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Brown AJ, White J, Shaw L, Gross J, Slabodkin A, Kushner E, Greiff V, Matsuda J, Gapin L, Scott-Browne J, Kappler J, Marrack P. MHC heterozygosity limits T cell receptor variability in CD4 T cells. Sci Immunol 2024; 9:eado5295. [PMID: 38996008 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.ado5295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
αβ T cell receptor (TCR) V(D)J genes code for billions of TCR combinations. However, only some appear on peripheral T cells in any individual because, to mature, thymocytes must react with low affinity but not high affinity with thymus expressed major histocompatibility (MHC)/peptides. MHC proteins are very polymorphic. Different alleles bind different peptides. Therefore, any individual might express many different MHC alleles to ensure that some peptides from an invader are bound to MHC and activate T cells. However, most individuals express limited numbers of MHC alleles. To explore this, we compared the TCR repertoires of naïve CD4 T cells in mice expressing one or two MHC alleles. Unexpectedly, the TCRs in heterozygotes were less diverse that those in the sum of their MHC homozygous relatives. Our results suggest that thymus negative selection cancels out the advantages of increased thymic positive selection in the MHC heterozygotes.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Mice
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Heterozygote
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Major Histocompatibility Complex/immunology
- Major Histocompatibility Complex/genetics
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Thymus Gland/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/immunology
- Mice, Transgenic
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Brown
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Janice White
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Laura Shaw
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Jimmy Gross
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Andrei Slabodkin
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Postboks 4950 Nydalen OUS HF Rikshospitalet, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ella Kushner
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Victor Greiff
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Postboks 4950 Nydalen OUS HF Rikshospitalet, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jennifer Matsuda
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Laurent Gapin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - James Scott-Browne
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - John Kappler
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 1775 Aurora Ct, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Philippa Marrack
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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2
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Rai R, Steinberg Z, Romito M, Zinghirino F, Hu YT, White N, Naseem A, Thrasher AJ, Turchiano G, Cavazza A. CRISPR/Cas9-Based Disease Modeling and Functional Correction of Interleukin 7 Receptor Alpha Severe Combined Immunodeficiency in T-Lymphocytes and Hematopoietic Stem Cells. Hum Gene Ther 2024; 35:269-283. [PMID: 38251667 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.100] [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: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 7 Receptor alpha Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (IL7R-SCID) is a life-threatening disorder caused by homozygous mutations in the IL7RA gene. Defective IL7R expression in humans hampers T cell precursors' proliferation and differentiation during lymphopoiesis resulting in the absence of T cells in newborns, who succumb to severe infections and death early after birth. Previous attempts to tackle IL7R-SCID by viral gene therapy have shown that unregulated IL7R expression predisposes to leukemia, suggesting the application of targeted gene editing to insert a correct copy of the IL7RA gene in its genomic locus and mediate its physiological expression as a more feasible therapeutic approach. To this aim, we have first developed a CRISPR/Cas9-based IL7R-SCID disease modeling system that recapitulates the disease phenotype in primary human T cells and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Then, we have designed a knockin strategy that targets IL7RA exon 1 and introduces through homology-directed repair a corrective, promoterless IL7RA cDNA followed by a reporter cassette through AAV6 transduction. Targeted integration of the corrective cassette in primary T cells restored IL7R expression and rescued functional downstream IL7R signaling. When applied to HSPCs further induced to differentiate into T cells in an Artificial Thymic Organoid system, our gene editing strategy overcame the T cell developmental block observed in IL7R-SCID patients, while promoting full maturation of T cells with physiological and developmentally regulated IL7R expression. Finally, genotoxicity assessment of the CRISPR/Cas9 platform in HSPCs using biased and unbiased technologies confirmed the safety of the strategy, paving the way for a new, efficient, and safe therapeutic option for IL7R-SCID patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Rai
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zohar Steinberg
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marianna Romito
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Federica Zinghirino
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yi-Ting Hu
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan White
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Asma Naseem
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian J Thrasher
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Center, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giandomenico Turchiano
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alessia Cavazza
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Center, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia School of Medicine, Modena, Italy
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3
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Silva A, Almeida ARM, Cachucho A, Neto JL, Demeyer S, de Matos M, Hogan T, Li Y, Meijerink J, Cools J, Grosso AR, Seddon B, Barata JT. Overexpression of wild-type IL-7Rα promotes T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma. Blood 2021; 138:1040-1052. [PMID: 33970999 PMCID: PMC8462360 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019000553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Tight regulation of IL-7Rα expression is essential for normal T-cell development. IL-7Rα gain-of-function mutations are known drivers of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Although a subset of patients with T-ALL display high IL7R messenger RNA levels and cases with IL7R gains have been reported, the impact of IL-7Rα overexpression, rather than mutational activation, during leukemogenesis remains unclear. In this study, overexpressed IL-7Rα in tetracycline-inducible Il7r transgenic and Rosa26 IL7R knockin mice drove potential thymocyte self-renewal, and thymus hyperplasia related to increased proliferation of T-cell precursors, which subsequently infiltrated lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow, ultimately leading to fatal leukemia. The tumors mimicked key features of human T-ALL, including heterogeneity in immunophenotype and genetic subtype between cases, frequent hyperactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway paralleled by downregulation of p27Kip1 and upregulation of Bcl-2, and gene expression signatures evidencing activation of JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Notch signaling. Notably, we also found that established tumors may no longer require high levels of IL-7R expression upon secondary transplantation and progressed in the absence of IL-7, but remain sensitive to inhibitors of IL-7R-mediated signaling ruxolitinib (Jak1), AZD1208 (Pim), dactolisib (PI3K/mTOR), palbociclib (Cdk4/6), and venetoclax (Bcl-2). The relevance of these findings for human disease are highlighted by the fact that samples from patients with T-ALL with high wild-type IL7R expression display a transcriptional signature resembling that of IL-7-stimulated pro-T cells and, critically, of IL7R-mutant cases of T-ALL. Overall, our study demonstrates that high expression of IL-7Rα can promote T-cell tumorigenesis, even in the absence of IL-7Rα mutational activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Silva
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Afonso R M Almeida
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Cachucho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João L Neto
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sofie Demeyer
- Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Center for Cancer Biology
- Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven Center for Human Genetics, Katholieke Universiteit (VIB-KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mafalda de Matos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Thea Hogan
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yunlei Li
- Department of Pathology Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jules Meijerink
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.; and
| | - Jan Cools
- Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Center for Cancer Biology
| | - Ana Rita Grosso
- Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Unidade de Ciências Biomoleculares Aplicadas (UCIBIO), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Benedict Seddon
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - João T Barata
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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4
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Aghaallaei N, Dick AM, Tsingos E, Inoue D, Hasel E, Thumberger T, Toyoda A, Leptin M, Wittbrodt J, Bajoghli B. αβ/γδ T cell lineage outcome is regulated by intrathymic cell localization and environmental signals. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/29/eabg3613. [PMID: 34261656 PMCID: PMC8279519 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg3613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
αβ and γδ T cells are two distinct sublineages that develop in the vertebrate thymus. Thus far, their differentiation from a common progenitor is mostly understood to be regulated by intrinsic mechanisms. However, the proportion of αβ/γδ T cells varies in different vertebrate taxa. How this process is regulated in species that tend to produce a high frequency of γδ T cells is unstudied. Using an in vivo teleost model, the medaka, we report that progenitors first enter a thymic niche where their development into γδ T cells is favored. Translocation from this niche, mediated by chemokine receptor Ccr9b, is a prerequisite for their differentiation into αβ T cells. On the other hand, the thymic niche also generates opposing gradients of the cytokine interleukin-7 and chemokine Ccl25a, and, together, they influence the lineage outcome. We propose a previously unknown mechanism that determines the proportion of αβ/γδ lineages within species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Aghaallaei
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Immunology, and Rheumatology, University Hospital of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Strasse 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Advaita M Dick
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Immunology, and Rheumatology, University Hospital of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Strasse 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Erika Tsingos
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daigo Inoue
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva Hasel
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Thumberger
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Atsushi Toyoda
- Comparative Genomics Laboratory, Department of Genomics and Evolutionary Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Maria Leptin
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- EMBO, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joachim Wittbrodt
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Baubak Bajoghli
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Immunology, and Rheumatology, University Hospital of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Strasse 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
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5
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Ramos CV, Martins VC. Cell competition in hematopoietic cells: Quality control in homeostasis and its role in leukemia. Dev Biol 2021; 475:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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6
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Deregulation of the Interleukin-7 Signaling Pathway in Lymphoid Malignancies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14050443. [PMID: 34066732 PMCID: PMC8151260 DOI: 10.3390/ph14050443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The cytokine interleukin-7 (IL-7) and its receptor are critical for lymphoid cell development. The loss of IL-7 signaling causes severe combined immunodeficiency, whereas gain-of-function alterations in the pathway contribute to malignant transformation of lymphocytes. Binding of IL-7 to the IL-7 receptor results in the activation of the JAK-STAT, PI3K-AKT and Ras-MAPK pathways, each contributing to survival, cell cycle progression, proliferation and differentiation. Here, we discuss the role of deregulated IL-7 signaling in lymphoid malignancies of B- and T-cell origin. Especially in T-cell leukemia, more specifically in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, a high frequency of mutations in components of the IL-7 signaling pathway are found, including alterations in IL7R, IL2RG, JAK1, JAK3, STAT5B, PTPN2, PTPRC and DNM2 genes.
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7
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Bednarz-Misa I, Bromke MA, Krzystek-Korpacka M. Interleukin (IL)-7 Signaling in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1290:9-49. [PMID: 33559853 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-55617-4_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-7 plays an important immunoregulatory role in different types of cells. Therefore, it attracts researcher's attention, but despite the fact, many aspects of its modulatory action, as well as other functionalities, are still poorly understood. The review summarizes current knowledge on the interleukin-7 and its signaling cascade in context of cancer development. Moreover, it provides a cancer-type focused description of the involvement of IL-7 in solid tumors, as well as hematological malignancies.The interleukin has been discovered as a growth factor crucial for the early lymphocyte development and supporting the growth of malignant cells in certain leukemias and lymphomas. Therefore, its targeting has been explored as a treatment modality in hematological malignancies, while the unique ability to expand lymphocyte populations selectively and without hyperinflammation has been used in experimental immunotherapies in patients with lymphopenia. Ever since the early research demonstrated a reduced growth of solid tumors in the presence of IL-7, the interleukin application in boosting up the anticancer immunity has been investigated. However, a growing body of evidence indicative of IL-7 upregulation in carcinomas, facilitating tumor growth and metastasis and aiding drug-resistance, is accumulating. It therefore becomes increasingly apparent that the response to the IL-7 stimulus strongly depends on cell type, their developmental stage, and microenvironmental context. The interleukin exerts its regulatory action mainly through phosphorylation events in JAK/STAT and PI3K/Akt pathways, while the significance of MAPK pathway seems to be limited to solid tumors. Given the unwavering interest in IL-7 application in immunotherapy, a better understanding of interleukin role, source in tumor microenvironment, and signaling pathways, as well as the identification of cells that are likely to respond should be a research priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Bednarz-Misa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mariusz A Bromke
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
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Facts and Challenges in Immunotherapy for T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207685. [PMID: 33081391 PMCID: PMC7589289 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), a T-cell malignant disease that mainly affects children, is still a medical challenge, especially for refractory patients for whom therapeutic options are scarce. Recent advances in immunotherapy for B-cell malignancies based on increasingly efficacious monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have been encouraging for non-responding or relapsing patients suffering from other aggressive cancers like T-ALL. However, secondary life-threatening T-cell immunodeficiency due to shared expression of targeted antigens by healthy and malignant T cells is a main drawback of mAb—or CAR-based immunotherapies for T-ALL and other T-cell malignancies. This review provides a comprehensive update on the different immunotherapeutic strategies that are being currently applied to T-ALL. We highlight recent progress on the identification of new potential targets showing promising preclinical results and discuss current challenges and opportunities for developing novel safe and efficacious immunotherapies for T-ALL.
