1
|
Dinges SS, Amini K, Notarangelo LD, Delmonte OM. Primary and secondary defects of the thymus. Immunol Rev 2024; 322:178-211. [PMID: 38228406 PMCID: PMC10950553 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is the primary site of T-cell development, enabling generation, and selection of a diverse repertoire of T cells that recognize non-self, whilst remaining tolerant to self- antigens. Severe congenital disorders of thymic development (athymia) can be fatal if left untreated due to infections, and thymic tissue implantation is the only cure. While newborn screening for severe combined immune deficiency has allowed improved detection at birth of congenital athymia, thymic disorders acquired later in life are still underrecognized and assessing the quality of thymic function in such conditions remains a challenge. The thymus is sensitive to injury elicited from a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors, and its self-renewal capacity decreases with age. Secondary and age-related forms of thymic dysfunction may lead to an increased risk of infections, malignancy, and autoimmunity. Promising results have been obtained in preclinical models and clinical trials upon administration of soluble factors promoting thymic regeneration, but to date no therapy is approved for clinical use. In this review we provide a background on thymus development, function, and age-related involution. We discuss disease mechanisms, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for primary and secondary thymic defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S. Dinges
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kayla Amini
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Luigi D. Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ottavia M. Delmonte
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Savino W, Lepletier A. Thymus-derived hormonal and cellular control of cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1168186. [PMID: 37529610 PMCID: PMC10389273 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1168186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus gland is a central lymphoid organ in which developing T cell precursors, known as thymocytes, undergo differentiation into distinct type of mature T cells, ultimately migrating to the periphery where they exert specialized effector functions and orchestrate the immune responses against tumor cells, pathogens and self-antigens. The mechanisms supporting intrathymic T cell differentiation are pleiotropically regulated by thymic peptide hormones and cytokines produced by stromal cells in the thymic microenvironment and developing thymocytes. Interestingly, in the same way as T cells, thymic hormones (herein exemplified by thymosin, thymulin and thymopoietin), can circulate to impact immune cells and other cellular components in the periphery. Evidence on how thymic function influences tumor cell biology and response of patients with cancer to therapies remains unsatisfactory, although there has been some improvement in the knowledge provided by recent studies. Herein, we summarize research progression in the field of thymus-mediated immunoendocrine control of cancer, providing insights into how manipulation of the thymic microenvironment can influence treatment outcomes, including clinical responses and adverse effects of therapies. We review data obtained from clinical and preclinical cancer research to evidence the complexity of immunoendocrine interactions underpinning anti-tumor immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ailin Lepletier
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Savino W, Durães J, Maldonado-Galdeano C, Perdigon G, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Cuervo P. Thymus, undernutrition, and infection: Approaching cellular and molecular interactions. Front Nutr 2022; 9:948488. [PMID: 36225882 PMCID: PMC9549110 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.948488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Undernutrition remains a major issue in global health. Low protein-energy consumption, results in stunting, wasting and/or underweight, three deleterious forms of malnutrition that affect roughly 200 million children under the age of five years. Undernutrition compromises the immune system with the generation of various degrees of immunodeficiency, which in turn, renders undernourished individuals more sensitive to acute infections. The severity of various infectious diseases including visceral leishmaniasis (VL), influenza, and tuberculosis is associated with undernutrition. Immunosuppression resulting from protein-energy undernutrition severely impacts primary and secondary lymphoid organs involved in the response to related pathogens. The thymus—a primary lymphoid organ responsible for the generation of T lymphocytes—is particularly compromised by both undernutrition and infectious diseases. In this respect, we will discuss herein various intrathymic cellular and molecular interactions seen in undernutrition alone or in combination with acute infections. Many examples illustrated in studies on humans and experimental animals clearly revealed that protein-related undernutrition causes thymic atrophy, with cortical thymocyte depletion. Moreover, the non-lymphoid microenvironmental compartment of the organ undergoes important changes in thymic epithelial cells, including their secretory products such as hormones and extracellular matrix proteins. Of note, deficiencies in vitamins and trace elements also induce thymic atrophy. Interestingly, among the molecular interactions involved in the control of undernutrition-induced thymic atrophy is a hormonal imbalance with a rise in glucocorticoids and a decrease in leptin serum levels. Undernutrition also yields a negative impact of acute infections upon the thymus, frequently with the intrathymic detection of pathogens or their antigens. For instance, undernourished mice infected with Leishmania infantum (that causes VL) undergo drastic thymic atrophy, with significant reduction in thymocyte numbers, and decreased levels of intrathymic chemokines and cytokines, indicating that both lymphoid and microenvironmental compartments of the organ are affected. Lastly, recent data revealed that some probiotic bacteria or probiotic fermented milks improve the thymus status in a model of malnutrition, thus raising a new field for investigation, namely the thymus-gut connection, indicating that probiotics can be envisioned as a further adjuvant therapy in the control of thymic changes in undernutrition accompanied or not by infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Wilson Savino, ,
| | - Jonathan Durães
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory on Leishmaniasis Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carolina Maldonado-Galdeano
- Laboratory of Immunology, Reference Center for Lactobacilli Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CERELA-CONICET), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, National University of Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Perdigon
- Laboratory of Immunology, Reference Center for Lactobacilli Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CERELA-CONICET), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, National University of Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia Cuervo
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory on Leishmaniasis Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Patricia Cuervo, ,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Developmental Exposure to Endocrine Disrupter DDT Interferes with Age-Related Involution of Thymus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126678. [PMID: 35743120 PMCID: PMC9223823 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on the development and involution of the immune system is a possible reason for the increased incidence of disorders associated with inappropriate immune function. The thymus is a lymphoid and also an endocrine organ, and, accordingly, its development and functioning may be impaired by endocrine disruptors. The aim was to evaluate age-related thymus involution in mature rats exposed to the endocrine disruptor DDT during prenatal and postnatal ontogeny. Methodology included in vivo experiment on male Wistar rats exposed to low doses of DDT during prenatal and postnatal development and morphological assessment of thymic involution, including the immunohistochemical detection of proliferating thymocytes. The study was carried out at the early stage of involution. Results: DDT-exposed rats exhibited a normal anatomy, and the relative weight of the thymus was within the control ranges. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed increased cellularity of the cortex and the medulla, higher content of lymphoblasts, and more intensive proliferation rate of thymocytes compared to the control. Evaluation of thymic epithelial cells revealed a higher rate of thymic corpuscles formation. Conclusion: The data obtained indicate that endocrine disrupter DDT disturbs postnatal development of the thymus. Low-dose exposure to DDT during ontogeny does not suppress growth rate but violates the developmental program of the thymus by slowing down the onset of age-related involution and maintaining high cell proliferation rate. It may result in excessive formation of thymus-dependent areas in peripheral lymphoid organs and altered immune response.
Collapse
|
5
|
Xu DL, Hu XK. Effect of Natural Seasonal Changes in Photoperiod and Temperature on Immune Function in Striped Hamsters. Zoolog Sci 2022; 39. [DOI: 10.2108/zs220005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- De-Li Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Kai Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, Shandong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bisserier M, Sun XQ, Fazal S, Turnbull IC, Bonnet S, Hadri L. Novel Insights into the Therapeutic Potential of Lung-Targeted Gene Transfer in the Most Common Respiratory Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:984. [PMID: 35326434 PMCID: PMC8947048 DOI: 10.3390/cells11060984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, a better understanding of the genetic and molecular alterations underlying several respiratory diseases has encouraged the development of new therapeutic strategies. Gene therapy offers new therapeutic alternatives for inherited and acquired diseases by delivering exogenous genetic materials into cells or tissues to restore physiological protein expression and/or activity. In this review, we review (1) different types of viral and non-viral vectors as well as gene-editing techniques; and (2) the application of gene therapy for the treatment of respiratory diseases and disorders, including pulmonary arterial hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, asthma, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, non-small-cell lung cancer, and COVID-19. Further, we also provide specific examples of lung-targeted therapies and discuss the major limitations of gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malik Bisserier
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029, USA; (M.B.); (S.F.); (I.C.T.)
| | - Xiao-Qing Sun
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Shahood Fazal
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029, USA; (M.B.); (S.F.); (I.C.T.)
| | - Irene C. Turnbull
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029, USA; (M.B.); (S.F.); (I.C.T.)
| | - Sébastien Bonnet
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Québec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Québec, QC G1V4G5, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V4G5, Canada
| | - Lahouaria Hadri
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029, USA; (M.B.); (S.F.); (I.C.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
The Never-Ending History of Octreotide in Thymic Tumors: A Vintage or A Contemporary Drug? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030774. [PMID: 35159040 PMCID: PMC8833608 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Thymic epithelial tumors are rare tumors frequently associated with paraneoplastic syndromes, the most common being myasthenia gravis and pure red cell aplasia. While patients with limited-stage cancer can often undergo resolutive surgery, advanced surgically unresectable and metastatic tumors can be refractory to first-line platinum-based treatment and represent a medical challenge. Somatostatin receptor expression was documented in thymic tumors both in vivo and in vitro and represents the rationale for therapeutic use. Despite single-case reports and three single-arm phase II studies, as well as the inclusion of somatostatin analogs in National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, the role of these drugs in thymic epithelial tumors is still rather undefined. Abstract Thymic epithelial tumors are rare tumors usually presenting as a mass located in the anterior mediastinum and/or with symptoms deriving from associated paraneoplastic syndromes. Unresectable platinum-refractory tumors are often treated with alternative regimens, including chemotherapeutic agents as well as chemo-free regimens. The most popular unconventional therapy is represented by the somatostatin analog octreotide, which can be used alone or with prednisone. The in vivo expression of somatostatin receptors documented by imaging with indium-labeled octreotide or gallium-68 Dotapeptides, the successful use of octreotide and prednisone in a chemo-refractory patient, and, thereafter, the experiences from a case series have enforced the idea that this treatment merits consideration—as proved by its inclusion in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. In the present review, we analyze the preclinical basis for the therapeutic use of somatostatin and prednisone in refractory thymic tumors and discuss the available studies looking at future perspectives.
