek Sinkora
- Laboratory of Gnotobiology, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Novy Hradek, Czech Republic.
| | - John E Butler
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zhang X, Zhou X, Li L, Sun M, Gao Q, Zhang P, Tang J, He Y, Zhu D, Xu Z. Chronic hypoxia in pregnancy affects thymus development in Balb/c mouse offspring via IL2 Signaling. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:337-46. [PMID: 26918321 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Zhang
- Institute for Fetology; First Hospital of Soochow University; Suzhou China
| | - Xiuwen Zhou
- Institute for Fetology; First Hospital of Soochow University; Suzhou China
| | - Lingjun Li
- Institute for Fetology; First Hospital of Soochow University; Suzhou China
| | - Miao Sun
- Institute for Fetology; First Hospital of Soochow University; Suzhou China
| | - Qingqing Gao
- Institute for Fetology; First Hospital of Soochow University; Suzhou China
| | - Pengjie Zhang
- Institute for Fetology; First Hospital of Soochow University; Suzhou China
| | - Jiaqi Tang
- Institute for Fetology; First Hospital of Soochow University; Suzhou China
| | - Yu He
- Institute for Fetology; First Hospital of Soochow University; Suzhou China
| | - Di Zhu
- Institute for Fetology; First Hospital of Soochow University; Suzhou China
| | - Zhice Xu
- Institute for Fetology; First Hospital of Soochow University; Suzhou China
- Center for Perinatal Biology; Loma Linda University; California
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
T cell development is a complex multistep process that requires the coordinated activation of distinct signaling responses and the regulated progression of developing cells (thymocytes) through key stages of maturation. Although sophisticated techniques such as fetal thymus organ culture, in vitro thymocyte culture, and multi-parameter flow cytometric analysis are now widely employed to evaluate thymocyte maturation by experienced laboratories, defects in T cell development can usually be identified with more simplified screening methods. Here, we provide a basic protocol for assessment of T cell development that will enable laboratories with access to a four parameter flow cytometer to screen mouse strains, including those generated from embryonic stem cells with targeted gene mutations, for thymocyte maturation defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Y M Lee
- Section for Cellular and Developmental Biology, Program on Genomics of Differentiation, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Delta-Like-1 Changes the Immunomodulatory Property of OP9 Cells. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2016:1628352. [PMID: 26649045 PMCID: PMC4663344 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1628352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
As stromal cells and recently confirmed mesenchymal stem cells, OP9 cells support hematopoiesis stem cell (HSC) differentiation into the B lymphocyte lineage, yet Delta-like-1 (DL1) overexpressing OP9 (OP9DL1) cells promote the development of early T lymphocytes from HSC. However, the immunomodulatory capacity of OP9 or OP9DL1 on mature B and T cell proliferation has not been elucidated. Here, we show that OP9 and OP9DL1 have similar proliferation capacities and immunophenotypes except DL1 expression. Compared with OP9, OP9DL1 displayed more osteogenesis and less adipogenesis when cultured in the respective induction media. Both OP9 and OP9DL1 inhibited mature B and T cell proliferation. Furthermore, OP9 showed stronger inhibition on B cell proliferation and OP9DL1 exhibited stronger inhibition on T cell proliferation. With stimulation, both OP9 and OP9DL1 showed increased nitrate oxide (NO) production. The NO levels of OP9 were higher than that of OP9DL1 when stimulated with TNFα/IFNγ or LPS/IL4. Taken together, our study reveals a previously unrecognized role of OP9 and OP9DL1 in mature B and T cell proliferation. DL1 overexpression alone changed the properties of OP9 cells in addition to their role in early B cell development.
