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Sheikh A, Abraham N. Interleukin-7 Receptor Alpha in Innate Lymphoid Cells: More Than a Marker. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2897. [PMID: 31921158 PMCID: PMC6917604 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a group of immune cells that are important for defense against pathogens, tissue repair, and lymphoid organogenesis. They share similar characteristics with various subsets of helper T cells but lack specific antigen receptors. Interleukin-7 (IL-7) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) are cytokines that engage the IL-7Rα and have major roles in dictating the fate of ILCs. Recent advances in the field have revealed transcriptional programs associated with ILC development and function. In this article, we will review recent studies of the role of IL-7 and TSLP in ILC development and function during infection and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdalla Sheikh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ninan Abraham
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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A human immune system mouse model with robust lymph node development. Nat Methods 2018; 15:623-630. [PMID: 30065364 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-018-0071-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lymph nodes (LNs) facilitate the cellular interactions that orchestrate immune responses. Human immune system (HIS) mice are powerful tools for interrogation of human immunity but lack secondary lymphoid tissue (SLT) as a result of a deficiency in Il2rg-dependent lymphoid tissue inducer cells. To restore LN development, we induced expression of thymic-stromal-cell-derived lymphopoietin (TSLP) in a Balb/c Rag2-/-Il2rg-/-SirpaNOD (BRGS) HIS mouse model. The resulting BRGST HIS mice developed a full array of LNs with compartmentalized human B and T cells. Compared with BRGS HIS mice, BRGST HIS mice have a larger thymus, more mature B cells, and abundant IL-21-producing follicular helper T (TFH) cells, and show enhanced antigen-specific responses. Using BRGST HIS mice, we demonstrated that LN TFH cells are targets of acute HIV infection and represent a reservoir for latent HIV. In summary, BRGST HIS mice reflect the effects of SLT development on human immune responses and provide a model for visualization and interrogation of regulators of immunity.
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Patenaude J, Perreault C. Thymic Mesenchymal Cells Have a Distinct Transcriptomic Profile. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 196:4760-70. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1502499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Chauhan A, Singh M, Agarwal A, Paul N. Correlation of TSLP, IL-33, and CD4 + CD25 + FOXP3 + T regulatory (Treg) in pediatric asthma. J Asthma 2015; 52:868-72. [PMID: 26287664 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2015.1026441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Newly discovered cytokines TSLP and IL33 are being studied as important indicators of Th2 inflammation and their effect on Treg cells is likely to modulate immune response. We attempted to study TSLP and IL-33 and then correlated with Tregs in order to find possible biomarker in these patients. METHODS Sixty-five children (37 with asthma only and 28 with asthma and rhinitis) aged 6.4 ± 3.2 years (patient group) and 15 healthy children aged 8.0 ± 2.6 years (control group) were recruited in this study. In vitro analysis of TSLP and IL-33 was done in serum samples of 65 newly diagnosed children for allergic asthma and 15 healthy children using the sandwich ELISA method. The expression of Treg cells (CD4 + CD25 + FOXP3+) was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS The mean TSLP in the patient group (592 ± 68 pg/ml) was significantly higher than controls (215 ± 45 pg/ml) (p < 0.05). Alternatively, the expression of FOXP3 + T reg cells was significantly lower in the patient group (52 ± 36) compared with the controls (95.9 ± 3.6) (p = 0.003). IL-33 was also significantly higher (4044 ± 413 pg/ml) in the patient group compared with the controls (3282 ± 331.5 pg/ml) (p = 0.0001). The expression of Treg cells was negatively correlated with the TSLP (r = -0.23, p = 0.07). Asthma control test (ACT) was also negatively correlated with TSLP in the patient group (r = -0.14, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Children with asthma show elevated serum levels of TSLP, which correlated negatively with asthma control test and Treg cells. TSLP may be used as a biomarker for inflammation in pediatric asthma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Chauhan
- a Department of Pediatrics , Advanced Pediatric Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research , Chandigarh , India
| | - Meenu Singh
- a Department of Pediatrics , Advanced Pediatric Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research , Chandigarh , India
| | - Amit Agarwal
- a Department of Pediatrics , Advanced Pediatric Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research , Chandigarh , India
| | - Nandini Paul
- a Department of Pediatrics , Advanced Pediatric Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research , Chandigarh , India
