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Pardini E, Barachini S, Alì G, Infirri GS, Burzi IS, Montali M, Petrini I. Single-cell sequencing has revealed a more complex array of thymic epithelial cells. Immunol Lett 2024; 269:106904. [PMID: 39117004 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2024.106904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells participate in the maturation and selection of T lymphocytes. This review explores recent insights from single-cell sequencing regarding classifying thymic epithelial cells in both normal and neoplastic thymus. Cortical thymic epithelial cells facilitate thymocyte differentiation and contribute to positive selection. Medullary epithelial cells are distinguished by their expression of AIRE. Cells progress from a pre-AIRE state, containing precursors with cortical and medullary characteristics, termed junctional cells. Mature medullary epithelial cells exhibit promiscuous gene expression and after that downregulate AIRE mRNA. Post-AIRE cells can adopt a Hassall corpuscle-like phenotype or exhibit distinctive differentiation characteristics including tuft cells, ionocytes, neuroendocrine cells, and myoid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Pardini
- Department of Translational Research and New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Serena Barachini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Greta Alì
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gisella Sardo Infirri
- Department of Translational Research and New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Irene Sofia Burzi
- Department of Translational Research and New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marina Montali
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Iacopo Petrini
- Department of Translational Research and New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Kamal MM, Islam MN, Rabby MG, Zahid MA, Hasan MM. In Silico Functional and Structural Analysis of Non-synonymous Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (nsSNPs) in Human Paired Box 4 Gene. Biochem Genet 2024; 62:2975-2998. [PMID: 38062275 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10589-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
In human genome, members of Paired box (PAX) transcription factor family are highly sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins. Among PAX gene family members, PAX4 gene has significant role in growth, proliferation, differentiation, and insulin secretion of pancreatic β-cells. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PAX4 gene progress in the pathogenesis of various human diseases. Hence, the molecular mechanism of how these SNPs in PAX4 gene significantly progress diseases pathogenesis needs to be elucidated. For the reason, a series of bioinformatic analyzes were done to identify the SNPs of PAX4 gene that contribute in diseases pathogenesis. From the analyzes, 4145 SNPs (rsIDs) in PAX4 gene were obtained, where, 362 missense (8.73%), 169 synonymous (4.08%), and 2323 intron variants (56.04%). The rest SNPs were unspecified. Among the 362 missense variants, 118 nsSNPs were found as deleterious in SIFT analysis. Among those, 25 nsSNPs were most probably damaging and 23 were deleterious as observed in PolyPhen-2 and PROVEAN analyzes, respectively. Following all analyzes, 14 nsSNPs (rs149708455, rs115887120, rs147279315, rs35155575, rs370095957, rs373939873, rs145468905, rs121917718, rs2233580, rs3824004, rs372751660, rs369459316, rs375472849, rs372497946) were common and observed as deleterious, probably damaging, affective and diseases associated. Following structural analyzes, 11 nsSNPs guided proteins were found as most unstable and highly conserved. Among these, R20W, R39Q, R45Q, R60H, G65D, and A223D mutated proteins were highly harmful. Hence, the results from above-mentioned integrated comprehensive bioinformatic analyzes guide how different nsSNPs in PAX4 gene alter structural and functional characteristics of the protein that might progress diseases pathogenesis in human including type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mostafa Kamal
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
| | - Md Numan Islam
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
- Department of Food Engineering, North Pacific International University of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Golam Rabby
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ashrafuzzaman Zahid
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mahmudul Hasan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh.
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3
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Grammer C, Komorowska JA, Swann JB. Vhl safeguards thymic epithelial cell identity and thymopoietic capacity by constraining Hif1a activity during development. iScience 2024; 27:110258. [PMID: 39040069 PMCID: PMC11261450 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The thymus is a physiologically hypoxic organ and fulfills its role of generating T cells under low-oxygen conditions. We have therefore investigated how thymic epithelial cells (TECs) cope with physiological hypoxia by focusing on the role of the Hif1a-Vhl axis. In most cell types, the oxygen-labile transcriptional regulator Hif1a is a central player in co-ordinating responses to low oxygen: under normoxic conditions Hif1a is rapidly degraded in a Vhl-guided manner; however, under hypoxic conditions Hif1a is stabilized and can execute its transcriptional functions. Unexpectedly, we find that, although TECs reside in a hypoxic microenvironment, they express little Hif1a protein and do not require Hif1a for their development or function. Instead, we find that Vhl function in TECs is vital to constrain Hif1a activity, as loss of Vhl results in dramatic defects in TEC differentiation and thymopoiesis, which can be rescued by Hif1a co-depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Grammer
- Department of Developmental Immunology, Max Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia A. Komorowska
- Department of Developmental Immunology, Max Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
- Albert Ludwig University, Faculty of Biology, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jeremy B. Swann
- Department of Developmental Immunology, Max Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
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Alhaj Hussen K, Louis V, Canque B. A new model of human lymphopoiesis across development and aging. Trends Immunol 2024; 45:495-510. [PMID: 38908962 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2024.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade our research has implemented a multimodal approach to human lymphopoiesis, combining clonal-scale mapping of lymphoid developmental architecture with the monitoring of dynamic changes in the pattern of lymphocyte generation across ontogeny. We propose that lymphopoiesis stems from founder populations of CD127/interleukin (IL)7R- or CD127/IL7R+ early lymphoid progenitors (ELPs) polarized respectively toward the T-natural killer (NK)/innate lymphoid cell (ILC) or B lineages, arising from newly characterized CD117lo multi-lymphoid progenitors (MLPs). Recent data on the lifelong lymphocyte dynamics of healthy donors suggest that, after birth, lymphopoiesis may become increasingly oriented toward the production of B lymphocytes. Stemming from this, we posit that there are three major developmental transitions, the first occurring during the neonatal period, the next at puberty, and the last during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kutaiba Alhaj Hussen
- Service de Biochimie, Université de Paris Saclay, Hôpital Paul Brousse, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Valentine Louis
- INSERM 1151, Université de Paris, École Pratique des Hautes Études/PSL Research University, Institut Necker Enfants Malades (INEM), Paris, France
| | - Bruno Canque
- INSERM 1151, Université de Paris, École Pratique des Hautes Études/PSL Research University, Institut Necker Enfants Malades (INEM), Paris, France.
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Agaoglu Z, Tanacan A, Bozkurt Ozdal B, Basaran E, Serbetci H, Ozturk Agaoglu M, Okutucu G, Kara O, Sahin D. Assessment of the fetal thymic-thoracic ratio in pregnant women with intrahepatic cholestasis: a prospective case-control study. J Perinat Med 2024; 0:jpm-2024-0191. [PMID: 38887817 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2024-0191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the fetal thymic-thoracic ratio (TTR) in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). METHODS This prospective case-control study was conducted in a single tertiary center. The sample consisted of 86 pregnant women at 28-37 weeks of gestation, including 43 women with ICP and 43 healthy controls. TTR was calculated for each patient using the anterior-posterior measurements of the thymus and intrathoracic mediastinal measurements. RESULTS The median TTR value was found to be smaller in the ICP group compared to the control group (0.32 vs. 0.36, p<0.001). The ICP group had a greater rate of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (p<0.001). Univariate regression analysis revealed that lower TTR values increased the possibility of NICU admission six times (95 % confidence interval: 0.26-0.39, p=0.01). A statistically significant negative correlation was detected between TTR and the NICU requirement (r: -0.435, p=0.004). As a result of the receiver operating characteristic analysis, in predicting NICU admission, the optimal cut-off value of TTR was determined to be 0.31 with 78 % sensitivity and 67 % specificity (area under the curve=0.819; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS We determined that the fetal TTR may be affected by the inflammatory process caused by the maternal-fetal immune system and increased serum bile acid levels in fetal organs in the presence of ICP. We consider that TTR can be used to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with ICP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahid Agaoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Atakan Tanacan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Burcu Bozkurt Ozdal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Ezgi Basaran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Hakkı Serbetci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Merve Ozturk Agaoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Gulcan Okutucu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Ozgur Kara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Dilek Sahin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Türkiye
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Ma X, Wang Q, Li G, Li H, Xu S, Pang D. Cancer organoids: A platform in basic and translational research. Genes Dis 2024; 11:614-632. [PMID: 37692477 PMCID: PMC10491878 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.02.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
An accumulation of previous work has established organoids as good preclinical models of human tumors, facilitating translation from basic research to clinical practice. They are changing the paradigm of preclinical cancer research because they can recapitulate the heterogeneity and pathophysiology of human cancers and more closely approximate the complex tissue environment and structure found in clinical tumors than in vitro cell lines and animal models. However, the potential applications of cancer organoids remain to be comprehensively summarized. In the review, we firstly describe what is currently known about cancer organoid culture and then discuss in depth the basic mechanisms, including tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis, and describe recent advances in patient-derived tumor organoids (PDOs) for drug screening and immunological studies. Finally, the present challenges faced by organoid technology in clinical practice and its prospects are discussed. This review highlights that organoids may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ma
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Sino-Russian Medical Research Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
- Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Guozheng Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Shouping Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
- Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Da Pang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
- Sino-Russian Medical Research Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
- Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
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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.
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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
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Hwang SM, Park JE, Yoo SY, Kim JH, Baek SY, Moon SH, Jeon TY. Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging of the Thymus in Children with Non-Thymic Neoplasms. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3654. [PMID: 38132238 PMCID: PMC10742587 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13243654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) findings and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value of the thymus in children under the age of 13 who have non-thymic neoplasms. Materials and Methods: From January 2021 to April 2023, a single-center retrospective study analyzed consecutive 191 thoracic MRI scans with DWI from 67 children (<13 years) with non-thymic neoplasms. The scans were categorized based on the presence of restricted diffusion on DWI. We analyzed the demographics, laboratory data, and MR findings of the thymus. Statistical differences were assessed using generalized estimating equations. Results: Forty-five percent (86/191) of the scans exhibited restricted diffusion in the thymus: multifocal (n = 65; 76%), focal (n = 19; 22%), and diffuse (n = 2; 2%) patterns. The restricted diffusion group demonstrated higher absolute lymphocyte counts, more prominent thymus sizes, and higher frequency of off-treatment status compared to the unrestricted diffusion group (p>0.05). The mean ADC value across all 191 scans was 1.80 × 10-3 mm2/s. No significant difference was observed in the ADC value related to restricted diffusion patterns, the MRI vendors, or the age at the time of the scan. Conclusions: Restricted diffusion was observed in 45% of the thymus in children with non-thymic neoplasms, with a mean ADC value of 1.80 × 10-3 mm2/s. Recognizing the DWI findings can prevent unnecessary invasive procedures, alleviating concerns for patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sook Min Hwang
- Department of Radiology, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul 07441, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Park
- Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06531, Republic of Korea; (J.E.P.)
| | - So-Young Yoo
- Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06531, Republic of Korea; (J.E.P.)
| | - Ji Hye Kim
- Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06531, Republic of Korea; (J.E.P.)
| | - Sun-Young Baek
- Biomedical Statistics Center and Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hoon Moon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang 14068, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Yeon Jeon
- Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06531, Republic of Korea; (J.E.P.)
