1
|
Shirafkan F, Hensel L, Rattay K. Immune tolerance and the prevention of autoimmune diseases essentially depend on thymic tissue homeostasis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1339714. [PMID: 38571951 PMCID: PMC10987875 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1339714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The intricate balance of immune reactions towards invading pathogens and immune tolerance towards self is pivotal in preventing autoimmune diseases, with the thymus playing a central role in establishing and maintaining this equilibrium. The induction of central immune tolerance in the thymus involves the elimination of self-reactive T cells, a mechanism essential for averting autoimmunity. Disruption of the thymic T cell selection mechanisms can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases. In the dynamic microenvironment of the thymus, T cell migration and interactions with thymic stromal cells are critical for the selection processes that ensure self-tolerance. Thymic epithelial cells are particularly significant in this context, presenting self-antigens and inducing the negative selection of autoreactive T cells. Further, the synergistic roles of thymic fibroblasts, B cells, and dendritic cells in antigen presentation, selection and the development of regulatory T cells are pivotal in maintaining immune responses tightly regulated. This review article collates these insights, offering a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted role of thymic tissue homeostasis in the establishment of immune tolerance and its implications in the prevention of autoimmune diseases. Additionally, the developmental pathways of the thymus are explored, highlighting how genetic aberrations can disrupt thymic architecture and function, leading to autoimmune conditions. The impact of infections on immune tolerance is another critical area, with pathogens potentially triggering autoimmunity by altering thymic homeostasis. Overall, this review underscores the integral role of thymic tissue homeostasis in the prevention of autoimmune diseases, discussing insights into potential therapeutic strategies and examining putative avenues for future research on developing thymic-based therapies in treating and preventing autoimmune conditions.
Collapse
|
2
|
The CXCR4-CXCL12 axis promotes T cell reconstitution via efficient hematopoietic immigration. J Genet Genomics 2022; 49:1138-1150. [PMID: 35483564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
T cells play a critical role in immunity to protect against pathogens and malignant cells. T cell immunodeficiency is detrimental, especially when T cell perturbation occurs during severe infection, irradiation, chemotherapy, and age-related thymic atrophy. Therefore, strategies that enhance T cell reconstitution provide considerable benefit and warrant intensive investigation. Here, we report the construction of a T cell ablation model in Tg(coro1a:DenNTR) zebrafish via metronidazole administration. The nascent T cells are mainly derived from the hematopoietic cells migrated from the kidney, the functional homolog of bone marrow and the complete recovery time is 6.5 days post-treatment. The cxcr4b gene is upregulated in the responsive hematopoietic cells. Functional interference of CXCR4 via both genetic and chemical manipulations does not greatly affect T lymphopoiesis, but delays T cell regeneration by disrupting hematopoietic migration. In contrast, cxcr4b accelerates the replenishment of hematopoietic cells in the thymus. Consistently, Cxcl12b, a ligand of Cxcr4, is increased in the thymic epithelial cells of the injured animals. Decreased or increased expression of Cxcl12b results in compromised or accelerated T cell recovery, respectively, similar to those observed with Cxcr4b. Taken together, our study reveals a role of CXCR4-CXCL12 signaling in promoting T cell recovery and provides a promising target for the treatment of immunodeficiency due to T cell injury.
Collapse
|
3
|
Alrumaihi F. The Multi-Functional Roles of CCR7 in Human Immunology and as a Promising Therapeutic Target for Cancer Therapeutics. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:834149. [PMID: 35874608 PMCID: PMC9298655 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.834149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An important hallmark of the human immune system is to provide adaptive immunity against pathogens but tolerance toward self-antigens. The CC-chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) provides a significant contribution in guiding cells to and within lymphoid organs and is important for acquiring immunity and tolerance. The CCR7 holds great importance in establishing thymic architecture and function and naïve and regulatory T-cell homing in the lymph nodes. Similarly, the receptor is a key regulator in cancer cell migration and the movement of dendritic cells. This makes the CCR7 an important receptor as a drug and prognostic marker. In this review, we discussed several biological roles of the CCR7 and its importance as a drug and prognostic marker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faris Alrumaihi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bhalla P, Su DM, van Oers NSC. Thymus Functionality Needs More Than a Few TECs. Front Immunol 2022; 13:864777. [PMID: 35757725 PMCID: PMC9229346 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.864777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus, a primary lymphoid organ, produces the T cells of the immune system. Originating from the 3rd pharyngeal pouch during embryogenesis, this organ functions throughout life. Yet, thymopoiesis can be transiently or permanently damaged contingent on the types of systemic stresses encountered. The thymus also undergoes a functional decline during aging, resulting in a progressive reduction in naïve T cell output. This atrophy is evidenced by a deteriorating thymic microenvironment, including, but not limited, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions, fibrosis and adipogenesis. An exploration of cellular changes in the thymus at various stages of life, including mouse models of in-born errors of immunity and with single cell RNA sequencing, is revealing an expanding number of distinct cell types influencing thymus functions. The thymus microenvironment, established through interactions between immature and mature thymocytes with thymus epithelial cells (TEC), is well known. Less well appreciated are the contributions of neural crest cell-derived mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells, diverse hematopoietic cell populations, adipocytes, and fibroblasts in the thymic microenvironment. In the current review, we will explore the contributions of the many stromal cell types participating in the formation, expansion, and contraction of the thymus under normal and pathophysiological processes. Such information will better inform approaches for restoring thymus functionality, including thymus organoid technologies, beneficial when an individuals’ own tissue is congenitally, clinically, or accidentally rendered non-functional.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Bhalla
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Dong-Ming Su
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, The University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Nicolai S C van Oers
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Duah M, Li L, Shen J, Lan Q, Pan B, Xu K. Thymus Degeneration and Regeneration. Front Immunol 2021; 12:706244. [PMID: 34539637 PMCID: PMC8442952 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.706244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system’s ability to resist the invasion of foreign pathogens and the tolerance to self-antigens are primarily centered on the efficient functions of the various subsets of T lymphocytes. As the primary organ of thymopoiesis, the thymus performs a crucial role in generating a self-tolerant but diverse repertoire of T cell receptors and peripheral T cell pool, with the capacity to recognize a wide variety of antigens and for the surveillance of malignancies. However, cells in the thymus are fragile and sensitive to changes in the external environment and acute insults such as infections, chemo- and radiation-therapy, resulting in thymic injury and degeneration. Though the thymus has the capacity to self-regenerate, it is often insufficient to reconstitute an intact thymic function. Thymic dysfunction leads to an increased risk of opportunistic infections, tumor relapse, autoimmunity, and adverse clinical outcome. Thus, exploiting the mechanism of thymic regeneration would provide new therapeutic options for these settings. This review summarizes the thymus’s development, factors causing thymic injury, and the strategies for improving thymus regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Duah
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Lingling Li
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Shen
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qiu Lan
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Bin Pan
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kailin Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang HX, Zhang Q, Zhang J, Luan R, Liang Z, Tan L, Xu Y, Zhang P, Zheng L, Zhao Y, Qiu YR. CD74 regulates cellularity and maturation of medullary thymic epithelial cells partially by activating the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21535. [PMID: 33817835 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100139r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are indispensable for T cell development, T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire selection, and specific lineage differentiation. Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), which account for the majority of TECs in adults, are critical for thymocyte selection and self-tolerance. CD74 is a nonpolymorphic transmembrane glycoprotein of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) that is expressed in TECs. However, the exact role of CD74 in regulating the development of mTEC is poorly defined. In this research, we found that loss of CD74 resulted in a significant diminution in the medulla, a selective reduction in the cell number of mature mTECs expressing CD80 molecules, which eventually led to impaired thymic CD4+ T cell development. Moreover, RNA-sequence analysis showed that CD74 deficiency obviously downregulated the canonical nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway in mTECs. Our results suggest that CD74 positively controls mTEC cellularity and maturation partially by activating the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xia Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Luan