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9
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IL-7R is essential for leukemia-initiating cell activity of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Blood 2020; 134:2171-2182. [PMID: 31530562 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019000982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological malignancy resulting from the dysregulation of signaling pathways that control intrathymic T-cell development. Relapse rates are still significant, and prognosis is particularly bleak for relapsed patients. Therefore, development of novel therapies specifically targeting pathways controlling leukemia-initiating cell (LIC) activity is mandatory for fighting refractory T-ALL. The interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) is a crucial T-cell developmental pathway that is commonly expressed in T-ALL and has been implicated in leukemia progression; however, the significance of IL-7R/IL-7 signaling in T-ALL pathogenesis and its contribution to disease relapse remain unknown. To directly explore whether IL-7R targeting may be therapeutically efficient against T-ALL relapse, we focused on a known Notch1-induced T-ALL model, because a majority of T-ALL patients harbor activating mutations in NOTCH1, which is a transcriptional regulator of IL-7R expression. Using loss-of-function approaches, we show that Il7r-deficient, but not wild-type, mouse hematopoietic progenitors transduced with constitutively active Notch1 failed to generate leukemia upon transplantation into immunodeficient mice, thus providing formal evidence that IL-7R function is essential for Notch1-induced T-cell leukemogenesis. Moreover, we demonstrate that IL-7R expression is an early functional biomarker of T-ALL cells with LIC potential and report that impaired IL-7R signaling hampers engraftment and progression of patient-derived T-ALL xenografts. Notably, we show that IL-7R-dependent LIC activity and leukemia progression can be extended to human B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). These results have important therapeutic implications, highlighting the relevance that targeting normal IL-7R signaling may have in future therapeutic interventions, particularly for preventing T-ALL (and B-ALL) relapse.
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10
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Flip the coin: IL-7 and IL-7R in health and disease. Nat Immunol 2019; 20:1584-1593. [PMID: 31745336 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-019-0479-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The cytokine IL-7 and its receptor, IL-7R, are critical for T cell and, in the mouse, B cell development, as well as differentiation and survival of naive T cells, and generation and maintenance of memory T cells. They are also required for innate lymphoid cell (ILC) development and maintenance, and consequently for generation of lymphoid structures and barrier defense. Here we discuss the central role of IL-7 and IL-7R in the lymphoid system and highlight the impact of their deregulation, placing a particular emphasis on their 'dark side' as promoters of cancer development. We also explore therapeutic implications and opportunities associated with either positive or negative modulation of the IL-7-IL-7R signaling axis.
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11
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STAT5 is essential for IL-7-mediated viability, growth, and proliferation of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Blood Adv 2019; 2:2199-2213. [PMID: 30185437 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2018021063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) constitutes an aggressive subset of ALL, the most frequent childhood malignancy. Whereas interleukin-7 (IL-7) is essential for normal T-cell development, it can also accelerate T-ALL development in vivo and leukemia cell survival and proliferation by activating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling. Here, we investigated whether STAT5 could also mediate IL-7 T-ALL-promoting effects. We show that IL-7 induces STAT pathway activation in T-ALL cells and that STAT5 inactivation prevents IL-7-mediated T-ALL cell viability, growth, and proliferation. At the molecular level, STAT5 is required for IL-7-induced downregulation of p27kip1 and upregulation of the transferrin receptor, CD71. Surprisingly, STAT5 inhibition does not significantly affect IL-7-mediated Bcl-2 upregulation, suggesting that, contrary to normal T-cells, STAT5 promotes leukemia cell survival through a Bcl-2-independent mechanism. STAT5 chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing reveal a diverse IL-7-driven STAT5-dependent transcriptional program in T-ALL cells, which includes BCL6 inactivation by alternative transcription and upregulation of the oncogenic serine/threonine kinase PIM1 Pharmacological inhibition of PIM1 abrogates IL-7-mediated proliferation on T-ALL cells, indicating that strategies involving the use of PIM kinase small-molecule inhibitors may have therapeutic potential against a majority of leukemias that rely on IL-7 receptor (IL-7R) signaling. Overall, our results demonstrate that STAT5, in part by upregulating PIM1 activity, plays a major role in mediating the leukemia-promoting effects of IL-7/IL-7R.
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12
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Buffière A, Uzan B, Aucagne R, Hermetet F, Mas M, Nassurdine S, Aznague A, Carmignac V, Tournier B, Bouchot O, Ballerini P, Barata JT, Bastie JN, Delva L, Pflumio F, Quéré R. T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia displays autocrine production of Interleukin-7. Oncogene 2019; 38:7357-7365. [PMID: 31417180 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0921-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological malignancy characterized by an accumulation of immature T cells. Although patient outcomes have improved, novel targeted therapies are needed to reduce the intensity of chemotherapy and improve the prognosis of high-risk patients. Interleukin-7 (IL-7) modulates the survival and proliferation of normal and malignant T cells. Targeting the IL-7 signaling pathway is thus a potentially effective therapeutic strategy. To achieve such aim, it is essential to first understand how the IL-7 signaling pathway is activated. Although IL-7 production has been observed from multiple stromal tissues, T-ALL autocrine IL-7 secretion has not yet been described. Interestingly, using T-ALL cell lines, primary and patient-derived xenotransplanted (PDX) T-ALL cells, we demonstrate that T-ALL cells produce IL-7 whereas normal T cells do not. Finally, using knock down of IL7 gene in T-ALL cells, we describe to what extent IL-7 autocrine secretion is involved in the T-ALL cells propagation in bone marrow and how it affects the number of leukemia-initiating cells in PDX mice. Together, these results demonstrate how the autocrine production of the IL-7 cytokine mediated by T-ALL cells can be involved in the oncogenic development of T-ALL and offer novel insights into T-ALL spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Buffière
- UMR1231, Inserm/Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France.,LipSTIC Labex, Dijon, France
| | - Benjamin Uzan
- UMR967, Inserm/CEA/Université Paris 7/Université Paris 11, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.,LSHL, IRCM/CEA, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Romain Aucagne
- UMR1231, Inserm/Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France.,LipSTIC Labex, Dijon, France
| | - François Hermetet
- UMR1231, Inserm/Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France.,LipSTIC Labex, Dijon, France
| | - Manon Mas
- UMR1231, Inserm/Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | | | - Aziza Aznague
- UMR1231, Inserm/Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France.,LipSTIC Labex, Dijon, France
| | | | - Benjamin Tournier
- Hôpital Universitaire François Mitterrand, Service de Génétique des Cancers, Dijon, France
| | - Olivier Bouchot
- Hôpital Universitaire François Mitterrand, Chirurgie Cardiovasculaire, Dijon, France
| | - Paola Ballerini
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Laboratoire d'Hématologie, Hôpital Trousseau, Paris, France
| | - João T Barata
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jean-Noël Bastie
- UMR1231, Inserm/Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France.,LipSTIC Labex, Dijon, France.,Hôpital Universitaire François Mitterrand, Service d'Hématologie Clinique, Dijon, France.,Hôpital Universitaire François Mitterrand, CRB Ferdinand Cabanne, BB-0033-00044, Dijon, France
| | - Laurent Delva
- UMR1231, Inserm/Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France.,LipSTIC Labex, Dijon, France
| | - Françoise Pflumio
- UMR967, Inserm/CEA/Université Paris 7/Université Paris 11, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.,LSHL, IRCM/CEA, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Ronan Quéré
- UMR1231, Inserm/Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France. .,LipSTIC Labex, Dijon, France.