Collapse
|
31
|
Eslami-Arshaghi T, Salehi M, Soleimani M, Gholipourmalekabadi M, Mossahebi-Mohammadi M, Ardeshirylajimi A, Rajabi H. Lymphoid lineage differentiation potential of mouse nuclear transfer embryonic stem cells. Biologicals 2015; 43:349-54. [PMID: 26239678 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cells therapy is considered as an efficient strategy for the treatment of some diseases. Nevertheless, some obstacles such as probability of rejection by the immune system limit applications of this strategy. Therefore, several efforts have been made to overcome this among which using the induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and nuclear transfer embryonic stem cell (nt-ESCs) are the most efficient strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the differentiation potential of the nt-ESCs to lymphoid lineage in the presence of IL-7, IL-3, FLT3-ligand and TPO growth factors in vitro. To this end, the nt-ESCs cells were prepared and treated with aforementioned growth factors for 7 and 14 days. Then, the cells were examined for expression of lymphoid markers (CD3, CD25, CD127 and CD19) by quantitative PCR (q-PCR) and flow cytometry. An increased expression of CD19 and CD25 markers was observed in the treated cells compared with the negative control samples by day 7. After 14 days, the expression level of all the tested CD markers significantly increased in the treated groups in comparison with the control. The current study reveals the potential of the nt-ESCs in differentiation to lymphoid lineage in the presence of defined growth factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tarlan Eslami-Arshaghi
- Department of Transgenic Animal Sciences, Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Salehi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Biotechnology Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mazaher Gholipourmalekabadi
- Biotechnology Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Mossahebi-Mohammadi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center (UGSCRC), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hoda Rajabi
- Department of Transgenic Animal Sciences, Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Vasil’ev KA, Polevshchikov AV. Thymus development in early ontogeny: A comparative aspect. Russ J Dev Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s106236041503008x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
33
|
Huang W, August A. The signaling symphony: T cell receptor tunes cytokine-mediated T cell differentiation. J Leukoc Biol 2015; 97:477-85. [PMID: 25525115 PMCID: PMC4338847 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1ri0614-293r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell development, differentiation, and maintenance are orchestrated by 2 key signaling axes: the antigen-specific TCR and cytokine-mediated signals. The TCR signals the recognition of self- and foreign antigens to control T cell homeostasis for immune tolerance and immunity, which is regulated by a variety of cytokines to determine T cell subset homeostasis and differentiation. TCR signaling can synergize with or antagonize cytokine-mediated signaling to fine tune T cell fate; however, the latter is less investigated. Murine models with attenuated TCR signaling strength have revealed that TCR signaling can function as regulatory feedback machinery for T cell homeostasis and differentiation in differential cytokine milieus, such as IL-2-mediated Treg development; IL-7-mediated, naïve CD8(+) T cell homeostasis; and IL-4-induced innate memory CD8(+) T cell development. In this review, we discuss the symphonic cross-talk between TCR and cytokine-mediated responses that differentially control T cell behavior, with a focus on the negative tuning by TCR activation on the cytokine effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weishan Huang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Avery August
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
The deubiquitinating enzyme CYLD regulates the differentiation and maturation of thymic medullary epithelial cells. Immunol Cell Biol 2015; 93:558-66. [PMID: 25601276 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2014.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The cross talk between thymocytes and the thymic epithelium is critical for T-cell development and the establishment of central tolerance. Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) are located in the thymic medulla and mediate the elimination of self-reactive thymocytes, thereby preventing the onset of autoimmunity. Previous studies identified the deubiquitinating enzyme CYLD as a critical regulator of T-cell development by activating proximal T-cell receptor signaling during the transition of double-positive to single-positive thymocytes. Here we evaluated the impact of the naturally occurring short-splice variant of the cyld gene (sCYLD) on the development and maturation of mTECs. We found that thymi of CYLD(ex7/8) mice, solely expressing sCYLD, displayed a reduced number of mature mTECs caused by a developmental block during the transition of immature to mature mTECs. Further, we could demonstrate an impaired negative selection of thymocytes in these mice. Our data demonstrate that inefficient negative selection in the thymus of CYLD(ex7/8) mice result from a defect in mTEC maturation.
Collapse
|
35
|
Stable long-term mixed chimerism achieved in a canine model of allogeneic in utero hematopoietic cell transplantation. Blood 2014; 124:1987-95. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2013-11-537571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Key Points
Optimization of IUHCT in a preclinical canine model yields stable long-term donor engraftment. Clinically significant levels of chimerism can be achieved without conditioning, immunosuppression, or graft-versus-host disease.