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanfeng Liang
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Tan
- Department of Urological Organ Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanan Xu
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Rong Qiu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Han J, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. A 2020 View of Thymus Stromal Cells in T Cell Development. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 206:249-256. [PMID: 33397738 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is an intricate primary lymphoid organ, wherein bone marrow-derived lymphoid progenitor cells are induced to develop into functionally competent T cells that express a diverse TCR repertoire, which is selected to allow for the recognition of foreign Ags while avoiding self-reactivity or autoimmunity. Thymus stromal cells, which can include all non-T lineage cells, such as thymic epithelial cells, endothelial cells, mesenchymal/fibroblast cells, dendritic cells, and B cells, provide signals that are essential for thymocyte development as well as for the homeostasis of the thymic stroma itself. In this brief review, we focus on the key roles played by thymic stromal cells during early stages of T cell development, such as promoting the homing of thymic-seeding progenitors, inducing T lineage differentiation, and supporting thymocyte survival and proliferation. We also discuss recent advances on the transcriptional regulation that govern thymic epithelial cell function as well as the cellular and molecular changes that are associated with thymic involution and regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianxun Han
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada; and
| | - Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada; and.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
James KD, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Non-Epithelial Stromal Cells in Thymus Development and Function. Front Immunol 2021; 12:634367. [PMID: 33717173 PMCID: PMC7946857 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.634367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus supports T-cell development via specialized microenvironments that ensure a diverse, functional and self-tolerant T-cell population. These microenvironments are classically defined as distinct cortex and medulla regions that each contain specialized subsets of stromal cells. Extensive research on thymic epithelial cells (TEC) within the cortex and medulla has defined their essential roles during T-cell development. Significantly, there are additional non-epithelial stromal cells (NES) that exist alongside TEC within thymic microenvironments, including multiple subsets of mesenchymal and endothelial cells. In contrast to our current understanding of TEC biology, the developmental origins, lineage relationships, and functional properties, of NES remain poorly understood. However, experimental evidence suggests these cells are important for thymus function by either directly influencing T-cell development, or by indirectly regulating TEC development and/or function. Here, we focus attention on the contribution of NES to thymic microenvironments, including their phenotypic identification and functional classification, and explore their impact on thymus function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kieran D James
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
T cell-depleted cultured pediatric thymus tissue as a model for some aspects of human age-related thymus involution. GeroScience 2021; 43:1369-1382. [PMID: 33420705 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-020-00301-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Human age-related thymus involution is characterized by loss of developing thymocytes and the thymic epithelial network that supports them, with replacement by adipose tissue. The mechanisms that drive these changes are difficult to study in vivo due to constant trafficking to and from the thymus. We hypothesized that the loss of thymocytes that occurs during human thymic organ cultures could model some aspects of thymus involution and begin to identify mechanisms that drive age-related changes in the thymic microenvironment. Potential mechanistically important candidate molecules were initially identified by screening conditioned media from human thymus organ cultures using antibody microarrays. These candidates were further validated using cultured tissue extracts and conditioned media. Results were compared with gene expression studies from a panel of well-characterized (non-cultured) human thymus tissues from human donors aged 5 days to 78 years. L-selectin released into conditioned media was identified as a biomarker for the content of viable thymocytes within the cultured thymus. Levels of the chemokines CCL21 and CXCL12, likely produced by surviving thymic epithelial cells, increased markedly in conditioned media as thymocytes were lost during culture. Native non-cultured thymus from adults older than 18 years also showed a strong trend toward increased CCL21 expression, in conjunction with significant decreases in thymocyte-related mRNAs compared with thymus from subjects younger than 18 years. Together, these findings demonstrate that use of postnatal human thymus organ cultures can model some aspects of human age-related thymic involution.
Collapse
|
10
|
Generation and function of progenitor T cells from StemRegenin-1-expanded CD34+ human hematopoietic progenitor cells. Blood Adv 2020; 3:2934-2948. [PMID: 31648315 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2018026575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Broader clinical application of umbilical cord blood (UCB), as a source of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs), is limited by low CD34+ and T-cell numbers, contributing to slow lymphohematopoietic recovery, infection, and relapse. Studies have evaluated the safety, feasibility, and expedited neutrophil recovery associated with the transplantation of CD34+ HSPCs from ex vivo expansion cultures using the aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist StemRegenin-1 (SR1). In a phase 1/2 study of 17 patients who received combined SR1-expanded and unexpanded UCB units, a considerable advantage for enhancing T-cell chimerism was not observed. We previously showed that progenitor T (proT) cells generated in vitro from HSPCs accelerated T-cell reconstitution and restored immunity after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). To expedite immune recovery, we hypothesized that SR1-expanded HSPCs together with proT cells could overcome the known T-cell immune deficiency that occurs post-HSCT. Here, we show that SR1-expanded UCB can induce >250-fold expansion of CD34+ HSPCs, which can generate large numbers of proT cells upon in vitro differentiation. When compared with nonexpanded naive proT cells, SR1 proT cells also showed effective thymus-seeding and peripheral T-cell functional capabilities in vivo despite having an altered phenotype. In a competitive transfer approach, both naive and SR1 proT cells showed comparable thymus-engrafting capacities. Single-cell RNA sequencing of peripheral CD3+ T cells from mice injected with either naive or SR1 proT cells revealed functional subsets of T cells with polyclonal T-cell receptor repertoires. Our findings support the use of SR1-expanded UCB grafts combined with proT-cell generation for decreasing T-cell immunodeficiency post-HSCT.
Collapse
|
11
|
Zeng Y, Liu C, Gong Y, Bai Z, Hou S, He J, Bian Z, Li Z, Ni Y, Yan J, Huang T, Shi H, Ma C, Chen X, Wang J, Bian L, Lan Y, Liu B, Hu H. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Resolves Spatiotemporal Development of Pre-thymic Lymphoid Progenitors and Thymus Organogenesis in Human Embryos. Immunity 2019; 51:930-948.e6. [PMID: 31604687 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2019.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Generation of the first T lymphocytes in the human embryo involves the emergence, migration, and thymus seeding of lymphoid progenitors together with concomitant thymus organogenesis, which is the initial step to establish the entire adaptive immune system. However, the cellular and molecular programs regulating this process remain unclear. We constructed a single-cell transcriptional landscape of human early T lymphopoiesis by using cells from multiple hemogenic and hematopoietic sites spanning embryonic and fetal stages. Among heterogenous early thymic progenitors, one subtype shared common features with a subset of lymphoid progenitors in fetal liver that are known as thymus-seeding progenitors. Unbiased bioinformatics analysis identified a distinct type of pre-thymic lymphoid progenitors in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region. In parallel, we investigated thymic epithelial cell development and potential cell-cell interactions during thymus organogenesis. Together, our data provide insights into human early T lymphopoiesis that prospectively direct T lymphocyte regeneration, which might lead to development of clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Chen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yandong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Zhijie Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Siyuan Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Jian He
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Zhilei Bian
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health-Guangdong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Zongcheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yanli Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Jing Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Tao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Hui Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Chunyu Ma
- Department of Gynecology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Xueying Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Rare Disease Center, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Collaboration and Innovation Center for Biotherapy. Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jinyong Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Lihong Bian
- Department of Gynecology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yu Lan
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health-Guangdong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou 510530, China.
| | - Bing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100071, China; State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing 100071, China; Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin 300020, China.