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13
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Akkapeddi P, Fragoso R, Hixon JA, Ramalho AS, Oliveira ML, Carvalho T, Gloger A, Matasci M, Corzana F, Durum SK, Neri D, Bernardes GJL, Barata JT. A fully human anti-IL-7Rα antibody promotes antitumor activity against T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leukemia 2019; 33:2155-2168. [PMID: 30850736 PMCID: PMC6733707 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-019-0434-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological cancer for which treatment options often result in incomplete therapeutic efficacy and long-term side-effects. Interleukin 7 (IL-7) and its receptor IL-7Rα promote T-ALL development and mutational activation of IL-7Rα associates with very high risk in relapsed disease. Using combinatorial phage-display libraries and antibody reformatting, we generated a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody (named B12) against both wild-type and mutant human IL-7Rα, predicted to form a stable complex with IL-7Rα at a different site from IL-7. B12 impairs IL-7/IL-7R-mediated signaling, sensitizes T-ALL cells to treatment with dexamethasone and can induce cell death per se. The antibody also promotes antibody-dependent natural killer-mediated leukemia cytotoxicity in vitro and delays T-cell leukemia development in vivo, reducing tumor burden and promoting mouse survival. B12 is rapidly internalized and traffics to the lysosome, rendering it an attractive vehicle for targeted intracellular delivery of cytotoxic cargo. Consequently, we engineered a B12–MMAE antibody–drug conjugate and provide proof-of-concept evidence that it has increased leukemia cell killing abilities as compared with the naked antibody. Our studies serve as a stepping stone for the development of novel targeted therapies in T-ALL and other diseases where IL-7Rα has a pathological role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padma Akkapeddi
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rita Fragoso
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Julie A Hixon
- Cytokines and Immunity Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Ana Sofia Ramalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mariana L Oliveira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tânia Carvalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Andreas Gloger
- Departamento de Química, Universidad de La Rioja, Centro de Investigación en Síntesis Química, 26006, Logroño, Spain
| | | | | | - Scott K Durum
- Cytokines and Immunity Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Gonçalo J L Bernardes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal. .,Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK.
| | - João T Barata
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal.
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14
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Oliveira ML, Akkapeddi P, Ribeiro D, Melão A, Barata JT. IL-7R-mediated signaling in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: An update. Adv Biol Regul 2019; 71:88-96. [PMID: 30249539 PMCID: PMC6386770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin 7 (IL-7) and its receptor (IL-7R, a heterodimer of IL-7Rα and γc) are essential for normal lymphoid development. In their absence, severe combined immunodeficiency occurs. By contrast, excessive IL-7/IL-7R-mediated signaling can drive lymphoid leukemia development, disease acceleration and resistance to chemotherapy. IL-7 and IL-7R activate three main pathways: STAT5, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MEK/Erk, ultimately leading to the promotion of leukemia cell viability, cell cycle progression and growth. However, the contribution of each of these pathways towards particular functional outcomes is still not completely known and appears to differ between normal and malignant states. For example, IL-7 upregulates Bcl-2 in a PI3K/Akt/mTOR-dependent and STAT5-independent manner in T-ALL cells. This is a 'symmetric image' of what apparently happens in normal lymphoid cells, where PI3K/Akt/mTOR does not impact on Bcl-2 and regulates proliferation rather than survival. In this review, we provide an updated summary of the knowledge on IL-7/IL-7R-mediated signaling in the context of cancer, focusing mainly on T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, where this axis has been more extensively studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana L Oliveira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Padma Akkapeddi
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Daniel Ribeiro
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alice Melão
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João T Barata
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal.
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15
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Gianfelici V, Messina M, Paoloni F, Peragine N, Lauretti A, Fedullo AL, Di Giacomo F, Vignetti M, Vitale A, Guarini A, Chiaretti S, Foà R. IL7R overexpression in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia is associated to JAK/STAT pathway mutations and identifies patients who could benefit from targeted therapies. Leuk Lymphoma 2018; 60:829-832. [PMID: 30188230 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2018.1499906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gianfelici
- a Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology , Sapienza University , Rome , Italy
| | - Monica Messina
- a Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology , Sapienza University , Rome , Italy
| | | | - Nadia Peragine
- a Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology , Sapienza University , Rome , Italy
| | - Alessia Lauretti
- a Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology , Sapienza University , Rome , Italy
| | - Anna Lucia Fedullo
- a Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology , Sapienza University , Rome , Italy
| | - Filomena Di Giacomo
- a Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology , Sapienza University , Rome , Italy
| | - Marco Vignetti
- a Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology , Sapienza University , Rome , Italy.,b GIMEMA Data Center, GIMEMA , Rome , Italy
| | - Antonella Vitale
- a Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology , Sapienza University , Rome , Italy
| | - Anna Guarini
- a Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology , Sapienza University , Rome , Italy
| | - Sabina Chiaretti
- a Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology , Sapienza University , Rome , Italy
| | - Robin Foà
- a Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology , Sapienza University , Rome , Italy
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16
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Oliveira ML, Akkapeddi P, Alcobia I, Almeida AR, Cardoso BA, Fragoso R, Serafim TL, Barata JT. From the outside, from within: Biological and therapeutic relevance of signal transduction in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Cell Signal 2017. [PMID: 28645565 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2017.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological cancer that arises from clonal expansion of transformed T-cell precursors. In this review we summarize the current knowledge on the external stimuli and cell-intrinsic lesions that drive aberrant activation of pivotal, pro-tumoral intracellular signaling pathways in T-cell precursors, driving transformation, leukemia expansion, spread or resistance to therapy. In addition to their pathophysiological relevance, receptors and kinases involved in signal transduction are often attractive candidates for targeted drug development. As such, we discuss also the potential of T-ALL signaling players as targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana L Oliveira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Padma Akkapeddi
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel Alcobia
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Histologia e Biologia do Desenvolvimento, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Afonso R Almeida
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Bruno A Cardoso
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rita Fragoso
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Teresa L Serafim
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João T Barata
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.
