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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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2
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Corral-Ruiz GM, Pérez-Vega MJ, Galán-Salinas A, Mancilla-Herrera I, Barrios-Payán J, Fabila-Castillo L, Hernández-Pando R, Sánchez-Torres LE. Thymic atrophy induced by Plasmodium berghei ANKA and Plasmodium yoelii 17XL infection. Immunol Lett 2023; 264:4-16. [PMID: 37875239 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.10.006] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is the anatomical site where T cells undergo a complex process of differentiation, proliferation, selection, and elimination of autorreactive cells which involves molecular signals in different intrathymic environment. However, the immunological functions of the thymus can be compromised upon exposure to different infections, affecting thymocyte populations. In this work, we investigated the impact of malaria parasites on the thymus by using C57BL/6 mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA and Plasmodium yoelii 17XL; these lethal infection models represent the most severe complications, cerebral malaria, and anemia respectively. Data showed a reduction in the thymic weight and cellularity involving different T cell maturation stages, mainly CD4-CD8- and CD4+CD8+ thymocytes, as well as an increased presence of apoptotic cells, leading to significant thymic cortex reduction. Thymus atrophy showed no association with elevated serum cytokines levels, although increased glucocorticoid levels did. The severity of thymic damage in both models reached the same extend although it occurs at different stages of infection, showing that thymic atrophy does not depend on parasitemia level but on the specific host-parasite interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Corral-Ruiz
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico; Posgrado en Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - M J Pérez-Vega
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico; Posgrado en Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - A Galán-Salinas
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico; Posgrado en Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - I Mancilla-Herrera
- Departamento de Infectología e Inmunología, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - J Barrios-Payán
- Sección de Patología Experimental, Departamento de Patología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - L Fabila-Castillo
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - R Hernández-Pando
- Sección de Patología Experimental, Departamento de Patología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - L E Sánchez-Torres
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico.
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3
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Reis MDDS, Veneziani LP, Porto FL, Lins MP, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Savino W. Intrathymic somatotropic circuitry: consequences upon thymus involution. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1108630. [PMID: 37426675 PMCID: PMC10323194 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1108630] [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: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) is a classic pituitary-derived hormone crucial to body growth and metabolism. In the pituitary gland, GH production is stimulated by GH-releasing hormone and inhibited by somatostatin. GH secretion can also be induced by other peptides, such as ghrelin, which interacts with receptors present in somatotropic cells. It is well established that GH acts directly on target cells or indirectly by stimulating the production of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), particularly IGF-1. Notably, such somatotropic circuitry is also involved in the development and function of immune cells and organs, including the thymus. Interestingly, GH, IGF-1, ghrelin, and somatostatin are expressed in the thymus in the lymphoid and microenvironmental compartments, where they stimulate the secretion of soluble factors and extracellular matrix molecules involved in the general process of intrathymic T-cell development. Clinical trials in which GH was used to treat immunocompromised patients successfully recovered thymic function. Additionally, there is evidence that the reduction in the function of the somatotropic axis is associated with age-related thymus atrophy. Treatment with GH, IGF-1 or ghrelin can restore thymopoiesis of old animals, thus in keeping with a clinical study showing that treatment with GH, associated with metformin and dehydroepiandrosterone, could induce thymus regeneration in healthy aged individuals. In conclusion, the molecules of the somatotrophic axis can be envisioned as potential therapeutic targets for thymus regeneration in age-related or pathological thymus involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Danielma dos Santos Reis
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana Peixoto Veneziani
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Felipe Lima Porto
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marvin Paulo Lins
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wilson Savino
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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4
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Feng P, Wu J, Ren Y, Zhang L, Cao J, Yang L. Early pregnancy regulates the expression of prolactin and its receptor in the thymus, the liver, the spleen and lymph nodes in sheep. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 81:106731. [PMID: 35635981 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2022.106731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As a pituitary hormone, prolactin (PRL) is also synthesized by immune system cells, and exerts its effects on the immune system by binding to its receptor (PRLR) via endocrine and paracrine/autocrine pathways. The immune organs adapt to the presence of fetal alloantigens during pregnancy, and the immune system is composed of primary organs and secondary organs. The objective of this study is to analyze the effects of early pregnancy on expression of PRL and PRLR in maternal immune organs in sheep. In this study, the thymus, lymph node, the spleen and the liver were sampled at day 16 of the estrous cycle, and at days 13, 16, and 25 of pregnancy in ewes. Expression of PRL and PRLR was analyzed through quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Our data showed that there were an upregulation of PRL and PRLR in the thymus, lymph node and the spleen, and a downregulation in the liver during early pregnancy in ewes. In conclusion, it is reported for the first time that early pregnancy has tissue specific effects on expression of PRL isoform and PRLR isoform in the thymus, lymph node, the spleen and the liver, which may be owing to these organs exerting different functions during early pregnancy, and necessary for the successful pregnancy in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Feng
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - J Wu
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Y Ren
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - L Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - J Cao
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - L Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China.