| | - Hongbo Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Rare Disease Center, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Collaboration and Innovation Center for Biotherapy. Chengdu 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Moretti FA, Klapproth S, Ruppert R, Margraf A, Weber J, Pick R, Scheiermann C, Sperandio M, Fässler R, Moser M. Differential requirement of kindlin-3 for T cell progenitor homing to the non-vascularized and vascularized thymus. eLife 2018; 7:35816. [PMID: 30187863 PMCID: PMC6126919 DOI: 10.7554/elife.35816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of integrin-mediated adhesion during T cell progenitor homing to and differentiation within the thymus is ill-defined, mainly due to functional overlap. To circumvent compensation, we disrupted the hematopoietic integrin regulator kindlin-3 in mice and found a progressive thymus atrophy that is primarily caused by an impaired homing capacity of T cell progenitors to the vascularized thymus. Notably, the low shear flow conditions in the vascular system at midgestation allow kindlin-3-deficient fetal liver-derived T cell progenitors to extravasate via pharyngeal vessels and colonize the avascular thymus primordium. Once in the thymus, kindlin-3 promotes intrathymic T cell proliferation by facilitating the integrin-dependent crosstalk with thymic antigen presenting cells, while intrathymic T cell migration, maturation into single positive CD4 and CD8 T cells and release into the circulation proceed without kindlin-3. Thus, kindlin-3 is dispensable for integrin-mediated T cell progenitor adhesion and signalling at low and indispensable at high shear forces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Klapproth
- Department Molecular Medicine, Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Raphael Ruppert
- Department Molecular Medicine, Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Andreas Margraf
- Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jasmin Weber
- Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Robert Pick
- Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christoph Scheiermann
- Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Markus Sperandio
- Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Reinhard Fässler
- Department Molecular Medicine, Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Markus Moser
- Department Molecular Medicine, Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cioni B, Zwart W, Bergman AM. Androgen receptor moonlighting in the prostate cancer microenvironment. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:R331-R349. [PMID: 29618577 DOI: 10.1530/erc-18-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) signaling is vital for the normal development of the prostate and is critically involved in prostate cancer (PCa). AR is not only found in epithelial prostate cells but is also expressed in various cells in the PCa-associated stroma, which constitute the tumor microenvironment (TME). In the TME, AR is expressed in fibroblasts, macrophages, lymphocytes and neutrophils. AR expression in the TME was shown to be decreased in higher-grade and metastatic PCa, suggesting that stromal AR plays a protective role against PCa progression. With that, the functionality of AR in stromal cells appears to deviate from the receptor's classical function as described in PCa cells. However, the biological action of AR in these cells and its effect on cancer progression remains to be fully understood. Here, we systematically review the pathological, genomic and biological literature on AR actions in various subsets of prostate stromal cells and aim to better understand the consequences of AR signaling in the TME in relation to PCa development and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Cioni
- Division of OncogenomicsThe Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - W Zwart
- Division of OncogenomicsThe Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Oncode InstituteThe Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A M Bergman
- Division of OncogenomicsThe Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Division of Medical OncologyThe Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Belikan P, Bühler U, Wolf C, Pramanik GK, Gollan R, Zipp F, Siffrin V. CCR7 on CD4 + T Cells Plays a Crucial Role in the Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 200:2554-2562. [PMID: 29549177 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS. Myelin-specific CD4+ Th lymphocytes are known to play a major role in both MS and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). CCR7 is a critical element for immune cell trafficking and recirculation, that is, lymph node homing, under homeostatic conditions; blocking CCR7+ central memory cells from egress of lymph nodes is a therapeutic approach in MS. To define the effect of CD4+ T cell-specific constitutive deletion of CCR7 in the priming and effector phase in EAE, we used an active EAE approach in T cell reconstituted Rag1-/- mice, as well as adoptive transfer EAE, in which mice received in vitro-primed CCR7-/- or CCR7+/+ myelin Ag TCR-transgenic 2d2 Th17 cells. Two-photon laser scanning microscopy was applied in living anesthetized mice to monitor the trafficking of CCR7-deficient and wild-type CD4+ T cells in inflammatory lesions within the CNS. We demonstrate that CD4+ T cell-specific constitutive deletion of CCR7 led to impaired induction of active EAE. In adoptive transfer EAE, mice receiving in vitro-primed CCR7-/- 2d2 Th17 cells showed similar disease onset as mice adoptively transferred with CCR7+/+ 2d2 Th17 cells. Using two-photon laser scanning microscopy CCR7-/- and CCR7+/+ CD4+ T cells did not reveal differences in motility in either animal model of MS. These findings indicate a crucial role of CCR7 in neuroinflammation during the priming of autoimmune CD4+ T cells but not in the CNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Belikan
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience and Immunotherapy, Rhine Main Neuroscience Network, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Ulrike Bühler
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience and Immunotherapy, Rhine Main Neuroscience Network, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Christina Wolf
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience and Immunotherapy, Rhine Main Neuroscience Network, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Gautam K Pramanik
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience and Immunotherapy, Rhine Main Neuroscience Network, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - René Gollan
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience and Immunotherapy, Rhine Main Neuroscience Network, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Frauke Zipp
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience and Immunotherapy, Rhine Main Neuroscience Network, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Volker Siffrin
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience and Immunotherapy, Rhine Main Neuroscience Network, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kozai M, Kubo Y, Katakai T, Kondo H, Kiyonari H, Schaeuble K, Luther SA, Ishimaru N, Ohigashi I, Takahama Y. Essential role of CCL21 in establishment of central self-tolerance in T cells. J Exp Med 2017; 214:1925-1935. [PMID: 28611158 PMCID: PMC5502431 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20161864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemokine receptor CCR7 directs T cell relocation into and within lymphoid organs, including the migration of developing thymocytes into the thymic medulla. However, how three functional CCR7 ligands in mouse, CCL19, CCL21Ser, and CCL21Leu, divide their roles in immune organs is unclear. By producing mice specifically deficient in CCL21Ser, we show that CCL21Ser is essential for the accumulation of positively selected thymocytes in the thymic medulla. CCL21Ser-deficient mice were impaired in the medullary deletion of self-reactive thymocytes and developed autoimmune dacryoadenitis. T cell accumulation in the lymph nodes was also defective. These results indicate a nonredundant role of CCL21Ser in the establishment of self-tolerance in T cells in the thymic medulla, and reveal a functional inequality among CCR7 ligands in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mina Kozai
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yuki Kubo
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan.,Student Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Tomoya Katakai
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kondo
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kiyonari
- Animal Resource Development Unit and Genetic Engineering Team, Institute of Physical and Chemical Research Center for Life Science Technologies, Kobe, Japan
| | - Karin Schaeuble
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Immunity and Infection, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sanjiv A Luther
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Immunity and Infection, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Naozumi Ishimaru
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Oral Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Luis TC, Luc S, Mizukami T, Boukarabila H, Thongjuea S, Woll PS, Azzoni E, Giustacchini A, Lutteropp M, Bouriez-Jones T, Vaidya H, Mead AJ, Atkinson D, Böiers C, Carrelha J, Macaulay IC, Patient R, Geissmann F, Nerlov C, Sandberg R, de Bruijn MFTR, Blackburn CC, Godin I, Jacobsen SEW. Initial seeding of the embryonic thymus by immune-restricted lympho-myeloid progenitors. Nat Immunol 2016; 17:1424-1435. [PMID: 27695000 DOI: 10.1038/ni.3576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The final stages of restriction to the T cell lineage occur in the thymus after the entry of thymus-seeding progenitors (TSPs). The identity and lineage potential of TSPs remains unclear. Because the first embryonic TSPs enter a non-vascularized thymic rudiment, we were able to directly image and establish the functional and molecular properties of embryonic thymopoiesis-initiating progenitors (T-IPs) before their entry into the thymus and activation of Notch signaling. T-IPs did not include multipotent stem cells or molecular evidence of T cell-restricted progenitors. Instead, single-cell molecular and functional analysis demonstrated that most fetal T-IPs expressed genes of and had the potential to develop into lymphoid as well as myeloid components of the immune system. Moreover, studies of embryos deficient in the transcriptional regulator RBPJ demonstrated that canonical Notch signaling was not involved in pre-thymic restriction to the T cell lineage or the migration of T-IPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago C Luis
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Sidinh Luc
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom.,Hematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Klinikgatan 26, 221 84, Lund, Sweden.,MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Takuo Mizukami
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Hanane Boukarabila
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Supat Thongjuea
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom.,MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Petter S Woll
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Emanuele Azzoni