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Odaka C, Hauri-Hohl M, Takizawa K, Nishikawa Y, Yano M, Matsumoto M, Boyd R, Holländer GA. TGF-β type II receptor expression in thymic epithelial cells inhibits the development of Hassall's corpuscles in mice. Int Immunol 2013; 25:633-42. [PMID: 23929912 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxt026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hassall's corpuscles are concentric clusters of keratinized epithelial cells located within the thymic medulla of humans and guinea pigs but are scant in mouse and rat. They are considered to be the terminally differentiated stages of medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) but the mechanisms of their origin are unclear. We have previously deleted the TGF-β type II receptor (TGFβRII) specifically in mouse TECs and reported that these mice have mitigated thymic involution and exhibit earlier reconstitution post-irradiation. In this study, we analyzed the differentiation of mTECs in the TGFβRII-knockout mice. Interestingly, the TGFβRII-knockout mice display enhanced development of Hassall's corpuscles. The expression of Aire, stromal-cell-derived factor 1 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin in the thymi of the TGFβRII-knockout mice was similar to that previously reported for the human thymus. In addition, the putative epithelial progenitor markers MTS20 and MTS24 labeled Hassall's corpuscles in normal mice, but the extent and intensity of this staining were greatly enhanced in Hassall's corpuscles of the TGFβRII-knockout mice. The phosphorylated forms of ERK and JNK were also found in Hassall's corpuscles of the TGFβRII-knockout mice. Taken together, we suggest that TGFβRII-mediated signaling in TECs inhibits their development into Hassall's corpuscles in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chikako Odaka
- Department of Safety Research on Blood and Biological Products, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
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Xiong J, Parker BL, Dalheimer SL, Yankee TM. Interleukin-7 supports survival of T-cell receptor-β-expressing CD4(-) CD8(-) double-negative thymocytes. Immunology 2013; 138:382-91. [PMID: 23215679 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the milestones that occur during T-cell development in the thymus is the expression of T-cell receptor-β (TCR-β) and the formation of the pre-TCR complex. Signals emanating from the pre-TCR trigger survival, proliferation and differentiation of T-cell precursors. Although the pre-TCR is essential for these cell outcomes, other receptors, such as Notch and CXCR4, also contribute. Whether interleukin-7 (IL-7) participates in promoting the survival or proliferation of pre-TCR-expressing cells is controversial. We used in vitro and in vivo models of T-cell development to examine the function of IL-7 in TCR-β-expressing thymocytes. Culturing TCR-β-expressing CD4(-) CD8(-) double-negative thymocytes in an in vitro model of T-cell development revealed that IL-7 reduced the frequency of CD4(+) CD8(+) double-positive thymocytes at the time of harvest. The mechanism for this change in the percentage of double-positive cells was that IL-7 promoted the survival of thymocytes that had not yet differentiated. By preserving the double-negative population, IL-7 reduced the frequency of double-positive thymocytes. Interleukin-7 was not required for proliferation in the in vitro system. To follow this observation, we examined mice lacking CD127 (IL-7Rα). In addition to the known effect of CD127 deficiency on T-cell development before TCR-β expression, CD127 deficiency also impaired the development of TCR-β-expressing double-negative thymocytes. Specifically, we found that Bcl-2 expression and cell cycle progression were reduced in TCR-β-expressing double-negative thymocytes in mice lacking CD127. We conclude that IL-7 continues to function after TCR-β is expressed by promoting the survival of TCR-β-expressing double-negative thymocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Xiong
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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Nguyen KD, Vanichsarn C, Nadeau KC. TSLP directly impairs pulmonary Treg function: association with aberrant tolerogenic immunity in asthmatic airway. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 2010; 6:4. [PMID: 20230634 PMCID: PMC3161393 DOI: 10.1186/1710-1492-6-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Even though thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) has been implicated in the development of allergic inflammation, its influence on immune tolerance mediated by regulatory T cells (Treg) have not been explored. We aimed to dissect the influence of TSLP on immunosuppressive activities of Treg and its potential consequences in human allergic asthma. Methods In vitro culture system was utilized to study the effects of TSLP on human Treg. The functional competency of pulmonary Treg from a cohort of 15 allergic asthmatic, 15 healthy control, and 15 non-allergic asthmatic subjects was also evaluated by suppression assays and flow cytometric analysis. Results Activated pulmonary Treg expressed TSLP-R and responded to TSLP-mediated activation of STAT5. TSLP directly and selectively impaired IL-10 production of Treg and inhibited their suppressive activity. In human allergic asthma, pulmonary Treg exhibited a significant decrease in suppressive activity and IL-10 production compared to healthy control and non-allergic asthmatic counterparts. These functional alterations were associated with elevated TSLP expression in bronchoaveolar lavage fluid (BAL) of allergic asthmatic subjects. Furthermore, allergic asthmatic BAL could suppress IL-10 production by healthy control pulmonary Treg in a TSLP-dependent manner. Conclusions These results provide the first evidences for a direct role of TSLP in the regulation of suppressive activities of Treg. TSLP mediated inhibition of Treg function might present a novel pathologic mechanism to dampen tolerogenic immune responses in inflamed asthmatic airway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khoa D Nguyen