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James EA, Joglekar AV, Linnemann AK, Russ HA, Kent SC. The beta cell-immune cell interface in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Mol Metab 2023; 78:101809. [PMID: 37734713 PMCID: PMC10622886 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T1D is an autoimmune disease in which pancreatic islets of Langerhans are infiltrated by immune cells resulting in the specific destruction of insulin-producing islet beta cells. Our understanding of the factors leading to islet infiltration and the interplay of the immune cells with target beta cells is incomplete, especially in human disease. While murine models of T1D have provided crucial information for both beta cell and autoimmune cell function, the translation of successful therapies in the murine model to human disease has been a challenge. SCOPE OF REVIEW Here, we discuss current state of the art and consider knowledge gaps concerning the interface of the islet beta cell with immune infiltrates, with a focus on T cells. We discuss pancreatic and immune cell phenotypes and their impact on cell function in health and disease, which we deem important to investigate further to attain a more comprehensive understanding of human T1D disease etiology. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS The last years have seen accelerated development of approaches that allow comprehensive study of human T1D. Critically, recent studies have contributed to our revised understanding that the pancreatic beta cell assumes an active role, rather than a passive position, during autoimmune disease progression. The T cell-beta cell interface is a critical axis that dictates beta cell fate and shapes autoimmune responses. This includes the state of the beta cell after processing internal and external cues (e.g., stress, inflammation, genetic risk) that that contributes to the breaking of tolerance by hyperexpression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I with presentation of native and neoepitopes and secretion of chemotactic factors to attract immune cells. We anticipate that emerging insights about the molecular and cellular aspects of disease initiation and progression processes will catalyze the development of novel and innovative intervention points to provide additional therapies to individuals affected by T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddie A James
- Center for Translational Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alok V Joglekar
- Center for Systems Immunology and Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Amelia K Linnemann
- Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, and Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Holger A Russ
- Diabetes Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sally C Kent
- Diabetes Center of Excellence, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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10
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Moses A, Bhalla P, Thompson A, Lai L, Coskun FS, Seroogy CM, de la Morena MT, Wysocki CA, van Oers NSC. Comprehensive phenotypic analysis of diverse FOXN1 variants. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 152:1273-1291.e15. [PMID: 37419334 PMCID: PMC11071152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymus hypoplasia due to stromal cell problems has been linked to mutations in several transcription factors, including Forkhead box N1 (FOXN1). FOXN1 supports T-cell development by regulating the formation and expansion of thymic epithelial cells (TECs). While autosomal recessive FOXN1 mutations result in a nude and severe combined immunodeficiency phenotype, the impact of single-allelic or compound heterozygous FOXN1 mutations is less well-defined. OBJECTIVE With more than 400 FOXN1 mutations reported, their impact on protein function and thymopoiesis remains unclear for most variants. We developed a systematic approach to delineate the functional impact of diverse FOXN1 variants. METHODS Selected FOXN1 variants were tested with transcriptional reporter assays and imaging studies. Thymopoiesis was assessed in mouse lines genocopying several human FOXN1 variants. Reaggregate thymus organ cultures were used to compare the thymopoietic potential of the FOXN1 variants. RESULTS FOXN1 variants were categorized into benign, loss- or gain-of-function, and/or dominant-negatives. Dominant negative activities mapped to frameshift variants impacting the transactivation domain. A nuclear localization signal was mapped within the DNA binding domain. Thymopoiesis analyses with mouse models and reaggregate thymus organ cultures revealed distinct consequences of particular Foxn1 variants on T-cell development. CONCLUSIONS The potential effect of a FOXN1 variant on T-cell output from the thymus may relate to its effects on transcriptional activity, nuclear localization, and/or dominant negative functions. A combination of functional assays and thymopoiesis comparisons enabled a categorization of diverse FOXN1 variants and their potential impact on T-cell output from the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Moses
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex
| | - Pratibha Bhalla
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex
| | - Austin Thompson
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex
| | - Laijun Lai
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn
| | - Fatma S Coskun
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex
| | - Christine M Seroogy
- the Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis
| | - Maria Teresa de la Morena
- the Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Wash
| | - Christian A Wysocki
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex; Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex
| | - Nicolai S C van Oers
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex; Departments of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex; Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex.
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11
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Yayon N, Kedlian VR, Boehme L, Suo C, Wachter B, Beuschel RT, Amsalem O, Polanski K, Koplev S, Tuck E, Dann E, Van Hulle J, Perera S, Putteman T, Predeus AV, Dabrowska M, Richardson L, Tudor C, Kreins AY, Engelbert J, Stephenson E, Kleshchevnikov V, De Rita F, Crossland D, Bosticardo M, Pala F, Prigmore E, Chipampe NJ, Prete M, Fei L, To K, Barker RA, He X, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Bayraktar O, Patel M, Davies GE, Haniffa MA, Uhlmann V, Notarangelo LD, Germain RN, Radtke AJ, Marioni JC, Taghon T, Teichmann SA. A spatial human thymus cell atlas mapped to a continuous tissue axis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.25.562925. [PMID: 37986877 PMCID: PMC10659407 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.25.562925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
T cells develop from circulating precursors, which enter the thymus and migrate throughout specialised sub-compartments to support maturation and selection. This process starts already in early fetal development and is highly active until the involution of the thymus in adolescence. To map the micro-anatomical underpinnings of this process in pre- vs. post-natal states, we undertook a spatially resolved analysis and established a new quantitative morphological framework for the thymus, the Cortico-Medullary Axis. Using this axis in conjunction with the curation of a multimodal single-cell, spatial transcriptomics and high-resolution multiplex imaging atlas, we show that canonical thymocyte trajectories and thymic epithelial cells are highly organised and fully established by post-conception week 12, pinpoint TEC progenitor states, find that TEC subsets and peripheral tissue genes are associated with Hassall's Corpuscles and uncover divergence in the pace and drivers of medullary entry between CD4 vs. CD8 T cell lineages. These findings are complemented with a holistic toolkit for spatial analysis and annotation, providing a basis for a detailed understanding of T lymphocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadav Yayon
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cellular Genetics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lena Boehme
- Ghent University, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Chenqu Suo
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cellular Genetics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Brianna Wachter
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Rebecca T Beuschel
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Lymphocyte Biology Section and Center for Advanced Tissue Imaging, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Oren Amsalem
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Simon Koplev
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cellular Genetics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Tuck
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cellular Genetics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Dann
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cellular Genetics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jolien Van Hulle
- Ghent University, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Shani Perera
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cellular Genetics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Putteman
- Ghent University, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Monika Dabrowska
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cellular Genetics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Richardson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cellular Genetics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Tudor
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cellular Genetics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra Y Kreins
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Immunology and Gene Therapy, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research & Teaching Department, London, United Kingdom
| | - Justin Engelbert
- Newcastle University, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Stephenson
- Newcastle University, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Fabrizio De Rita
- Freeman Hospital, Department of Adult Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology/Cardiothoracic Surgery, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - David Crossland
- Freeman Hospital, Department of Adult Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology/Cardiothoracic Surgery, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Marita Bosticardo
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Francesca Pala
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Elena Prigmore
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cellular Genetics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Martin Prete
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cellular Genetics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lijiang Fei
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cellular Genetics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ken To
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cellular Genetics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Roger A Barker
- University of Cambridge, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaoling He
- University of Cambridge, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Omer Bayraktar
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cellular Genetics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Minal Patel
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cellular Genetics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Graham E Davies
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Immunology and Gene Therapy, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research & Teaching Department, London, United Kingdom
| | - Muzlifah A Haniffa
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cellular Genetics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Newcastle University, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Virginie Uhlmann
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ronald N Germain
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Lymphocyte Biology Section and Center for Advanced Tissue Imaging, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Andrea J Radtke
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Lymphocyte Biology Section and Center for Advanced Tissue Imaging, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - John C Marioni
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- University of Cambridge, Cancer Research UK, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Taghon
- Ghent University, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah A Teichmann
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cellular Genetics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- University of Cambridge, Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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12
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Yakici N, Kreins AY, Catak MC, Babayeva R, Erman B, Kenney H, Gungor HE, Cea PA, Kawai T, Bosticardo M, Delmonte OM, Adams S, Fan YT, Pala F, Turkyilmaz A, Howley E, Worth A, Kot H, Sefer AP, Kara A, Bulutoglu A, Bilgic-Eltan S, Altunbas MY, Bayram Catak F, Karakus IS, Karatay E, Tekeoglu SD, Eser M, Albayrak D, Citli S, Kiykim A, Karakoc-Aydiner E, Ozen A, Ghosh S, Gohlke H, Orhan F, Notarangelo LD, Davies EG, Baris S. Expanding the clinical and immunological phenotypes of PAX1-deficient SCID and CID patients. Clin Immunol 2023; 255:109757. [PMID: 37689091 PMCID: PMC10958138 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Paired box 1 (PAX1) deficiency has been reported in a small number of patients diagnosed with otofaciocervical syndrome type 2 (OFCS2). We described six new patients who demonstrated variable clinical penetrance. Reduced transcriptional activity of pathogenic variants confirmed partial or complete PAX1 deficiency. Thymic aplasia and hypoplasia were associated with impaired T cell immunity. Corrective treatment was required in 4/6 patients. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation resulted in poor immune reconstitution with absent naïve T cells, contrasting with the superior recovery of T cell immunity after thymus transplantation. Normal ex vivo differentiation of PAX1-deficient CD34+ cells into mature T cells demonstrated the absence of a hematopoietic cell-intrinsic defect. New overlapping features with DiGeorge syndrome included primary hypoparathyroidism (n = 5) and congenital heart defects (n = 2), in line with PAX1 expression during early embryogenesis. Our results highlight new features of PAX1 deficiency, which are relevant to improving early diagnosis and identifying patients requiring corrective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalan Yakici
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Alexandra Y Kreins
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research & Teaching Department, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Immunology and Gene therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Mehmet Cihangir Catak
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey; Istanbul Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Research Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies, Istanbul, Turkey; The Isil Berat Barlan Center for Translational Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Royala Babayeva
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey; Istanbul Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Research Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies, Istanbul, Turkey; The Isil Berat Barlan Center for Translational Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Baran Erman
- Institute of Child Health, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey; Can Sucak, Research Laboratory for Translational Immunology, Center for Genomics and Rare Diseases, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Heather Kenney
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology (LCIM), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hatice Eke Gungor
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Erciyes City Hospital, Turkey
| | - Pablo A Cea
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tomoki Kawai
- Shizuoka Children's Hospital, Shizuoka, Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Japan
| | - Marita Bosticardo
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology (LCIM), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ottavia Maria Delmonte
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology (LCIM), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Stuart Adams
- SIHMDS-Haematology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yu-Tong Fan
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research & Teaching Department, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Pala
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology (LCIM), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ayberk Turkyilmaz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Evey Howley
- Department of Immunology and Gene therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Austen Worth
- Department of Immunology and Gene therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hakan Kot
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Asena Pinar Sefer