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Giustacchini
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Lutteropp
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom.,MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Tiphaine Bouriez-Jones
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Harsh Vaidya
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, EH16 4UU Edinburgh, UK
| | - Adam J Mead
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah Atkinson
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotta Böiers
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Joana Carrelha
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Iain C Macaulay
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Roger Patient
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Frederic Geissmann
- King's College London, Great Maze Pond, SE1 1UL London, UK.,Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 417 East 68(th) Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Claus Nerlov
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Rickard Sandberg
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marella F T R de Bruijn
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - C Clare Blackburn
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, EH16 4UU Edinburgh, UK
| | - Isabelle Godin
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1170; Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay; Gustave Roussy, 114, rue Edouard Vaillant; Villejuif, F-94805, France
| | - Sten Eirik W Jacobsen
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom.,MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom.,Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Wallenberg Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Shi Y, Wu W, Chai Q, Li Q, Hou Y, Xia H, Ren B, Xu H, Guo X, Jin C, Lv M, Wang Z, Fu YX, Zhu M. LTβR controls thymic portal endothelial cells for haematopoietic progenitor cell homing and T-cell regeneration. Nat Commun 2016; 7:12369. [PMID: 27493002 PMCID: PMC4980457 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Continuous thymic homing of haematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) via the blood is critical for normal T-cell development. However, the nature and the differentiation programme of specialized thymic endothelial cells (ECs) controlling this process remain poorly understood. Here using conditional gene-deficient mice, we find that lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTβR) directly controls thymic ECs to guide HPC homing. Interestingly, T-cell deficiency or conditional ablation of T-cell-engaged LTβR signalling results in a defect in thymic HPC homing, suggesting the feedback regulation of thymic progenitor homing by thymic products. Furthermore, we identify and characterize a special thymic portal EC population with features that guide HPC homing. LTβR is essential for the differentiation and homeostasis of these thymic portal ECs. Finally, we show that LTβR is required for T-cell regeneration on irradiation-induced thymic injury. Together, these results uncover a cellular and molecular pathway that governs thymic EC differentiation for HPC homing. Lymphoid progenitors migrate from the bone marrow into the thymus to give rise to T and NK cell lineages. Here the authors characterize a lymphotoxin receptor beta-dependent population of thymic endothelial cells that guide lymphoid progenitor homing in the thymus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyao Shi
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Weiwei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qian Chai
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Qingqing Li
- Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yu Hou
- Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Huan Xia
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Boyang Ren
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hairong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaohuan Guo
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 China
| | - Caiwei Jin
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mengjie Lv
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhongnan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yang-Xin Fu
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235-9072, USA
| | - Mingzhao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Vaidya HJ, Briones Leon A, Blackburn CC. FOXN1 in thymus organogenesis and development. Eur J Immunol 2016; 46:1826-37. [PMID: 27378598 PMCID: PMC4988515 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201545814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Development of the primary T-cell repertoire takes place in the thymus. The linked processes of T-cell differentiation and T-cell repertoire selection each depend on interactions between thymocytes and thymic stromal cells; in particular, with the epithelial cells of the cortical and medullary thymic compartments (cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells; cTECs and mTECs, respectively). The importance of the thymic epithelial cell lineage in these processes was revealed in part through analysis of nude (nu/nu) mice, which are congenitally hairless and athymic. The nude phenotype results from null mutation of the forkhead transcription factor FOXN1, which has emerged as a pivotal regulator both of thymus development and homeostasis. FOXN1 has been shown to play critical roles in thymus development, function, maintenance, and even regeneration, which positions it as a master regulator of thymic epithelial cell (TEC) differentiation. In this review, we discuss current understanding of the regulation and functions of FOXN1 throughout thymus ontogeny, from the earliest stages of organogenesis through homeostasis to age-related involution, contextualising its significance through reference to other members of the wider Forkhead family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Jayesh Vaidya
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineInstitute for Stem Cell ResearchSchool of Biological SciencesEdinburghUK
| | - Alberto Briones Leon
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineInstitute for Stem Cell ResearchSchool of Biological SciencesEdinburghUK
| | - C. Clare Blackburn
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineInstitute for Stem Cell ResearchSchool of Biological SciencesEdinburghUK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Schulz O, Hammerschmidt SI, Moschovakis GL, Förster R. Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors in Lymphoid Tissue Dynamics. Annu Rev Immunol 2016; 34:203-42. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-041015-055649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Schulz
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | | | | | - Reinhold Förster
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Montero-Herradón S, García-Ceca J, Sánchez Del Collado B, Alfaro D, Zapata AG. Eph/ephrin-B-mediated cell-to-cell interactions govern MTS20(+) thymic epithelial cell development. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 146:167-82. [PMID: 27060907 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-016-1431-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Thymus development is a complex process in which cell-to-cell interactions between thymocytes and thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are essential to allow a proper maturation of both thymic cell components. Although signals that control thymocyte development are well known, mechanisms governing TEC maturation are poorly understood, especially those that regulate the maturation of immature TEC populations during early fetal thymus development. In this study, we show that EphB2-deficient, EphB2LacZ and EphB3-deficient fetal thymuses present a lower number of cells and delayed maturation of DN cell subsets compared to WT values. Moreover, deficits in the production of chemokines, known to be involved in the lymphoid seeding into the thymus, contribute in decreased proportions of intrathymic T cell progenitors (PIRA/B(+)) in the mutant thymuses from early stages of development. These features correlate with increased proportions of MTS20(+) cells but fewer MTS20(-) cells from E13.5 onward in the deficient thymuses, suggesting a delayed development of the first epithelial cells. In addition, in vitro the lack of thymocytes or the blockade of Eph/ephrin-B-mediated cell-to-cell interactions between either thymocytes-TECs or TECs-TECs in E13.5 fetal thymic lobes coursed with increased proportions of MTS20(+) TECs. This confirms, for the first time, that the presence of CD45(+) cells, corresponding at these stages to DN1 and DN2 cells, and Eph/ephrin-B-mediated heterotypic or homotypic cell interactions between thymocytes and TECs, or between TECs and themselves, contribute to the early maturation of MTS20(+) TECs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Montero-Herradón
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier García-Ceca
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Sánchez Del Collado
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Alfaro
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín G Zapata
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Walraven M, Talhout W, Beelen RHJ, van Egmond M, Ulrich MMW. Healthy human second-trimester fetal skin is deficient in leukocytes and associated homing chemokines. Wound Repair Regen 2016; 24:533-41. [PMID: 26873861 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The lack of immune cells in mid-gestational fetal skin is often mentioned as a key factor underlying scarless healing. However, the scarless healing ability is conserved until long after the immune system in the fetus is fully developed. Therefore, we studied human second-trimester fetal skin and compared the numbers of immune cells and chemokine levels from fetal skin with adult skin. By using immunohistochemistry, we show that healthy fetal skin contains significant lower numbers of CD68(+) -macrophages, Tryptase(+) -mast cells, Langerin(+) -Langerhans cells, CD1a(+) -dendritic cells, and CD3(+) -T cells compared to adult skin. Staining with an early lineage leukocyte marker, i.e., CD45, verified that the number of CD45(+) -immune cells was indeed significantly lower in fetal skin but that sufficient numbers of immune cells were present in the fetal lymph node. No differences in the vascular network were observed between fetal and adult skin. Moreover, significant lower levels of lymphocyte chemokines CCL17, CCL21, and CCL27 were observed in fetal skin. However, levels of inflammatory interleukins such as IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were undetectable and levels of CCL2 were similar in healthy fetal and adult skin. In conclusion, this study shows that second-trimester fetal skin contains low levels of immune cells and leukocyte chemokines compared to adult skin. This immune cell deficiency includes CD45(+) leukocytes, despite the abundant presence of these cells in the lymph node. The immune deficiency in healthy second-trimester fetal skin may result in reduced inflammation during wound healing, and could underlie the scarless healing capacities of the fetal skin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariëlle Walraven
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology & Immunology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wendy Talhout