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17
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Regelin M, Blume J, Pommerencke J, Vakilzadeh R, Witzlau K, Łyszkiewicz M, Ziętara N, Saran N, Schambach A, Krueger A. Responsiveness of Developing T Cells to IL-7 Signals Is Sustained by miR-17∼92. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 195:4832-40. [PMID: 26475928 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1402248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
miRNAs regulate a large variety of developmental processes including development of the immune system. T cell development is tightly controlled through the interplay of transcriptional programs and cytokine-mediated signals. However, the role of individual miRNAs in this process remains largely elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that hematopoietic cell-specific loss of miR-17∼92, a cluster of six miRNAs implicated in B and T lineage leukemogenesis, resulted in profound defects in T cell development both at the level of prethymic T cell progenitors as well as intrathymically. We identified reduced surface expression of IL-7R and concomitant limited responsiveness to IL-7 signals as a common mechanism resulting in reduced cell survival of common lymphoid progenitors and thymocytes at the double-negative to double-positive transition. In conclusion, we identified miR-17∼92 as a critical modulator of multiple stages of T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malte Regelin
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jonas Blume
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jens Pommerencke
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ramin Vakilzadeh
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Katrin Witzlau
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Marcin Łyszkiewicz
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Natalia Ziętara
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Namita Saran
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Andreas Krueger
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
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18
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Ribeiro D, Melão A, Barata JT. IL-7R-mediated signaling in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Adv Biol Regul 2013; 53:211-222. [PMID: 23234870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-7 (IL-7), a cytokine produced in the bone marrow, thymus and other organs, is mandatory for normal human T-cell development and peripheral homeostasis. Different studies, including phase I clinical trials, have indicated the potential therapeutic value of recombinant IL-7 in the context of anti-cancer immunotherapy and as a booster of immune reconstitution. However, the two main pathways activated by IL-7, JAK/STAT5 and PI3K/Akt/mTOR, have both been implicated in cancer and there is considerable evidence that IL-7 and its receptor (IL-7R), formed by IL-7Rα (encoded by IL7R) and γc, may partake in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) development. In this context, the most compelling data comes from recent studies demonstrating that around 10% of T-ALL patients display IL7R gain-of-function mutations leading, in most cases, to disulfide bond-dependent homodimerization of two mutant receptors and consequent constitutive activation of downstream signaling, with ensuing cell transformation in vitro and tumorigenic ability in vivo. Here, we review the data on the involvement of IL-7 and IL-7R in T-ALL, further discussing the peculiarities of IL-7R-mediated signaling in human leukemia T-cells that may be of therapeutic value, namely regarding the potential use of PI3K and mTOR pharmacological inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ribeiro
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Unversidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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19
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Ligons DL, Tuncer C, Linowes BA, Akcay IM, Kurtulus S, Deniz E, Atasever Arslan B, Cevik SI, Keller HR, Luckey MA, Feigenbaum L, Möröy T, Ersahin T, Atalay R, Erman B, Park JH. CD8 lineage-specific regulation of interleukin-7 receptor expression by the transcriptional repressor Gfi1. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:34386-99. [PMID: 22865857 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.378687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-7 receptor α (IL-7Rα) is essential for T cell survival and differentiation. Glucocorticoids are potent enhancers of IL-7Rα expression with diverse roles in T cell biology. Here we identify the transcriptional repressor, growth factor independent-1 (Gfi1), as a novel intermediary in glucocorticoid-induced IL-7Rα up-regulation. We found Gfi1 to be a major inhibitory target of dexamethasone by microarray expression profiling of 3B4.15 T-hybridoma cells. Concordantly, retroviral transduction of Gfi1 significantly blunted IL-7Rα up-regulation by dexamethasone. To further assess the role of Gfi1 in vivo, we generated bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic mice, in which a modified Il7r locus expresses GFP to report Il7r gene transcription. By introducing this BAC reporter transgene into either Gfi1-deficient or Gfi1-transgenic mice, we document in vivo that IL-7Rα transcription is up-regulated in the absence of Gfi1 and down-regulated when Gfi1 is overexpressed. Strikingly, the in vivo regulatory role of Gfi1 was specific for CD8(+), and not CD4(+) T cells or immature thymocytes. These results identify Gfi1 as a specific transcriptional repressor of the Il7r gene in CD8 T lymphocytes in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davinna L Ligons
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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20
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Hong C, Luckey M, Park JH. Intrathymic IL-7: the where, when, and why of IL-7 signaling during T cell development. Semin Immunol 2012; 24:151-8. [PMID: 22421571 PMCID: PMC3358706 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2012.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2011] [Accepted: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is the birthplace of all T lineage cells. But the thymus is also a cradle as it provides the environment for further maturation and differentiation of immature thymocytes. While many factors contribute to make the thymus a unique place for T cell development, here we review the essential role of intrathymic interleukin-7 (IL-7). In the absence of IL-7 signaling, survival, proliferation and differentiation of immature thymocytes are all severely impaired. Consequently, IL-7 is critical to nurture and guide T precursor cells through the diverse steps of thymic maturation. Interestingly, even as IL-7 signaling is such a critical factor, IL-7 signaling must be also actively suppressed during specific stages of T cell differentiation. These contradictory observations are puzzling but can be satisfactorily explained when understanding the developmental context of IL-7 signaling. In this regard, here we will discuss the spatiotemporal expression of intrathymic IL-7 and address the stage-specific effects of IL-7 signaling in developing thymocytes. Specifically, we will review other facets of intrathymic IL-7 beyond its role as a pro-survival factor and so clarify and reaffirm the unique role of IL-7 as a prime factor in T cell development and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changwan Hong
- Exp. Immunol. Branch, National Cancer Inst., NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-1360