Collapse
|
8
|
Rezzani R, Franco C, Hardeland R, Rodella LF. Thymus-Pineal Gland Axis: Revisiting Its Role in Human Life and Ageing. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8806. [PMID: 33233845 PMCID: PMC7699871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
For years the thymus gland (TG) and the pineal gland (PG) have been subject of increasingly in-depth studies, but only recently a link that can associate the activities of the two organs has been identified. Considering, on the one hand, the well-known immune activity of thymus and, on the other, the increasingly emerging immunological roles of circadian oscillators and the rhythmically secreted main pineal product, melatonin, many studies aimed to analyse the possible existence of an interaction between these two systems. Moreover, data confirmed that the immune system is functionally associated with the nervous and endocrine systems determining an integrated dynamic network. In addition, recent researches showed a similar, characteristic involution process both in TG and PG. Since the second half of the 20th century, evidence led to the definition of an effectively interacting thymus-pineal axis (TG-PG axis), but much has to be done. In this sense, the aim of this review is to summarize what is actually known about this topic, focusing on the impact of the TG-PG axis on human life and ageing. We would like to give more emphasis to the implications of this dynamical interaction in a possible therapeutic strategy for human health. Moreover, we focused on all the products of TG and PG in order to collect what is known about the role of peptides other than melatonin. The results available today are often unclear and not linear. These peptides have not been well studied and defined over the years. In this review we hope to awake the interest of the scientific community in them and in their future pharmacological applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rezzani
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.F.); (L.F.R.)
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research “Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)”, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Caterina Franco
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.F.); (L.F.R.)
| | - Rüdiger Hardeland
- Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Lower Saxony, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Luigi Fabrizio Rodella
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.F.); (L.F.R.)
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research “Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)”, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
da Silva AVA, de Souza TL, Figueiredo FB, Mendes AAV, Ferreira LC, Filgueira CPB, Cuervo P, Porrozzi R, Menezes RC, Morgado FN. Detection of amastigotes and histopathological alterations in the thymus of Leishmania infantum-infected dogs. IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE 2020; 8:127-139. [PMID: 32207879 PMCID: PMC7212199 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction In canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), lymphopenia, and the disorganization of lymphoid organs such as spleen and lymph nodes have been demonstrated. However, the involvement of thymus in CVL has not been evaluated so far. Herein, we investigated whether the thymus can be colonized by Leishmania infantum in naturally infected dogs. Methods Thymus were obtained from 16 of 58 dogs and samples of this organ were submitted to immunohistochemistry for laminin and fibronectin detection, histopathology, in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the gene ITS‐1 for Leishmania and sequenced. Samples of spleen, skin and popliteal lymph nodes were collected and submitted to immunohistochemistry and parasitological culture followed by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis. Results L. infantum was identified in all dogs. DNA and amastigote forms of Leishmania were detected in the thymus from 16 dogs by PCR and in eight by immunohistochemistry. Besides thymus, parasites were detected in spleen, lymph nodes, and skin. A granulomatous or pyogranulomatous thymitis was observed in eight dogs associated to intact amastigotes forms of this parasite. Fibronectin deposition in thymus was higher in dogs with more clinical signs. Conclusions These results demonstrate that the thymus of dogs can be parasitized by L. infantum, which may generate inflammatory reactions leading to alterations in thymic microarchitecture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurea V A da Silva
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmanioses, IOC/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Tainã L de Souza
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmanioses, IOC/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Fabiano B Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil
| | - Artur A V Mendes
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatozoonoses em Animais Domésticos, INI/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Luiz C Ferreira
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, INI/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | | | - Patricia Cuervo
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmanioses, IOC/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Renato Porrozzi
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmanioses, IOC/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo C Menezes
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatozoonoses em Animais Domésticos, INI/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Fernanda N Morgado
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmanioses, IOC/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Almuslehi MSM, Sen MK, Shortland PJ, Mahns DA, Coorssen JR. CD8 T-cell Recruitment Into the Central Nervous System of Cuprizone-Fed Mice: Relevance to Modeling the Etiology of Multiple Sclerosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:43. [PMID: 32210765 PMCID: PMC7076139 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cuprizone (CPZ)-feeding in mice induces atrophy of peripheral immune organs (thymus and spleen) and suppresses T-cell levels, thereby limiting its use as a model for studying the effects of the immune system in demyelinating diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). To investigate whether castration (Cx) can protect the peripheral immune organs from CPZ-induced atrophy and enable T-cell recruitment into the central nervous system (CNS) following a breach of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), three related studies were carried out. In Study 1, Cx prevented the dose-dependent reductions (0.1% < 0.2% CPZ) in thymic and splenic weight, size of the thymic medulla and splenic white pulp, and CD4 and CD8 (CD4/8) levels remained comparable to gonadally intact (Gi) control males. Importantly, 0.1% and 0.2% CPZ were equipotent at inducing central demyelination and glial activation. In Study 2, combining Cx with 0.1% CPZ-feeding and BBB disruption with pertussis toxin (PT) enhanced CD8+ T-cell recruitment into the CNS. The increased CD8+ T-cell level observed in the parenchyma of the cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord were confirmed by flow cytometry and western blot analyses of CNS tissue. In Study 3, PT+0.1% CPZ-feeding to Gi female mice resulted in similar effects on the peripheral immune organs, CNS demyelination, and gliosis comparable to Gi males, indicating that testosterone levels alone were not responsible for the immune response seen in Study 2. The combination of Cx+0.1% CPZ-feeding+PT indicates that CPZ-induced demyelination can trigger an “inside-out” immune response when the peripheral immune system is spared and may provide a better model to study the initiating events in demyelinating conditions such as MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed S M Almuslehi
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.,Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Diyala University, Diyala, Iraq
| | - Monokesh K Sen
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter J Shortland
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - David A Mahns
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Jens R Coorssen
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, St. Catharines, ON, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Estruel-Amades S, Ruiz-Iglesias P, Périz M, Franch À, Pérez-Cano FJ, Camps-Bossacoma M, Castell M. Changes in Lymphocyte Composition and Functionality After Intensive Training and Exhausting Exercise in Rats. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1491. [PMID: 31920698 PMCID: PMC6928120 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exhausting exercise can have a deleterious effect on the immune system. Nevertheless, the impact of exercise intensity on lymphocyte composition and functionality remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to establish the influence of intensive training on lymphoid tissues (blood, thymus, and spleen) in Wistar rats. Two intensive training programs were performed: a short program, running twice a day for 2 weeks and ending with a final exhaustion test (S-TE group), and a longer program, including two exhaustion tests plus three runs per week for 5 weeks. After this last training program, samples were obtained 24 h after a regular training session (T group), immediately after an additional exhaustion test (TE group) and 24 h later (TE24 group). The composition of lymphocytes in the blood, thymus, and spleen, the function of spleen cells and serum immunoglobulins were determined. In the blood, only the TE group modified lymphocyte proportions. Mature thymocytes' proportions decreased in tissues obtained just after exhaustion. There was a lower percentage of spleen NK and NKT cells after the longer training program. In these rats, the T group showed a reduced lymphoproliferative activity, but it was enhanced immediately after the final exhaustion. Cytokine secretion was modified after the longer training (T group), which decreased IFN-γ and IL-10 secretion but increased that of IL-6. Higher serum IgG concentrations after the longer training program were detected. In conclusion, the intensive training for 5 weeks changed the lymphocyte distribution among primary and secondary lymphoid tissues and modified their function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Estruel-Amades
- Secció de Fisiologia, Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA-UB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Ruiz-Iglesias
- Secció de Fisiologia, Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA-UB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Périz
- Secció de Fisiologia, Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA-UB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Àngels Franch
- Secció de Fisiologia, Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA-UB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Pérez-Cano
- Secció de Fisiologia, Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA-UB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariona Camps-Bossacoma
- Secció de Fisiologia, Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA-UB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Margarida Castell
- Secció de Fisiologia, Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA-UB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Aiello A, Farzaneh F, Candore G, Caruso C, Davinelli S, Gambino CM, Ligotti ME, Zareian N, Accardi G. Immunosenescence and Its Hallmarks: How to Oppose Aging Strategically? A Review of Potential Options for Therapeutic Intervention. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2247. [PMID: 31608061 PMCID: PMC6773825 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 400] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is accompanied by remodeling of the immune system. With time, this leads to a decline in immune efficacy, resulting in increased vulnerability to infectious diseases, diminished responses to vaccination, and a susceptibility to age-related inflammatory diseases. An age-associated immune alteration, extensively reported in previous studies, is the reduction in the number of peripheral blood naïve cells, with a relative increase in the frequency of memory cells. These two alterations, together with inflamm-aging, are considered the hallmarks of immunosenescence. Because aging is a plastic process, it is influenced by both nutritional and pharmacological interventions. Therefore, the role of nutrition and of immunomodulation in immunosenescence is discussed, due to the multifactorial influence on these hallmarks. The close connection between nutrition, intake of bioactive nutrients and supplements, immune function, and inflammation demonstrate the key role of dietary strategies as regulators of immune response and inflammatory status, hence as possible modulators of the rate of immunosenescence. In addition, potential options for therapeutic intervention are clarified. In particular, the use of interleukin-7 as growth factor for naïve T cells, the function of checkpoint inhibitors in improving T cell responses during aging and, the potential of drugs that inhibit mitogen-activated protein kinases and their interaction with nutrient signaling pathways are discussed. Finally, it is suggested that the inclusion of appropriate combinations of toll-like receptor agonists may enhance the efficacy of vaccination in older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Aiello
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Farzin Farzaneh
- Molecular Medicine Group, Department of Hematological Medicine, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Rayne Institute, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giuseppina Candore
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Calogero Caruso
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sergio Davinelli
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Caterina Maria Gambino
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mattia Emanuela Ligotti
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nahid Zareian
- Molecular Medicine Group, Department of Hematological Medicine, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Rayne Institute, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giulia Accardi
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Estruel-Amades S, Massot-Cladera M, Garcia-Cerdà P, Pérez-Cano FJ, Franch À, Castell M, Camps-Bossacoma M. Protective Effect of Hesperidin on the Oxidative Stress Induced by an Exhausting Exercise in Intensively Trained Rats. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11040783. [PMID: 30987366 PMCID: PMC6520900 DOI: 10.3390/nu11040783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Intensive exercise can lead to oxidative stress, which can be particularly deleterious for lymphoid tissues. Hesperidin has demonstrated its antioxidant activity, but few studies focus on its influence on intensive training. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of hesperidin on the oxidant/antioxidant status of lymphoid tissues after an intensive training program. Wistar rats were trained for five weeks (five days per week), including two exhaustion tests plus three trainings per week. During this period, animals were orally administrated with 200 mg/kg of hesperidin or vehicle (three days per week). The oxidative status was determined before, immediately after and 24 h after an additional exhaustion test. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by peritoneal macrophages, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities in spleen, thymus and liver, and hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx) were assessed. Hesperidin prevented an increase in ROS production induced by the additional exhaustion test. Likewise, hesperidin avoided a decrease in SOD and catalase activities in the thymus and spleen that was found after the additional exhaustion test. The antioxidant effects of hesperidin were associated with a higher performance in the assessed training model. These results suggest that hesperidin, acting as an antioxidant, can prevent oxidative stress induced by exercise and improve exercise performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Estruel-Amades
- Secció de Fisiologia, Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA-UB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain.