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology & Immunology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Association of Dutch Burn Centers, Beverwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Robert H J Beelen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology & Immunology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang HX, Shin J, Wang S, Gorentla B, Lin X, Gao J, Qiu YR, Zhong XP. mTORC1 in Thymic Epithelial Cells Is Critical for Thymopoiesis, T-Cell Generation, and Temporal Control of γδT17 Development and TCRγ/δ Recombination. PLoS Biol 2016; 14:e1002370. [PMID: 26889835 PMCID: PMC4758703 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymus is crucial for generation of a diverse repertoire of T cells essential for adaptive immunity. Although thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are crucial for thymopoiesis and T cell generation, how TEC development and function are controlled is poorly understood. We report here that mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) in TECs plays critical roles in thymopoiesis and thymus function. Acute deletion of mTORC1 in adult mice caused severe thymic involution. TEC-specific deficiency of mTORC1 (mTORC1KO) impaired TEC maturation and function such as decreased expression of thymotropic chemokines, decreased medullary TEC to cortical TEC ratios, and altered thymic architecture, leading to severe thymic atrophy, reduced recruitment of early thymic progenitors, and impaired development of virtually all T-cell lineages. Strikingly, temporal control of IL-17-producing γδT (γδT17) cell differentiation and TCRVγ/δ recombination in fetal thymus is lost in mTORC1KO thymus, leading to elevated γδT17 differentiation and rearranging of fetal specific TCRVγ/δ in adulthood. Thus, mTORC1 is central for TEC development/function and establishment of thymic environment for proper T cell development, and modulating mTORC1 activity can be a strategy for preventing thymic involution/atrophy. The thymus is essential for making T cells but undergoes age- or stress-associated atrophy. This study demonstrates that mTOR complex 1 in thymic epithelial cells is crucial for correct thymic architecture and the production of mature T cells. The thymus is the primary organ for T cell generation. Abnormal thymus function profoundly affects host immunity and numerous diseases. Thymopoiesis and thymus function rely on orchestrated interaction between multiple cell types representing different origins. Among them, thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are crucial for thymus development and maintenance and T cell generation. How TEC development and function are regulated is poorly understood. The mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine/threonine kinase, signals with two complexes, mTORC1 and mTOC2, to control metabolism, growth, proliferation, and survival. Using a mouse model with mTORC1 selectively ablated in TECs, we demonstrate that mTORC1 in TECs plays critical roles in thymopoiesis and thymus function. Absence of mTORC1 results in impaired TEC maturation and function, altered thymic architecture, severe thymic atrophy, and impaired development of virtually all T-cell lineages. Moreover, it also causes increased generation of IL-17–producing γδT (γδT17) cells and fetal-specific γδT subsets in adult thymus, revealing that mTORC1 in TECs is central for temporal control of γδT17 differentiation and TCRVγ/δ recombination. Our results establish mTORC1 as a central regulator for TEC development/function and for the establishment of normal thymic environment for proper T cell development. We suggest modulating mTORC1 activity as a strategy for preventing thymic involution/atrophy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xia Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinwook Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Shang Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Balachandra Gorentla
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Xingguang Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jimin Gao
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu-Rong Qiu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (XPZ); (YQ)
| | - Xiao-Ping Zhong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapies Program, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail: (XPZ); (YQ)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
CCL21 Facilitates Chemoresistance and Cancer Stem Cell-Like Properties of Colorectal Cancer Cells through AKT/GSK-3β/Snail Signals. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2015; 2016:5874127. [PMID: 27057280 PMCID: PMC4707330 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5874127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Some evidence indicated that chemoresistance associates with the acquisition of cancer stem-like properties. Recent studies suggested that chemokines can promote the chemoresistance and stem cell properties in various cancer cells, while the underling mechanism is still not completely illustrated. In our study, we found that CCL21 can upregulate the expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and stem cell property markers such as Bmi-1, Nanog, and OCT-4 in colorectal cancer (CRC) HCT116 cells and then improve the cell survival rate and mammosphere formation. Our results suggested that Snail was crucial for CCL21-mediated chemoresistance and cancer stem cell property in CRC cells. Further, we observed that CCL21 treatment increased the protein but not mRNA levels of Snail, which suggested that CCL21 upregulates Snail via posttranscriptional ways. The downstream signals AKT/GSK-3β mediated CCL21 induced the upregulation of Snail due to the fact that CCL21 treatment can obviously phosphorylate both AKT and GSK-3β. The inhibitor of PI3K/Akt, LY294002 significantly abolished CCL21 induced chemoresistance and mammosphere formation of HCT116 cells. Collectively, our results in the present study revealed that CCL21 can facilitate chemoresistance and stem cell property of CRC cells via the upregulation of P-gp, Bmi-1, Nanog, and OCT-4 through AKT/GSK-3β/Snail signals, which suggested a potential therapeutic approach to CRC patients.
Collapse
|
24
|
Jurberg AD, Vasconcelos-Fontes L, Cotta-de-Almeida V. A Tale from TGF-β Superfamily for Thymus Ontogeny and Function. Front Immunol 2015; 6:442. [PMID: 26441956 PMCID: PMC4564722 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple signaling pathways control every aspect of cell behavior, organ formation, and tissue homeostasis throughout the lifespan of any individual. This review takes an ontogenetic view focused on the large superfamily of TGF-β/bone morphogenetic protein ligands to address thymus morphogenesis and function in T cell differentiation. Recent findings on a role of GDF11 for reversing aging-related phenotypes are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arnon Dias Jurberg
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil ; Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Larissa Vasconcelos-Fontes
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Vinícius Cotta-de-Almeida
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chemokine polyreactivity of IL7Rα+CSF-1R+ lympho-myeloid progenitors in the developing fetal liver. Sci Rep 2015; 5:12817. [PMID: 26235516 PMCID: PMC4522655 DOI: 10.1038/srep12817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In murine ontogeny, fetal liver is the major hemato- and B-lymphopoietic site until birth. Hematopoiesis develops in largely non-hematopoietic niches, which provide contacts, chemokines and cytokines that induce migration, residence, proliferation and differentiation of progenitors. Within early multipotent progenitors an IL7Rα+CSF-1R+ subset expressed a mixture of lymphoid- and myeloid-specific genes and differentiated to lymphoid and myeloid lineages in vitro. By contrast, IL7Rα+ cells were lymphoid-committed, and CSF-1R+ cells were erythro-myeloid-restricted. To respond to a multitude of chemokines single biphenotypic cells expressed CXCR4 and as many as five other chemokine receptors. The monopotent IL7Rα+ and CSF-1R+progenitors all expressed CXCR4, and mutually exclusive, more restricted sets of the analysed five chemokine receptors. This study proposes that chemokine polyreactive, cytokine-bipotent and monopotent progenitors transmigrate through LYVE-1high endothelium, attracted by selected chemokines, and reach the IL7- and CSF-1-producing ALCAMhigh mesenchymal niche, attracted by other sets of chemokines, to differentiate to B-lymphoid respectively myeloid cells.
Collapse
|
26
|
Passos GA, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Oliveira EH. The Thymic Orchestration Involving Aire, miRNAs, and Cell-Cell Interactions during the Induction of Central Tolerance. Front Immunol 2015; 6:352. [PMID: 26236310 PMCID: PMC4500981 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing thymocytes interact sequentially with two distinct structures within the thymus: the cortex and medulla. Surviving single-positive and double-positive thymocytes from the cortex migrate into the medulla, where they interact with medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs). These cells ectopically express a vast set of peripheral tissue antigens (PTAs), a property termed promiscuous gene expression that is associated with the presentation of PTAs by mTECs to thymocytes. Thymocyte clones that have a high affinity for PTAs are eliminated by apoptosis in a process termed negative selection, which is essential for tolerance induction. The Aire gene is an important factor that controls the expression of a large set of PTAs. In addition to PTAs, Aire also controls the expression of miRNAs in mTECs. These miRNAs are important in the organization of the thymic architecture and act as posttranscriptional controllers of PTAs. Herein, we discuss recent discoveries and highlight open questions regarding the migration and interaction of developing thymocytes with thymic stroma, the ectopic expression of PTAs by mTECs, the association between Aire and miRNAs and its effects on central tolerance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geraldo Aleixo Passos
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo , Brazil ; Disciplines of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Ernna Hérida Oliveira
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo , Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Long-Term Changes in Proliferative Capacity of Thymocytes and Splenocytes in Mouse Progeny after Stimulation of Maternal Lymphocyte Proliferation at Early Terms of Pregnancy. Bull Exp Biol Med 2015; 159:152-6. [PMID: 26033607 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-015-2912-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We studied the possibility of prenatal programming of proliferative potential of thymocytes and splenocytes in the offspring of C57Bl/6 mice via concanavalin A mitogen stimulation of lymphocyte proliferation in maternal organism at the early terms of pregnancy before the formation of immune system organs in the embryo. The offspring demonstrated elevated proliferative activity of thymocytes and splenocytes, enhanced lymphocyte proliferation, and increased production of IL-2 in in vitro response to concanavalin A during the prepubertal period and puberty. Mitogen stimulation of the maternal immune system in early pregnancy results in long-term enhancement of the proliferative potential of thymus and splenic cells in the offspring.