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Interleukin 7 receptor α as a potential therapeutic target in transplantation. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2009; 57:253-61. [DOI: 10.1007/s00005-009-0036-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2008] [Accepted: 04/30/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Kuhnt LA, Jennings RN, Brawner WR, Hathcock JT, Carreno AD, Johnson CM. Magnetic resonance imaging of radiation-induced thymic atrophy as a model for pathologic changes in acute feline immunodeficiency virus infection. J Feline Med Surg 2009; 11:977-84. [PMID: 19540785 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfms.2009.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2009] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The development of a protocol to reproducibly induce thymic atrophy, as occurs in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection and other immunosuppressive diseases, and to consistently estimate thymic volume, provides a valuable tool in the search of innovative and novel therapeutic strategies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the short tau inversion recovery (STIR) technique, with fat suppression properties, was determined to provide an optimized means of locating, defining, and quantitatively estimating thymus volume in young cats. Thymic atrophy was induced in four, 8-10-week-old kittens with a single, directed 500 cGy dose of 6 MV X-rays from a clinical linear accelerator, and sequential MR images of the cranial mediastinum were collected at 2, 7, 14, and 21 days post irradiation (PI). Irradiation induced a severe reduction in thymic volume, which was decreased, on average, to 47% that of normal, by 7 days PI. Histopathology confirmed marked, diffuse thymic atrophy, characterized by reduced thymic volume, decreased overall cellularity, increased apoptosis, histiocytosis, and reduced distinction of the corticomedullary junction, comparable to that seen in acute FIV infection. Beginning on day 7 PI, thymic volumes rebounded slightly and continued to increase over the following 14 days, regaining 3-35% of original volume. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of using this non-invasive, in vivo imaging technique to measure and evaluate changes in thymic volume in physiologic and experimental situations. All experimental protocols in this study were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) at Auburn University.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah A Kuhnt
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
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Saenz SA, Taylor BC, Artis D. Welcome to the neighborhood: epithelial cell-derived cytokines license innate and adaptive immune responses at mucosal sites. Immunol Rev 2009; 226:172-90. [PMID: 19161424 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.2008.00713.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 360] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
There is compelling evidence that epithelial cells (ECs) at mucosal surfaces, beyond their role in creating a physical barrier, are integral components of innate and adaptive immunity. The capacity of these cells to license the functions of specific immune cell populations in the airway and gastrointestinal tract offers the prospect of novel therapeutic strategies to target multiple inflammatory diseases in which barrier immunity is dysregulated. In this review, we discuss the critical functions of EC-derived thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin-25 (IL-25), and IL-33 in the development and regulation of T-helper 2 (Th2) cytokine-dependent immune responses. We first highlight recent data that have provided new insights into the factors that control expression of this triad of cytokines and their receptors. In addition, we review their proinflammatory and immunoregulatory functions in models of mucosal infection and inflammation. Lastly, we discuss new findings indicating that despite their diverse structural features and differential expression of their receptors, TSLP, IL-25, and IL-33 cross-regulate one another and share overlapping properties that influence Th2 cytokine-dependent responses at mucosal sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Saenz
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4539, USA