| | - Malén Massot-Cladera
- Secció de Fisiologia, Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA-UB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain.
| | - Pau Garcia-Cerdà
- Secció de Fisiologia, Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA-UB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain.
| | - Francisco J Pérez-Cano
- Secció de Fisiologia, Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA-UB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain.
| | - Àngels Franch
- Secció de Fisiologia, Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA-UB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain.
| | - Margarida Castell
- Secció de Fisiologia, Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA-UB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain.
| | - Mariona Camps-Bossacoma
- Secció de Fisiologia, Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA-UB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Xu DL, Hu XK, Tian Y. Seasonal variations in cellular and humoral immunity in male striped hamsters ( Cricetulus barabensis). Biol Open 2018; 7:bio038489. [PMID: 30404899 PMCID: PMC6310883 DOI: 10.1242/bio.038489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals in the non-tropical zone usually demonstrate seasonal variations in immune function, which is important for their survival. In the present study, seasonal changes in immunity in striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) were investigated to test the winter immunoenhancement hypothesis. Male hamsters were captured from the wild in the fall and winter of 2014 and in the spring and summer of 2015. Body mass, body fat mass and blood glucose levels of the hamsters were all highest in the summer, whereas relative fatness and thymus mass had no seasonal changes. Spleen mass was highest in the fall and white blood cells and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) response indicative of cellular immunity were lowest in the summer among the four seasons, which supports the winter immunoenhancement hypothesis. IgG and IgM titers were lowest in the fall, which was against this hypothesis. Body fat mass had no correlations with cellular and humoral immunity, suggesting it was not the reason for seasonal changes in cellular and humoral immunity in males. Leptin titers were higher in spring and summer than in fall and winter. No correlation between leptin and cellular and humoral immunity suggested that leptin did not mediate their seasonal changes. Similarly, corticosterone levels were also higher in spring and summer than in fall and winter, which correlated negatively with cellular immunity but positively with IgG levels. This result implied that corticosterone has a suppressive effect on cellular immunity and an enhancing effect on humoral immunity. In summary, distinct components of immune systems exhibited different seasonal patterns. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- De-Li Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Kai Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yufen Tian
- Library, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, Shandong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pérez AR, Morrot A, Carvalho VF, de Meis J, Savino W. Role of Hormonal Circuitry Upon T Cell Development in Chagas Disease: Possible Implications on T Cell Dysfunctions. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:334. [PMID: 29963015 PMCID: PMC6010535 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell response plays an essential role in the host resistance to infection by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. This infection is often associated with multiple manifestations of T cell dysfunction, both during the acute and the chronic phases of disease. Additionally, the normal development of T cells is affected. As seen in animal models of Chagas disease, there is a strong thymic atrophy due to massive death of CD4+CD8+ double-positive cells by apoptosis and an abnormal escape of immature and potentially autoreactive thymocytes from the organ. Furthermore, an increase in the release of corticosterone triggered by T. cruzi-driven systemic inflammation is strongly associated with the alterations seen in the thymus of infected animals. Moreover, changes in the levels of other hormones, including growth hormone, prolactin, and testosterone are also able to contribute to the disruption of thymic homeostasis secondary to T. cruzi infection. In this review, we discuss the role of hormonal circuits involved in the normal T cell development and trafficking, as well as their role on the thymic alterations likely related to the peripheral T cell disturbances largely reported in both chagasic patients and animal models of Chagas disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rosa Pérez
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Immunology (IDICER-CONICET UNR), Rosario, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Ana Rosa Pérez, ,
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Faculty of Medicine, Tuberculosis Research Center, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Frias Carvalho
- Laboratory of Inflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliana de Meis
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
D’Attilio L, Santucci N, Bongiovanni B, Bay ML, Bottasso O. Tuberculosis, the Disrupted Immune-Endocrine Response and the Potential Thymic Repercussion As a Contributing Factor to Disease Physiopathology. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:214. [PMID: 29765355 PMCID: PMC5938357 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon the pathogen encounter, the host seeks to ensure an adequate inflammatory reaction to combat infection but at the same time tries to prevent collateral damage, through several regulatory mechanisms, like an endocrine response involving the production of adrenal steroid hormones. Our studies show that active tuberculosis (TB) patients present an immune-endocrine imbalance characterized by an impaired cellular immunity together with increased plasma levels of cortisol, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and decreased amounts of dehydroepiandrosterone. Studies in patients undergoing specific treatment revealed that cortisol levels remained increased even after several months of initiating therapy. In addition to the well-known metabolic and immunological effects, glucocorticoids are involved in thymic cortical depletion with immature thymocytes being quite sensitive to such an effect. The thymus is a central lymphoid organ supporting thymocyte T-cell development, i.e., lineage commitment, selection events and thymic emigration. While thymic TB is an infrequent manifestation of the disease, several pieces of experimental and clinical evidence point out that the thymus can be infected by mycobacteria. Beyond this, the thymic microenvironment during TB may be also altered because of the immune-hormonal alterations. The thymus may be then an additional target of organ involvement further contributing to a deficient control of infection and disease immunopathology.
Collapse
|
17
|
Yan F, Mo X, Liu J, Ye S, Zeng X, Chen D. Thymic function in the regulation of T cells, and molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of cytokines and stress signaling (Review). Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:7175-7184. [PMID: 28944829 PMCID: PMC5865843 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus is critical in establishing and maintaining the appropriate microenvironment for promoting the development and selection of T cells. The function and structure of the thymus gland has been extensively studied, particularly as the thymus serves an important physiological role in the lymphatic system. Numerous studies have investigated the morphological features of thymic involution. Recently, research attention has increasingly been focused on thymic proteins as targets for drug intervention. Omics approaches have yielded novel insights into the thymus and possible drug targets. The present review addresses the signaling and transcriptional functions of the thymus, including the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulatory functions of T cells and their role in the immune system. In addition, the levels of cytokines secreted in the thymus have a significant effect on thymic functions, including thymocyte migration and development, thymic atrophy and thymic recovery. Furthermore, the regulation and molecular mechanisms of stress-mediated thymic atrophy and involution were investigated, with particular emphasis on thymic function as a potential target for drug development and discovery using proteomics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fenggen Yan
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Xiumei Mo
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Junfeng Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Siqi Ye
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Xing Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Dacan Chen
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Deguise MO, De Repentigny Y, McFall E, Auclair N, Sad S, Kothary R. Immune dysregulation may contribute to disease pathogenesis in spinal muscular atrophy mice. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:801-819. [PMID: 28108555 PMCID: PMC5409095 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has long been solely considered a neurodegenerative disorder. However, recent work has highlighted defects in many other cell types that could contribute to disease aetiology. Interestingly, the immune system has never been extensively studied in SMA. Defects in lymphoid organs could exacerbate disease progression by neuroinflammation or immunodeficiency. Smn depletion led to severe alterations in the thymus and spleen of two different mouse models of SMA. The spleen from Smn depleted mice was dramatically smaller at a very young age and its histological architecture was marked by mislocalization of immune cells in the Smn2B/- model mice. In comparison, the thymus was relatively spared in gross morphology but showed many histological alterations including cortex thinning in both mouse models at symptomatic ages. Thymocyte development was also impaired as evidenced by abnormal population frequencies in the Smn2B/- thymus. Cytokine profiling revealed major changes in different tissues of both mouse models. Consistent with our observations, we found that survival motor neuron (Smn) protein levels were relatively high in lymphoid organs compared to skeletal muscle and spinal cord during postnatal development in wild type mice. Genetic introduction of one copy of the human SMN2 transgene was enough to rescue splenic and thymic defects in Smn2B/- mice. Thus, Smn is required for the normal development of lymphoid organs, and altered immune function may contribute to SMA disease pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Olivier Deguise
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H 8L6.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine.,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa
| | - Yves De Repentigny
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H 8L6.,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa
| | - Emily McFall
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H 8L6.,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa
| | - Nicole Auclair
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H 8L6.,Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1N 9B4
| | - Subash Sad
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H 8L6.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine.,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa.,Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H 8M5
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lins MP, de Araújo Vieira LF, Rosa AAM, Smaniotto S. Growth hormone in the presence of laminin modulates interaction of human thymic epithelial cells and thymocytes in vitro. Biol Res 2016; 49:37. [PMID: 27590178 PMCID: PMC5010746 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-016-0097-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several evidences indicate that hormones and neuropeptides function as immunomodulators. Among these, growth hormone (GH) is known to act on the thymic microenvironment, supporting its role in thymocyte differentiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of GH on human thymocytes and thymic epithelial cells (TEC) in the presence of laminin. Results GH increased thymocyte adhesion on BSA-coated and further on laminin-coated surfaces. The number of migrating cells in laminin-coated membrane was higher in GH-treated thymocyte group. In both results, VLA-6 expression on thymocytes was constant. Also, treatment with GH enhanced laminin production by TEC after 24 h in culture. However, VLA-6 integrin expression on TEC remained unchanged. Finally, TEC/thymocyte co-culture model demonstrated that GH elevated absolute number of double-negative (CD4−CD8−) and single-positive CD4+ and CD8+ thymocytes. A decrease in cell number was noted in double-positive (CD4+CD8+) thymocytes. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrate that GH is capable of enhancing the migratory capacity of human thymocytes in the presence of laminin and promotes modulation of thymocyte subsets after co-culture with TEC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Paulo Lins
