1
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Verheyden NA, Klostermann M, Brüggemann M, Steede HM, Scholz A, Amr S, Lichtenthaeler C, Münch C, Schmid T, Zarnack K, Krueger A. A high-resolution map of functional miR-181 response elements in the thymus reveals the role of coding sequence targeting and an alternative seed match. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:8515-8533. [PMID: 38783381 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical post-transcriptional regulators in many biological processes. They act by guiding RNA-induced silencing complexes to miRNA response elements (MREs) in target mRNAs, inducing translational inhibition and/or mRNA degradation. Functional MREs are expected to predominantly occur in the 3' untranslated region and involve perfect base-pairing of the miRNA seed. Here, we generate a high-resolution map of miR-181a/b-1 (miR-181) MREs to define the targeting rules of miR-181 in developing murine T cells. By combining a multi-omics approach with computational high-resolution analyses, we uncover novel miR-181 targets and demonstrate that miR-181 acts predominantly through RNA destabilization. Importantly, we discover an alternative seed match and identify a distinct set of targets with repeat elements in the coding sequence which are targeted by miR-181 and mediate translational inhibition. In conclusion, deep profiling of MREs in primary cells is critical to expand physiologically relevant targetomes and establish context-dependent miRNA targeting rules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita A Verheyden
- Molecular Immunology, Justus Liebig University Gießen, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Melina Klostermann
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences & Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mirko Brüggemann
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences & Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Hanna M Steede
- Molecular Immunology, Justus Liebig University Gießen, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Anica Scholz
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Shady Amr
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Chiara Lichtenthaeler
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christian Münch
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tobias Schmid
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kathi Zarnack
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences & Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Krueger
- Molecular Immunology, Justus Liebig University Gießen, 35392 Gießen, Germany
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2
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Chen J, Liu K, Vadas MA, Gamble JR, McCaughan GW. The Role of the MiR-181 Family in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2024; 13:1289. [PMID: 39120319 PMCID: PMC11311592 DOI: 10.3390/cells13151289] [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: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Due to the high mortality rate in HCC patients, discovering and developing novel systemic treatment options for HCC is a vital unmet medical need. Among the numerous molecular alterations in HCCs, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been increasingly recognised to play critical roles in hepatocarcinogenesis. We and others have recently revealed that members of the microRNA-181 (miR-181) family were up-regulated in some, though not all, human cirrhotic and HCC tissues-this up-regulation induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocytes and tumour cells, promoting HCC progression. MiR-181s play crucial roles in governing the fate and function of various cells, such as endothelial cells, immune cells, and tumour cells. Previous reviews have extensively covered these aspects in detail. This review aims to give some insights into miR-181s, their targets and roles in modulating signal transduction pathways, factors regulating miR-181 expression and function, and their roles in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbiao Chen
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Cancer Innovations Centre, Centenary Institute, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia;
| | - Ken Liu
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Cancer Innovations Centre, Centenary Institute, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia;
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Mathew A. Vadas
- Vascular Biology Program, Healthy Ageing Centre, Centenary Institute, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; (M.A.V.); (J.R.G.)
| | - Jennifer R. Gamble
- Vascular Biology Program, Healthy Ageing Centre, Centenary Institute, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; (M.A.V.); (J.R.G.)