Collapse
|
28
|
Esain V, Kwan W, Carroll KJ, Cortes M, Liu SY, Frechette GM, Sheward LMV, Nissim S, Goessling W, North TE. Cannabinoid Receptor-2 Regulates Embryonic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Development via Prostaglandin E2 and P-Selectin Activity. Stem Cells 2015; 33:2596-612. [PMID: 25931248 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids (CB) modulate adult hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPCs) function, however, impact on the production, expansion, or migration of embryonic HSCs is currently uncharacterized. Here, using chemical and genetic approaches targeting CB-signaling in zebrafish, we show that CB receptor (CNR) 2, but not CNR1, regulates embryonic HSC development. During HSC specification in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region, CNR2 stimulation by AM1241 increased runx1;cmyb(+) HSPCs, through heightened proliferation, whereas CNR2 antagonism decreased HSPC number; FACS analysis and absolute HSC counts confirmed and quantified these effects. Epistatic investigations showed AM1241 significantly upregulated PGE2 synthesis in a Ptgs2-dependent manner to increase AGM HSCs. During the phases of HSC production and colonization of secondary niches, AM1241 accelerated migration to the caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT), the site of embryonic HSC expansion, and the thymus; however these effects occurred independently of PGE2. Using a candidate approach for HSC migration and retention factors, P-selectin was identified as the functional target of CNR2 regulation. Epistatic analyses confirmed migration of HSCs into the CHT and thymus was dependent on CNR2-regulated P-selectin activity. Together, these data suggest CNR2-signaling optimizes the production, expansion, and migration of embryonic HSCs by modulating multiple downstream signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Esain
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wanda Kwan
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kelli J Carroll
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mauricio Cortes
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah Y Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gregory M Frechette
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lea M V Sheward
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sahar Nissim
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wolfram Goessling
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Trista E North
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
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]
|
30
|
Loewendorf AI, Csete M, Flake A. Immunological considerations in in utero hematopoetic stem cell transplantation (IUHCT). Front Pharmacol 2015; 5:282. [PMID: 25610396 PMCID: PMC4285014 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In utero hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (IUHCT) is an attractive approach and a potentially curative surgery for several congenital hematopoietic diseases. In practice, this application has succeeded only in the context of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disorders. Here, we review potential immunological hurdles for the long-term establishment of chimerism and discuss relevant models and findings from both postnatal hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and IUHCT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea I Loewendorf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marie Csete
- Chief Scientific Officer, The Huntington Medical Research Institutes Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Alan Flake
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Children's Institute of Surgical Science Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Halkias J, Melichar HJ, Taylor KT, Robey EA. Tracking migration during human T cell development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:3101-17. [PMID: 24682469 PMCID: PMC11113765 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1607-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2013] [Revised: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Specialized microenvironments within the thymus are comprised of unique cell types with distinct roles in directing the development of a diverse, functional, and self-tolerant T cell repertoire. As they differentiate, thymocytes transit through a number of developmental intermediates that are associated with unique localization and migration patterns. For example, during one particular developmental transition, immature thymocytes more than double in speed as they become mature T cells that are among the fastest cells in the body. This transition is associated with dramatic changes in the expression of chemokine receptors and their antagonists, cell adhesion molecules, and cytoskeletal components to direct the maturing thymocyte population from the cortex to medulla. Here we discuss the dynamic changes in behavior that occur throughout thymocyte development, and provide an overview of the cell-intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that regulate human thymocyte migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Halkias
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, 142 Life Sciences Addition, #3200, Berkeley, CA, 94720-3200, USA,
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
FOXN1 (GFP/w) reporter hESCs enable identification of integrin-β4, HLA-DR, and EpCAM as markers of human PSC-derived FOXN1(+) thymic epithelial progenitors. Stem Cell Reports 2014; 2:925-37. [PMID: 24936476 PMCID: PMC4050347 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2014.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Revised: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) play a critical role in T cell maturation and tolerance induction. The generation of TECs from in vitro differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) provides a platform on which to study the mechanisms of this interaction and has implications for immune reconstitution. To facilitate analysis of PSC-derived TECs, we generated hESC reporter lines in which sequences encoding GFP were targeted to FOXN1, a gene required for TEC development. Using this FOXN1GFP/w line as a readout, we developed a reproducible protocol for generating FOXN1-GFP+ thymic endoderm cells. Transcriptional profiling and flow cytometry identified integrin-β4 (ITGB4, CD104) and HLA-DR as markers that could be used in combination with EpCAM to selectively purify FOXN1+ TEC progenitors from differentiating cultures of unmanipulated PSCs. Human FOXN1+ TEC progenitors generated from PSCs facilitate the study of thymus biology and are a valuable resource for future applications in regenerative medicine. FOXN1-GFP reporter hESC lines were generated KGF promotes the proliferation of FOXN1-GFP+ cells FOXN1-GFP+ cells express TEC-associated genes ITGB4, HLA-DR, and EpCAM can be used to purify FOXN1+ TEC progenitors (219)
Collapse
|
33
|
Reinhardt A, Ravens S, Fleige H, Haas JD, Oberdörfer L, Łyszkiewicz M, Förster R, Prinz I. CCR7-mediated migration in the thymus controls γδ T-cell development. Eur J Immunol 2014; 44:1320-9. [PMID: 24500801 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201344330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
αβ T-cell development and selection proceed while thymocytes successively migrate through distinct regions of the thymus. For γδ T cells, the interplay of intrathymic migration and cell differentiation is less well understood. Here, we crossed C-C chemokine receptor (CCR)7-deficient (Ccr7(-/-) ) and CCR9-deficient mice (Ccr9(-/-) ) to mice with a TcrdH2BeGFP reporter background to investigate the impact of thymic localization on γδ T-cell development. γδ T-cell frequencies and numbers were decreased in CCR7-deficient and increased in CCR9-deficient mice. Transfer of CCR7- or CCR9-deficient BM into irradiated C57BL/6 WT recipients reproduced these phenotypes, pointing toward cell-intrinsic migration defects. Monitoring recent thymic emigrants by intrathymic labeling allowed us to identify decreased thymic γδ T-cell output in CCR7-deficient mice. In vitro, CCR7-deficient precursors showed normal γδ T-cell development. Immunohistology revealed that CCR7 and CCR9 expression was important for γδ T-cell localization within thymic medulla or cortex, respectively. However, γδ T-cell motility was unaltered in CCR7- or CCR9-deficient thymi. Together, our results suggest that proper intrathymic localization is important for normal γδ T-cell development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Reinhardt
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
McGovern KE, Wilson EH. Role of Chemokines and Trafficking of Immune Cells in Parasitic Infections. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 9:157-168. [PMID: 25383073 DOI: 10.2174/1573395509666131217000000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Parasites are diverse eukaryotic pathogens that can have complex life cycles. Their clearance, or control within a mammalian host requires the coordinated effort of the immune system. The cell types recruited to areas of infection can combat the disease, promote parasite replication and survival, or contribute to disease pathology. Location and timing of cell recruitment can be crucial. In this review, we explore the role chemokines play in orchestrating and balancing the immune response to achieve optimal control of parasite replication without promoting pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E McGovern
- School of Medicine, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521-0129, USA
| | - Emma H Wilson
- School of Medicine, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521-0129, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Palamaro L, Romano R, Fusco A, Giardino G, Gallo V, Pignata C. FOXN1 in Organ Development and Human Diseases. Int Rev Immunol 2014; 33:83-93. [DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2013.870171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
36
|
Human proT-cells generated in vitro facilitate hematopoietic stem cell-derived T-lymphopoiesis in vivo and restore thymic architecture. Blood 2013; 122:4210-9. [PMID: 24215033 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2012-12-472803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is followed by a period of immune deficiency due to a paucity in T-cell reconstitution. Underlying causes are a severely dysfunctional thymus and an impaired production of thymus-seeding progenitors in the host. Here, we addressed whether in vitro-derived human progenitor T (proT)-cells could not only represent a source of thymus-seeding progenitors, but also able to influence the recovery of the thymic microenvironment. We examined whether co-transplantation of in vitro-derived human proT-cells with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) was able to facilitate HSC-derived T-lymphopoiesis posttransplant. A competitive transfer approach was used to define the optimal proT subset capable of reconstituting immunodeficient mice. Although the 2 subsets tested (proT1, CD34(+)CD7(+)CD5(-); proT2, CD34(+)CD7(+)CD5(+)) showed thymus engrafting function, proT2-cells exhibited superior engrafting capacity. Based on this, when proT2-cells were coinjected with HSCs, a significantly improved and accelerated HSC-derived T-lymphopoiesis was observed. Furthermore, we uncovered a potential mechanism by which receptor activator of nuclear factor κb (RANK) ligand-expressing proT2-cells induce changes in both the function and architecture of the thymus microenvironment, which favors the recruitment of bone marrow-derived lymphoid progenitors. Our findings provide further support for the use of Notch-expanded progenitors in cell-based therapies to aid in the recovery of T-cells in patients undergoing HSCT.