| | - Megan Luckey
- Exp. Immunol. Branch, National Cancer Inst., NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-1360
| | - Jung-Hyun Park
- Exp. Immunol. Branch, National Cancer Inst., NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-1360
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21
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González-García S, García-Peydró M, Alcain J, Toribio ML. Notch1 and IL-7 receptor signalling in early T-cell development and leukaemia. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2012; 360:47-73. [PMID: 22695916 DOI: 10.1007/82_2012_231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Notch receptors are master regulators of many aspects of development and tissue renewal in metazoans. Notch1 activation is essential for T-cell specification of bone marrow-derived multipotent progenitors that seed the thymus, and for proliferation and further progression of early thymocytes along the T-cell lineage. Deregulated activation of Notch1 significantly contributes to the generation of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL). In addition to Notch1 signals, survival and proliferation signals provided by the IL-7 receptor (IL-7R) are also required during thymopoiesis. Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling stage-specific survival and proliferation signals provided by Notch1 and IL-7R has recently been improved by the discovery that the IL-7R is a transcriptional target of Notch1. Thus, Notch1 controls T-cell development, in part by regulating the stage- and lineage-specific expression of IL-7R. The finding that induction of IL-7R expression downstream of Notch1 also occurs in T-ALL highlights the important contribution that deregulated IL-7R expression and function may have in this pathology. Confirming this notion, oncogenic IL7R gain-of-function mutations have recently been identified in childhood T-ALL. Here we discuss the fundamental role of Notch1 and IL-7R signalling pathways in physiological and pathological T-cell development in mice and men, highlighting their close molecular underpinnings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara González-García
- Centro de Biología Molecular, Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
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22
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Zenatti PP, Ribeiro D, Li W, Zuurbier L, Silva MC, Paganin M, Tritapoe J, Hixon JA, Silveira AB, Cardoso BA, Sarmento LM, Correia N, Toribio ML, Kobarg J, Horstmann M, Pieters R, Brandalise SR, Ferrando AA, Meijerink JP, Durum SK, Yunes JA, Barata JT. Oncogenic IL7R gain-of-function mutations in childhood T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Nat Genet 2011; 43:932-9. [PMID: 21892159 DOI: 10.1038/ng.924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 301] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin 7 (IL-7) and its receptor, formed by IL-7Rα (encoded by IL7R) and γc, are essential for normal T-cell development and homeostasis. Here we show that IL7R is an oncogene mutated in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). We find that 9% of individuals with T-ALL have somatic gain-of-function IL7R exon 6 mutations. In most cases, these IL7R mutations introduce an unpaired cysteine in the extracellular juxtamembrane-transmembrane region and promote de novo formation of intermolecular disulfide bonds between mutant IL-7Rα subunits, thereby driving constitutive signaling via JAK1 and independently of IL-7, γc or JAK3. IL7R mutations induce a gene expression profile partially resembling that provoked by IL-7 and are enriched in the T-ALL subgroup comprising TLX3 rearranged and HOXA deregulated cases. Notably, IL7R mutations promote cell transformation and tumor formation. Overall, our findings indicate that IL7R mutational activation is involved in human T-cell leukemogenesis, paving the way for therapeutic targeting of IL-7R-mediated signaling in T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila P Zenatti
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Centro Infantil Boldrini, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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23
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Silva A, Laranjeira AB, Martins LR, Cardoso BA, Demengeot J, Yunes JA, Seddon B, Barata JT. IL-7 Contributes to the Progression of Human T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemias. Cancer Res 2011; 71:4780-9. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-10-3606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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24
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Gran B, Yu S, Zhang GX, Rostami A. Accelerated thymocyte maturation in IL-12Rβ2-deficient mice contributes to increased susceptibility to autoimmune inflammatory demyelination. Exp Mol Pathol 2010; 89:126-34. [PMID: 20599940 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2010.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2010] [Accepted: 06/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
IL-12Rβ2(-/-) mice, which are unresponsive to IL-12, develop severe experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The mechanisms for enhanced autoimmunity are incompletely understood. We report that in IL-12Rβ2(-/-) mice, thymocytes undergo markedly accelerated maturation. This occurs at the transition from a double positive (DP) to a single positive (SP) phenotype, resulting in higher numbers of CD4 and CD8 SP cells, and to a lesser extent at the transition from double negative (DN) to DP cells. Accelerated maturation is observed in mice injected with anti-CD3 to mimic pre-T-cell receptor stimulation, and also in mice immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptide to induce EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Gran
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, 300 JHN Building, 900 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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25
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c-Cbl deficiency leads to diminished lymphocyte development and functions in an age-dependent manner. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:8316-21. [PMID: 20404156 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0914496107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is broadly defined as a progressive decline of tissue and organ functions due to deregulation of various cell intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In the immune system, aging preferentially affects lymphopoiesis and thus results in the reduced competence of the adaptive immune system in the elderly. Despite recent discoveries that shed light on the molecular basis of aging, pathways that lead to diminished lymphoid development in aging individuals remain largely unknown. In the present study, we document that a deficiency of the E3 ubiquitin ligase c-Cbl in lymphocytes results in an age-dependent lymphopenia. c-Cbl-deficient mice show normal frequencies of lymphocytes at 12 weeks of age; however, their development and functions were remarkably diminished at 24 weeks after birth. Intriguingly, c-Cbl mutant lymphocytes displayed increased responses to IL7 in vitro and failed to down-regulate surface levels of IL7Ralpha. Further, our biochemical studies have identified an interaction of c-Cbl with IL7Ralpha and have unraveled the involvement of c-Cbl in the ubiquitylation of IL7Ralpha. In essence, our studies demonstrate that a lack of signaling events mediated by c-Cbl might result in diminished lymphocyte development and functions, particularly, at the later stages of life.