| | - Geoffrey W. McCaughan
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Cancer Innovations Centre, Centenary Institute, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia;
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
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3
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Talepoor AG, Doroudchi M. Regulatory RNAs in immunosenescence. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1209. [PMID: 38456619 PMCID: PMC10921898 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1209] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunosenescence is a multifactorial stress response to different intrinsic and extrinsic insults that cause immune deterioration and is accompanied by genomic or epigenomic perturbations. It is now widely recognized that genes and proteins contributing in the process of immunosenescence are regulated by various noncoding (nc) RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long ncRNAs, and circular RNAs. AIMS This review article aimed to evaluate the regulatore RNAs roles in the process of immunosenescence. METHODS We analyzed publications that were focusing on the different roles of regulatory RNAs on the several aspects of immunosenescence. RESULTS In the immunosenescence setting, ncRNAs have been found to play regulatory roles at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. These factors cooperate to regulate the initiation of gene expression programs and sustaining the senescence phenotype and proinflammatory responses. CONCLUSION Immunosenescence is a complex process with pivotal alterations in immune function occurring with age. The extensive network that drive immunosenescence-related features are are mainly directed by a variety of regulatory RNAs such as miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs. Latest findings about regulation of senescence by ncRNAs in the innate and adaptive immune cells as well as their role in the immunosenescence pathways, provide a better understanding of regulatory RNAs function in the process of immunosenescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefe Ghamar Talepoor
- Department of Immunology, School of MedicineShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
- Autoimmune Diseases Research CenterUniversity of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Mehrnoosh Doroudchi
- Department of Immunology, School of MedicineShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
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4
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Yang T, Barros-Martins J, Wang Z, Wencker M, Zhang J, Smout J, Gambhir P, Janssen A, Schimrock A, Georgiev H, León-Lara X, Weiss S, Huehn J, Prinz I, Krueger A, Foerster R, Walzer T, Ravens S. RORγt + c-Maf + Vγ4 + γδ T cells are generated in the adult thymus but do not reach the periphery. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113230. [PMID: 37815917 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR) Vγ4-expressing γδ T cells comprise interferon γ (IFNγ)- and interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing effector subsets, with a preference for IL-17 effector fate decisions during early ontogeny. The existence of adult-thymus-derived IL-17+ T cells (γδ17) remains controversial. Here, we use a mouse model in which T cells are generated exclusively in the adult thymus and employ single-cell chromatin state analysis to study their development. We identify adult-thymus-derived Vγ4 T cells that have all the molecular programs to become IL-17 producers. However, they have reduced IL-17 production capabilities and rarely reach the periphery. Moreover, this study provides high-resolution profiles of Vγ4 T cells in the adult thymus and lymph nodes and identifies Zeb1 as a potential γδ17 cell regulator. Together, this study provides valuable insights into the developmental traits of Vγ4 T cells during adulthood and supports the idea of age-specific signals required for thymic export and/or peripheral maturation of γδ17 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Ziqing Wang
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Melanie Wencker
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5308, 69365 Lyon, France
| | - Jiang Zhang
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5308, 69365 Lyon, France
| | - Justine Smout
- Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 39124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Prerna Gambhir
- Molecular Immunology, Justus-Liebig-University, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Anika Janssen
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Anja Schimrock
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Hristo Georgiev
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ximena León-Lara
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Siegfried Weiss
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jochen Huehn
- Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 39124 Braunschweig, Germany; Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Immo Prinz
- Institute of Systems Immunology, University Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Krueger
- Molecular Immunology, Justus-Liebig-University, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Reinhold Foerster
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Thierry Walzer
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5308, 69365 Lyon, France
| | - Sarina Ravens
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
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5
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Ma Y, Xu X, Wang H, Liu Y, Piao H. Non-coding RNA in tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells formation and associated immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1228331. [PMID: 37671150 PMCID: PMC10475737 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1228331] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has exhibited promising antitumor effects in various tumors. Infiltrated regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) restrict protective immune surveillance, impede effective antitumor immune responses, and contribute to the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Selective depletion or functional attenuation of tumor-infiltrating Tregs, while eliciting effective T-cell responses, represents a potential approach for anti-tumor immunity. Furthermore, it does not disrupt the Treg-dependent immune homeostasis in healthy organs and does not induce autoimmunity. Yet, the shared cell surface molecules and signaling pathways between Tregs and multiple immune cell types pose challenges in this process. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), regulate both cancer and immune cells and thus can potentially improve antitumor responses. Here, we review recent advances in research of tumor-infiltrating Tregs, with a focus on the functional roles of immune checkpoint and inhibitory Tregs receptors and the regulatory mechanisms of ncRNAs in Treg plasticity and functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ma
- Department of Gynecology, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute), Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Huaitao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Haiyan Piao
- Medical Oncology Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute), Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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6
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Breast cancer tumor microenvironment affects Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis: Molecular and therapeutic perspectives. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 28:132-157. [PMID: 36816749 PMCID: PMC9922830 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises a variety of immune cells, among which T cells exert a prominent axial role in tumor development or anti-tumor responses in patients with breast cancer (BC). High or low levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as transforming growth factor β, in the absence or presence of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), delineate the fate of T cells toward either regulatory T (Treg) or T helper 17 (Th17) cells, respectively. The transitional state of RORγt+Foxp3+ Treg (IL-17-producing Treg) resides in the middle of this reciprocal polarization, which is known as Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis. TME secretome, including microRNAs, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles, can significantly affect this axis. Furthermore, immune checkpoint inhibitors may be used to reconstruct immune cells; however, some of these novel therapies may favor tumor development. Therefore, understanding secretory and cell-associated factors involved in their differentiation or polarization and functions may be targeted for BC management. This review discusses microRNAs, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles (as secretome), as well as transcription factors and immune checkpoints (as cell-associated factors), which influence the Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis in BC. Furthermore, approved or ongoing clinical trials related to the modulation of this axis in the TME of BC are described to broaden new horizons of promising therapeutic approaches.