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | | | - Alfredo Aurélio Marinho Rosa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Salete Smaniotto
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kim N, Duncan GA, Hanes J, Suk JS. Barriers to inhaled gene therapy of obstructive lung diseases: A review. J Control Release 2016; 240:465-488. [PMID: 27196742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of genetic origins of obstructive lung diseases has made inhaled gene therapy an attractive alternative to the current standards of care that are limited to managing disease symptoms. Initial lung gene therapy clinical trials occurred in the early 1990s following the discovery of the genetic defect responsible for cystic fibrosis (CF), a monogenic disorder. However, despite over two decades of intensive effort, gene therapy has yet to help patients with CF or any other obstructive lung disease. The slow progress is due in part to poor understanding of the biological barriers to inhaled gene therapy. Encouragingly, clinical trials have shown that inhaled gene therapy with various viral vectors and non-viral gene vectors is well tolerated by patients, and continued research has provided valuable lessons and resources that may lead to future success of this therapeutic strategy. In this review, we first introduce representative obstructive lung diseases and examine limitations of currently available therapeutic options. We then review key components for successful execution of inhaled gene therapy, including gene delivery systems, primary physiological barriers and strategies to overcome them, and advances in preclinical disease models with which the most promising systems may be identified for human clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Namho Kim
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Gregg A Duncan
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Justin Hanes
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Environmental and Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jung Soo Suk
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Nardy AFFR, Freire-de-Lima CG, Pérez AR, Morrot A. Role of Trypanosoma cruzi Trans-sialidase on the Escape from Host Immune Surveillance. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:348. [PMID: 27047464 PMCID: PMC4804232 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, affecting millions of people throughout Latin America. The parasite dampens host immune response causing modifications in diverse lymphoid compartments, including the thymus. T. cruzi trans-sialidase (TS) seems to play a fundamental role in such immunopathological events. This unusual enzyme catalyses the transference of sialic acid molecules from host glycoconjugates to acceptor molecules placed on the parasite surface. TS activity mediates several biological effects leading to the subversion of host immune system, hence favoring both parasite survival and the establishment of chronic infection. This review summarizes current findings on the roles of TS in the immune response during T. cruzi infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana F F R Nardy
- Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Celio G Freire-de-Lima
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana R Pérez
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Immunology of Rosario, CONICET, National University of Rosario Rosario, Argentina
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Savino W, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Lepletier A, Dardenne M. Hormonal control of T-cell development in health and disease. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2016; 12:77-89. [PMID: 26437623 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2015.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The physiology of the thymus, the primary lymphoid organ in which T cells are generated, is controlled by hormones. Data from animal models indicate that several peptide and nonpeptide hormones act pleiotropically within the thymus to modulate the proliferation, differentiation, migration and death by apoptosis of developing thymocytes. For example, growth hormone and prolactin can enhance thymocyte proliferation and migration, whereas glucocorticoids lead to the apoptosis of these developing cells. The thymus undergoes progressive age-dependent atrophy with a loss of cells being generated and exported, therefore, hormone-based therapies are being developed as an alternative strategy to rejuvenate the organ, as well as to augment thymocyte proliferation and the export of mature T cells to peripheral lymphoid organs. Some hormones (such as growth hormone and progonadoliberin-1) are also being used as therapeutic agents to treat immunodeficiency disorders associated with thymic atrophy, such as HIV infection. In this Review, we discuss the accumulating data that shows the thymus gland is under complex and multifaceted hormonal control that affects the process of T-cell development in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Savino
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenue Brasil 4365, 21045-900, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenue Brasil 4365, 21045-900, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ailin Lepletier
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenue Brasil 4365, 21045-900, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mireille Dardenne
- Hôpital Necker, CNRS UMR 8147, Université Paris Descartes, 75015 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Savino W, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Golbert DCF, Riederer I, Cotta-de-Almeida V. Laminin-Mediated Interactions in Thymocyte Migration and Development. Front Immunol 2015; 6:579. [PMID: 26635793 PMCID: PMC4648024 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrathymic T-cell differentiation is a key process for the development and maintenance of cell-mediated immunity, and occurs concomitantly to highly regulated migratory events. We have proposed a multivectorial model for describing intrathymic thymocyte migration. One of the individual vectors comprises interactions mediated by laminins (LMs), a heterotrimeric protein family of the extracellular matrix. Several LMs are expressed in the thymus, being produced by microenvironmental cells, particularly thymic epithelial cells (TECs). Also, thymocytes and epithelial cells express integrin-type LM receptors. Functionally, it has been reported that the dy/dy mutant mouse (lacking the LM isoform 211) exhibits defective thymocyte differentiation. Several data show haptotactic effects of LMs upon thymocytes, as well as their adhesion on TECs; both effects being prevented by anti-LM or anti-LM receptor antibodies. Interestingly, LM synergizes with chemokines to enhance thymocyte migration, whereas classe-3 semaphorins and B ephrins, which exhibit chemorepulsive effects in the thymus, downregulate LM-mediated migratory responses of thymocytes. More recently, we showed that knocking down the ITGA6 gene (which encodes the α6 integrin chain of LM receptors) in human TECs modulates a large number of cell migration-related genes and results in changes of adhesion pattern of thymocytes onto the thymic epithelium. Overall, LM-mediated interactions can be placed at the cross-road of the multivectorial process of thymocyte migration, with a direct influence per se, as well as by modulating other molecular interactions associated with the intrathymic-trafficking events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | | | | | - Ingo Riederer
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Vinicius Cotta-de-Almeida
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Decline of FOXN1 gene expression in human thymus correlates with age: possible epigenetic regulation. IMMUNITY & AGEING 2015; 12:18. [PMID: 26516334 PMCID: PMC4625732 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-015-0045-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymic involution is thought to be an important factor of age related immunodeficiency. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of human thymic senescence may lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches aimed at the reestablishment of central and peripheral T cell repertoire. RESULTS As an initial approach, here we report that the decline of human thymic FOXN1 transcription correlates with age, while other genes, DLL1, DLL4 and WNT4, essential for thymopoiesis, are constitutively transcribed. Using a human thymic epithelial cell line (hTEC), we show that FOXN1 expression is refractory to signals that induce FOXN1 transcription in primary 3D culture conditions and by stimulation of the canonical WNT signaling pathway. Blockage of FOXN1 induceability in the hTEC line may be mediated by an epigenetic mechanism, the CpG methylation of the FOXN1 gene. CONCLUSION We showed a suppression of FOXN1 transcription both in cultured human thymic epithelial cells and in the aging thymus. We hypothesize that the underlying mechanism may be associated with changes of the DNA methylation state of the FOXN1 gene.
Collapse
|
25
|
Kannan TA, Ramesh G, Ushakumary S, Dhinakarraj G, Vairamuthu S. Thymic Hassall's corpuscles in Nandanam chicken - light and electronmicroscopic perspective (Gallus domesticus). JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2015; 57:30. [PMID: 26430516 PMCID: PMC4589919 DOI: 10.1186/s40781-015-0064-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The present study was aimed to study the light and electron microscopic studies of thymic Hassall's corpuscles was done in various age groups of Nandanam Chicken ranging from day-old to forty weeks. Hassall's corpuscles are special, unique structures present in thymic medulla and also in the cortex of all the age groups of Nandanam chicken (from hatch to forty weeks) in the present study. Size of the Hassall's corpuscles in the medulla is larger than the ones present in the cortical region of thymus. The Hassall's corpuscles are made up of structureless eosinophilic mass surrounded by concentrically arranged reticuloepithelial cells. Under electron microscope, the Hassall's corpuscles were composed of reticuloepithelial cells interconnected by many desmosomes. The epithelial cells had abundance of cytoplasmic fibrils and desmosomes with few mitochondria and ribosomes. The nucleus was oval or round which was slightly indented. The centre of the Hassall's corpuscles was appeared either solid or cystic. The cystic corpuscles had cell debris within the cyst lumen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thandavan Arthanari Kannan
- />Centre for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, 600 007 India
| | - Geetha Ramesh
- />Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai, 600 007 India
| | - S. Ushakumary
- />Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai, 600 007 India
| | - Gopalan Dhinakarraj
- />Translational Research Platform and Veterinary Biological Tamil nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | - Subbiah Vairamuthu
- />Central Clinical Laboratory Madras Veterinary College, Chennai, 600 007 India
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Modulation of Intrathymic Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Levels Promotes Escape of Immature Thymocytes to the Periphery with a Potential Proinflammatory Role in Chagas Disease. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:709846. [PMID: 26347020 PMCID: PMC4539443 DOI: 10.1155/2015/709846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) system regulates both thymic and lymph nodes T cell egress which is essential for producing and maintaining the recycling T cell repertoire. Infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi induces a hormonal systemic deregulation that has impact in the thymic S1P homeostasis that ultimately promotes the premature exit of immature CD4−CD8− T cells expressing TCR and proinflamatory cytokines to peripheral lymphoid organs, where they may interfere with adaptive immune responses. In what follows, we review recent findings revealing escape of these immature T cells exhibiting an activation profile to peripheral compartments of the immune system in both experimental murine and human models of Chagas disease.
Collapse
|
27
|
Immune Evasion Strategies of Trypanosoma cruzi. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:178947. [PMID: 26240832 PMCID: PMC4512591 DOI: 10.1155/2015/178947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbes have evolved a diverse range of strategies to subvert the host immune system. The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, provides a good example of such adaptations. This parasite targets a broad spectrum of host tissues including both peripheral and central lymphoid tissues. Rapid colonization of the host gives rise to a systemic acute response which the parasite must overcome. The parasite in fact undermines both innate and adaptive immunity. It interferes with the antigen presenting function of dendritic cells via an action on host sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin receptors. These receptors also induce suppression of CD4(+) T cells responses, and we presented evidence that the sialylation of parasite-derived mucins is required for the inhibitory effects on CD4 T cells. In this review we highlight the major mechanisms used by Trypanosoma cruzi to overcome host immunity and discuss the role of parasite colonization of the central thymic lymphoid tissue in chronic disease.