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey; Istanbul Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Research Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies, Istanbul, Turkey; The Isil Berat Barlan Center for Translational Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Altan Kara
- TUBITAK Marmara Research Center, Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Institute, Gebze, Turkey
| | - Alper Bulutoglu
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey; Istanbul Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Research Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies, Istanbul, Turkey; The Isil Berat Barlan Center for Translational Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevgi Bilgic-Eltan
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey; Istanbul Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Research Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies, Istanbul, Turkey; The Isil Berat Barlan Center for Translational Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Melek Yorgun Altunbas
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey; Istanbul Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Research Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies, Istanbul, Turkey; The Isil Berat Barlan Center for Translational Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Feyza Bayram Catak
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey; Istanbul Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Research Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies, Istanbul, Turkey; The Isil Berat Barlan Center for Translational Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Emrah Karatay
- Department of Radiology, Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sidem Didar Tekeoglu
- Can Sucak, Research Laboratory for Translational Immunology, Center for Genomics and Rare Diseases, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey; Department of Pediatric Immunology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Metin Eser
- Department of Medical Genetics, Umraniye Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Davut Albayrak
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Medicalpark Hospital, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Senol Citli
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey
| | - Ayca Kiykim
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elif Karakoc-Aydiner
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey; Istanbul Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Research Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies, Istanbul, Turkey; The Isil Berat Barlan Center for Translational Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Ozen
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey; Istanbul Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Research Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies, Istanbul, Turkey; The Isil Berat Barlan Center for Translational Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sujal Ghosh
- Department for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Center of Child and Adolescent Health, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Holger Gohlke
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany; Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-4: Bioinformatics), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Fazil Orhan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology (LCIM), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - E Graham Davies
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research & Teaching Department, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Immunology and Gene therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Safa Baris
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey; Istanbul Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Research Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies, Istanbul, Turkey; The Isil Berat Barlan Center for Translational Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
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13
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He H, Yao Y, Tang L, Li Y, Li Z, Liu B, Lan Y. Divergent molecular events underlying initial T-cell commitment in human prenatal and postnatal thymus. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1240859. [PMID: 37828991 PMCID: PMC10565475 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1240859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Intrathymic T-cell development is a coordinated process accompanied by dynamic changes in gene expression. Although the transcriptome characteristics of developing T cells in both human fetal and postnatal thymus at single-cell resolution have been revealed recently, the differences between human prenatal and postnatal thymocytes regarding the ontogeny and early events of T-cell development still remain obscure. Moreover, the transcriptional heterogeneity and posttranscriptional gene expression regulation such as alternative polyadenylation at different stages are also unknown. Method In this study, we performed integrative single-cell analyses of thymocytes at distinct developmental stages. Results The subsets of prenatal CD4-CD8- double-negative (DN) cells, the most immature thymocytes responsible for T-cell lineage commitment, were characterized. By comprehensively comparing prenatal and postnatal DN cells, we revealed significant differences in some key gene expressions. Specifically, prenatal DN subpopulations exhibited distinct biological processes and markedly activated several metabolic programs that may be coordinated to meet the required bioenergetic demands. Although showing similar gene expression patterns along the developmental path, prenatal and postnatal thymocytes were remarkably varied regarding the expression dynamics of some pivotal genes for cell cycle, metabolism, signaling pathway, thymus homing, and T-cell commitment. Finally, we quantified the transcriptome-wide changes in alternative polyadenylation across T-cell development and found diverse preferences of polyadenylation site usage in divergent populations along the T-cell commitment trajectory. Discussion In summary, our results revealed transcriptional heterogeneity and a dynamic landscape of alternative polyadenylation during T-cell development in both human prenatal and postnatal thymus, providing a comprehensive resource for understanding T lymphopoiesis in human thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han He
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingpeng Yao
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Basic Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lindong Tang
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhui Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zongcheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology, Senior Department of Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology, Senior Department of Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Lan
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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14
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Kearns NA, Lobo M, Genga RMJ, Abramowitz RG, Parsi KM, Min J, Kernfeld EM, Huey JD, Kady J, Hennessy E, Brehm MA, Ziller MJ, Maehr R. Generation and molecular characterization of human pluripotent stem cell-derived pharyngeal foregut endoderm. Dev Cell 2023; 58:1801-1818.e15. [PMID: 37751684 PMCID: PMC10637111 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.08.024] [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] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Approaches to study human pharyngeal foregut endoderm-a developmental intermediate that is linked to various human syndromes involving pharynx development and organogenesis of tissues such as thymus, parathyroid, and thyroid-have been hampered by scarcity of tissue access and cellular models. We present an efficient stepwise differentiation method to generate human pharyngeal foregut endoderm from pluripotent stem cells. We determine dose and temporal requirements of signaling pathway engagement for optimized differentiation and characterize the differentiation products on cellular and integrated molecular level. We present a computational classification tool, "CellMatch," and transcriptomic classification of differentiation products on an integrated mouse scRNA-seq developmental roadmap confirms cellular maturation. Integrated transcriptomic and chromatin analyses infer differentiation stage-specific gene regulatory networks. Our work provides the method and integrated multiomic resource for the investigation of disease-relevant loci and gene regulatory networks and their role in developmental defects affecting the pharyngeal endoderm and its derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola A Kearns
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Macrina Lobo
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ryan M J Genga
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ryan G Abramowitz
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Krishna M Parsi
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jiang Min
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Eric M Kernfeld
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jack D Huey
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jamie Kady
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Erica Hennessy
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Michael A Brehm
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Michael J Ziller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - René Maehr
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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15
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Ren W, Cha X, Xu R, Wang T, Liang C, Chou J, Zhang X, Li F, Wang S, Cai B, Jiang P, Wang H, Liu H, Yu Y. Cisplatin attenuates taste cell homeostasis and induces inflammatory activation in the circumvallate papilla. Theranostics 2023; 13:2896-2913. [PMID: 37284449 PMCID: PMC10240818 DOI: 10.7150/thno.81153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Gustation is important to several biological functions in mammals. However, chemotherapy drugs often harm taste perception in cancer patients, while the underlying mechanism is still unclear for most drugs and there is no effective way to restore taste function. This study investigated the effects of cisplatin on the taste cell homeostasis and gustatory function. Methods: We used both mice and taste organoid models to study the effect of cisplatin on taste buds. Gustometer assay, gustatory nerve recording, RNA-Sequencing, quantitative PCR, and immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze the cisplatin-induced alteration in taste behavior and function, transcriptome, apoptosis, cell proliferation and taste cell generation. Results: Cisplatin inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in the circumvallate papilla, leading to significant impairment in taste function and receptor cell generation. The transcriptional profile of genes associated with cell cycle, metabolic process and inflammatory response was significantly altered after cisplatin treatment. Cisplatin inhibited growth, promoted apoptosis, and deferred taste receptor cell differentiation in taste organoids. LY411575, a γ-secretase inhibitor, reduced the number of apoptotic cells and increased the number of proliferative cells and taste receptor cells, potentially suggesting as a taste tissue protective agent against chemotherapy. LY411575 treatment could offset the increased number of Pax1+ or Pycr1+ cells induced by cisplatin in the circumvallate papilla and taste organoids. Conclusion: This study highlights the inhibitory effects of cisplatin on taste cell homeostasis and function, identifies critical genes and biological processes regulated by chemotherapy, and proposes potential therapeutic targets and strategy for taste dysfunction in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Ren
- Department of Otolaryngology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Naval Military Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xudong Cha
- Department of Otolaryngology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Naval Military Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyu Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Naval Military Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Caiquan Liang
- Department of Otolaryngology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Naval Military Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Janice Chou
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xiujuan Zhang
- Ear, Nose & Throat Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengzhen Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Naval Military Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenglei Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Naval Military Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Boyu Cai
- Department of Otolaryngology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Naval Military Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Peihua Jiang
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hong Wang
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Huanhai Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Naval Military Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiqun Yu
- Ear, Nose & Throat Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, People's Republic of China
- Olfactory Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, People's Republic of China
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16
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Sun S, Wijanarko K, Liani O, Strumila K, Ng ES, Elefanty AG, Stanley EG. Lymphoid cell development from fetal hematopoietic progenitors and human pluripotent stem cells. Immunol Rev 2023; 315:154-170. [PMID: 36939073 PMCID: PMC10952469 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13197] [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: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Lymphoid cells encompass the adaptive immune system, including T and B cells and Natural killer T cells (NKT), and innate immune cells (ILCs), including Natural Killer (NK) cells. During adult life, these lineages are thought to derive from the differentiation of long-term hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) residing in the bone marrow. However, during embryogenesis and fetal development, the ontogeny of lymphoid cells is both complex and multifaceted, with a large body of evidence suggesting that lymphoid lineages arise from progenitor cell populations antedating the emergence of HSCs. Recently, the application of single cell RNA-sequencing technologies and pluripotent stem cell-based developmental models has provided new insights into lymphoid ontogeny during embryogenesis. Indeed, PSC differentiation platforms have enabled de novo generation of lymphoid immune cells independently of HSCs, supporting conclusions drawn from the study of hematopoiesis in vivo. Here, we examine lymphoid development from non-HSC progenitor cells and technological advances in the differentiation of human lymphoid cells from pluripotent stem cells for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shicheng Sun
- Murdoch Children's Research InstituteThe Royal Children's HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Kevin Wijanarko
- Murdoch Children's Research InstituteThe Royal Children's HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Oniko Liani
- Murdoch Children's Research InstituteThe Royal Children's HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Kathleen Strumila
- Murdoch Children's Research InstituteThe Royal Children's HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Elizabeth S. Ng
- Murdoch Children's Research InstituteThe Royal Children's HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Andrew G. Elefanty
- Murdoch Children's Research InstituteThe Royal Children's HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Edouard G. Stanley
- Murdoch Children's Research InstituteThe Royal Children's HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
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17
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Chiu H, Linsley PS, Ziegler SF. Investigating Thymic Epithelial Cell Diversity Using Systems Biology. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 210:888-894. [PMID: 36947816 PMCID: PMC10037528 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is an intricate organ consisting of a diverse population of thymic epithelial cells (TECs). Cortical and medullary TECs and their subpopulations have distinct roles in coordinating the development and selection of functionally competent and self-tolerant T cells. Recent advances made in technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing have made it possible to investigate and resolve the heterogeneity in TECs. These findings have provided further understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating TEC function and expression of tissue-restricted Ags. In this brief review, we focus on the newly characterized subsets of TECs and their diversity in relation to their functions in supporting T cell development. We also discuss recent discoveries in expression of self-antigens in the context of TEC development as well as the cellular and molecular changes occurring during embryonic development to thymic involution.