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7
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Zhang M, Lin X, Yang Z, Li X, Zhou Z, Love PE, Huang J, Zhao B. Metabolic regulation of T cell development. Front Immunol 2022; 13:946119. [PMID: 35958585 PMCID: PMC9357944 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.946119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell development in the thymus is tightly controlled by complex regulatory mechanisms at multiple checkpoints. Currently, many studies have focused on the transcriptional and posttranslational control of the intrathymic journey of T-cell precursors. However, over the last few years, compelling evidence has highlighted cell metabolism as a critical regulator in this process. Different thymocyte subsets are directed by distinct metabolic pathways and signaling networks to match the specific functional requirements of the stage. Here, we epitomize these metabolic alterations during the development of a T cell and review several recent works that provide insights into equilibrating metabolic quiescence and activation programs. Ultimately, understanding the interplay between cellular metabolism and T cell developmental programs may offer an opportunity to selectively regulate T cell subset functions and to provide potential novel therapeutic approaches to modulate autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoxi Lin
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhou Yang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xia Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiguang Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Paul E. Love
- Section on Hematopoiesis and Lymphocyte Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Zhao, ; ; Jiaqi Huang, ;;
| | - Bin Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Zhao, ; ; Jiaqi Huang, ;;
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8
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Krueger A, Łyszkiewicz M, Heissmeyer V. Post-transcriptional control of T-cell development in the thymus. Immunol Lett 2022; 247:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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9
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Chen Y, Song W, Gao Y, Dong X, Ji X. Increased PD-L1 Expression in Acquired Cisplatin-Resistant Lung Cancer Cells via Mir-181a. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2022; 257:33-43. [PMID: 35354691 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.2022.j013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University
| | - Xiu Dong
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Xinping Ji
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University
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10
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Wang WL, Ouyang C, Graham NM, Zhang Y, Cassady K, Reyes EY, Xiong M, Davis AM, Tang K, Zeng D, Boldin MP. microRNA-142 guards against autoimmunity by controlling Treg cell homeostasis and function. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001552. [PMID: 35180231 PMCID: PMC8893712 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are critical in preventing aberrant immune responses. Posttranscriptional control of gene expression by microRNA (miRNA) has recently emerged as an essential genetic element for Treg cell function. Here, we report that mice with Treg cell-specific ablation of miR-142 (hereafter Foxp3CremiR-142fl/fl mice) developed a fatal systemic autoimmune disorder due to a breakdown in peripheral T-cell tolerance. Foxp3CremiR-142fl/fl mice displayed a significant decrease in the abundance and suppressive capacity of Treg cells. Expression profiling of miR-142-deficient Treg cells revealed an up-regulation of multiple genes in the interferon gamma (IFNγ) signaling network. We identified several of these IFNγ-associated genes as direct miR-142-3p targets and observed excessive IFNγ production and signaling in miR-142-deficient Treg cells. Ifng ablation rescued the Treg cell homeostatic defect and alleviated development of autoimmunity in Foxp3CremiR-142fl/fl mice. Thus, our findings implicate miR-142 as an indispensable regulator of Treg cell homeostasis that exerts its function by attenuating IFNγ responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Le Wang
- Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Ching Ouyang
- Center for Informatics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Natalie M. Graham
- Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Yuankun Zhang
- Department of Diabetes Research, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Kaniel Cassady
- Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
- Department of Diabetes Research, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Estefany Y. Reyes
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Min Xiong
- Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Alicia M. Davis
- Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Kathie Tang
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Defu Zeng
- Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
- Department of Diabetes Research, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Mark P. Boldin
- Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
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11
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Roberts LB, Kapoor P, Howard JK, Shah AM, Lord GM. An update on the roles of immune system-derived microRNAs in cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:2434-2449. [PMID: 33483751 PMCID: PMC8562329 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of human death worldwide. Over the past two decades, the emerging field of cardioimmunology has demonstrated how cells of the immune system play vital roles in the pathogenesis of CVD. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of cellular identity and function. Cell-intrinsic, as well as cell-extrinsic, roles of immune and inflammatory cell-derived miRNAs have been, and continue to be, extensively studied. Several 'immuno-miRNAs' appear to be specifically expressed or demonstrate greatly enriched expression within leucocytes. Identification of miRNAs as critical regulators of immune system signalling pathways has posed the question of whether and how targeting these molecules therapeutically, may afford opportunities for disease treatment and/or management. As the field of cardioimmunology rapidly continues to advance, this review discusses findings from recent human and murine studies which contribute to our understanding of how leucocytes of innate and adaptive immunity are regulated-and may also regulate other cell types, via the actions of the miRNAs they express, in the context of CVD. Finally, we focus on available information regarding miRNA regulation of regulatory T cells and argue that targeted manipulation of miRNA regulated pathways in these cells may hold therapeutic promise for the treatment of CVD and associated risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke B Roberts
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Puja Kapoor
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
- School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King’s British Heart Foundation Centre, King’s College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Jane K Howard