Collapse
|
28
|
Dalla Costa M, Mangano FA, Betterle C. Thymic hyperplasia in patients with Graves' disease. J Endocrinol Invest 2014; 37:1175-9. [PMID: 25149085 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-014-0157-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Graves' disease (GD) is commonly associated with other autoimmune conditions, and there is also a rare but well documented association between GD and thymic hyperplasia (TH). It is hard to say the real frequency of this latter association because most cases remain asymptomatic and are consequently not thoroughly investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed the literature on GD-related thymus enlargement and found 107 cases published to date. Thymic cancer was only documented in four patients, while the majority of cases were diagnosed as TH. The causative mechanisms behind TH associated with GD have yet to be fully elucidated. Several studies support the hypothesis of a TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) mediating thymic enlargement. RESULTS We report on a female GD patient with an incidentally discovered anterior mediastinal mass. Our case is not consistent with the hypothesis of a TRAb-mediated mechanism because the thymus reached its largest volume at the onset of GD and shrank during remission of GD under medical treatment, despite persistently positive TRAb levels. CONCLUSION We support the hypothesis that two different pathogenic mechanisms might be responsible for thymus enlargement: thymic cortical tissue expansion seems to be due to a hyperthyroid state, while lymphoid hyperplasia appears to correlate with immune abnormalities underlying GD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Dalla Costa
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova School of Medicine, Via Ospedale Civile 105, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhao T, Li Y, Bronson RT, Liu B, Velmahos GC, Alam HB. Selective histone deacetylase-6 inhibition attenuates stress responses and prevents immune organ atrophy in a lethal septic model. Surgery 2014; 156:235-42. [PMID: 24947640 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2014.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An overproduction of corticosterone during severe sepsis results in increased apoptosis of immune cells, which may result in relative immunosuppression and an impaired ability to fight infections. We have previously demonstrated that administration of tubastatin A, a selective inhibitor of histone deacetylase-6 (HDAC6), improves survival in a lethal model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in mice. The purpose of this study was to characterize the effects of this treatment on sepsis-induced stress responses and immune function. METHODS C57BL/6J mice were subjected to CLP, and 1 hour later given an intraperitoneal injection of either tubastatin A dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), or DMSO only. Blood samples were collected to measure the levels of circulating corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Thymus and long bones (femur and tibia) were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry was utilized to detect cleaved-caspase 3 in the splenic follicles as a measure of cellular apoptosis. RESULTS All vehicle-treated CLP animals died within 3 days, and displayed increased corticosterone and decreased ACTH levels compared with the sham-operated group. These animals also developed atrophy of thymic cortex with a marked depletion of thymocytes. Tubastatin A treatment significantly attenuated the stress hormone abnormalities. Treated animals also had significantly lower percentages of thymic atrophy (95.0 ± 5.0 vs 42.5 ± 25.3; P = .0366), bone marrow depletion and atrophy (58.3 ± 6.5 vs 25.0 ± 14.4%; P = .0449), and cellular apoptosis in the splenic follicles (41.2 ± 3.7 vs 28.5 ± 4.3 per 40× field; P = .0354). CONCLUSION Selective inhibition of HDAC6 in this lethal septic model was associated with a significant blunting of the stress responses, with attenuated thymic and bone marrow atrophy, and decreased splenic apoptosis. Our findings identify a novel mechanism behind the survival advantage seen with tubastatin A treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhao
- Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Yongqing Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Roderick T Bronson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Baoling Liu
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - George C Velmahos
- Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Hasan B Alam
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
da Silva AL, Martini SV, Abreu SC, Samary CDS, Diaz BL, Fernezlian S, de Sá VK, Capelozzi VL, Boylan NJ, Goya RG, Suk JS, Rocco PRM, Hanes J, Morales MM. DNA nanoparticle-mediated thymulin gene therapy prevents airway remodeling in experimental allergic asthma. J Control Release 2014; 180:125-33. [PMID: 24556417 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Revised: 02/01/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Thymulin has been shown to present anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties in experimental lung diseases. We hypothesized that a biologically active thymulin analog gene, methionine serum thymus factor, delivered by highly compacted DNA nanoparticles may prevent lung inflammation and remodeling in a mouse model of allergic asthma. The DNA nanoparticles are composed of a single molecule of plasmid DNA compacted with block copolymers of poly-L-lysine and polyethylene glycol (CK30PEG), which have been found safe in a human phase I/II clinical trial. Thymulin plasmids were detected in the lungs of ovalbumin-challenged asthmatic mice up to 27days after administration of DNA nanoparticles carrying thymulin plasmids. A single dose of DNA nanoparticles carrying thymulin plasmids prevented lung inflammation, collagen deposition and smooth muscle hypertrophy in the lungs of a murine model of ovalbumin-challenged allergic asthma, leading to improved lung mechanics. In the present model of chronic allergic asthma, highly compacted DNA nanoparticles using thymulin analog gene modulated the inflammatory and remodeling processes improving lung mechanics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana L da Silva
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sabrina V Martini
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Soraia C Abreu
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cynthia dos S Samary
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruno L Diaz
- Laboratory of Immunology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sandra Fernezlian
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Karen de Sá
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vera Luiza Capelozzi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nicholas J Boylan
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA; The Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Rodolfo Gustavo Goya
- Institute for Biochemical Research at La Plata (INIBIOLP), and Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Jung Soo Suk
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Patricia R M Rocco
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Justin Hanes
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA; The Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Marcelo M Morales
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lepletier A, de Carvalho VF, e Silva PMR, Villar S, Pérez AR, Savino W, Morrot A. Trypanosoma cruzi disrupts thymic homeostasis by altering intrathymic and systemic stress-related endocrine circuitries. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2470. [PMID: 24324845 PMCID: PMC3852165 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that experimental infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi
is associated with changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Increased glucocorticoid (GC)
levels are believed to be protective against the effects of acute stress during infection but result
in depletion of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes by apoptosis, driving to thymic
atrophy. However, very few data are available concerning prolactin (PRL), another stress-related
hormone, which seems to be decreased during T. cruzi infection. Considering the
immunomodulatory role of PRL upon the effects caused by GC, we investigated if intrathymic
cross-talk between GC and PRL receptors (GR and PRLR, respectively) might influence T.
cruzi-induced thymic atrophy. Using an acute experimental model, we observed changes in
GR/PRLR cross-activation related with the survival of CD4+CD8+
thymocytes during infection. These alterations were closely related with systemic changes,
characterized by a stress hormone imbalance, with progressive GC augmentation simultaneously to PRL
reduction. The intrathymic hormone circuitry exhibited an inverse modulation that seemed to
counteract the GC-related systemic deleterious effects. During infection, adrenalectomy protected
the thymus from the increase in apoptosis ratio without changing PRL levels, whereas an additional
inhibition of circulating PRL accelerated the thymic atrophy and led to an increase in
corticosterone systemic levels. These results demonstrate that the PRL impairment during infection
is not caused by the increase of corticosterone levels, but the opposite seems to occur.
Accordingly, metoclopramide (MET)-induced enhancement of PRL secretion protected thymic atrophy in
acutely infected animals as well as the abnormal export of immature and potentially autoreactive
CD4+CD8+ thymocytes to the periphery. In conclusion, our findings
clearly show that Trypanosoma cruzi subverts mouse thymus homeostasis by altering
intrathymic and systemic stress-related endocrine circuitries with major consequences upon the
normal process of intrathymic T cell development. It is currently estimated that 90 million people in America are exposed to T.