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
For a very long time, we studied the metallophilic macrophages of the rodent thymus and in this review our results on morphological, histochemical, enzymehistochemical, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural and functional features of these cells, as well as the molecular regulation of their development, will be presented. Furthermore, the differences between species will also be discussed and the comparisons with similar/related cell types (metallophilic macrophages in the marginal sinus of the spleen, subcapsular sinus of the lymph nodes and germinal centers of secondary lymphoid follicles) will be made. Metallophilic macrophages are strategically positioned in the thymic cortico-medullary zone and are very likely to be involved in: (i) the metabolism, synthesis and production of bioactive lipids, most likely arachidonic acid metabolites, based on their histochemical and enzymehistochemical features, and (ii) the process of negative selection that occurs in the thymus, based on their ultrastructural features and their reactivity after the application of toxic or immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory agents. Taken together, their phenotypic and functional features strongly suggest that metallophilic macrophages play a significant role in the thymic physiology.
Collapse
|
38
|
Lai KP, Lai JJ, Chang P, Altuwaijri S, Hsu JW, Chuang KH, Shyr CR, Yeh S, Chang C. Targeting thymic epithelia AR enhances T-cell reconstitution and bone marrow transplant grafting efficacy. Mol Endocrinol 2012; 27:25-37. [PMID: 23250486 DOI: 10.1210/me.2012-1244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although thymic involution has been linked to the increased testosterone in males after puberty, its detailed mechanism and clinical application related to T-cell reconstitution in bone marrow transplantation (BMT) remain unclear. By performing studies with reciprocal BMT and cell-specific androgen receptor (AR) knockout mice, we found that AR in thymic epithelial cells, but not thymocytes or fibroblasts, played a more critical role to determine thymic cellularity. Further dissecting the mechanism using cell-specific thymic epithelial cell-AR knockout mice bearing T-cell receptor transgene revealed that elevating thymocyte survival was due to the enhancement of positive selection resulting in increased positively selected T-cells in both male and female mice. Targeting AR, instead of androgens, either via genetic knockout of thymic epithelial AR or using an AR-degradation enhancer (ASC-J9®), led to increased BMT grafting efficacy, which may provide a new therapeutic approach to boost T-cell reconstitution in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Pao Lai
- George H Whipple Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lu IN, Chiang BL, Lou KL, Huang PT, Yao CCJ, Wang JS, Lin LD, Jeng JH, Chang BE. Cloning, expression and characterization of CCL21 and CCL25 chemokines in zebrafish. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 38:203-214. [PMID: 22842207 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2012.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2011] [Revised: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Chemokines are a large group of proteins implicated in migration, activation, and differentiation of leukocytes. They are well-surveyed in mammals, but less is known in lower vertebrates about their spatiotemporal expressions and functions. From an evolutionary point of view, comparative analyses may provide some fundamental insights into these molecules. In mammals, CCL21 and CCL25 are crucial for thymocyte homing. Herein, we identified and cloned the zebrafish orthologues of CCL21 and CCL25, and analyzed their expression in embryos and adult fish by in situ hybridization. We found that CCL21 was expressed in the craniofacial region, pharynx, and blood vessels in embryos. In adult fish, CCL21 transcripts were located in the kidney, spinal cord, and blood cells. In contrast, expression of CCL25 was only detected in the thymus primordia in embryos. In adult fish, transcripts of CCL25 were maintained in the thymus, and they were also found in the brain and oocytes. Furthermore, we performed an antisense oligonucleotide experiment to evaluate the biological function of CCL25. Results showed that the recruitment of thymocytes was impeded by morpholino-mediated knockdown of CCL25, suggesting that CCL25 is essential for colonization of T-cells in the thymus in early development. Together, our results demonstrate the basic profiles of two CCL chemokines in zebrafish. The tissue-specific expression patterns may pave the way for further genetic dissection in this model organism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I-Na Lu
- Graduate Institute of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Capalbo D, Giardino G, Martino LD, Palamaro L, Romano R, Gallo V, Cirillo E, Salerno M, Pignata C. Genetic basis of altered central tolerance and autoimmune diseases: a lesson from AIRE mutations. Int Rev Immunol 2012; 31:344-62. [PMID: 23083345 DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2012.697230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is a specialized organ that provides an inductive environment for the development of T cells from multipotent hematopoietic progenitors. Self-nonself discrimination plays a key role in inducing a productive immunity and in preventing autoimmune reactions. Tolerance represents a state of immunologic nonresponsiveness in the presence of a particular antigen. The immune system becomes tolerant to self-antigens through the two main processes, central and peripheral tolerance. Central tolerance takes place within the thymus and represents the mechanism by which T cells binding with high avidity self-antigens, which are potentially autoreactive, are eliminated through so-called negative selection. This process is mostly mediated by medullary thymic epithelia cells (mTECs) and medullary dendritic cells (DCs). A remarkable event in the process is the expression of tissue-specific antigens (TSA) by mTECs driven by the transcription factor autoimmune regulator (AIRE). Mutations in this gene result in autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), a rare autosomal recessive disease (OMIM 240300). Thus far, this syndrome is the paradigm of a genetically determined failure of central tolerance and autoimmunty. Patients with APECED have a variable pattern of autoimmune reactions, involving different endocrine and nonendocrine organs. However, although APECED is a monogenic disorder, it is characterized by a wide variability of the clinical expression, thus implying a further role for disease-modifying genes and environmental factors in the pathogenesis. Studies on this polyreactive autoimmune syndrome contributed enormously to unraveling several issues of the molecular basis of autoimmunity. This review focuses on the developmental, functional, and molecular events governing central tolerance and on the clinical implication of its failure.
Collapse
|
41
|
Choi B, Lim HC, Lee ES, Anower AKMM, Sohn S. CCL21 attenuates HSV-induced inflammation through up-regulation of CD8+ memory cells. Immunobiology 2012; 218:579-90. [PMID: 22884357 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2012.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2012] [Revised: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 07/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
CCR7 and its ligand, CCL21, are known to establish microenvironments for the initiation of immune responses in secondary lymphoid tissue. It has also been reported that CCR7 ligand gene-deleted mice have defects in lymphocyte homing. In addition, the injection of the CCR7 ligand was shown to induce the expression of memory T cells. In this study, we analyzed the expression of CCR7 and its ligand in HSV-induced Behçet's disease (BD)-like inflammation of mice. Additionally, plasmids containing the CCR7 ligand CCL19 or CCL21, pcDNA3.1-CCL19 or pcDNA3.1-CCL21, respectively, were injected into symptomatic mice, and changes in the population of memory T cells were determined. After administration of pcDNA3.1-CCL21, the frequencies of CD8+CD44+, CD8+CD62L- memory T cells were significantly up-regulated and the symptoms were not deteriorated when compared to the control vector injected group. Specifically, the difference in frequencies of CCR7+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells between active BD patients and inactive BD patients was similar to that of HSV-induced BD-like mice. These results suggest that CCR7, its ligand, and CD8+ memory cells are correlated with the regulation of BD symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bunsoon Choi
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Noor S, Wilson EH. Role of C-C chemokine receptor type 7 and its ligands during neuroinflammation. J Neuroinflammation 2012; 9:77. [PMID: 22533989 PMCID: PMC3413568 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-9-77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
For decades, chemokines and their receptors have received a great deal of attention for their multiple roles in controlling leukocyte functions during inflammation and immunity. The ability of chemokines to convey remarkably versatile but context-specific signals identifies them as powerful modulators of immune responses generated in response to diverse pathogenic or non-infectious insults. A number of recent studies have speculated that the C-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7), plays important roles in immune-cell trafficking in various tissue compartments during inflammation and in immune surveillance. Using computational modeling and microfluidics-based approaches, recent studies have explored leukocyte migration behavior in response to CCR7 ligands in a complex chemokine environment existing with other coexisting chemokine fields. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the effects of soluble versus immobilized ligands and of the downstream signaling pathways of CCR7 that control leukocyte motility, directionality, and speed. This review also integrates the current knowledge about the role of CCR7 in coordinating immune responses between secondary lymphoid organs and peripheral tissue microenvironments during primary or secondary antigen encounters. CCR7 seems to influence distinct immunological events during inflammatory responses in the central nervous system (CNS) including immune-cell entry and migration, and neuroglial interactions. The clinical and pathological outcome may vary depending on its contribution in the inflamed CNS microenvironment. Understanding these mechanisms has direct implications for therapeutic developments favoring more protective and efficient immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahani Noor
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Glial-Neuronal Interactions, University of California Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Autonomous murine T-cell progenitor production in the extra-embryonic yolk sac before HSC emergence. Blood 2012; 119:5706-14. [PMID: 22431573 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-12-397489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The extra-embryonic yolk sac (YS) is the first hematopoietic site in the mouse embryo and is thought to generate only primitive erythroid and myeloerythroid progenitor cells before definitive HSC emergence within the embryo on E10.5. Here, we have shown the existence of T cell-restricted progenitors in the E9.5 YS that directly engraft in recipient immunodeficient mice. T-cell progenitors were also produced in vitro from both YS and para-aortic splanchnopleura hemogenic endothelial cells, and these T-cell progenitors repopulated the thymus and differentiated into mature T-cell subsets in vivo on transplantation. Our data confirm that the YS produces T-lineage-restricted progenitors that are available to colonize the thymus and provide new insight into the YS as a definitive hematopoietic site in the mouse embryo.