- School of Life Course Sciences, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Ajay M Shah
- School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King’s British Heart Foundation Centre, King’s College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Graham M Lord
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
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12
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Kim C, Ye Z, Weyand CM, Goronzy JJ. miR-181a-regulated pathways in T-cell differentiation and aging. Immun Ageing 2021; 18:28. [PMID: 34130717 PMCID: PMC8203492 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-021-00240-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regulatory noncoding RNAs important for many aspects of cellular processes including cell differentiation and proliferation. Functions of numerous miRNAs have been identified in T cells, with miR-181a regulating T cell activation thresholds during thymic T cell development and during activation of peripheral T cells. Intriguingly, miR-181a is implicated in defective antiviral and vaccine responses in older individuals, as its expression declines in naïve T cells with increasing age. Here, we review the pathways that are regulated by miR-181a and that explain the unique role of miR-181a in T cell development, T cell activation and antiviral T cell responses. These studies provide a framework for understanding how a decline in miR-181a expression in T cells could contribute to age-related defects in adaptive immunity. We furthermore review the mechanisms that cause the age-related decline in miR-181a expression and discuss the potential of restoring miR-181a expression or targeting miR-181a-regulated pathways to improve impaired T cell responses in older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chulwoo Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Zhongde Ye
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Palo Alto Veterans Administration Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Cornelia M Weyand
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Palo Alto Veterans Administration Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jörg J Goronzy
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Palo Alto Veterans Administration Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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13
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Vega-Tapia F, Bustamante M, Valenzuela RA, Urzua CA, Cuitino L. miRNA Landscape in Pathogenesis and Treatment of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:658514. [PMID: 34041239 PMCID: PMC8141569 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.658514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
miRNAs, one of the members of the noncoding RNA family, are regulators of gene expression in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Changes in miRNA pool expression have been associated with differentiation of CD4+ T cells toward an inflammatory phenotype and with loss of self-tolerance in autoimmune diseases. Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease is a chronic multisystemic pathology, affecting the uvea, inner ear, central nervous system, and skin. Several lines of evidence support an autoimmune etiology for VKH, with loss of tolerance against retinal pigmented epithelium-related self-antigens. This deleterious reaction is characterized by exacerbated inflammation, due to an aberrant TH1 and TH17 polarization and secretion of their proinflammatory hallmark cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-17, interferon γ, and tumor necrosis factor α, and an impaired CD4+ CD25high FoxP3+ regulatory T cell function. To restrain inflammation, VKH is pharmacologically treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs as first and second line of therapy, respectively. Changes in the expression of miRNAs related to immunoregulatory pathways have been associated with VKH development, whereas some genetic variants of miRNAs have been found to be risk modifiers of VKH. Furthermore, the drugs commonly used in VKH treatment have great influence on miRNA expression, including those miRNAs associated to VKH disease. This relationship between response to therapy and miRNA regulation suggests that these small noncoding molecules might be therapeutic targets for the development of more effective and specific pharmacological therapy for VKH. In this review, we discuss the latest evidence regarding regulation and alteration of miRNA associated with VKH disease and its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Vega-Tapia
- Laboratory of Ocular and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario Bustamante
- Laboratory of Ocular and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Núcleo de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Interdisciplinarios, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo A Valenzuela
- Department de Health Science, Universidad de Aysén, Coyhaique, Chile.,Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Faculty of Health, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristhian A Urzua
- Laboratory of Ocular and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Loreto Cuitino
- Laboratory of Ocular and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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14
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Rossi A, Pacella I, Piconese S. RNA Flow Cytometry for the Study of T Cell Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083906. [PMID: 33918901 PMCID: PMC8069477 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells undergo activation and differentiation programs along a continuum of states that can be tracked through flow cytometry using a combination of surface and intracellular markers. Such dynamic behavior is the result of transcriptional and post-transcriptional events, initiated and sustained by the activation of specific transcription factors and by epigenetic remodeling. These signaling pathways are tightly integrated with metabolic routes in a bidirectional manner: on the one hand, T cell receptors and costimulatory molecules activate metabolic reprogramming; on the other hand, metabolites modify T cell transcriptional programs and functions. Flow cytometry represents an invaluable tool to analyze the integration of phenotypical, functional, metabolic and transcriptional features, at the single cell level in heterogeneous T cell populations, and from complex microenvironments, with potential clinical application in monitoring the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Here, we review the most recent advances in flow cytometry-based analysis of gene expression, in combination with indicators of mitochondrial activity, with the aim of revealing and characterizing major metabolic pathways in T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Rossi
- Department of Internal Clinical Sciences, Anaesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (A.R.); (I.P.)
| | - Ilenia Pacella
- Department of Internal Clinical Sciences, Anaesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (A.R.); (I.P.)
| | - Silvia Piconese
- Department of Internal Clinical Sciences, Anaesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (A.R.); (I.P.)
- Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence:
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15
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Modeling the Dynamics of T-Cell Development in the Thymus. ENTROPY 2021; 23:e23040437. [PMID: 33918050 PMCID: PMC8069328 DOI: 10.3390/e23040437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The thymus hosts the development of a specific type of adaptive immune cells called T cells. T cells orchestrate the adaptive immune response through recognition of antigen by the highly variable T-cell receptor (TCR). T-cell development is a tightly coordinated process comprising lineage commitment, somatic recombination of Tcr gene loci and selection for functional, but non-self-reactive TCRs, all interspersed with massive proliferation and cell death. Thus, the thymus produces a pool of T cells throughout life capable of responding to virtually any exogenous attack while preserving the body through self-tolerance. The thymus has been of considerable interest to both immunologists and theoretical biologists due to its multi-scale quantitative properties, bridging molecular binding, population dynamics and polyclonal repertoire specificity. Here, we review experimental strategies aimed at revealing quantitative and dynamic properties of T-cell development and how they have been implemented in mathematical modeling strategies that were reported to help understand the flexible dynamics of the highly dividing and dying thymic cell populations. Furthermore, we summarize the current challenges to estimating in vivo cellular dynamics and to reaching a next-generation multi-scale picture of T-cell development.
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16
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Elfaki Y, Robert PA, Binz C, Falk CS, Bruder D, Prinz I, Floess S, Meyer-Hermann M, Huehn J. Influenza A virus-induced thymus atrophy differentially affects dynamics of conventional and regulatory T-cell development in mice. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:1166-1181. [PMID: 33638148 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Foxp3+ Treg cells, which are crucial for maintenance of self-tolerance, mainly develop within the thymus, where they arise from CD25+ Foxp3- or CD25- Foxp3+ Treg cell precursors. Although it is known that infections can cause transient thymic involution, the impact of infection-induced thymus atrophy on thymic Treg (tTreg) cell development is unknown. Here, we infected mice with influenza A virus (IAV) and studied thymocyte population dynamics post infection. IAV infection caused a massive, but transient thymic involution, dominated by a loss of CD4+ CD8+ double-positive (DP) thymocytes, which was accompanied by a significant increase in the frequency of CD25+ Foxp3+ tTreg cells. Differential apoptosis susceptibility could be experimentally excluded as a reason for the relative tTreg cell increase, and mathematical modeling suggested that enhanced tTreg cell generation cannot explain the increased frequency of tTreg cells. Yet, an increased death of DP thymocytes and augmented exit of single-positive (SP) thymocytes was suggested to be causative. Interestingly, IAV-induced thymus atrophy resulted in a significantly reduced T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire diversity of newly produced tTreg cells. Taken together, IAV-induced thymus atrophy is substantially altering the dynamics of major thymocyte populations, finally resulting in a relative increase of tTreg cells with an altered TCR repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassin Elfaki
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Philippe A Robert
- Department of Systems Immunology and Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Christoph Binz
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christine S Falk
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dunja Bruder
- Infection Immunology Group, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Infection Control and Prevention, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,Immune Regulation Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Immo Prinz
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Floess
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Meyer-Hermann
- Department of Systems Immunology and Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Institute for Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Technical University Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jochen Huehn
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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17
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Ye Z, Gould TM, Zhang H, Jin J, Weyand CM, Goronzy JJ. The GSK3β-β-catenin-TCF1 pathway improves naive T cell activation in old adults by upregulating miR-181a. NPJ Aging Mech Dis 2021; 7:4. [PMID: 33558531 PMCID: PMC7870817 DOI: 10.1038/s41514-021-00056-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs play an important role in the regulation of T cell development, activation, and differentiation. One of the most abundant microRNAs in lymphocytes is miR-181a, which controls T cell receptor (TCR) activation thresholds in thymic selection as well as in peripheral T cell responses. We previously found that miR-181a levels decline in T cells in the elderly. In this study, we identified TCF1 as a transcriptional regulator of pri-miR-181a. A decline in TCF1 levels in old individuals accounted for the reduced miR-181a expression impairing TCR signaling. Inhibition of GSK3ß restored expression of miR-181a by inducing TCF1 in T cells from old adults. GSK3ß inhibition enhanced TCR signaling to increase downstream expression of activation markers and production of IL-2. The effect involved the upregulation of miR-181a and the inhibition of DUSP6 expression. Thus, inhibition of GSK3ß can restore responses of old T cells by inducing miR-181a expression through TCF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongde Ye
- From the Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, 94306, USA
| | - Timothy M Gould
- From the Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, 94306, USA
| | - Huimin Zhang
- From the Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, 94306, USA
| | - Jun Jin
- From the Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, 94306, USA
| | - Cornelia M Weyand
- From the Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, 94306, USA
| | - Jörg J Goronzy
- From the Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, 94306, USA.