cruzi infection, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Despite the mortality and
morbidity, this infection is yet considered a neglected disease, due to the lack of effective, safe,
and affordable pharmaceuticals for controlling it. T. cruzi leads to
immunosuppression of the T cell compartment and to chronic cardiac inflammation, which seems to be
associated with the disruption of thymic homeostasis. Thymus atrophy, characteristic of acute
infection, is mainly associated with the loss of immature CD4+CD8+
thymocytes, which in turn is associated with increased corticosterone systemic levels, together with
their premature export to the periphery as potential autorreactive cells. Although being deleterious
to the thymus, GCs are protective during this infection, for avoiding an exacerbated
pro-inflammatory response. Here we demonstrate that the increase of GCs in plasma is related to the
impairment of PRL systemic levels. The intrathymic hormonal circuitry is also altered during
infection and an imbalance of the cross-talk involving GR and PRL is related with
CD4+CD8+ depletion. The partial restoration of PRL levels prevented
thymus atrophy of infected mice, thus partially reverting the T. cruzi-induced
subversion of the organ, ultimately reestablishing thymus homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ailin Lepletier
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute,
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Silvina Villar
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences,
National University of Rosario and CONICET, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Ana Rosa Pérez
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences,
National University of Rosario and CONICET, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute,
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute,
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Paulo de Goes Institute of
Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ferone D. Italian Society of Endocrinology Career Award Lecture: from somatostatin to…somatomedin. J Endocrinol Invest 2012; 35:869-74. [PMID: 22932163 DOI: 10.3275/8583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Somatostatin plays different parts in hormonal regulation through 5 specific receptors in human body. It has two interesting actions such as an antisecretory activity, mostly on the gastrointestinal system and pituitary level, and an antiproliferative action on tumor cells. Many synthetic somatostatin analogues, more stable than the natural one, have been developed and two are already used in different clinical settings, including endocrine oncology. The inhibitory action on tumor growth may result from both indirect actions, namely the suppression of growth factors and growth-promoting hormones (e.g., GH/IGF-I axis) and inhibition of angiogenesis, as well as modulation of the immune system, and direct actions, such as activation of anti-growth activities (e.g., apoptosis). Recently, the development of specific polyclonal antibodies allowed the precise identification of the 5 specific somatostatin receptors and their localization in different cell species. Somatostatin receptor subtypes belong to the G protein-coupled receptor family, share a common molecular topology, and can traffic not only in vitro within different cell types but also in vivo. A picture of the pathways and proteins involved in these processes is beginning to emerge. Moreover, the process of homo- and/or heterodimerization of G-protein coupled receptors and receptor tyrosine kinase families are crucial for implicating the fundamental properties of receptor proteins including receptor expression, trafficking, and desensitization, as well as signal transduction. Furthermore, functional consequences of such an interaction in modulation of signaling pathways linked to pathological conditions specifically in cancer are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Ferone
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties & Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, University of Genoa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Leposavic G, Perisic M, Pilipovic I. Role of gonadal hormones in programming developmental changes in thymopoietic efficiency and sexual diergism in thymopoiesis. Immunol Res 2012; 52:7-19. [PMID: 22407539 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-012-8278-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing body of evidence indicating the important role of the neonatal steroid milieu in programming sexually diergic changes in thymopoietic efficiency, which in rodents occur around puberty and lead to a substantial phenotypic and functional remodeling of the peripheral T-cell compartment. This in turn leads to an alteration in the susceptibility to infection and various immunologically mediated pathologies. Our laboratory has explored interdependence in the programming and development of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis and thymus using experimental model of neonatal androgenization. We have outlined critical points in the complex process of T-cell development depending on neonatal androgen imprinting and the peripheral outcome of these changes and have pointed to underlying mechanisms. Our research has particularly contributed to an understanding of the putative role of changes in catecholamine-mediated communications in the thymopoietic alterations in adult neonatally androgenized rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Leposavic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, 450 Vojvode Stepe, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Boyd JD, Juskevicius R. Mediastinal neoplasms in patients with Graves disease: a possible link between sustained hyperthyroidism and thymic neoplasia? Thyroid Res 2012; 5:5. [PMID: 22824515 PMCID: PMC3411457 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6614-5-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anterior mediastinal masses are a rare but well documented finding in Graves disease. The vast majority of these lesions represents benign thymic hypertrophy and regress after treatment of the hyperthyroidism. A small percentage of these cases however represent neoplastic/malignant diseases which require further treatment. Cases 12 year old boy with one year history of refractory Graves disease was found to have an anterior mediastinal mass and underwent curative thyroidectomy for sustained hyperthyroidism. Cervical lymphadenopathy was detected during the procedure and biopsy was obtained. A 23 year old woman who presented with a one month history of hyperthyroid symptoms, was diagnosed with Graves disease and also was found to have an anterior mediastinal mass on imaging. Biopsy of the anterior mediastinal mass was obtained and subsequently the patient underwent robotic thymectomy. Histologic examination and immunophenotyping of the cervical lymph node in a 12 year old boy revealed neoplastic proliferation of T lymphoblasts diagnostic of T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma. Examination of the anterior mediastinal mass biopsy in the 23 year old woman revealed type B1 thymoma which was confirmed after examination of the subsequent robotic thymectomy specimen. Conclusion This is the first reported case of T cell lymphoblastic lymphoma and the third reported case of thymoma associated with sustained hyperthyroidism due to Graves disease. These cases indicate that an anterior mediastinal mass in a patient with active Graves disease may be due to a neoplastic cause, which may require definitive treatment. Caution should be exercised when dismissing a mediastinal mass as benign thymic hyperplasia in patients with active Graves disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Boyd
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Vidant Medical Center and Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Blewett HJ, Taylor CG. Dietary zinc deficiency in rodents: effects on T-cell development, maturation and phenotypes. Nutrients 2012; 4:449-66. [PMID: 22822446 PMCID: PMC3397346 DOI: 10.3390/nu4060449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc deficiency is one of the leading risk factors for developing disease and yet we do not have a clear understanding of the mechanisms behind the increased susceptibility to infection. This review will examine the interrelationships among the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal stress axis, p56lck, and T-cell maturation in both zinc deficiency and responses during zinc repletion. We will highlight differences between the adult mouse model (wasting malnutrition) and growing rat model (stunting malnutrition) of dietary zinc deficiency and discuss the use of various controls to separate out the effects of zinc deficiency from the associated malnutrition. Elevated serum corticosterone in both zinc deficient and pair-fed rats does not support the hypothesis that zinc deficiency per se leads to corticosterone-induced apoptosis and lymphopenia. In fact, the zinc deficient rat does not have lymphopenia. Thymocytes from zinc deficient mice and rats have elevated levels of p56lck, a signalling protein with a zinc clasp structure, but this does not appear to affect thymocyte maturation. However, post-thymic T-cell maturation appears to be altered based on the lower proportion of splenic late thymic emigrants in zinc deficient rats. Fewer new T-cells in the periphery could adversely affect the T-cell repertoire and contribute to immunodeficiency in zinc deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather J. Blewett
- Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada;
- Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Carla G. Taylor
- Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada;
- Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +1-204-258-1361; Fax: +1-204-237-4018
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Weidemann H. "The Lower Threshold" phenomenon in tumor cells toward endogenous digitalis-like compounds: Responsible for tumorigenesis? J Carcinog 2012; 11:2. [PMID: 22438768 PMCID: PMC3307333 DOI: 10.4103/1477-3163.92999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since their first discovery as potential anti-cancer drugs decades ago, there is increasing evidence that digitalis-like compounds (DLC) have anti-tumor effects. Less is known about endogenous DLC (EDLC) metabolism and regulation. As stress hormones synthesized in and secreted from the adrenal gland, they likely take part in the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In a previous study, we revealed reduced EDLC concentrations in plasma and organs from immune-compromised animals and proposed that a similar situation of a deregulated HPA axis with "adrenal EDLF exhaustion" may contribute to tumorigenesis in chronic stress situations. Here, we put forward the hypothesis that a lowered EDLC response threshold of tumor cells as compared with normal cells increases the risk of tumorigenesis, especially in those individuals with reduced EDLC plasma concentrations after chronic stress exposure. We will evaluate this hypothesis by (a) summarizing the effects of different DLC concentrations on tumor as compared with normal cells and (b) reviewing some essential differences in the Na/K-ATPase of tumor as compared with normal cells (isoform pattern, pump activity, mutations of other signalosome receptors). We will conclude that (1) tumor cells, indeed, seem to have their individual "physiologic" EDLC response range that already starts at pmolar levels and (2) that individuals with markedly reduced (pmolar) EDLC plasma levels are predisposed to cancer because these EDLC concentrations will predominantly stimulate the proliferation of tumor cells. Finally, we will summarize preliminary results from our department supporting this hypothesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidrun Weidemann
- Department of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University, Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Thymus atrophy and double-positive escape are common features in infectious diseases. J Parasitol Res 2012; 2012:574020. [PMID: 22518275 PMCID: PMC3307005 DOI: 10.1155/2012/574020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ in which bone marrow-derived T-cell precursors undergo differentiation, leading to migration of positively selected thymocytes to the T-cell-dependent areas of secondary lymphoid organs. This organ can undergo atrophy, caused by several endogenous and exogenous factors such as ageing, hormone fluctuations, and infectious agents. This paper will focus on emerging data on the thymic atrophy caused by infectious agents. We present data on the dynamics of thymus lymphocytes during acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection, showing that the resulting thymus atrophy comprises the abnormal release of thymic-derived T cells and may have an impact on host immune response.
Collapse
|
38
|
Swelling-activated anion channels are essential for volume regulation of mouse thymocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2011; 12:9125-37. [PMID: 22272123 PMCID: PMC3257120 DOI: 10.3390/ijms12129125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2011] [Revised: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 11/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Channel-mediated trans-membrane chloride movement is a key process in the active cell volume regulation under osmotic stress in most cells. However, thymocytes were hypothesized to regulate their volume by activating a coupled K-Cl cotransport mechanism. Under the patch-clamp, we found that osmotic swelling activates two types of macroscopic anion conductance with different voltage-dependence and pharmacology. At the single-channel level, we identified two types of events: one corresponded to the maxi-anion channel, and the other one had characteristics of the volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying (VSOR) chloride channel of intermediate conductance. A VSOR inhibitor, phloretin, significantly suppressed both macroscopic VSOR-type conductance and single-channel activity of intermediate amplitude. The maxi-anion channel activity was largely suppressed by Gd(3+) ions but not by phloretin. Surprisingly, [(dihydroindenyl)oxy] alkanoic acid (DIOA), a known antagonist of K-Cl cotransporter, was found to significantly suppress the activity of the VSOR-type single-channel events with no effect on the maxi-anion channels at 10 μM. The regulatory volume decrease (RVD) phase of cellular response to hypotonicity was mildly suppressed by Gd(3+) ions and was completely abolished by phloretin suggesting a major impact of the VSOR chloride channel and modulatory role of the maxi-anion channel. The inhibitory effect of DIOA was also strong, and, most likely, it occurred via blocking the VSOR Cl(-) channels.