Collapse
|
36
|
A randomized controlled trial of palifermin (recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor) for the treatment of inadequate CD4+ T-lymphocyte recovery in patients with HIV-1 infection on antiretroviral therapy. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2014; 66:399-406. [PMID: 24815851 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor CD4 lymphocyte recovery on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with reduced function of the thymus. Palifermin (keratinocyte growth factor), by providing support to the thymic epithelium, promotes lymphopoiesis in animal models of bone marrow transplantation and graft-versus-host disease. METHODS In AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5212, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 99 HIV-infected patients on ART with plasma HIV-1 RNA levels ≤200 copies per milliliter for ≥6 months and CD4 lymphocyte counts <200 cells per cubic milliliter were randomized 1:1:1:1 to receive once daily intravenous administration of placebo or 20, 40, or 60 μg/kg of palifermin on 3 consecutive days. RESULTS The median change in the CD4 T-cell count from baseline to week 12 was not significantly different between the placebo arm [15 (-16, 23) cells/mm] and the 20-μg/kg dose [11 (2, 32) cells/mm], the 40-μg/kg dose [12 (-2, 25) cells/mm], or the 60-μg/kg dose arm [8 (-13, 35) cells/mm] of palifermin. No significant changes were observed in thymus size or in the number of naive T cells or recent thymic emigrants. CONCLUSIONS Palifermin in the doses studied was not effective in improving thymic function and did not raise CD4 lymphocyte counts in HIV-infected patients with low CD4 cell counts despite virologically effective ART.
Collapse
|
37
|
Edholm ES, Grayfer L, Robert J. Evolution of nonclassical MHC-dependent invariant T cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:4763-80. [PMID: 25117267 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1701-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
TCR-mediated specific recognition of antigenic peptides in the context of classical MHC molecules is a cornerstone of adaptive immunity of jawed vertebrate. Ancillary to these interactions, the T cell repertoire also includes unconventional T cells that recognize endogenous and/or exogenous antigens in a classical MHC-unrestricted manner. Among these, the mammalian nonclassical MHC class I-restricted invariant T cell (iT) subsets, such as iNKT and MAIT cells, are now believed to be integral to immune response initiation as well as in orchestrating subsequent adaptive immunity. Until recently the evolutionary origins of these cells were unknown. Here we review our current understanding of a nonclassical MHC class I-restricted iT cell population in the amphibian Xenopus laevis. Parallels with the mammalian iNKT and MAIT cells underline the crucial biological roles of these evolutionarily ancient immune subsets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Stina Edholm
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Monteiro APA, Tao S, Thompson IM, Dahl GE. Effect of heat stress during late gestation on immune function and growth performance of calves: isolation of altered colostral and calf factors. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:6426-39. [PMID: 25108869 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-7891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Calves born to cows exposed to heat stress during the dry period and fed their dams' colostrum have compromised passive and cell-mediated immunity compared with calves born to cows cooled during heat stress. However, it is unknown if this compromised immune response is caused by calf or colostrum intrinsic factors. Two studies were designed to elucidate the effects of colostrum from those innate to the calf. The objective of the first study was to evaluate the effect of maternal heat stress during the dry period on calf-specific factors related to immune response and growth performance. Cows were dried off 46 d before expected calving and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: heat stress (HT; n=18) or cooling (CL; n=18). Cows of the CL group were housed with sprinklers, fans and shade, whereas cows of HT group had only shade. After calving, the cows were milked and their colostrum was frozen for the subsequent study. Colostrum from cows exposed to a thermoneutral environment during the dry period was pooled and stored frozen (-20 °C). Within 4h of birth, 3.8L of the pooled colostrum from thermoneutral cows was fed to calves born to both HT and CL cows. Day of birth was considered study d 0. All calves were exposed to the same management and weaned at d 49. Blood samples were collected before colostrum feeding, 24h after birth and twice weekly up to d 28. Total serum IgG concentrations were determined. Body weight was recorded at birth and at d 15, 30, 45, and 60. Relative to CL calves, HT calves were lighter at birth (38.3 vs. 43.1 kg), but no difference in weight gain was observed at d 60. Additionally, HT calves had lower apparent efficiency of IgG absorption (26.0 vs. 30.2%), but no differences were observed for total IgG concentration. The objective of the second study was to evaluate the isolated effect of the colostrum from HT cows on calf immune response and growth performance. The experimental design was identical to the first study, but all calves were born to cows under thermoneutral conditions during the dry period. At birth, calves were blocked by sex and birth weight and then randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments, which meant they received pooled colostrum from HT cows or CL cows. No treatment effect was observed on passive immune transfer or on postnatal growth. Thus, heat stress during the last 6 wk of gestation negatively affects the ability of the calf to acquire passive immunity, regardless of colostrum source.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A P A Monteiro