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18
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Sekiya T, Kagawa S, Masaki K, Fukunaga K, Yoshimura A, Takaki S. Regulation of peripheral Th/Treg differentiation and suppression of airway inflammation by Nr4a transcription factors. iScience 2021; 24:102166. [PMID: 33665581 PMCID: PMC7907427 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Helper T (Th) and regulatory T (Treg) cell differentiation programs promote the eradication of pathogens, while minimizing adverse immune reactions. Here, we found that Nr4a family of nuclear receptors supports Treg cell induction and represses Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation from naive CD4+ T cells. Nr4a factors are transiently induced in CD4+ T cells immediately after antigen stimulation, thereby mediating epigenetic changes. In differentiating Treg cells, Nr4a factors mainly upregulated the early responsive genes in the Treg cell-specifying gene set, either directly or in cooperation with Ets family transcription factors. In contrast, Nr4a factors repressed AP-1 activity by interrupting a positive feedback loop for Batf factor expression, thus suppressing Th2 cell-associated genes. In an allergic airway inflammation model, Nr4a factors suppressed the pathogenesis, mediating oral tolerance. Lastly, pharmacological activation of an engineered Nr4a molecule prevented allergic airway inflammation, indicating that Nr4a factors may be novel therapeutic targets for inflammatory diseases. Among “Treg signature genes”, Nr4a factors mainly induce early responsive ones Nr4a activate target genes directly or by supporting Ets factors' function Nr4a factors repress Th2-driving positive feedback loop for Batf factor expression Pharmacological activation of Nr4a factors' activity prevented airway inflammation
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Sekiya
- Section of Immune Response Modification, Department of Immune Regulation, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1 Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba 272-8516, Japan.,Department of Immune Regulation, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1 Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba 272-8516, Japan
| | - Shizuko Kagawa
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Katsunori Masaki
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Koichi Fukunaga
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Akihiko Yoshimura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Satoshi Takaki
- Department of Immune Regulation, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1 Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba 272-8516, Japan
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19
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Wang K, Fu W. Transcriptional regulation of Treg homeostasis and functional specification. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:4269-4287. [PMID: 32350553 PMCID: PMC7606275 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03534-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are key players in keeping excessive inflammation in check. Mounting evidence has shown that Treg cells exert much more diverse functions in both immunological and non-immunological processes. The development, maintenance and functional specification of Treg cells are regulated by multilayered factors, including antigens and TCR signaling, cytokines, epigenetic modifiers and transcription factors (TFs). In the review, we will focus on TFs by summarizing their unique and redundant roles in Treg cells under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. We will also discuss the recent advances of Treg trajectories between lymphoid organs and non-lymphoid tissues. This review will provide an updated view of the newly identified TFs and new functions of known TFs in Treg biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Wenxian Fu
- Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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20
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Kunze-Schumacher H, Krueger A. The Role of MicroRNAs in Development and Function of Regulatory T Cells - Lessons for a Better Understanding of MicroRNA Biology. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2185. [PMID: 33013919 PMCID: PMC7509487 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical posttranscriptional regulators of the immune system, including function and development of regulatory T (Treg) cells. Although this critical role has been firmly demonstrated through genetic models, key mechanisms of miRNA function in vivo remain elusive. Here, we review the role of miRNAs in Treg cell development and function. In particular, we focus on the question what the study of miRNAs in this context reveals about miRNA biology in general, including context-dependent function and the role of individual targets vs. complex co-targeting networks. In addition, we highlight potential technical pitfalls and state-of-the-art approaches to improve the mechanistic understanding of miRNA biology in a physiological context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Kunze-Schumacher
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Krueger
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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21