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18
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Bosticardo M, Notarangelo LD. Human thymus in health and disease: Recent advances in diagnosis and biology. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101732. [PMID: 36863139 PMCID: PMC10134747 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is the crucial tissue where thymocytes develop from hematopoietic precursors that originate from the bone marrow and differentiate to generate a repertoire of mature T cells able to respond to foreign antigens while remaining tolerant to self-antigens. Until recently, most of the knowledge on thymus biology and its cellular and molecular complexity have been obtained through studies in animal models, because of the difficulty to gain access to thymic tissue in humans and the lack of in vitro models able to faithfully recapitulate the thymic microenvironment. This review focuses on recent advances in the understanding of human thymus biology in health and disease obtained through the use of innovative experimental techniques (eg. single cell RNA sequencing, scRNAseq), diagnostic tools (eg. next generation sequencing), and in vitro models of T-cell differentiation (artificial thymic organoids) and thymus development (eg. thymic epithelial cell differentiation from embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marita Bosticardo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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19
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Rouse P, Henderson T, Venkateswaran S, Sweetman J, Duffy C, Bradley M, Blackburn CC. An induced thymic epithelial cell-based high throughput screen for thymus extracellular matrix mimetics. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2249934. [PMID: 36645212 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202249934] [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] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are key effectors of the thymic stroma and are critically required for T-cell development. TECs comprise a diverse set of related but functionally distinct cell types that are scarce and difficult to isolate and handle. This has precluded TEC-based screening assays. We previously described induced thymic epithelial cells (iTECs), an artificial cell type produced in vitro by direct reprogramming, raising the possibility that iTECs might provide the basis for functional screens related to TEC biology. Here, we present an iTEC-based three-stage medium/high-throughput in vitro assay for synthetic polymer mimics of thymic extracellular matrix (ECM). Using this assay, we identified, from a complex library, four polymers that bind iTEC as well as or better than gelatin but do not bind mesenchymal cells. We show that these four polymers also bind and maintain native mouse fetal TECs and native human fetal TECs. Finally, we show that the selected polymers do not interfere with iTEC function or T-cell development. Collectively, our data establish that iTECs can be used to screen for TEC-relevant compounds in at least some medium/high-throughput assays and identify synthetic polymer ECM mimics that can replace gelatin or ECM components in TEC culture protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Rouse
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Stem Cell Research, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Timothy Henderson
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Stem Cell Research, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
- Australian National University Medical School, The Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT 2605, Australia
| | | | - Joanna Sweetman
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Stem Cell Research, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Cairnan Duffy
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL, UK
| | - Mark Bradley
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL, UK
| | - C Clare Blackburn
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Stem Cell Research, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
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20
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Sanchez Sanchez G, Tafesse Y, Papadopoulou M, Vermijlen D. Surfing on the waves of the human γδ T cell ontogenic sea. Immunol Rev 2023; 315:89-107. [PMID: 36625367 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
While γδ T cells are present virtually in all vertebrates, there is a remarkable lack of conservation of the TRG and TRD loci underlying the generation of the γδ T cell receptor (TCR), which is associated with the generation of species-specific γδ T cells. A prominent example is the human phosphoantigen-reactive Vγ9Vδ2 T cell subset that is absent in mice. Murine γδ thymocyte cells were among the first immune cells identified to follow a wave-based layered development during embryonic and early life, and since this initial observation, in-depth insight has been obtained in their thymic ontogeny. By contrast, less is known about the development of human γδ T cells, especially regarding the generation of γδ thymocyte waves. Here, after providing an overview of thymic γδ wave generation in several vertebrate classes, we review the evidence for γδ waves in the human fetal thymus, where single-cell technologies have allowed the breakdown of human γδ thymocytes into functional waves with important TCR associations. Finally, we discuss the possible mechanisms contributing to the generation of waves of γδ thymocytes and their possible significance in the periphery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillem Sanchez Sanchez
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium.,ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
| | - Yohannes Tafesse
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium.,ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
| | - Maria Papadopoulou
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium.,ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
| | - David Vermijlen
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium.,ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
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21
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Dębicka M, Kwiatkowski S, Milczarek O. Retropharyngeal Ectopic Thymus in a Pediatric Patient With 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome. Cureus 2023; 15:e33350. [PMID: 36751147 PMCID: PMC9897007 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus gland plays a crucial role in the maturation process of lymphocyte T cells. Developmental disorders of this organ might be caused by genetic diseases, such as the 22q11.2 deletion and DiGeorge syndrome. Other manifestations of this condition are heart defects, a reduced number of T cells, hypocalcemia, and facial dysmorphia. A 13-year-old boy with 22q11 deletion syndrome presented with paresis and paresthesia of the right upper extremity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a solid mass in the retropharyngeal and prevertebral areas. The lesion was excised and, upon histopathological examination, turned out to be ectopic thymic tissue. A follow-up examination showed no recurrence of the lesion. The ectopic thymus is a rare pathology, especially in 22q11 deletion syndrome patients. In general, thymic tissue can be found anywhere along its normal path of descent. In this case, however, its location cannot be explained solely by its embryological origin, as at no point should the thymus or its histological predecessor be located in the retropharyngeal area. As such, this finding challenges our current understanding of thymic embryological genesis.
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22
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Hou S, Liu C, Yao Y, Bai Z, Gong Y, Wang C, He J, You G, Zhang G, Liu B, Lan Y. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Development in Mammalian Embryos. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1442:1-16. [PMID: 38228955 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-7471-9_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are situated at the top of the adult hematopoietic hierarchy in mammals and give rise to the majority of blood cells throughout life. Recently, with the advance of multiple single-cell technologies, researchers have unprecedentedly deciphered the cellular and molecular evolution, the lineage relationships, and the regulatory mechanisms underlying HSC emergence in mammals. In this review, we describe the precise vascular origin of HSCs in mouse and human embryos, emphasizing the conservation in the unambiguous arterial characteristics of the HSC-primed hemogenic endothelial cells (HECs). Serving as the immediate progeny of some HECs, functional pre-HSCs of mouse embryos can now be isolated at single-cell level using defined surface marker combinations. Heterogeneity regrading cell cycle status or lineage differentiation bias within HECs, pre-HSCs, or emerging HSCs in mouse embryos has been figured out. Several epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of HSC generation, including long noncoding RNA, DNA methylation modification, RNA splicing, and layered epigenetic modifications, have also been recently uncovered. In addition to that of HSCs, the cellular and molecular events underlying the development of multiple hematopoietic progenitors in human embryos/fetus have been unraveled with the use of series of single-cell technologies. Specifically, yolk sac-derived myeloid-biased progenitors have been identified as the earliest multipotent hematopoietic progenitors in human embryo, serving as an important origin of fetal liver monocyte-derived macrophages. Moreover, the development of multiple hematopoietic lineages in human embryos such as T and B lymphocytes, innate lymphoid cells, as well as myeloid cells like monocytes, macrophages, erythrocytes, and megakaryocytes has also been depicted and reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Hou
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yingpeng Yao
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhijie Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yandong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chaojie Wang
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian He
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guoju You
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Lan
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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23
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Isaiah A. A Neck Mass of Thymic Origin in a Pediatric Patient. Cureus 2022; 14:e32468. [PMID: 36644038 PMCID: PMC9835854 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we present the case of a 10-year-old boy with a left-sided neck mass. Although most neck masses in children are non-cancerous, their etiology can be complex, especially in neck masses of congenital origin. The workup of a pediatric neck mass includes imaging and cytopathology. In this case, the histopathology of the excised mass revealed thymic tissue, which helped establish the diagnosis of a thymopharyngeal duct cyst. Thymophayngeal duct cysts, although rare, can be diagnosed preoperatively by characteristic tapering toward the mediastinum. Cytopathology may demonstrate Hassall corpuscles. These unique features can help disentangle the differential diagnoses, which commonly include thyroglossal duct cysts, venolymphatic malformations, and branchial cleft cysts.
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24
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Development of the immune system in the human embryo. Pediatr Res 2022; 92:951-955. [PMID: 35042957 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-01940-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The fetal immune system is highly specialized which is to generate both tolerogenic and protective immune responses to tolerate both self- and maternal-antigens. Fetal T cells with pro-inflammatory potential are born in a tolerogenic environment and are tightly controlled by both cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic mechanisms. Fetal B-1 and B-2 B cells involved in innate and adaptive immune responses, respectively, arise in staggered waves of development from distinct progenitors. Innate immune responses are the key to the protection against infection and adaptive immunity creates memory after an initial response to a specific pathogen. This review aims to discuss the recent advances in understanding the development of immune system in fetus. IMPACT: During gestation, essential developmental changes occur to survive the neonates. At early stage, developmental signals and changes may be influenced due to immune deficiencies.