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Hrncir T, Stepankova R, Kozakova H, Hudcovic T, Tlaskalova-Hogenova H. Gut microbiota and lipopolysaccharide content of the diet influence development of regulatory T cells: studies in germ-free mice. BMC Immunol 2008; 9:65. [PMID: 18990206 PMCID: PMC2588440 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2172-9-65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2008] [Accepted: 11/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mammals are essentially born germ-free but the epithelial surfaces are promptly colonized by astounding numbers of bacteria soon after birth. The most extensive microbial community is harbored by the distal intestine. The gut microbiota outnumber ~10 times the total number of our somatic and germ cells. The host-microbiota relationship has evolved to become mutually beneficial. Studies in germ-free mice have shown that gut microbiota play a crucial role in the development of the immune system. The principal aim of the present study was to elucidate whether the presence of gut microbiota and the quality of a sterile diet containing various amounts of bacterial contaminants, measured by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) content, can influence maturation of the immune system in gnotobiotic mice. Results We have found that the presence of gut microbiota and to a lesser extent also the LPS-rich sterile diet drive the expansion of B and T cells in Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes. The most prominent was the expansion of CD4+ T cells including Foxp3-expressing T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes. Further, we have observed that both the presence of gut microbiota and the LPS-rich sterile diet influence in vitro cytokine profile of spleen cells. Both gut microbiota and LPS-rich diet increase the production of interleukin-12 and decrease the production of interleukin-4. In addition, the presence of gut microbiota increases the production of interleukin-10 and interferon-γ. Conclusion Our data clearly show that not only live gut microbiota but also microbial components (LPS) contained in sterile diet stimulate the development, expansion and function of the immune system. Finally, we would like to emphasize that the composition of diet should be regularly tested especially in all gnotobiotic models as the LPS content and other microbial components present in the diet may significantly alter the outcome of experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Hrncir
- Department of Immunology and Gnotobiology, Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague and Novy Hradek, Czech Republic.
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Strategies for reconstituting and boosting T cell-based immunity following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: pre-clinical and clinical approaches. Semin Immunopathol 2008; 30:457-77. [PMID: 18982327 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-008-0140-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2008] [Accepted: 10/14/2008] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Poor immune recovery is characteristic of bone marrow transplantation and leads to high levels of morbidity and mortality. The primary underlying cause is a compromised thymic function, resulting from age-induced atrophy and further compounded by the damaging effects of cytoablative conditioning regimes on thymic epithelial cells (TEC). Several strategies have been proposed to enhance T cell reconstitution. Some, such as the use of single biological agents, are currently being tested in clinical trials. However, a more rational approach to immune restoration will be to leverage the evolving repertoire of new technologies. Specifically, the combined targeting of TEC, thymocytes and peripheral T cells, together with the bone marrow niches, promises a more strategic clinical therapeutic platform.
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Gruver AL, Sempowski GD. Cytokines, leptin, and stress-induced thymic atrophy. J Leukoc Biol 2008; 84:915-23. [PMID: 18495786 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0108025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymopoiesis is essential for development and maintenance of a robust and healthy immune system. Acute thymic atrophy is a complication of many infections, environmental stressors, clinical preparative regimens, and cancer treatments used today. This undesirable sequela can decrease host ability to reconstitute the peripheral T cell repertoire and respond to new antigens. Currently, there are no treatments available to protect against acute thymic atrophy or accelerate recovery, thus leaving the immune system compromised during acute stress events. Several useful murine models are available for mechanistic studies of acute thymic atrophy, including a sepsis model of endotoxin-induced thymic involution. We have identified the IL-6 cytokine gene family members (i.e., leukemia inhibitory factor, IL-6, and oncostatin M) as thymosuppressive agents by the observation that they can acutely involute the thymus when injected into a young, healthy mouse. We have gone on to explore the role of thymosuppressive cytokines and specifically defined a corticosteroid-dependent mechanism of action for the leukemia inhibitory factor in acute thymic atrophy. We also have identified leptin as a novel, thymostimulatory agent that can protect against endotoxin-induced acute thymic atrophy. This review will highlight mechanisms of stress-induced thymic involution and focus on thymosuppressive agents involved in atrophy induction and thymostimulatory agents that may be exploited for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Gruver
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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