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Yang L, Wang G, Xia H. Molecular mechanism for impaired suppressive function of Tregs in autoimmune diseases: A summary of cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:11056-11063. [PMID: 32881301 PMCID: PMC7576235 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are responsible for maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing autoimmunity. In immune homeostasis condition, Tregs exert their suppressive function through inhibiting the proliferation of effector T cells. In response to environmental signals, Tregs display phenotypic heterogeneity and altered stability, which endows their suppressive function in a context-dependent manner. Compelling evidence indicates deficiency of Treg suppressive function is related to the immunopathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. Consequently, it is vital to further our understanding of the molecular mechanism accounting for the regulation of Treg suppressive functions. In this review, we outline the current knowledge that highlights how cell-intrinsic factors, such as inflammatory cytokines, transcription factors, signalling pathways, post-translational modification (PTM), miRNAs, protein and protein complex, and cell-extrinsic factors orchestrate the suppressive function of Tregs. Improved understanding of the molecular mechanism related to the suppressive functional property of Tregs should provide new insights into autoimmunity and disease pathogenesis, which offers opportunity for identifying new therapeutic targets for Treg-related autoimmune diseases and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luting Yang
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Haibin Xia
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
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22
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MicroRNA miR-181-A Rheostat for TCR Signaling in Thymic Selection and Peripheral T-Cell Function. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176200. [PMID: 32867301 PMCID: PMC7503384 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The selection of T cells during intra-thymic d evelopment is crucial to obtain a functional and simultaneously not self-reactive peripheral T cell repertoire. However, selection is a complex process dependent on T cell receptor (TCR) thresholds that remain incompletely understood. In peripheral T cells, activation, clonal expansion, and contraction of the active T cell pool, as well as other processes depend on TCR signal strength. Members of the microRNA (miRNA) miR-181 family have been shown to be dynamically regulated during T cell development as well as dependent on the activation stage of T cells. Indeed, it has been shown that expression of miR-181a leads to the downregulation of multiple phosphatases, implicating miR-181a as ‘‘rheostat’’ of TCR signaling. Consistently, genetic models have revealed an essential role of miR-181a/b-1 for the generation of unconventional T cells as well as a function in tuning TCR sensitivity in peripheral T cells during aging. Here, we review these broad roles of miR-181 family members in T cell function via modulating TCR signal strength.
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23
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Skafi N, Fayyad-Kazan M, Badran B. Immunomodulatory role for MicroRNAs: Regulation of PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 immune checkpoints expression. Gene 2020; 754:144888. [PMID: 32544493 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The development and progression of different pathologies including, cancer, are associated with suppressed immune responses. This restrained immune activity could be associated with the activation of different immune checkpoint pathways that mediate immunosuppressive functions. Therapeutic Protocols based on abolishing the activity of immune check points provided a promising potential for treating cancer. Among the distinct known immune checkpoints, PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4, are the most studied and have been the focus for development of different blocking agents. Monoclonal antibodies that can block PD-1, PD-L1 or CTLA4 have been approved for treatment of different cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), short non-coding regulatory RNA molecules, could repress mRNA expression at a post-transcriptional level. Many miRNAs have been reported to modulate the expression of CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1, either directly or indirectly, in multiple pathological cases, mainly cancer. In this review, after a brief introduction about T cell activation and immune checkpoints, the miRNAs regulating the expression of CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 are discussed with highlights on their role in cancer. Many of these miRNAs could serve as novel treatments in different types of cancer as detailed throughout the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najwa Skafi
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohammad Fayyad-Kazan
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Bassam Badran
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon.
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24
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Łyszkiewicz M, Ziętara N, Frey L, Pannicke U, Stern M, Liu Y, Fan Y, Puchałka J, Hollizeck S, Somekh I, Rohlfs M, Yilmaz T, Ünal E, Karakukcu M, Patiroğlu T, Kellerer C, Karasu E, Sykora KW, Lev A, Simon A, Somech R, Roesler J, Hoenig M, Keppler OT, Schwarz K, Klein C. Human FCHO1 deficiency reveals role for clathrin-mediated endocytosis in development and function of T cells. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1031. [PMID: 32098969 PMCID: PMC7042371 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14809-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is critical for internalisation of molecules across cell membranes. The FCH domain only 1 (FCHO1) protein is key molecule involved in the early stages of CME formation. The consequences of mutations in FCHO1 in humans were unknown. We identify ten unrelated patients with variable T and B cell lymphopenia, who are homozygous for six distinct mutations in FCHO1. We demonstrate that these mutations either lead to mislocalisation of the protein or prevent its interaction with binding partners. Live-cell imaging of cells expressing mutant variants of FCHO1 provide evidence of impaired formation of clathrin coated pits (CCP). Patient T cells are unresponsive to T cell receptor (TCR) triggering. Internalisation of the TCR receptor is severely perturbed in FCHO1-deficient Jurkat T cells but can be rescued by expression of wild-type FCHO1. Thus, we discovered a previously unrecognised critical role of FCHO1 and CME during T-cell development and function in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Łyszkiewicz
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany.