Collapse
|
39
|
Reggiani PC, Poch B, Cónsole GM, Rimoldi OJ, Schwerdt JI, Tüngler V, Garcia-Bravo MM, Dardenne M, Goya RG. Thymulin-based gene therapy and pituitary function in animal models of aging. Neuroimmunomodulation 2011; 18:350-6. [PMID: 21952687 PMCID: PMC3221262 DOI: 10.1159/000329495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymulin is a thymic hormone exclusively produced by the thymic epithelial cells. After its discovery and initial characterization in the 1970s, it was demonstrated that thymulin production and secretion is strongly influenced by the neuroendocrine system. Conversely, a growing core of information, to be reviewed here, points to thymulin as a hypophysiotropic peptide. Additionally, thymulin was shown to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in the brain. In recent years, a synthetic DNA sequence coding for a biologically active analog of thymulin, metFTS, was constructed and cloned in different adenoviral vectors. These include bidirectional regulatable Tet-Off vector systems that simultaneously express metFTS and green fluorescent protein and that can be downregulated reversibly by the addition of the antibiotic doxycycline. A number of recent studies suggest that thymulin gene therapy may be a suitable therapeutic strategy to prevent some of the endocrine and reproductive alterations that typically appear in congenitally athymic (nude) mice, taken as a suitable model of neuroendocrine and reproductive aging. The present article briefly reviews the literature on the physiology of the thymulin-pituitary axis as well as on the new molecular tools available to exploit the therapeutic potential of thymulin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula C. Reggiani
- Institute for Biochemical Research, National University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Histology B-CICPBA, Faculty of Medicine, National University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Brenda Poch
- Institute for Biochemical Research, National University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Histology B-CICPBA, Faculty of Medicine, National University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Gloria M. Cónsole
- Histology B-CICPBA, Faculty of Medicine, National University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Omar J. Rimoldi
- Institute for Biochemical Research, National University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Jose I. Schwerdt
- Institute for Biochemical Research, National University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Histology B-CICPBA, Faculty of Medicine, National University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Victoria Tüngler
- Histology B-CICPBA, Faculty of Medicine, National University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Mireille Dardenne
- CNRS UMR 8147, Université Paris Descartes, Hôpital Necker, Paris, France
| | - Rodolfo G. Goya
- Institute for Biochemical Research, National University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Histology B-CICPBA, Faculty of Medicine, National University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- *Rodolfo G. Goya, INIBIOLP, Faculty of Medicine, UNLP, CC 455, La Plata 1900 (Argentina), Tel. +54 221 425 6735, E-Mail
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Aita M, Benedetti F, Carafelli E, Caccia E, Romano N. Effects of hypophyseal or thymic allograft on thymus development in partially decerebrate chicken embryos: expression of PCNA and CD3 markers. Eur J Histochem 2010; 54:e37. [PMID: 20819775 PMCID: PMC3167313 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2010.e37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2010] [Revised: 07/07/2010] [Accepted: 07/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in chicken embryo thymus after partial decerebration (including the hypophysis) and after hypophyseal or thymic allograft were investigated. Chicken embryos were partially decerebrated at 36–40 h of incubation and on day 12 received a hypophysis or a thymus allograft from 18-day-old donor embryos. The thymuses of normal, sham-operated and partially decerebrate embryos were collected on day 12 and 18. The thymuses of the grafted embryos were collected on day 18. The samples were examined with histological method and tested for the anti-PCNA and anti-CD3 immune-reactions. After partial decerebration, the thymic cortical and medullary compartments diminished markedly in size. Anti-PCNA and anti-CD3 revealed a reduced immunereaction, verified also by statistical analysis. In hypophyseal or grafted embryos, the thymic morphological compartments improved, the anti-PCNA and anti-CD3 immune-reactions recovered much better after the thymic graft, probably due to the thymic growth factors and also by an emigration of thymocytes from the same grafted thymus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Aita
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Vittorio Erspamer, Faculty of Medicine, University La Sapienza, Piazzale A. Moro 5, Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Nihei OK, Fonseca PC, Rubim NM, Bonavita AG, Lyra JSPO, Neves-dos-Santos S, de Carvalho ACC, Spray DC, Savino W, Alves LA. Modulatory effects of cAMP and PKC activation on gap junctional intercellular communication among thymic epithelial cells. BMC Cell Biol 2010; 11:3. [PMID: 20078861 PMCID: PMC2823718 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2121-11-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2009] [Accepted: 01/15/2010] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the effects of the signaling molecules, cyclic AMP (cAMP) and protein-kinase C (PKC), on gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) between thymic epithelial cells (TEC). RESULTS Treatment with 8-Br-cAMP, a cAMP analog; or forskolin, which stimulates cAMP production, resulted in an increase in dye transfer between adjacent TEC, inducing a three-fold enhancement in the mean fluorescence of coupled cells, ascertained by flow cytometry after calcein transfer. These treatments also increased Cx43 mRNA expression, and stimulated Cx43 protein accumulation in regions of intercellular contacts. VIP, adenosine, and epinephrine which may also signal through cyclic nucleotides were tested. The first two molecules did not mimic the effects of 8-Br-cAMP, however epinephrine was able to increase GJIC suggesting that this molecule functions as an endogenous inter-TEC GJIC modulators. Stimulation of PKC by phorbol-myristate-acetate inhibited inter-TEC GJIC. Importantly, both the enhancing and the decreasing effects, respectively induced by cAMP and PKC, were observed in both mouse and human TEC preparations. Lastly, experiments using mouse thymocyte/TEC heterocellular co-cultures suggested that the presence of thymocytes does not affect the degree of inter-TEC GJIC. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our data indicate that cAMP and PKC intracellular pathways are involved in the homeostatic control of the gap junction-mediated communication in the thymic epithelium, exerting respectively a positive and negative role upon cell coupling. This control is phylogenetically conserved in the thymus, since it was seen in both mouse and human TEC preparations. Lastly, our work provides new clues for a better understanding of how the thymic epithelial network can work as a physiological syncytium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar K Nihei
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paula C Fonseca
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Nara M Rubim
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andre G Bonavita
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jurandy SPO Lyra
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro State (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sandra Neves-dos-Santos
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | | | - David C Spray
- The Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiz A Alves
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Gameiro J, Nagib PRA, Andrade CF, Villa-Verde DMS, Silva-Barbosa SD, Savino W, Costa FTM, Verinaud L. Changes in cell migration-related molecules expressed by thymic microenvironment during experimental Plasmodium berghei infection: consequences on thymocyte development. Immunology 2009; 129:248-56. [PMID: 19824923 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2009.03177.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously showed alterations in the thymus during experimental infection with Plasmodium berghei. Such alterations comprised histological changes, with loss of cortical-medullary limits, and the intrathymic presence of parasites. As the combination of chemokines, adhesion molecules and extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical to appropriate thymocyte development, we analysed the thymic expression of ECM ligands and receptors, as well as chemokines and their respective receptors during the experimental P. berghei infection. Increased expression of ECM components was observed in thymi from infected mice. In contrast, down-regulated surface expression of fibronectin and laminin receptors was observed in thymocytes from these animals. Moreover, in thymi from infected mice there was increased CXCL12 and CXCR4, and a decreased expression of CCL25 and CCR9. An altered thymocyte migration towards ECM elements and chemokines was seen when the thymi from infected mice were analysed. Evaluation of ex vivo migration patterns of CD4/CD8-defined thymocyte subpopulations revealed that double-negative (DN), and CD4(+) and CD8(+) single-positive (SP) cells from P. berghei-infected mice have higher migratory responses compared with controls. Interestingly, increased numbers of DN and SP subpopulations were found in the spleens of infected mice. Overall, we show that the thymic atrophy observed in P. berghei-infected mice is accompanied by thymic microenvironmental changes that comprise altered expression of thymocyte migration-related molecules of the ECM and chemokine protein families, which in turn can alter the thymocyte migration pattern. These thymic disturbances may have consequences for the control of the immune response against this protozoan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacy Gameiro
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
|
44
|
Borghetti P, Saleri R, Mocchegiani E, Corradi A, Martelli P. Infection, immunity and the neuroendocrine response. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2009; 130:141-62. [PMID: 19261335 PMCID: PMC7112574 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2009.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2008] [Revised: 01/17/2009] [Accepted: 01/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Central Nervous (CNS) and Immune Systems (IS) are the two major adaptive systems which respond rapidly to numerous challenges that are able to compromise health. The defensive response strictly linking innate to acquired immunity, works continuously to limit pathogen invasion and damage. The efficiency of the innate response is crucial for survival and for an optimum priming of acquired immunity. During infection, the immune response is modulated by an integrated neuro-immune network which potentiates innate immunity, controls potential harmful effects and also addresses metabolic and nutritional modifications supporting immune function. In the last decade much knowledge has been gained on the molecular signals that orchestrate this integrated adaptive response, with focus on the systemic mediators which have a crucial role in driving and controlling an efficient protective response. These mediators are also able to signal alterations and control pathway dysfunctions which may be involved in the persistence and/or overexpression of inflammation that may lead to tissue damage and to a negative metabolic impact, causing retarded growth. This review aims to describe some important signalling pathways which drive bidirectional communication between the Immune and Nervous Systems during infection. Particular emphasis is placed on pro-inflammatory cytokines, immunomodulator hormones such as Glucocorticoids (GCs), Growth hormone (GH), Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), and Leptin, as well as nutritional factors such as Zinc (Zn). Finally, the review includes up-to-date information on this neuroimmune cross-talk in domestic animals. Data in domestic animal species are still limited, but there are several exciting areas of research, like the potential interaction pathways between mediators (i.e. cytokine-HPA regulation, IL-6-GCS-Zn, cytokines-GH/IGF-1, IL-6-GH-Leptin and thymus activity) that are or could be promising topics of future research in veterinary medicine.