Collapse
|
44
|
From murine to human nude/SCID: the thymus, T-cell development and the missing link. Clin Dev Immunol 2012; 2012:467101. [PMID: 22474479 PMCID: PMC3303720 DOI: 10.1155/2012/467101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 12/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are disorders of the immune system, which lead to increased susceptibility to infections. T-cell defects, which may affect T-cell development/function, are approximately 11% of reported PIDs. The pathogenic mechanisms are related to molecular alterations not only of genes selectively expressed in hematopoietic cells but also of the stromal component of the thymus that represents the primary lymphoid organ for T-cell differentiation. With this regard, the prototype of athymic disorders due to abnormal stroma is the Nude/SCID syndrome, first described in mice in 1966. In man, the DiGeorge Syndrome (DGS) has long been considered the human prototype of a severe T-cell differentiation defect. More recently, the human equivalent of the murine Nude/SCID has been described, contributing to unravel important issues of the T-cell ontogeny in humans. Both mice and human diseases are due to alterations of the FOXN1, a developmentally regulated transcription factor selectively expressed in skin and thymic epithelia.
Collapse
|
45
|
Gordon J, Manley NR. Mechanisms of thymus organogenesis and morphogenesis. Development 2011; 138:3865-78. [PMID: 21862553 DOI: 10.1242/dev.059998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is the primary organ responsible for generating functional T cells in vertebrates. Although T cell differentiation within the thymus has been an area of intense investigation, the study of thymus organogenesis has made slower progress. The past decade, however, has seen a renewed interest in thymus organogenesis, with the aim of understanding how the thymus develops to form a microenvironment that supports T cell maturation and regeneration. This has prompted modern revisits to classical experiments and has driven additional genetic approaches in mice. These studies are making significant progress in identifying the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control specification, early organogenesis and morphogenesis of the thymus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Gordon
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Love PE, Bhandoola A. Signal integration and crosstalk during thymocyte migration and emigration. Nat Rev Immunol 2011; 11:469-77. [PMID: 21701522 PMCID: PMC3710714 DOI: 10.1038/nri2989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The thymus produces self-tolerant functionally competent T cells. This process involves the import of multipotent haematopoietic progenitors that are then signalled to adopt the T cell fate. Expression of T cell-specific genes, including those encoding the T cell receptor (TCR), is followed by positive and negative selection and the eventual export of mature T cells. Significant progress has been made in elucidating the signals that direct progenitor cell trafficking to, within and out of the thymus. These advances are the subject of this Review, with a particular focus on the role of reciprocal cooperative and regulatory interactions between TCR- and chemokine receptor-mediated signalling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Love
- Eunice Kennedy Schriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Hosoya T, Maillard I, Engel JD. From the cradle to the grave: activities of GATA-3 throughout T-cell development and differentiation. Immunol Rev 2011; 238:110-25. [PMID: 20969588 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.2010.00954.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
GATA family transcription factors play multiple vital roles in hematopoiesis in many cell lineages, and in particular, T cells require GATA-3 for execution of several developmental steps. Transcriptional activation of the Gata3 gene is observed throughout T-cell development and differentiation in a stage-specific fashion. GATA-3 has been described as a master regulator of T-helper 2 (Th2) cell differentiation in mature CD4(+) T cells. During T-cell development in the thymus, its roles in the CD4 versus CD8 lineage choice and at the β-selection checkpoint are the best characterized. In contrast, its importance prior to β-selection has been obscured both by the developmental heterogeneity of double negative (DN) 1 thymocytes and the paucity of early T-lineage progenitors (ETPs), a subpopulation of DN1 cells that contains the most immature thymic progenitors that retain potent T-lineage developmental potential. By examining multiple lines of in vivo evidence procured through the analysis of Gata3 mutant mice, we have recently demonstrated that GATA-3 is additionally required at the earliest stage of thymopoiesis for the development of the ETP population. Here, we review the characterized functions of GATA-3 at each stage of T-cell development and discuss hypothetical molecular pathways that mediate these functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomonori Hosoya
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Three chemokine receptors cooperatively regulate homing of hematopoietic progenitors to the embryonic mouse thymus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:7517-22. [PMID: 21502490 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1016428108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus lacks self-renewing hematopoietic cells, and thymopoiesis fails rapidly when the migration of progenitor cells to the thymus ceases. Hence, the process of thymus homing is an essential step for T-cell development and cellular immunity. Despite decades of research, the molecular details of thymus homing have not been elucidated fully. Here, we show that chemotaxis is the key mechanism regulating thymus homing in the mouse embryo. We determined the number of early thymic progenitors in the thymic rudiments of mice deficient for one, two, or three of the chemokine receptor genes, chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 9 (Ccr9), chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 7 (Ccr7), and chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (Cxcr4). In the absence of all three chemokine receptors, thymus homing was reduced about 100-fold both before and after vascularization of the thymic rudiment. In the absence of only two of these three chemokine receptor genes, thymus homing was much less affected (only two- to 10-fold), indicating that the chemotactic regulation of thymus homing is remarkably robust. Our results reveal the redundant roles of Ccr9, Ccr7, and Cxcr4 for thymic homing and provide a framework to examine the regulation of progenitor homing in the postnatal thymus.
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
Although most hematopoietic lineages develop in the bone marrow (BM), T cells uniquely complete their development in the specialized environment of the thymus. Hematopoietic stem cells with long-term self-renewal capacity are not present in the thymus. As a result, continuous T cell development requires that BM-derived progenitors be imported into the thymus throughout adult life. The process of thymic homing begins with the mobilization of progenitors out of the BM, continues with their circulation in the bloodstream, and concludes with their settling in the thymus. This review will discuss each of these steps as they occur in the unirradiated and postirradiation scenarios, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of regulation. Improved knowledge about these early steps in T cell generation may accelerate the development of new therapeutic options in patients with impaired T cell number or function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Zlotoff
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Bunting MD, Comerford I, McColl SR. Finding their niche: chemokines directing cell migration in the thymus. Immunol Cell Biol 2010; 89:185-96. [PMID: 21135866 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2010.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
T lymphocytes are generated throughout life, arising from bone marrow-derived progenitors that complete an essential developmental process in the thymus. Thymic T cell education leads to the generation of a self-restricted and largely self-tolerant peripheral T-cell pool and is facilitated by interactions with thymic stromal cells residing in distinct supportive niches. The signals governing thymocyte precursor migration into the thymus, directing thymocyte navigation through thymic microenvironments and mature T-cell egress into circulation were, until recently, largely unknown, but presumed to be mediated to a large extent by chemokine signalling. Recent studies have now uncovered various specific functions for members of the chemokine superfamily in the thymus. These studies have not only revealed distinct but also in some cases overlapping roles for several chemokine family members in various thymocyte migration events and have also shown that homing and positioning of other cells in the thymus, such as dendritic cells and natural killer T cells is also chemokine-dependent. Here, we discuss current understanding of the role of chemokines in the thymus and highlight key future avenues for investigation in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Bunting
- Chemokine Biology Laboratory, Discipline of Microbiology and Immunology, The School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|