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, 82152, Munich, Germany.
| | - Natalia Ziętara
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, 82152, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Frey
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Pannicke
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Marcel Stern
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Virology, National Reference Center for Retroviruses, Faculty of Medicine, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Yanshan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Yanxin Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Jacek Puchałka
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hollizeck
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Ido Somekh
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Meino Rohlfs
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Tuğba Yilmaz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ekrem Ünal
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Musa Karakukcu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Türkan Patiroğlu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Immunology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | | | - Ebru Karasu
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Karl-Walter Sykora
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Atar Lev
- Pediatric Department A and the Immunology Service, Jeffrey Modell Foundation Center, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amos Simon
- Pediatric Department A and the Immunology Service, Jeffrey Modell Foundation Center, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Raz Somech
- Pediatric Department A and the Immunology Service, Jeffrey Modell Foundation Center, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Joachim Roesler
- Department of Pediatrics, Carl Gustav Carus Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Manfred Hoenig
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Centre Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Oliver T Keppler
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Virology, National Reference Center for Retroviruses, Faculty of Medicine, LMU München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Klaus Schwarz
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Wuerttemberg, Hessen, Germany
| | - Christoph Klein
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany.
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25
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Amado T, Amorim A, Enguita FJ, Romero PV, Inácio D, de Miranda MP, Winter SJ, Simas JP, Krueger A, Schmolka N, Silva-Santos B, Gomes AQ. MicroRNA-181a regulates IFN-γ expression in effector CD8 + T cell differentiation. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:309-320. [PMID: 32002568 PMCID: PMC7007887 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-019-01865-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
CD8+ T cells are key players in immunity against intracellular infections and tumors. The main cytokine associated with these protective responses is interferon-γ (IFN-γ), whose production is known to be regulated at the transcriptional level during CD8+ T cell differentiation. Here we found that microRNAs constitute a posttranscriptional brake to IFN-γ expression by CD8+ T cells, since the genetic interference with the Dicer processing machinery resulted in the overproduction of IFN-γ by both thymic and peripheral CD8+ T cells. Using a gene reporter mouse for IFN-γ locus activity, we compared the microRNA repertoires associated with the presence or absence of IFN-γ expression. This allowed us to identify a set of candidates, including miR-181a and miR-451, which were functionally tested in overexpression experiments using synthetic mimics in peripheral CD8+ T cell cultures. We found that miR-181a limits IFN-γ production by suppressing the expression of the transcription factor Id2, which in turn promotes the Ifng expression program. Importantly, upon MuHV-4 challenge, miR-181a-deficient mice showed a more vigorous IFN-γ+ CD8+ T cell response and were able to control viral infection significantly more efficiently than control mice. These data collectively establish a novel role for miR-181a in regulating IFN-γ–mediated effector CD8+ T cell responses in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Amado
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Amorim
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Institute of experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francisco J Enguita
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paula V Romero
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniel Inácio
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Pires de Miranda
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Samantha J Winter
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - J Pedro Simas
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andreas Krueger
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nina Schmolka
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Department of Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Bruno Silva-Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Anita Q Gomes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal. .,H&TRC Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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26
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Winter SJ, Krueger A. Development of Unconventional T Cells Controlled by MicroRNA. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2520. [PMID: 31708931 PMCID: PMC6820353 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional gene regulation through microRNA (miRNA) has emerged as a major control mechanism of multiple biological processes, including development and function of T cells. T cells are vital components of the immune system, with conventional T cells playing a central role in adaptive immunity and unconventional T cells having additional functions reminiscent of both innate and adaptive immunity, such as involvement in stress responses and tissue homeostasis. Unconventional T cells encompass cells expressing semi-invariant T cell receptors (TCRs), such as invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) and Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells. Additionally, some T cells with diverse TCR repertoires, including γδT cells, intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) and regulatory T (Treg) cells, share some functional and/or developmental features with their semi-invariant unconventional counterparts. Unconventional T cells are particularly sensitive to disruption of miRNA function, both globally and on the individual miRNA level. Here, we review the role of miRNA in the development and function of unconventional T cells from an iNKT-centric point of view. The function of single miRNAs can provide important insights into shared and individual pathways for the formation of different unconventional T cell subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Winter
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Krueger
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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