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611
| | - S Tao
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611
| | - I M Thompson
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611
| | - G E Dahl
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Benechet AP, Menon M, Khanna KM. Visualizing T Cell Migration in situ. Front Immunol 2014; 5:363. [PMID: 25120547 PMCID: PMC4114210 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting a protective immune response is critically dependent on the orchestrated movement of cells within lymphoid tissues. The structure of secondary lymphoid organs regulates immune responses by promoting optimal cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Naïve T cells are initially activated by antigen presenting cells in secondary lymphoid organs. Following priming, effector T cells migrate to the site of infection to exert their functions. Majority of the effector cells die while a small population of antigen-specific T cells persists as memory cells in distinct anatomical locations. The persistence and location of memory cells in lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues is critical to protect the host from re-infection. The localization of memory T cells is carefully regulated by several factors including the highly organized secondary lymphoid structure, the cellular expression of chemokine receptors and compartmentalized secretion of their cognate ligands. This balance between the anatomy and the ordered expression of cell surface and soluble proteins regulates the subtle choreography of T cell migration. In recent years, our understanding of cellular dynamics of T cells has been advanced by the development of new imaging techniques allowing in situ visualization of T cell responses. Here, we review the past and more recent studies that have utilized sophisticated imaging technologies to investigate the migration dynamics of naïve, effector, and memory T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre P. Benechet
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Manisha Menon
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Kamal M. Khanna
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Robert J, Edholm ES. A prominent role for invariant T cells in the amphibian Xenopus laevis tadpoles. Immunogenetics 2014; 66:513-23. [PMID: 24898512 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-014-0781-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Invariant T (iT) cells expressing an invariant or semi-invariant T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire have gained attention in recent years because of their potential as specialized regulators of immune function. These iT cells are typically restricted by nonclassical MHC class I molecules (e.g., CD1d and MR1) and undergo differentiation pathways distinct from conventional T cells. While the benefit of a limited TCR repertoire may appear counterintuitive in regard to the advantage of the diversified repertoire of conventional T cells allowing for exquisite specificity to antigens, the full biological importance and evolutionary conservation of iT cells are just starting to emerge. It is generally considered that iT cells are specialized to recognize conserved antigens equivalent to pathogen-associated molecular pattern. Until recently, little was known about the evolution of iT cells. The identification of class Ib and class I-like genes in nonmammalian vertebrates, despite the heterogeneity and variable numbers of these genes among species, suggests that iT cells are also present in ectothermic vertebrates. Indeed, recent studies in the amphibian Xenopus have revealed a drastic overrepresentation of several invariant TCRs in tadpoles and identified a prominent nonclassical MHC class I-restricted iT cell subset critical for tadpole antiviral immunity. This suggests an important and perhaps even dominant role of multiple nonclassical MHC class I-restricted iT cell populations in tadpoles and, by extension, other aquatic vertebrates with rapid external development that are under pressure to produce a functional lymphocyte repertoire with small numbers of cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Robert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA,
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Localization of Estrogen Receptor in the Central Lymphoid Organs of Chickens during the Late Stage of Embryogenesis. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2014; 76:2003-7. [DOI: 10.1271/bbb.120182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
42
|
Golbert DCF, Correa-de-Santana E, Ribeiro-Alves M, de Vasconcelos ATR, Savino W. ITGA6 gene silencing by RNA interference modulates the expression of a large number of cell migration-related genes in human thymic epithelial cells. BMC Genomics 2013; 14 Suppl 6:S3. [PMID: 24564203 PMCID: PMC3909006 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-s6-s3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The thymic epithelium is the major microenvironmental component of the thymus, the primary lymphoid organ responsible for the generation of T lymphocytes. Thymic epithelial cells (TEC) control intrathymic T cell differentiation by means of distinct types of interactions. TEC constitutively produce chemokines and extracellular matrix ligands (such as laminin and fibronectin) and express corresponding receptors, which allow thymocytes to migrate in a very ordered fashion. We previously showed that laminin mediates TEC/thymocyte interactions in both