Collapse
|
45
|
de Meis J, Morrot A, Farias-de-Oliveira DA, Villa-Verde DMS, Savino W. Differential regional immune response in Chagas disease. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2009; 3:e417. [PMID: 19582140 PMCID: PMC2700264 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Following infection, lymphocytes expand exponentially and differentiate into effector cells to control infection and coordinate the multiple effector arms of the immune response. Soon after this expansion, the majority of antigen-specific lymphocytes die, thus keeping homeostasis, and a small pool of memory cells develops, providing long-term immunity to subsequent reinfection. The extent of infection and rate of pathogen clearance are thought to determine both the magnitude of cell expansion and the homeostatic contraction to a stable number of memory cells. This straight correlation between the kinetics of T cell response and the dynamics of lymphoid tissue cell numbers is a constant feature in acute infections yielded by pathogens that are cleared during the course of response. However, the regional dynamics of the immune response mounted against pathogens that are able to establish a persistent infection remain poorly understood. Herein we discuss the differential lymphocyte dynamics in distinct central and peripheral lymphoid organs following acute infection by Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. While the thymus and mesenteric lymph nodes undergo a severe atrophy with massive lymphocyte depletion, the spleen and subcutaneous lymph nodes expand due to T and B cell activation/proliferation. These events are regulated by cytokines, as well as parasite-derived moieties. In this regard, identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying regional lymphocyte dynamics secondary to T. cruzi infection may hopefully contribute to the design of novel immune intervention strategies to control pathology in this infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana de Meis
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Mohammad MG, Raftos DA, Joss J. Cytoskeletal proteins in thymic epithelial cells of the Australian lungfish Neoceratodus forsteri. J Anat 2009; 214:140-52. [PMID: 19166477 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2008.00995.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate thymus consists of distinctive subpopulations of epithelial cells that contain a diverse repertoire of cytoskeletal proteins. In this study of the thymus in the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri, immunohistochemistry was used to distinguish the cytoskeletal proteins present in each class of thymic epithelial cell. A panel of antibodies (Abs), each specific for a different cytoskeletal polypeptide (keratins, vimentin, desmin, actin and tubulins), was used on paraffin and ultrathin resin sections of thymus. Ab AE I (reactive against human type I cytokeratins (CK) 14, 16 and 19) selectively stained the cytoplasm of capsular, trabecular and the outermost epithelial cells of Hassall's corpuscles. Anti-CK 10 Abs strongly labelled the capsular epithelial cells and less than 20% of cortical and medullary epithelial cells. The anti-50-kDa desmin Ab did not react with any thymic cells, whereas the anti-53-kDa desmin Ab labelled some capsular, cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells. The anti-vimentin Ab stained most of the capsular and ~60% of the cortical epithelium. Thymic nurse cells and Hassall's corpuscles were found to be devoid of actin, which was strongly detected in medullary and perivascular epithelium. Both alpha and beta tubulins were detected in all thymic cells. This study extends the concept of thymic epithelial heterogeneity. The complexity of thymic epithelium in N. forsteri may indicate a relationship between thymic epithelial subpopulations and the thymic microenvironment. These data identify anti-keratin Abs as a valuable tool for studying differentiation and ontogeny of the thymic epithelium in N. forsteri.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad G Mohammad
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Stojić-Vukanić Z, Rauski A, Kosec D, Radojević K, Pilipović I, Leposavić G. Dysregulation of T-cell development in adrenal glucocorticoid-deprived rats. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2009; 234:1067-74. [PMID: 19546352 DOI: 10.3181/0902-rm-63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of different experimental approaches have been used to elucidate the impact of basal levels of adrenal gland-derived glucocorticoids (GCs) on T cell development, and thereby T cell-mediated immune responses. However, the relevance of the adrenal GCs to T cell development is still far from clear. This study was undertaken to explore the relevance of basal levels of GCs to T cell differentiation/maturation. Eight days post-adrenalectomy in adult male rats the thymocyte yield, apoptotic and proliferative rate and the relationship amongst major thymocyte subsets, as defined by TCRalphabeta/CD4/CD8 expression, were examined using flow cytometry. Adrenal GC deprivation decreased thymocyte apoptosis and altered the kinetics of T cell differentiation/maturation. In the adrenalectomized rats there was increased thymic hypercellularity and an over-representation of the CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP) TCRalphabeta(low) cells entering selection, as well as increased numbers of their DP TCRalphabeta(-) immediate precursors. These changes were accompanied with under-representation of the postselected DP TCRalphabeta(high) and the most mature CD4-CD8+ and, particularly, CD4+CD8- single positive (SP) TCRalphabeta(high) cells. This data suggests that withdrawal of adrenal GCs produces alterations in the thymocyte selection processes, possibly affecting the diversity of functional T cell repertoire and generation of potentially self-reactive cells as indicated by the reduced proportion and number of CD4-CD8- double negative TCRalphabeta(high) cells. In addition, it indicates that GCs influence the post-selection maturation of thymocytes and plays a regulatory role in controlling the ratio of mature CD4+CD8-/CD4-CD8+ SP TCRalphabeta(high) cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zorica Stojić-Vukanić
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Morrhaye G, Kermani H, Legros JJ, Baron F, Beguin Y, Moutschen M, Cheynier R, Martens HJ, Geenen V. Impact of growth hormone (GH) deficiency and GH replacement upon thymus function in adult patients. PLoS One 2009; 4:e5668. [PMID: 19479077 PMCID: PMC2682582 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2009] [Accepted: 04/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite age-related adipose involution, T cell generation in the thymus (thymopoiesis) is maintained beyond puberty in adults. In rodents, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and GH secretagogues reverse age-related changes in thymus cytoarchitecture and increase thymopoiesis. GH administration also enhances thymic mass and function in HIV-infected patients. Until now, thymic function has not been investigated in adult GH deficiency (AGHD). The objective of this clinical study was to evaluate thymic function in AGHD, as well as the repercussion upon thymopoiesis of GH treatment for restoration of GH/IGF-1 physiological levels. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Twenty-two patients with documented AGHD were enrolled in this study. The following parameters were measured: plasma IGF-1 concentrations, signal-joint T-cell receptor excision circle (sjTREC) frequency, and sj/beta TREC ratio. Analyses were performed at three time points: firstly on GH treatment at maintenance dose, secondly one month after GH withdrawal, and thirdly one month after GH resumption. After 1-month interruption of GH treatment, both plasma IGF-1 concentrations and sjTREC frequency were decreased (p<0.001). Decreases in IGF-1 and sjTREC levels were correlated (r = 0.61, p<0.01). There was also a decrease in intrathymic T cell proliferation as indicated by the reduced sj/beta TREC ratio (p<0.01). One month after reintroduction of GH treatment, IGF-1 concentration and sjTREC frequency regained a level equivalent to the one before GH withdrawal. The sj/beta TREC ratio also increased with GH resumption, but did not return to the level measured before GH withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS In patients with AGHD under GH treatment, GH withdrawal decreases thymic T cell output, as well as intrathymic T cell proliferation. These parameters of thymus function are completely or partially restored one month after GH resumption. These data indicate that the functional integrity of the somatotrope GH/IGF-1 axis is important for the maintenance of a normal thymus function in human adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NTC00601419.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Morrhaye
- University of Liege Center of Immunology, Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Institute of Pathology CHU-B23, Liege-Sart Tilman, Belgium
| | - Hamid Kermani
- University of Liege Center of Immunology, Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Institute of Pathology CHU-B23, Liege-Sart Tilman, Belgium
| | - Jean-Jacques Legros
- University of Liege Center of Immunology, Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Institute of Pathology CHU-B23, Liege-Sart Tilman, Belgium
| | - Frederic Baron
- University of Liege, Division of Hematology, CHU-B35, Liege-Sart Tilman, Belgium
| | - Yves Beguin
- University of Liege, Division of Hematology, CHU-B35, Liege-Sart Tilman, Belgium
| | - Michel Moutschen
- University of Liege, Division of Immunodeficiencies and Infectious Diseases, CHU-B35, Liege-Sart Tilman, Belgium
| | - Remi Cheynier
- Institut Pasteur, Département de Virologie, Paris, France
| | - Henri J. Martens
- University of Liege Center of Immunology, Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Institute of Pathology CHU-B23, Liege-Sart Tilman, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Vincent Geenen
- University of Liege Center of Immunology, Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Institute of Pathology CHU-B23, Liege-Sart Tilman, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Reggiani PC, Morel GR, Cónsole GM, Barbeito CG, Rodriguez SS, Brown OA, Bellini MJ, Pléau JM, Dardenne M, Goya RG. The thymus-neuroendocrine axis: physiology, molecular biology, and therapeutic potential of the thymic peptide thymulin. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1153:98-106. [PMID: 19236333 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03964.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Thymulin is a thymic hormone exclusively produced by the thymic epithelial cells. It consists of a nonapeptide component coupled to the ion zinc, which confers biological activity to the molecule. After its discovery in the early 1970s, thymulin was characterized as a thymic hormone involved in several aspects of intrathymic and extrathymic T cell differentiation. Subsequently, it was demonstrated that thymulin production and secretion is strongly influenced by the neuroendocrine system. Conversely, a growing core of information, to be reviewed here, points to thymulin as a hypophysotropic peptide. In recent years, interest has arisen in the potential use of thymulin as a therapeutic agent. Thymulin was shown to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in the brain. Furthermore, an adenoviral vector harboring a synthetic gene for thymulin, stereotaxically injected in the rat brain, achieved a much longer expression than the adenovirally mediated expression in the brain of other genes, thus suggesting that an anti-inflammatory activity of thymulin prevents the immune system from destroying virus-transduced brain cells. Other studies suggest that thymulin gene therapy may also be a suitable therapeutic strategy to prevent some of the endocrine and metabolic alterations that typically appear in thymus-deficient animal models. The present article briefly reviews the literature on the physiology, molecular biology, and therapeutic potential of thymulin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula C Reggiani
- Institute for Biochemical Research, Faculty of Medicine, CONICET, National University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Miguez-Burbano MJ, Lewis JE, Moreno J, Fishman J. Cognitive performance and the thymus among HIV-infected subjects receiving HAART. Biologics 2008; 2:321-7. [PMID: 19707364 PMCID: PMC2721361 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s1753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of alcohol use, which is widespread in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)+ individuals, on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-associated immune and cognitive improvements and the relationship between those two responses. METHODS In a case-control longitudinal study, thymic volume, cognition, and immune responses were evaluated at baseline and after 6 months therapy in HIV+ and HIV- controls. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the HIV Dementia Score (HDS) and the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). RESULTS Prior to HAART, thymic volume varied considerably from 2.7 to 29.3 cm(3) (11 +/- 7.2 cm(3)). Thymic volume at baseline showed a significantly inverse correlation with the patient's number of years of drinking (r(2) = 0.207; p < 0.01), as well as HDS and the CVLT scores in both HIV-infected (r(2) = 0.37, p = 0.03) and noninfected (r(2) = 0.8, p < 0.01). HIV-infected individuals with a small thymic volume scored in the demented range, as compared with those with a larger thymus (7 +/- 2.7 vs. 12 +/- 2.3, p = 0.005). After HAART, light/moderate drinkers exhibited thymus size twice that of heavy drinkers (14.8 +/- 10.4 vs. 6.9 +/- 3.3 cm(3)). CONCLUSIONS HAART-associated increases of thymus volume appear to be negatively affected by alcohol consumption and significantly related to their cognitive status. This result could have important clinical implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Miguez-Burbano
- Robert Stempel School of public Health & School of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - John E Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | | | - Joel Fishman
- Department of Radiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|