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González-García S, García-Peydró M, Martín-Gayo E, Ballestar E, Esteller M, Bornstein R, de la Pompa JL, Ferrando AA, Toribio ML. CSL-MAML-dependent Notch1 signaling controls T lineage-specific IL-7R{alpha} gene expression in early human thymopoiesis and leukemia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 206:779-91. [PMID: 19349467 PMCID: PMC2715119 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20081922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Notch1 activation is essential for T-lineage specification of lymphomyeloid progenitors seeding the thymus. Progression along the T cell lineage further requires cooperative signaling provided by the interleukin 7 receptor (IL-7R), but the molecular mechanisms responsible for the dynamic and lineage-specific regulation of IL-7R during thymopoiesis are unknown. We show that active Notch1 binds to a conserved CSL-binding site in the human IL7R gene promoter and critically regulates IL7R transcription and IL-7R α chain (IL-7Rα) expression via the CSL–MAML complex. Defective Notch1 signaling selectively impaired IL-7Rα expression in T-lineage cells, but not B-lineage cells, and resulted in a compromised expansion of early human developing thymocytes, which was rescued upon ectopic IL-7Rα expression. The pathological implications of these findings are demonstrated by the regulation of IL-7Rα expression downstream of Notch1 in T cell leukemias. Thus, Notch1 controls early T cell development, in part by regulating the stage- and lineage-specific expression of IL-7Rα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara González-García
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
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Yang H, Madison B, Gumucio DL, Teitelbaum DH. Specific overexpression of IL-7 in the intestinal mucosa: the role in intestinal intraepithelial lymphocyte development. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2008; 294:G1421-30. [PMID: 18403617 PMCID: PMC3465103 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00060.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
IL-7 plays a crucial role in controlling T cell development and homeostasis. Since IL-7 may be derived from extraintestinal sources, and exogenous IL-7 broadly affects lymphoid populations, the actions of epithelial cell (EC)-derived IL-7 are not fully understood. The effect of intestinal specific expression of IL-7 on intestinal mucosal lymphocytes was investigated by using an IL-7 transgenic mouse model. We generated an intestinal EC-specific overexpressing IL-7 transgenic mouse model (IL-7(vill)) and compared their phenotype and function to wild-type C57BL/6J mice. EC-derived IL-7 overexpression was found to be exclusively in the small and large intestine. Numbers and subtypes of mucosal lymphocytes, including intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) and lamina propria lymphocytes (LPL), significantly changed in IL-7(vill) mice. From a functional standpoint, IEL proliferation also significantly increased in IL-7(vill) mice. IEL cytokine expression significantly changed in both T cell receptor (TCR)-alphabeta(+) and TCR-gammadelta(+) IEL subpopulations, including a significant increase in IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha as well as an increase in keratinocyte growth factor expression. EC expression of CD103 (integrin alpha(E)beta(7)), the ligand of E-cadherin, markedly upregulated and may account for a mechanism of the massive expansion of IEL in transgenic mice. Systemic lymphoid populations did not change in transgenic mice. IL-7 overexpression by intestinal EC significantly affected IEL phenotype and function. These results offer insight into the role of IL-7 in IEL development and suggest a critical role of EC-derived expression of IL-7 in the phenotype and function of IEL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yang
- Dept. of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical Univ., Chongqing 400037, China.
| | - Blair Madison
- Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Chongqing, China; and Departments of Surgery and Cell and Developmental Biology, the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Deborah L. Gumucio
- Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Chongqing, China; and Departments of Surgery and Cell and Developmental Biology, the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Daniel H. Teitelbaum
- Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Chongqing, China; and Departments of Surgery and Cell and Developmental Biology, the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Lindner I, Cejas PJ, Carlson LM, Torruellas J, Plano GV, Lee KP. Signal transduction in DC differentiation: winged messengers and Achilles' heel. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2007; 590:1-29. [PMID: 17191374 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-34814-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Inna Lindner
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Rathinam C, Klein C. Transcriptional repressor Gfi1 integrates cytokine-receptor signals controlling B-cell differentiation. PLoS One 2007; 2:e306. [PMID: 17375192 PMCID: PMC1810430 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0000306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2006] [Accepted: 02/20/2007] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell differentiation is specified by cytokines and transcription factors, but the mechanisms controlling instructive and permissive signalling networks are poorly understood. We provide evidence that CLP1-dependent IL7-receptor mediated B cell differentiation is critically controlled by the transcriptional repressor Gfi1. Gfi1-deficient progenitor B cells show global defects in IL7Rα-dependent signal cascades. Consequently, IL7-dependent trophic, proliferative and differentiation-inducing responses of progenitor B cells are perturbed. Gfi1 directly regulates expression levels of IL7Rα and indirectly controls STAT5 signalling via expression of SOCS3. Thus, Gfi1 selectively specifies IL7-dependent development of B cells from CLP1 progenitors, providing clues to the transcriptional networks integrating cytokine signals and lymphoid differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chozhavendan Rathinam
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christoph Klein
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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Abstract
Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is produced by stromal cells in lymphoid tissues and is required for the development of T cells and for their persistence in the periphery. Unlike many other cytokines that act on lymphocytes, IL-7 production by stromal cells is not substantially affected by extrinsic stimuli. So, the amount of available IL-7 protein is thought to be regulated by the rate that it is scavenged by T cells. As we review here, there is mounting evidence indicating that the amount of IL-7 receptor expressed on a cell not only determines how vigorously the cell responds to IL-7, but it can also determine how efficiently the cell consumes IL-7 and, therefore, affect the supply of this limiting resource in the niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Mazzucchelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunoregulation, Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 560, Room 31-71, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, USA
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Abstract
IL-2, IL-15, and IL-7 are cytokines that are critical for regulating lymphoid homeostasis. These cytokines stimulate similar responses from lymphocytes in vitro, but play markedly divergent roles in lymphoid biology in vivo. Their distinct physiological functions can be ascribed to distinct signaling pathways initiated by proprietary cytokine receptor chains, differential expression patterns of the cytokines or their receptor chains, and/or signals occurring in distinct physiological contexts. Recently, the discovery of a novel mechanism of cytokine signaling, trans-presentation, has provided further insights into the different ways these cytokines function. Trans-presentation also raises several novel cell biological and cellular implications concerning how cytokines support lymphoid homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Averil Ma
- Department of Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Program, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-0451, USA.