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25
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Kadouri N, Givony T, Nevo S, Hey J, Ben Dor S, Damari G, Dassa B, Dobes J, Weichenhan D, Bähr M, Paulsen M, Haffner-Krausz R, Mall MA, Plass C, Goldfarb Y, Abramson J. Transcriptional regulation of the thymus master regulator Foxn1. Sci Immunol 2022; 7:eabn8144. [PMID: 36026441 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abn8144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
FOXN1 is a transcription factor critical for the development of both thymic epithelial cell (TEC) and hair follicle cell (HFC) compartments. However, mechanisms controlling its expression remain poorly understood. To address this question, we performed thorough analyses of the evolutionary conservation and chromatin status of the Foxn1 locus in different tissues and states and identified several putative cis-regulatory regions unique to TECs versus HFCs. Furthermore, experiments using genetically modified mice with specific deletions in the Foxn1 locus and additional bioinformatic analyses helped us identify key regions and transcription factors involved in either positive or negative regulation of Foxn1 in both TECs and HFCs. Specifically, we identified SIX1 and FOXN1 itself as key factors inducing Foxn1 expression in embryonic and neonatal TECs. Together, our data provide important mechanistic insights into the transcriptional regulation of the Foxn1 gene in TEC versus HFC and highlight the role of FOXN1 in its autoregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noam Kadouri
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tal Givony
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shir Nevo
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Joschka Hey
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shifra Ben Dor
- Bioinformatics Unit, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Golda Damari
- Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Bareket Dassa
- Bioinformatics Unit, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Jan Dobes
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dieter Weichenhan
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marion Bähr
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michelle Paulsen
- Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Translational Pulmonology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Marcus A Mall
- Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Translational Pulmonology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Plass
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yael Goldfarb
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Jakub Abramson
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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26
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Pala F, Notarangelo LD, Bosticardo M. Inborn errors of immunity associated with defects of thymic development. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2022; 33:e13832. [PMID: 36003043 PMCID: PMC11077434 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The main function of the thymus is to support the establishment of a wide repertoire of T lymphocytes capable of eliminating foreign pathogens, yet tolerant to self-antigens. Thymocyte development in the thymus is dependent on the interaction with thymic stromal cells, a complex mixture of cells comprising thymic epithelial cells (TEC), mesenchymal and endothelial cells. The exchange of signals between stromal cells and thymocytes is referred to as "thymic cross-talk". Genetic defects affecting either side of this interaction result in defects in thymic development that ultimately lead to a decreased output of T lymphocytes to the periphery. In the present review, we aim at providing a summary of inborn errors of immunity (IEI) characterized by T-cell lymphopenia due to defects of the thymic stroma, or to hematopoietic-intrinsic defects of T-cell development, with a special focus on recently discovered disorders. Additionally, we review the novel diagnostic tools developed to discover and study new genetic causes of IEI due to defects in thymic development. Finally, we discuss therapeutic approaches to correct thymic defects that are currently available, in addition to potential novel therapies that could be applied in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pala
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Marita Bosticardo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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27
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Steele RE, Sanders R, Phillips HM, Bamforth SD. PAX Genes in Cardiovascular Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7713. [PMID: 35887061 PMCID: PMC9324344 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian heart is a four-chambered organ with systemic and pulmonary circulations to deliver oxygenated blood to the body, and a tightly regulated genetic network exists to shape normal development of the heart and its associated major arteries. A key process during cardiovascular morphogenesis is the septation of the outflow tract which initially forms as a single vessel before separating into the aorta and pulmonary trunk. The outflow tract connects to the aortic arch arteries which are derived from the pharyngeal arch arteries. Congenital heart defects are a major cause of death and morbidity and are frequently associated with a failure to deliver oxygenated blood to the body. The Pax transcription factor family is characterised through their highly conserved paired box and DNA binding domains and are crucial in organogenesis, regulating the development of a wide range of cells, organs and tissues including the cardiovascular system. Studies altering the expression of these genes in murine models, notably Pax3 and Pax9, have found a range of cardiovascular patterning abnormalities such as interruption of the aortic arch and common arterial trunk. This suggests that these Pax genes play a crucial role in the regulatory networks governing cardiovascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Simon D. Bamforth
- Bioscience Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Centre for Life, Newcastle NE1 3BZ, UK; (R.E.S.); (R.S.); (H.M.P.)
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28
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Provin N, Giraud M. Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells Into Thymic Epithelial Cells and Generation of Thymic Organoids: Applications for Therapeutic Strategies Against APECED. Front Immunol 2022; 13:930963. [PMID: 35844523 PMCID: PMC9277542 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.930963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ essential for the induction of central immune tolerance. Maturing T cells undergo several steps of expansion and selection mediated by thymic epithelial cells (TECs). In APECED and other congenital pathologies, a deficiency in genes that regulate TEC development or their ability to select non auto-reactive thymocytes results in a defective immune balance, and consequently in a general autoimmune syndrome. Restoration of thymic function is thus crucial for the emergence of curative treatments. The last decade has seen remarkable progress in both gene editing and pluripotent stem cell differentiation, with the emergence of CRISPR-based gene correction, the trivialization of reprogramming of somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSc) and their subsequent differentiation into multiple cellular fates. The combination of these two approaches has paved the way to the generation of genetically corrected thymic organoids and their use to control thymic genetic pathologies affecting self-tolerance. Here we review the recent advances in differentiation of iPSc into TECs and the ability of the latter to support a proper and efficient maturation of thymocytes into functional and non-autoreactive T cells. A special focus is given on thymus organogenesis and pathway modulation during iPSc differentiation, on the impact of the 2/3D structure on the generated TECs, and on perspectives for therapeutic strategies in APECED based on patient-derived iPSc corrected for AIRE gene mutations.
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29
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Bhalla P, Su DM, van Oers NSC. Thymus Functionality Needs More Than a Few TECs. Front Immunol 2022; 13:864777. [PMID: 35757725 PMCID: PMC9229346 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.864777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus, a primary lymphoid organ, produces the T cells of the immune system. Originating from the 3rd pharyngeal pouch during embryogenesis, this organ functions throughout life. Yet, thymopoiesis can be transiently or permanently damaged contingent on the types of systemic stresses encountered. The thymus also undergoes a functional decline during aging, resulting in a progressive reduction in naïve T cell output. This atrophy is evidenced by a deteriorating thymic microenvironment, including, but not limited, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions, fibrosis and adipogenesis. An exploration of cellular changes in the thymus at various stages of life, including mouse models of in-born errors of immunity and with single cell RNA sequencing, is revealing an expanding number of distinct cell types influencing thymus functions. The thymus microenvironment, established through interactions between immature and mature thymocytes with thymus epithelial cells (TEC), is well known. Less well appreciated are the contributions of neural crest cell-derived mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells, diverse hematopoietic cell populations, adipocytes, and fibroblasts in the thymic microenvironment. In the current review, we will explore the contributions of the many stromal cell types participating in the formation, expansion, and contraction of the thymus under normal and pathophysiological processes. Such information will better inform approaches for restoring thymus functionality, including thymus organoid technologies, beneficial when an individuals’ own tissue is congenitally, clinically, or accidentally rendered non-functional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Bhalla
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Dong-Ming Su
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, The University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Nicolai S C van Oers
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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30
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Padron GT, Hernandez-Trujillo VP. Autoimmunity in Primary Immunodeficiencies (PID). Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2022:10.1007/s12016-022-08942-0. [PMID: 35648371 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-022-08942-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Primary immunodeficiency (PID) may impact any component of the immune system. The number of PID and immune dysregulation disorders is growing steadily with advancing genetic detection methods. These expansive recognition methods have changed the way we characterize PID. While PID were once characterized by their susceptibility to infection, the increase in genetic analysis has elucidated the intertwined relationship between PID and non-infectious manifestations including autoimmunity. The defects permitting opportunistic infections to take hold may also lead the way to the development of autoimmune disease. In some cases, it is the non-infectious complications that may be the presenting sign of PID autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune cytopenia, enteropathy, endocrinopathies, and arthritis among others, have been reported in PID. While autoimmunity may occur with any PID, this review will look at certain immunodeficiencies most often associated with autoimmunity, as well as their diagnosis and management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace T Padron
- Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, FL, USA.
- Allergy and Immunology Care Center of South Florida, Miami Lakes, FL, USA.
| | - Vivian P Hernandez-Trujillo
- Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, FL, USA
- Allergy and Immunology Care Center of South Florida, Miami Lakes, FL, USA
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31
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Structural and Functional Thymic Biomarkers Are Involved in the Pathogenesis of Thymic Epithelial Tumors: An Overview. IMMUNO 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/immuno2020025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The normal human thymus originates from the third branchial cleft as two paired anlages that descend into the thorax and fuse on the midline of the anterior–superior mediastinum. Alongside the epithelial and lymphoid components, different types of lymphoid accessory cells, stromal mesenchymal and endothelial cells migrate to, or develop in, the thymus. After reaching maximum development during early postnatal life, the human thymus decreases in size and lymphocyte output drops with age. However, thymic immunological functions persist, although they deteriorate progressively. Several major techniques were fundamental to increasing the knowledge of thymic development and function during embryogenesis, postnatal and adult life; these include immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, in vitro colony assays, transplantation in mice models, fetal organ cultures (FTOC), re-aggregated thymic organ cultures (RTOC), and whole-organ thymic scaffolds. The thymic morphological and functional characterization, first performed in the mouse, was then extended to humans. The purpose of this overview is to provide a report on selected structural and functional biomarkers of thymic epithelial cells (TEC) involved in thymus development and lymphoid cell maturation, and on the historical aspects of their characterization, with particular attention being paid to biomarkers also involved in Thymic Epithelial Tumor (TET) pathogenesis. Moreover, a short overview of targeted therapies in TET, based on currently available experimental and clinical data and on potential future advances will be proposed.