mice and humans. More recently, we used RNAi technology to knock-down the ITGA5 gene (which encodes CD49e, the integrin α-chain subunit of the fibronectin receptor VLA-5) in cultured human TEC. Using a similar strategy, herein we knocked-down the ITGA6 gene, which encodes CD49f, the α-chain of two integrin-type laminin receptors, namely VLA-6 (α6β1) and α6β4. Results We first confirmed that RNAi-induced knock-down of the ITGA6 gene was successful, at both transcription and translational levels, with a significant decrease in the membrane expression of CD49f, apart from CD49b, CD49c and CD49d, ascertained by cytofluorometry on living TEC. We also demonstrated that such knock-down promotes a decrease in cell adhesion to laminin. Using quantitative PCR, we demonstrated that gene expression of other integrin α-chains were concomitantly down-regulated, particularly those which form other laminin receptors, including ITGA1, ITGA2 and ITGA7. Interestingly enough, LAMA1 gene expression (whose corresponding protein chain is part of laminin-111) was largely increased in ITGA6 knocked-down TEC cultures. Lastly, the network complexity of gene expression under ITGA6 influence is much broader, since we found that other cell migration-related genes, namely those coding for various chemokines, are also modulated when IGTA6 is knocked-down. Conclusion The data presented herein clearly show that down regulation of ITGA6 gene in the human thymic epithelium triggers a complex cascade of effects upon the expression levels of several other cell migration-related genes, including extracellular matrix and chemokine ligands and receptors. Taken together, these data unravel the concept that the expression of genes involved in controlling of thymocyte migration by the thymic microenvironment should be regarded as complex networks, so that a defect in the expression of one single gene may reflect in an amplified cascade with functional consequences for TEC adhesion onto the natural ligand and potential consequences upon the normal patterns of TEC/thymocyte interactions.
Collapse
|
43
|
Melichar HJ, Ross JO, Herzmark P, Hogquist KA, Robey EA. Distinct temporal patterns of T cell receptor signaling during positive versus negative selection in situ. Sci Signal 2013; 6:ra92. [PMID: 24129702 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.2004400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The recognition by the T cell receptor (TCR) of self-peptides presented by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells and thymic epithelial cells, controls T cell fate in the thymus, with weak TCR signals inducing survival (positive selection) and stronger signals inducing death (negative selection). In vitro studies indicate that peptide ligands that induce positive selection stimulate a low, but sustained, pattern of TCR signaling; however, the temporal pattern of TCR signaling in MHC class I-restricted thymocytes (thymocytes that are presented with peptides by MHC class I) in the thymus, under conditions that support positive selection, is unknown. We addressed this question by examining intracellular Ca(2+) dynamics and migratory changes in thymocytes undergoing positive and negative selection in thymic slices. Brief, serial signaling events that were separated by migratory periods and low cytosolic Ca(2+) concentrations correlated with the positive selection of MHC class I-restricted thymocytes, whereas sustained Ca(2+) signaling and the arrest of thymocytes were associated with negative selection. Low-avidity peptides and the presentation of peptides by cortical thymic epithelial cells, rather than dendritic cells, failed to induce strong migratory arrest of thymocytes, which led to transient TCR signaling. Thus, we provide a comparison of positive and negative selection signals in situ and suggest that the absence of strong stop signals distinguishes between positive and negative selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather J Melichar
- 1Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Chen P, Zhang J, Zhan Y, Su J, Du Y, Xu G, Shi Y, Siebenlist U, Zhang X. Established thymic epithelial progenitor/stem cell-like cell lines differentiate into mature thymic epithelial cells and support T cell development. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75222. [PMID: 24086471 PMCID: PMC3781041 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Common thymic epithelial progenitor/stem cells (TEPCs) differentiate into cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells (TECs), which are required for the development and selection of thymocytes. Mature TEC lines have been widely established. However, the establishment of TEPC lines is rarely reported. Here we describe the establishment of thymic epithelial stomal cell lines, named TSCs, from fetal thymus. TSCs express some of the markers present on tissue progenitor/stem cells such as Sca-1. Gene expression profiling verifies the thymic identity of TSCs. RANK stimulation of these cells induces expression of autoimmune regulator (Aire) and Aire-dependent tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs) in TSCs in vitro. TSCs could be differentiated into medullary thymic epithelial cell-like cells with exogenously expressed NF-κB subunits RelB and p52. Importantly, upon transplantation under the kidney capsules of nude mice, TSCs are able to differentiate into mature TEC-like cells that can support some limited development of T cells in vivo. These findings suggest that the TSC lines we established bear some characteristics of TEPC cells and are able to differentiate into functional TEC-like cells in vitro and in vivo. The cloned TEPC-like cell lines may provide useful tools to study the differentiation of mature TEC cells from precursors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Transfusion, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, China