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Delfino DV, Agostini M, Spinicelli S, Vacca C, Riccardi C. Inhibited cell death, NF-kappaB activity and increased IL-10 in TCR-triggered thymocytes of transgenic mice overexpressing the glucocorticoid-induced protein GILZ. Int Immunopharmacol 2006; 6:1126-34. [PMID: 16714216 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2006.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2005] [Revised: 08/15/2005] [Accepted: 02/02/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids promote thymocyte apoptosis and modulate transcription of several genes including GILZ, which is strongly up-regulated in the thymus. We used transgenic mice overexpressing GILZ in the T-cell lineage to investigate TCR-triggered functions of GILZ-overexpressing thymocytes. TCR-triggered apoptosis, but not glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis, was inhibited in transgenic mice compared to their controls. In vivo anti-CD3 administration did not reduce CD4(+)CD8(+) thymocyte number. Analysis of TCR-triggered molecular changes indicated that p65 NF-kappaB nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity was inhibited in transgenic mice, which might be linked with apoptosis inhibition. IL-10 release increased whereas release of IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-13 and IL-4 remained unchanged. These results support the hypothesis that GILZ regulates, at least in part, T-cell development by influencing thymus function at cellular and molecular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Vittorio Delfino
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, Italy.
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Barata JT, Cardoso AA, Boussiotis VA. Interleukin-7 in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: an extrinsic factor supporting leukemogenesis? Leuk Lymphoma 2005; 46:483-95. [PMID: 16019476 DOI: 10.1080/10428190400027852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The malignant transformation and expansion of tumor cells involve both cell-autonomous mechanisms and microenvironment signals that regulate viability, nutrient utilization, metabolic activity and cell growth. In T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), the co-culture of leukemic cells with stroma or the addition of particular cytokines prevents ex vivo spontaneous apoptosis. Interleukin-7 (IL-7), a cytokine produced by thymic and bone marrow stroma, increases the viability and proliferation of T-ALL cells. IL-7 induces the activation of Jak/STAT, MEK/Erk and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in T-ALL cells. PI3K/Akt is the dominant pathway that mediates the effects of IL-7 on T-ALL. PI3K signaling is required for the induction of Bcl-2, the down-regulation of p27(kip1) and cell cycle progression. PI3K signaling is also required for the expression of the glucose transporter Glut1, uptake of glucose, activation of the metabolic machinery, increase in cell size, and maintenance of mitochondrial integrity. These observations suggest that substrates of molecular pathways activated by microenvironmental factors represent attractive molecular targets for the regulation of the viability and proliferation of T-ALL cells and provide the means for the development of novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao T Barata
- Tumor Biology Unit, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lisbon Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Munitic I, Williams JA, Yang Y, Dong B, Lucas PJ, El Kassar N, Gress RE, Ashwell JD. Dynamic regulation of IL-7 receptor expression is required for normal thymopoiesis. Blood 2004; 104:4165-72. [PMID: 15328149 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2004-06-2484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) levels are tightly controlled during ontogeny: high on double-negative (DN) cells, absent on double-positive (DP) cells, and high once again on thymocytes undergoing positive selection. To determine if loss of IL-7–mediated survival signals in DP cells is necessary for normal antigen-specific selection, we created T-lineage–specific IL-7R α chain (IL-7Rα) transgenic (Tg) mice in which IL-7R is expressed throughout ontogeny. There was no effect of the IL-7Rα Tg on negative selection. Surprisingly, however, although the thymi of IL-7Rα Tg mice were comparable at birth, there was a decrease in thymocyte number as the mice aged. This was found to be due to competition between DN and IL-7R–expressing DP cells for endogenous IL-7, which resulted in decreased levels of Bcl-2 in DN cells, increased DN apoptosis, and decreased DN cell number. Therefore, the down-regulation of IL-7R on DP cells is an “altruistic” act required for maintaining an adequate supply of local IL-7 for DN cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Munitic
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Barata JT, Silva A, Brandao JG, Nadler LM, Cardoso AA, Boussiotis VA. Activation of PI3K is indispensable for interleukin 7-mediated viability, proliferation, glucose use, and growth of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 200:659-69. [PMID: 15353558 PMCID: PMC2212738 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20040789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-7 is essential for normal T cell development. Previously, we have shown that IL-7 increases viability and proliferation of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cells by up-regulating Bcl-2 and down-regulating the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27kip1. Here, we examined the signaling pathways via which IL-7 mediates these effects. We investigated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)–extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)–Akt (protein kinase B) pathways, which have active roles in T cell expansion and have been implicated in tumorigenesis. IL-7 induced activation of the MEK–Erk pathway in T-ALL cells; however, inhibition of the MEK–Erk pathway by the use of the cell-permeable inhibitor PD98059, did not affect IL-7–mediated viability or cell cycle progression of leukemic cells. IL-7 induced PI3K-dependent phosphorylation of Akt and its downstream targets GSK-3, FOXO1, and FOXO3a. PI3K activation was mandatory for IL-7–mediated Bcl-2 up-regulation, p27kip1 down-regulation, Rb hyperphosphorylation, and consequent viability and cell cycle progression of T-ALL cells. PI3K signaling was also required for cell size increase, up-regulation of CD71, expression of the glucose transporter Glut1, uptake of glucose, and maintenance of mitochondrial integrity. Our results implicate PI3K as a major effector of IL-7–induced viability, metabolic activation, growth and proliferation of T-ALL cells, and suggest that PI3K and its downstream effectors may represent molecular targets for therapeutic intervention in T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao T Barata
- Tumor Biology Unit, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lisbon Medical School, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal
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