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Sherlaw-Sturrock C, Austin T, Baptista J, Gilmour K, Naik S. Dysmorphism and immunodeficiency - One of the differential diagnoses is PAX1 related otofaciocervical syndrome type 2. Eur J Med Genet 2022; 65:104523. [PMID: 35595062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2022.104523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Otofaciocervical syndrome (OTFCS) is a rare condition associated with short stature, abnormal facial features and conductive hearing loss. OTFCS type 2 (OTFCS) is an autosomal recessive form of this condition with associated T cell deficiency due to biallelic variants in PAX1. We report a female child born to a consanguineous couple with homozygous PAX1 variant. She was diagnosed with T cell immunodeficiency as a neonate and underwent haematopoietic stem cell transplant with cord blood at the age of 5 months. She had facial dysmorphism including ear abnormalities and spinal deformity. We present longitudinal follow-up of the proband who has responded well to the bone marrow transplant to add to the otherwise limited description of this rare condition. This case report expands on the limited literature available on this condition, with only five families reported to date and it further highlights the clinical utility of a rapid gene-agnostic trio exome analysis in identifying a genetic diagnosis in patients who previously underwent genomic testing by gene panel analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Austin
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, UK
| | - Julia Baptista
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, UK; Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Kimberly Gilmour
- Immunology, Camelia Botnar Laboratories, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Swati Naik
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, UK
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33
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Sun S, Li JY, Nim HT, Piers A, Ramialison M, Porrello ER, Konstantinov IE, Elefanty AG, Stanley EG. CD90 Marks a Mesenchymal Program in Human Thymic Epithelial Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. Front Immunol 2022; 13:846281. [PMID: 35371075 PMCID: PMC8966383 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.846281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelium is critical for the structural integrity of the thymus and for T cell development. Within the fully formed thymus, large numbers of hematopoietic cells shape the thymic epithelium into a scaffold-like structure which bears little similarity to classical epithelial layers, such as those observed in the skin, intestine or pancreas. Here, we show that human thymic epithelial cells (TECs) possess an epithelial identity that also incorporates the expression of mesenchymal cell associated genes, whose expression levels vary between medullary and cortical TECs (m/cTECs). Using pluripotent stem cell (PSC) differentiation systems, we identified a unique population of cells that co-expressed the master TEC transcription factor FOXN1, as well as the epithelial associated marker EPCAM and the mesenchymal associated gene CD90. Using the same serum free culture conditions, we also observed co-expression of EPCAM and CD90 on cultured TECs derived from neonatal human thymus in vitro. Single cell RNA-sequencing revealed these cultured TECs possessed an immature mTEC phenotype and expressed epithelial and mesenchymal associated genes, such as EPCAM, CLDN4, CD90 and COL1A1. Importantly, flow cytometry and single cell RNA-sequencing analysis further confirmed the presence of an EPCAM+CD90+ population in the CD45- fraction of neonatal human thymic stromal cells in vivo. Using the human thymus cell atlas, we found that cTECs displayed more pronounced mesenchymal characteristics than mTECs during embryonic development. Collectively, these results suggest human TECs possess a hybrid gene expression program comprising both epithelial and mesenchymal elements, and provide a basis for the further exploration of thymus development from primary tissues and from the in vitro differentiation of PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shicheng Sun
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jacky Y Li
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Hieu T Nim
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute and Systems Biology Institute Australia, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Adam Piers
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Centre for Cardiovascular Genomics and Regenerative Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mirana Ramialison
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute and Systems Biology Institute Australia, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Enzo R Porrello
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Centre for Cardiovascular Genomics and Regenerative Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Igor E Konstantinov
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute and Systems Biology Institute Australia, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Cardiac Surgery, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew G Elefanty
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Edouard G Stanley
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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34
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Wang D, Tanaka-Yano M, Meader E, Kinney MA, Morris V, Lummertz da Rocha E, Liu N, Liu T, Zhu Q, Orkin SH, North TE, Daley GQ, Rowe RG. Developmental maturation of the hematopoietic system controlled by a Lin28b-let-7-Cbx2 axis. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110587. [PMID: 35385744 PMCID: PMC9029260 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematopoiesis changes over life to meet the demands of maturation and aging. Here, we find that the definitive hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) compartment is remodeled from gestation into adulthood, a process regulated by the heterochronic Lin28b/let-7 axis. Native fetal and neonatal HSPCs distribute with a pro-lymphoid/erythroid bias with a shift toward myeloid output in adulthood. By mining transcriptomic data comparing juvenile and adult HSPCs and reconstructing coordinately activated gene regulatory networks, we uncover the Polycomb repressor complex 1 (PRC1) component Cbx2 as an effector of Lin28b/let-7's control of hematopoietic maturation. We find that juvenile Cbx2-/- hematopoietic tissues show impairment of B-lymphopoiesis, a precocious adult-like myeloid bias, and that Cbx2/PRC1 regulates developmental timing of expression of key hematopoietic transcription factors. These findings define a mechanism of regulation of HSPC output via chromatin modification as a function of age with potential impact on age-biased pediatric and adult blood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahai Wang
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mayuri Tanaka-Yano
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Eleanor Meader
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Melissa A Kinney
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Vivian Morris
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Edroaldo Lummertz da Rocha
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Nan Liu
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tianxin Liu
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Qian Zhu
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stuart H Orkin
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Trista E North
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - George Q Daley
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - R Grant Rowe
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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35
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Clinical, Immunological, and Genetic Findings in a Cohort of Patients with the DiGeorge Phenotype without 22q11.2 Deletion. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11072025. [PMID: 35407632 PMCID: PMC8999496 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11072025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by a broad and heterogeneous clinical presentation associated with various degrees of T-cell deficiency. We report the clinical, immunologic, and genetic findings of a cohort of eight patients presenting with a clinical phenotype that is highly suggestive of this syndrome but without the 22q11.2 deletion. The cardinal features of 22q11.2DS, such as congenital heart defects, hypoparathyroidism, and facial dysmorphisms, were observed in the majority of the patient cohort. The unusual features are described in detail. The immunologic assessment showed various degrees of immunodeficiency of the T-cell compartment, notably a reduction in the thymic output. Half of the patient cohort exhibited a reduction in total dendritic cells. Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) revealed six patients harboring copy number variations (CNVs) never reported in normal subjects. The gene content of these CNVs was carefully analyzed to understand the mechanisms leading to 22q11.2DS phenocopies. According to these results, we suggested that array-CGH should be used as a first-tier tool for patients resembling 22q11.2DS.
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36
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Porschen C, Schmitz R, Schmidt R, Oelmeier K, Hammer K, Falkenberg M, Braun J, Köster HA, Steinhard J, Möllers M. Second trimester fetal thymus size in association to preterm birth. J Perinat Med 2022; 50:144-149. [PMID: 34710316 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare the second trimester thymus-thorax-ratio (TTR) between fetuses born preterm (study group) and those born after 37 weeks of gestation were completed (control group). METHODS This study was conducted as a retrospective evaluation of the ultrasound images of 492 fetuses in the three vessel view. The TTR was defined as the quotient of a.p. thymus diameter and a.p. thoracic diameter. RESULTS Fetuses that were preterm showed larger TTR (p<0.001) the second trimester than those born after 37 weeks of gestation were completed. The sensitivity of a binary classifier based on TTR for predicting preterm birth (PTB) was 0.792 and the specificity 0.552. CONCLUSIONS In our study, fetuses affected by PTB showed enlarged thymus size. These findings led us to hypothesize, that inflammation and immunomodulatory processes are altered early in pregnancies affected by PTB. However, TTR alone is not able to predict PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Porschen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Ralf Schmitz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Rene Schmidt
- Institute of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, University of Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Kathrin Oelmeier
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hammer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Maria Falkenberg
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Janina Braun
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Helen Ann Köster
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Johannes Steinhard
- Fetal Cardiology, Heart and Diabetes Center NRW, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Mareike Möllers
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Münster, Munster, Germany
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37
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Monaco-Brown M, Lawrence DA. Obesity and Maternal-Placental-Fetal Immunology and Health. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:859885. [PMID: 35573953 PMCID: PMC9100592 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.859885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity rates in women of childbearing age is now at 29%, according to recent CDC reports. It is known that obesity is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, including disruptions in cellular function and cytokine levels. In pregnant women who are obese, associated placental dysfunction can lead to small for gestational age (SGA) infants. More frequently, however, maternal obesity is associated with large for gestational age (LGA) newborns, who also have higher incidence of metabolic disease and asthma due to elevated levels of inflammation. In addition, anthropogenic environmental exposures to "endocrine disrupting" and "forever" chemicals affect obesity, as well as maternal physiology, the placenta, and fetal development. Placental function is intimately associated with the control of inflammation during pregnancy. There is a large amount of literature examining the relationship of placental immunology, both cellular and humoral, with pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Cells such as placental macrophages and NK cells have been implicated in spontaneous miscarriage, preeclampsia, preterm birth, perinatal neuroinflammation, and other post-natal conditions. Differing levels of placental cytokines and molecular inflammatory mediators also have known associations with preeclampsia and developmental outcomes. In this review, we will specifically examine the literature regarding maternal, placental, and fetal immunology and how it is altered by maternal obesity and environmental chemicals. We will additionally describe the relationship between placental immune function and clinical outcomes, including neonatal conditions, autoimmune disease, allergies, immunodeficiency, metabolic and endocrine conditions, neurodevelopment, and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Monaco-Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, Bernard and Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, United States
| | - David A Lawrence
- New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, United States.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY, United States
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38
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Hu C, Zhang K, Jiang F, Wang H, Shao Q. Epigenetic modifications in thymic epithelial cells: an evolutionary perspective for thymus atrophy. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:210. [PMID: 34819170 PMCID: PMC8612001 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01197-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The thymic microenvironment is mainly comprised of thymic epithelial cells, the cytokines, exosomes, surface molecules, and hormones from the cells, and plays a vital role in the development, differentiation, maturation and homeostasis of T lymphocytes. However, the thymus begins to degenerate as early as the second year of life and continues through aging in human beings, leading to a decreased output of naïve T cells, the limited TCR diversity and an expansion of monoclonal memory T cells in the periphery organs. These alternations will reduce the adaptive immune response to tumors and emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, also it is easier to suffer from autoimmune diseases in older people. In the context of global aging, it is important to investigate and clarify the causes and mechanisms of thymus involution. Main body Epigenetics include histone modification, DNA methylation, non-coding RNA effects, and chromatin remodeling. In this review, we discuss how senescent thymic epithelial cells determine and control age-related thymic atrophy, how this process is altered by epigenetic modification. How the thymus adipose influences the dysfunctions of the thymic epithelial cells, and the prospects of targeting thymic epithelial cells for the treatment of thymus atrophy. Conclusion Epigenetic modifications are emerging as key regulators in governing the development and senescence of thymic epithelial cells. It is beneficial to re-establish effective thymopoiesis, identify the potential therapeutic strategy and rejuvenate the immune function in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cexun Hu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Keyu Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qixiang Shao
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. .,Jiangsu College of Nursing, School of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Huai'an, 223002, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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39
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Evtushenko NA, Beilin AK, Kosykh AV, Vorotelyak EA, Gurskaya NG. Keratins as an Inflammation Trigger Point in Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212446. [PMID: 34830328 PMCID: PMC8624175 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) is a group of inherited keratinopathies that, in most cases, arise due to mutations in keratins and lead to intraepidermal ruptures. The cellular pathology of most EBS subtypes is associated with the fragility of the intermediate filament network, cytolysis of the basal layer of the epidermis, or attenuation of hemidesmosomal/desmosomal components. Mutations in keratins 5/14 or in other genes that encode associated proteins induce structural disarrangements of different strengths depending on their locations in the genes. Keratin aggregates display impaired dynamics of assembly and diminished solubility and appear to be the trigger for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress upon being phosphorylated by MAPKs. Global changes in cellular signaling mainly occur in cases of severe dominant EBS mutations. The spectrum of changes initiated by phosphorylation includes the inhibition of proteasome degradation, TNF-α signaling activation, deregulated proliferation, abnormal cell migration, and impaired adherence of keratinocytes. ER stress also leads to the release of proinflammatory danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules, which enhance avalanche-like inflammation. Many instances of positive feedback in the course of cellular stress and the development of sterile inflammation led to systemic chronic inflammation in EBS. This highlights the role of keratin in the maintenance of epidermal and immune homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezhda A. Evtushenko
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovityanova 1, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (N.A.E.); (A.K.B.); (A.V.K.)
| | - Arkadii K. Beilin
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovityanova 1, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (N.A.E.); (A.K.B.); (A.V.K.)