| | - Yu Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Juanjuan Su
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yarui Du
- The State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoliang Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufang Shi
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ulrich Siebenlist
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Xiaoren Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Liang CC, You LR, Yen JJY, Liao NS, Yang-Yen HF, Chen CM. Thymic epithelial β-catenin is required for adult thymic homeostasis and function. Immunol Cell Biol 2013; 91:511-23. [PMID: 23856765 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2013.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The role of β-catenin in thymocyte development has been extensively studied, however, the function of β-catenin in thymic epithelial cells (TECs) remains largely unclear. Here, we demonstrate a requirement for β-catenin in keratin 5 (K5)-expressing TECs, which comprise the majority of medullary TECs (mTECs) and a progenitor subset for cortical TECs (cTECs) in the young adult thymus. We found that conditionally ablated β-catenin in K5(+)-TECs and their progeny cells resulted in thymic atrophy. The composition of TECs was also aberrantly affected. Percentages of K5(hi)K8(+)-TECs, K5(+)K8(-)-TECs and UEA1(+)-mTECs were significantly decreased and the percentage of K5(lo)K8(+)-TECs and Ly51(+)-cTECs were increased in β-catenin-deficient thymi compared with that in the control thymi. We also observed that β-catenin-deficient TEC lineage could give rise to K8(+)-cTECs more efficiently than wild-type TECs using lineage-tracing approach. Importantly, the expression levels of several transcription factors (p63, FoxN1 and Aire), which are essential for TEC differentiation, were altered in β-catenin-deficient thymi. Under the aberrant differentiation of TECs, development of all thymocytes in β-catenin-deficient thymi was impaired. Interleukin-7 (IL-7) and chemokines (Ccl19, Ccl25 and Cxcl12) levels were also downregulated in the thymic stromal cells in the mutants. Finally, introducing a BCL2 transgene in lymphoid lineages, which has been shown to rescue IL-7-deficient thymopoiesis, partially rescued the thymic atrophy and thymocyte development defects caused by induced ablation of β-catenin in K5(+)-TECs. Collectively, these findings suggest that β-catenin is required for the differentiation of TECs, thereby contributing to thymocyte development in the postnatal thymus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chia Liang
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Primary immunodeficiencies: a rapidly evolving story. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2013; 131:314-23. [PMID: 23374262 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2012.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Revised: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The characterization of primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) in human subjects is crucial for a better understanding of the biology of the immune response. New achievements in this field have been possible in light of collaborative studies; attention paid to new phenotypes, infectious and otherwise; improved immunologic techniques; and use of exome sequencing technology. The International Union of Immunological Societies Expert Committee on PIDs recently reported on the updated classification of PIDs. However, new PIDs are being discovered at an ever-increasing rate. A series of 19 novel primary defects of immunity that have been discovered after release of the International Union of Immunological Societies report are discussed here. These new findings highlight the molecular pathways that are associated with clinical phenotypes and suggest potential therapies for affected patients.
Collapse
|
47
|
Li P, Xiao Y, Liu Z, Liu P. Using mouse models to study function of transcriptional factors in T cell development. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2012; 1:8. [PMID: 25408871 PMCID: PMC4230505 DOI: 10.1186/2045-9769-1-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory mice have widely been used as tools for basic biological research and models for studying human diseases. With the advances of genetic engineering and conditional knockout (CKO) mice, we now understand hematopoiesis is a dynamic stepwise process starting from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) which are responsible for replenishing all blood cells. Transcriptional factors play important role in hematopoiesis. In this review we compile several studies on using genetic modified mice and humanized mice to study function of transcriptional factors in lymphopoiesis, including T lymphocyte and Natural killer (NK) cell development. Finally, we focused on the key transcriptional factor Bcl11b and its function in regulating T cell specification and commitment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Li
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzchou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China ; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiren Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzchou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China ; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhixin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzchou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China ; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pentao Liu
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1HH UK