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 26, 119334 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Anastasiya V. Kosykh
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovityanova 1, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (N.A.E.); (A.K.B.); (A.V.K.)
| | - Ekaterina A. Vorotelyak
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 26, 119334 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Nadya G. Gurskaya
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovityanova 1, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (N.A.E.); (A.K.B.); (A.V.K.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence:
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40
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Modeling of human T cell development in vitro as a read-out for hematopoietic stem cell multipotency. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2113-2122. [PMID: 34643218 PMCID: PMC8589437 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reside in distinct sites throughout fetal and adult life and give rise to all cells of the hematopoietic system. Because of their multipotency, HSCs are capable of curing a wide variety of blood disorders through hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, due to HSC heterogeneity, site-specific ontogeny and current limitations in generating and expanding HSCs in vitro, their broad use in clinical practice remains challenging. To assess HSC multipotency, evaluation of their capacity to generate T lymphocytes has been regarded as a valid read-out. Several in vitro models of T cell development have been established which are able to induce T-lineage differentiation from different hematopoietic precursors, although with variable efficiency. Here, we review the potential of human HSCs from various sources to generate T-lineage cells using these different models in order to address the use of both HSCs and T cell precursors in the clinic.
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Gras-Peña R, Danzl NM, Khosravi-Maharlooei M, Campbell SR, Ruiz AE, Parks CA, Suen Savage WM, Holzl MA, Chatterjee D, Sykes M. Human stem cell-derived thymic epithelial cells enhance human T-cell development in a xenogeneic thymus. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 149:1755-1771. [PMID: 34695489 PMCID: PMC9023620 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generation of thymic tissue from pluripotent stem cells would provide therapies for acquired and congenital thymic insufficiency states. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to generate human thymic epithelial progenitors from human embryonic stem cells (hES-TEPs) and to assess their thymopoietic function in vivo. METHODS This study differentiated hES-TEPs by mimicking developmental queues with FGF8, retinoic acid, SHH, Noggin, and BMP4. Their function was assessed in reaggregate cellular grafts under the kidney capsule and in hybrid thymi by incorporating them into swine thymus (SwTHY) grafts implanted under the kidney capsules of immunodeficient mice that received human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (hHSPCs) intravenously. RESULTS Cultured hES-TEPs expressed FOXN1 and formed colonies expressing EPCAM and both cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cell markers. In thymectomized immunodeficient mice receiving hHSPCs, hES-TEPs mixed with human thymic mesenchymal cells supported human T-cell development. Hypothesizing that support from non-epithelial thymic cells might allow long-term function of hES-TEPs, the investigators injected them into SwTHY tissue, which supports human thymopoiesis in NOD severe combined immunodeficiency IL2Rγnull mice receiving hHSPCs. hES-TEPs integrated into SwTHY grafts, enhanced human thymopoiesis, and increased peripheral CD4+ naive T-cell reconstitution. CONCLUSIONS This study has developed and demonstrated in vivo thymopoietic function of hES-TEPs generated with a novel differentiation protocol. The SwTHY hybrid thymus model demonstrates beneficial effects on human thymocyte development of hES-TEPs maturing in the context of a supportive thymic structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Gras-Peña
- Columbia Center for Human Development, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY; Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY.
| | - Nichole M Danzl
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Mohsen Khosravi-Maharlooei
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Sean R Campbell
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Amanda E Ruiz
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Christopher A Parks
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - William Meng Suen Savage
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Markus A Holzl
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Debanjana Chatterjee
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Megan Sykes
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY; Department of Surgery and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY.
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Haunerdinger V, Moccia MD, Opitz L, Vavassori S, Dave H, Hauri-Hohl MM. Novel Combination of Surface Markers for the Reliable and Comprehensive Identification of Human Thymic Epithelial Cells by Flow Cytometry: Quantitation and Transcriptional Characterization of Thymic Stroma in a Pediatric Cohort. Front Immunol 2021; 12:740047. [PMID: 34659232 PMCID: PMC8514761 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.740047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are essential in supporting the development of mature T cells from hematopoietic progenitor cells and facilitate their lineage-commitment, proliferation, T-cell receptor repertoire selection and maturation. While animal model systems have greatly aided in elucidating the contribution of stromal cells to these intricate processes, human tissue has been more difficult to study, partly due to a lack of suitable surface markers comprehensively defining human TECs. Here, we conducted a flow cytometry based surface marker screen to reliably identify and quantify human TECs and delineate medullary from cortical subsets. These findings were validated by transcriptomic and histologic means. The combination of EpCAM, podoplanin (pdpn), CD49f and CD200 comprehensively identified human TECs and not only allowed their reliable distinction in medullary and cortical subsets but also their detailed quantitation. Transcriptomic profiling of each subset in comparison to fibroblasts and endothelial cells confirmed the identity of the different stromal cell subsets sorted according to the proposed strategy. Our dataset not only demonstrated transcriptional similarities between TEC and cells of mesenchymal origin but furthermore revealed a subset-specific distribution of a specific set of extracellular matrix-related genes in TECs. This indicates that TECs significantly contribute to the distinct compartmentalization - and thus function - of the human thymus. We applied the strategy to quantify TEC subsets in 31 immunologically healthy children, which revealed sex-specific differences of TEC composition early in life. As the distribution of mature CD4- or CD8-single-positive thymocytes was correspondingly altered, the composition of the thymic epithelial compartment may directly impact on the CD4-CD8-lineage choice of thymocytes. We prove that the plain, reliable strategy proposed here to comprehensively identify human TEC subpopulations by flow cytometry based on surface marker expression is suitable to determine their frequency and phenotype in health and disease and allows sorting of live cells for downstream analysis. Its use reaches from a reliable diagnostic tool for thymic biopsies to improved phenotypic characterization of thymic grafts intended for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Haunerdinger
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Domenica Moccia
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lennart Opitz
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Vavassori
- Division of Immunology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Pediatric Immunology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hitendu Dave
- Division of Congenital Cardiovascular Surgery, University Children's Hospital and Children's Research Centre, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mathias M Hauri-Hohl
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
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43
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Moreira C, Hétru J, Paiola M, Duflot A, Chan P, Vaudry D, Pinto PIS, Monsinjon T, Knigge T. Proteomic changes in the extracellular environment of sea bass thymocytes exposed to 17α-ethinylestradiol in vitro. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2021; 40:100911. [PMID: 34583305 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is an important immune organ providing the necessary microenvironment for the development of a diverse, self-tolerant T cell repertoire, which is selected to allow for the recognition of foreign antigens while avoiding self-reactivity. Thymus function and activity are known to be regulated by sex steroid hormones, such as oestrogen, leading to sexual dimorphisms in immunocompetence between males and females. The oestrogenic modulation of the thymic function provides a potential target for environmental oestrogens, such as 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2), to interfere with the cross-talk between the endocrine and the immune system. Oestrogen receptors have been identified on thymocytes and the thymic microenvironment, but it is unclear how oestrogens regulate thymic epithelial and T cell communication including paracrine signalling. Much less is known regarding intrathymic signalling in fish. Secretomics allows for the analysis of complex mixtures of immunomodulatory signalling factors secreted by T cells. Thus, in the present study, isolated thymocytes of the European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, were exposed in vitro to 30 nM EE2 for 4 h and the T cell-secretome (i.e., extracellular proteome) was analysed by quantitative label-free mass-spectrometry. Progenesis revealed a total of 111 proteins differentially displayed between EE2-treated and control thymocytes at an α-level of 5% and a 1.3-fold change cut off (n = 5-6). The EE2-treatment significantly decreased the level of 90 proteins. Gene ontology revealed the proteasome to be the most impacted pathway. In contrast, the abundance of 21 proteins was significantly increased, with cathepsins showing the highest level of induction. However, no particular molecular pathway was significantly altered for these upregulated proteins. To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the first study of the secretome of the fish thymus exposed to the environmental oestrogen EE2, highlighting the impact on putative signalling pathways linked to immune surveillance, which may be of crucial importance for fish health and defence against pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Moreira
- Normandie Univ, UNILEHAVRE, FR CNRS 3730 SCALE, UMR-I 02 Environmental Stress and Aquatic Biomonitoring (SEBIO), F-76600 Le Havre, France
| | - Julie Hétru
- Normandie Univ, UNILEHAVRE, FR CNRS 3730 SCALE, UMR-I 02 Environmental Stress and Aquatic Biomonitoring (SEBIO), F-76600 Le Havre, France
| | - Matthieu Paiola
- Normandie Univ, UNILEHAVRE, FR CNRS 3730 SCALE, UMR-I 02 Environmental Stress and Aquatic Biomonitoring (SEBIO), F-76600 Le Havre, France; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 14642 Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Aurélie Duflot
- Normandie Univ, UNILEHAVRE, FR CNRS 3730 SCALE, UMR-I 02 Environmental Stress and Aquatic Biomonitoring (SEBIO), F-76600 Le Havre, France
| | - Philippe Chan
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, PISSARO Proteomic Facility, IRIB, F-76820 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France; Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), F-76183 Rouen, France
| | - David Vaudry
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, PISSARO Proteomic Facility, IRIB, F-76820 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France; Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication (DC2N), Inserm U1239, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France; Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), F-76183 Rouen, France
| | - Patrícia I S Pinto
- Centro de Ciências Do Mar (CCMAR), Universidade Do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Tiphaine Monsinjon
- Normandie Univ, UNILEHAVRE, FR CNRS 3730 SCALE, UMR-I 02 Environmental Stress and Aquatic Biomonitoring (SEBIO), F-76600 Le Havre, France
| | - Thomas Knigge
- Normandie Univ, UNILEHAVRE, FR CNRS 3730 SCALE, UMR-I 02 Environmental Stress and Aquatic Biomonitoring (SEBIO), F-76600 Le Havre, France.
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Duah M, Li L, Shen J, Lan Q, Pan B, Xu K. Thymus Degeneration and Regeneration. Front Immunol 2021; 12:706244. [PMID: 34539637 PMCID: PMC8442952 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.706244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system’s ability to resist the invasion of foreign pathogens and the tolerance to self-antigens are primarily centered on the efficient functions of the various subsets of T lymphocytes. As the primary organ of thymopoiesis, the thymus performs a crucial role in generating a self-tolerant but diverse repertoire of T cell receptors and peripheral T cell pool, with the capacity to recognize a wide variety of antigens and for the surveillance of malignancies. However, cells in the thymus are fragile and sensitive to changes in the external environment and acute insults such as infections, chemo- and radiation-therapy, resulting in thymic injury and degeneration. Though the thymus has the capacity to self-regenerate, it is often insufficient to reconstitute an intact thymic function. Thymic dysfunction leads to an increased risk of opportunistic infections, tumor relapse, autoimmunity, and adverse clinical outcome. Thus, exploiting the mechanism of thymic regeneration would provide new therapeutic options for these settings. This review summarizes the thymus’s development, factors causing thymic injury, and the strategies for improving thymus regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Duah
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Lingling Li
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Shen
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qiu Lan
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Bin Pan
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kailin Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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Li Y, Zeng W, Li T, Guo Y, Zheng G, He X, Bai L, Ding G, Jin L, Liu X. Integrative Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Human Fetal Thymocyte Development. Front Genet 2021; 12:679616. [PMID: 34276782 PMCID: PMC8284395 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.679616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrathymic differentiation of T lymphocytes begins as early as intrauterine stage, yet the T cell lineage decisions of human fetal thymocytes at different gestational ages are not currently understood. Here, we performed integrative single-cell analyses of thymocytes across gestational ages. We identified conserved candidates underlying the selection of T cell receptor (TCR) lineages in different human fetal stages. The trajectory of early thymocyte commitment during fetal growth was also characterized. Comparisons with mouse data revealed conserved and species-specific transcriptional dynamics of thymocyte proliferation, apoptosis and selection. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data associated with multiple autoimmune disorders were analyzed to characterize susceptibility genes that are highly expressed at specific stages during fetal thymocyte development. In summary, our integrative map describes previously underappreciated aspects of human thymocyte development, and provides a comprehensive reference for understanding T cell lymphopoiesis in a self-tolerant and functional adaptive immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Li
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China.,Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Weihong Zeng
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China.,Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Li
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China.,Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyan Guo
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China.,Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangyong Zheng
- Bio-Med Big Data Center, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoying He
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Lilian Bai
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China.,Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Guolian Ding
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China.,Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinmei Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China.,Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Sharma H, Moroni L. Recent Advancements in Regenerative Approaches for Thymus Rejuvenation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2100543. [PMID: 34306981 PMCID: PMC8292900 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The thymus plays a key role in adaptive immunity by generating a diverse population of T cells that defend the body against pathogens. Various factors from disease and toxic insults contribute to the degeneration of the thymus resulting in a fewer output of T cells. Consequently, the body is prone to a wide host of diseases and infections. In this review, first, the relevance of the thymus is discussed, followed by thymic embryological organogenesis and anatomy as well as the development and functionality of T cells. Attempts to regenerate the thymus include in vitro methods, such as forming thymic organoids aided by biofabrication techniques that are transplantable. Ex vivo methods that have shown promise in enhancing thymic regeneration are also discussed. Current regenerative technologies have not yet matched the complexity and functionality of the thymus. Therefore, emerging techniques that have shown promise and the challenges that lie ahead are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himal Sharma
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment of Complex Tissue RegenerationMaastricht UniversityMaastricht6229 ERNetherlands
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment of Complex Tissue RegenerationMaastricht UniversityMaastricht6229 ERNetherlands
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Kleemann S, Koch R, Schmitz R, Köster HA, Braun J, Steinhard J, Oelmeier K, Klockenbusch W, Möllers M. Correlation of first-trimester thymus size with chromosomal anomalies. J Perinat Med 2021; 49:604-613. [PMID: 33561911 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2020-0599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between fetal thymus size measured during first-trimester screening and chromosomal anomalies. METHODS This study is a retrospective evaluation, in which the anterior-posterior diameter of the thymus in a midsagittal plane was measured in first-trimester ultrasound between 11+0 and 13+6 weeks of gestation in 168 fetuses with chromosomal anomalies (study group) and 593 healthy fetuses (control group). The included cases were subdivided into six groups: (1) trisomy 21, (2) trisomy 18, (3) trisomy 13, (4) Turner syndrome, (5) triploidy and (6) normal controls. Thymus size measurements were adjusted to the week of gestation, which was determined by ultrasound using crown-rump-length (CRL), by calculating a ratio between CRL and thymus size (CRL-thymus-ratio). Each study group was compared with the control group separately. RESULTS Thymus size in fetuses affected by trisomy 18 or trisomy 13 was noticeably smaller compared to the control group (1.4 mm [1.3, 1.5] and 1.3 mm [1.2, 1.4] vs. 1.8 mm [1.6, 2.1]; all p<0.001; respectively). The thymus size of fetuses with trisomy 21 and Turner syndrome did not differ from healthy fetuses. Between the CRL-thymus-ratios of the separate study groups no statistically noticeable differences could be found. CONCLUSIONS Fetal thymus size appeared to be smaller in pregnancies affected by trisomy 18 and trisomy 13. The predictive value of fetal thymus size in first-trimester screening should be evaluated prospectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kleemann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Raphael Koch
- Institute of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Ralf Schmitz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Helen A Köster
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Janina Braun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Johannes Steinhard
- Department of Fetal Cardiology, Heart and Diabetes Center North Rhine-Westphalia, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Oelmeier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Walter Klockenbusch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Mareike Möllers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
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Huitema L, Phillips T, Alexeev V, Igoucheva O. Immunological mechanisms underlying progression of chronic wounds in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Exp Dermatol 2021; 30:1724-1733. [PMID: 34142388 PMCID: PMC9290674 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a mechanobullous skin fragility disorder characterized by defective epithelial adhesion, leading to mechanical stress‐induced skin blistering. Based on the level of tissue separation within the dermal‐epidermal junction, EB is categorized into simplex (EBS), junctional (JEB), dystrophic (DEB) and Kindler syndrome. There is no cure for EB, and painful chronic cutaneous wounds are one of the major complications in recessive (RDEB) patients. Although RDEB is considered a cutaneous disease, recent data support the underlying systemic immunological defects. Furthermore, chronic wounds are often colonized with pathogenic microbiota, leading to excessive inflammation and altered wound healing. Consequently, patients with RDEB suffer from a painful sensation of chronic, cutaneous itching/burning and an endless battle with bacterial infections. To improve their quality of life and life expectancy, it is important to prevent cutaneous infections, dampen chronic inflammation and stimulate wound healing. A clear scientific understanding of the immunological events underlying the maintenance of chronic poorly healing wounds in RDEB patients is necessary to improve disease management and better understand other wound healing disorders. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the role of professional phagocytes, such as neutrophils, macrophages and dendritic cells, the role of T‐cell‐mediated immunity in lymphoid organs, and the association of microbiota with poor wound healing in RDEB. We conclude that RDEB patients have an underlying immunity defect that seems to affect antibacterial immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Huitema
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Taylor Phillips
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vitali Alexeev
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Olga Igoucheva
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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49
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Kreins AY, Bonfanti P, Davies EG. Current and Future Therapeutic Approaches for Thymic Stromal Cell Defects. Front Immunol 2021; 12:655354. [PMID: 33815417 PMCID: PMC8012524 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.655354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Inborn errors of thymic stromal cell development and function lead to impaired T-cell development resulting in a susceptibility to opportunistic infections and autoimmunity. In their most severe form, congenital athymia, these disorders are life-threatening if left untreated. Athymia is rare and is typically associated with complete DiGeorge syndrome, which has multiple genetic and environmental etiologies. It is also found in rare cases of T-cell lymphopenia due to Nude SCID and Otofaciocervical Syndrome type 2, or in the context of genetically undefined defects. This group of disorders cannot be corrected by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, but upon timely recognition as thymic defects, can successfully be treated by thymus transplantation using cultured postnatal thymic tissue with the generation of naïve T-cells showing a diverse repertoire. Mortality after this treatment usually occurs before immune reconstitution and is mainly associated with infections most often acquired pre-transplantation. In this review, we will discuss the current approaches to the diagnosis and management of thymic stromal cell defects, in particular those resulting in athymia. We will discuss the impact of the expanding implementation of newborn screening for T-cell lymphopenia, in combination with next generation sequencing, as well as the role of novel diagnostic tools distinguishing between hematopoietic and thymic stromal cell defects in facilitating the early consideration for thymus transplantation of an increasing number of patients and disorders. Immune reconstitution after the current treatment is usually incomplete with relatively common inflammatory and autoimmune complications, emphasizing the importance for improving strategies for thymus replacement therapy by optimizing the current use of postnatal thymus tissue and developing new approaches using engineered thymus tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Y. Kreins
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Immunology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Bonfanti
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - E. Graham Davies
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Immunology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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50
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Pievani A, Savoldelli R, Poelchen J, Mattioli E, Anselmi G, Girardot A, Utikal J, Bourdely P, Serafini M, Guermonprez P. Harnessing Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for the Engineering of Human Hematopoietic Niches. Front Immunol 2021; 12:631279. [PMID: 33790904 PMCID: PMC8006008 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.631279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering opens multiple opportunities in regenerative medicine, drug testing, and modeling of the hematopoiesis in health and disease. Recapitulating the organization of physiological microenvironments supporting leukocyte development is essential to model faithfully the development of immune cells. Hematopoietic organs are shaped by spatially organized niches defined by multiple cellular contributions. A shared feature of immune niches is the presence of mesenchymal stromal cells endowed with unique roles in organizing niche development, maintenance, and function. Here, we review challenges and opportunities in harnessing stromal cells for the engineering of artificial immune niches and hematopoietic organoids recapitulating leukocyte ontogeny both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Pievani
- Department of Pediatrics, M. Tettamanti Research Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Roberto Savoldelli
- The Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, Centre for Inflammation Biology and Cancer Immunology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Cancer Research UK King's Health Partner Cancer Centre, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Juliane Poelchen
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Elisa Mattioli
- The Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, Centre for Inflammation Biology and Cancer Immunology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Cancer Research UK King's Health Partner Cancer Centre, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giorgio Anselmi
- MRC Molecular Hematology Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Medical Research Council, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Girardot
- Centre for Inflammation Research, CNRS ERL8252, INSERM1149, Hopital Bichat, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Pierre Bourdely
- Centre for Inflammation Research, CNRS ERL8252, INSERM1149, Hopital Bichat, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marta Serafini
- Department of Pediatrics, M. Tettamanti Research Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Pierre Guermonprez
- Centre for Inflammation Research, CNRS ERL8252, INSERM1149, Hopital Bichat, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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