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Kannan A, Huang W, Huang F, August A. Signal transduction via the T cell antigen receptor in naïve and effector/memory T cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2012; 44:2129-34. [PMID: 22981631 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2012.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2012] [Revised: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
T cells play an indispensable role in immune defense against infectious agents, but can also be pathogenic. These T cells develop in the thymus, are exported into the periphery as naïve cells and participate in immune responses. Upon recognition of antigen, they are activated and differentiate into effector and memory T cells. While effector T cells carry out the function of the immune response, memory T cells can last up to the life time of the individual, and are activated by subsequent antigenic exposure. Throughout this life cycle, the T cell uses the same receptor for antigen, the T cell Receptor, a complex multi-subunit receptor. Recognition of antigen presented by peptide/MHC complexes on antigen presenting cells unleashes signaling pathways that control T cell activation at each stage. In this review, we discuss the signals regulated by the T cell receptor in naïve and effector/memory T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arun Kannan
- The Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Matsumoto S, Konishi H, Maeda R, Kiryu-Seo S, Kiyama H. Expression analysis of the regenerating gene (Reg) family members Reg-IIIβ and Reg-IIIγ in the mouse during development. J Comp Neurol 2012; 520:479-94. [PMID: 21681751 DOI: 10.1002/cne.22705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The regenerating gene/regenerating islet-derived (Reg) family is a group of small secretory proteins. Within this family, Reg type-III (Reg-III) consists of: Reg-IIIα, -β, -γ, and -δ. To elucidate the physiological relevance of Reg-III, we examined the localization and ontogeny of Reg-IIIβ and Reg-IIIγ in mice at different time points spanning from embryonic day 13.5 to 7 weeks old, using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that Reg-IIIβ was expressed in specific subsets of primary sensory neurons and motor neurons, and that expression was transient during the embryonic and perinatal periods. Reg-IIIβ expression was also observed in absorptive epithelial cells of the intestine. In contrast, Reg-IIIγ expression was mainly observed in epithelial cells of the airways and intestine, but not in the nervous system, and expression levels showed a gradually increasing pattern along with development. In the airways Reg-IIIγ was expressed in goblet and Clara-like cells, whereas in the intestine Reg-IIIγ was expressed in the absorptive epithelial cells and Paneth cells, and was found to be expressed in development before these organs had been exposed to the outside world. The present findings imply that Reg-IIIβ and Reg-IIIγ expression is regulated along divergent pathways. Furthermore, we also suggest that expression of Reg-IIIγ in the airway and intestinal epithelia may occur to protect these organs from exposure to antigens or other factors (e.g., microbes) in the outer world, whereas the transient expression of Reg-IIIβ in the nervous system may be associated with the development of the peripheral nervous system including such processes as myelination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sakiko Matsumoto
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Adachi Y, Hiramatsu S, Tokuda N, Sharifi K, Ebrahimi M, Islam A, Kagawa Y, Koshy Vaidyan L, Sawada T, Hamano K, Owada Y. Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) and FABP5 modulate cytokine production in the mouse thymic epithelial cells. Histochem Cell Biol 2012; 138:397-406. [PMID: 22585040 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-012-0963-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Thymic stromal cells, including cortical thymic epithelial cells (cTEC) produce many humoral factors, such as cytokines and eicosanoids to modulate thymocyte homeostasis, thereby regulating the peripheral immune responses. In this study, we identified fatty acid-binding protein (FABP4), an intracellular fatty acid chaperone, in the mouse thymus, and examined its role in the control of cytokine production in comparison with FABP5. By immunofluorescent staining, FABP4(+) cells enclosing the thymocytes were scattered throughout the thymic cortex with a spatial difference from the FABP5(+) cell that were distributed widely throughout the cTEC. The FABP4(+) cells were immunopositive for MHC class II, NLDC145 and cytokeratin 8, and were identified as part of cTEC. The FABP4(+) cells were identified as thymic nurse cells (TNC), a subpopulation of cTEC, by their active phagocytosis of apoptotic thymocytes. Furthermore, FABP4 expression was confirmed in the isolated TNC at the gene and protein levels. To explore the function of FABP in TNC, TSt-4/DLL1 cells stably expressing either FABP4 or FABP5 were established and the gene expressions of various cytokines were examined. The gene expression of interleukin (IL)-7 and IL-18 was increased both in FABP4 and FABP5 over-expressing cells compared with controls, and moreover, the increase in their expressions by adding of stearic acids was significantly enhanced in the FABP4 over-expressing cells. These data suggest that both FABPs are involved in the maintenance of T lymphocyte homeostasis through the modulation of cytokine production, which is possibly regulated by cellular fatty acid-mediated signaling in TEC, including TNC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Adachi
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1-1-1, Minami-kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|