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5
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Savino W, Durães J, Maldonado-Galdeano C, Perdigon G, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Cuervo P. Thymus, undernutrition, and infection: Approaching cellular and molecular interactions. Front Nutr 2022; 9:948488. [PMID: 36225882 PMCID: PMC9549110 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.948488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Undernutrition remains a major issue in global health. Low protein-energy consumption, results in stunting, wasting and/or underweight, three deleterious forms of malnutrition that affect roughly 200 million children under the age of five years. Undernutrition compromises the immune system with the generation of various degrees of immunodeficiency, which in turn, renders undernourished individuals more sensitive to acute infections. The severity of various infectious diseases including visceral leishmaniasis (VL), influenza, and tuberculosis is associated with undernutrition. Immunosuppression resulting from protein-energy undernutrition severely impacts primary and secondary lymphoid organs involved in the response to related pathogens. The thymus—a primary lymphoid organ responsible for the generation of T lymphocytes—is particularly compromised by both undernutrition and infectious diseases. In this respect, we will discuss herein various intrathymic cellular and molecular interactions seen in undernutrition alone or in combination with acute infections. Many examples illustrated in studies on humans and experimental animals clearly revealed that protein-related undernutrition causes thymic atrophy, with cortical thymocyte depletion. Moreover, the non-lymphoid microenvironmental compartment of the organ undergoes important changes in thymic epithelial cells, including their secretory products such as hormones and extracellular matrix proteins. Of note, deficiencies in vitamins and trace elements also induce thymic atrophy. Interestingly, among the molecular interactions involved in the control of undernutrition-induced thymic atrophy is a hormonal imbalance with a rise in glucocorticoids and a decrease in leptin serum levels. Undernutrition also yields a negative impact of acute infections upon the thymus, frequently with the intrathymic detection of pathogens or their antigens. For instance, undernourished mice infected with Leishmania infantum (that causes VL) undergo drastic thymic atrophy, with significant reduction in thymocyte numbers, and decreased levels of intrathymic chemokines and cytokines, indicating that both lymphoid and microenvironmental compartments of the organ are affected. Lastly, recent data revealed that some probiotic bacteria or probiotic fermented milks improve the thymus status in a model of malnutrition, thus raising a new field for investigation, namely the thymus-gut connection, indicating that probiotics can be envisioned as a further adjuvant therapy in the control of thymic changes in undernutrition accompanied or not by infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Wilson Savino, ,
| | - Jonathan Durães
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory on Leishmaniasis Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carolina Maldonado-Galdeano
- Laboratory of Immunology, Reference Center for Lactobacilli Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CERELA-CONICET), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, National University of Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Perdigon
- Laboratory of Immunology, Reference Center for Lactobacilli Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CERELA-CONICET), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, National University of Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia Cuervo
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory on Leishmaniasis Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Patricia Cuervo, ,
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Rojas-Pirela M, Andrade-Alviárez D, Medina L, Castillo C, Liempi A, Guerrero-Muñoz J, Ortega Y, Maya JD, Rojas V, Quiñones W, Michels PA, Kemmerling U. MicroRNAs: master regulators in host-parasitic protist interactions. Open Biol 2022; 12:210395. [PMID: 35702995 PMCID: PMC9198802 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs present in a wide diversity of organisms. MiRNAs regulate gene expression at a post-transcriptional level through their interaction with the 3' untranslated regions of target mRNAs, inducing translational inhibition or mRNA destabilization and degradation. Thus, miRNAs regulate key biological processes, such as cell death, signal transduction, development, cellular proliferation and differentiation. The dysregulation of miRNAs biogenesis and function is related to the pathogenesis of diseases, including parasite infection. Moreover, during host-parasite interactions, parasites and host miRNAs determine the probability of infection and progression of the disease. The present review is focused on the possible role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of diseases of clinical interest caused by parasitic protists. In addition, the potential role of miRNAs as targets for the design of drugs and diagnostic and prognostic markers of parasitic diseases is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Rojas-Pirela
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile,Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile,Facultad de Farmacia y Bioanálisis, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Diego Andrade-Alviárez
- Laboratorio de Enzimología de Parásitos, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Lisvaneth Medina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Christian Castillo
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile,Núcleo de Investigación Aplicada en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Chile
| | - Ana Liempi
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Jesús Guerrero-Muñoz
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Yessica Ortega
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile,Facultad de Farmacia y Bioanálisis, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Juan Diego Maya
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Verónica Rojas
- Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile
| | - Wilfredo Quiñones
- Laboratorio de Enzimología de Parásitos, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Paul A. Michels
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution and Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Ulrike Kemmerling
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
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Mora-Criollo P, Basu R, Qian Y, Costales JA, Guevara-Aguirre J, Grijalva MJ, Kopchick JJ. Growth hormone modulates Trypanosoma cruzi infection in vitro. Growth Horm IGF Res 2022; 64:101460. [PMID: 35490602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2022.101460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chagas disease (CD) is caused by the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. It affects 7 to 8 million people worldwide and leads to approximately 50,000 deaths per year. In vitro and in vivo studies had demonstrated that Trypanosoma cruziinfection causes an imbalance in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis that is accompanied by a progressive decrease in growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) production. In humans, inactivating mutations in the GH receptor gene cause Laron Syndrome (LS), an autosomal recessive disorder. Affected subjects are short, have increased adiposity, decreased insulin-like growth factor-I (IGFI), increased serum GH levels, are highly resistant to diabetes and cancer, and display slow cognitive decline. In addition, CD incidence in these individuals is diminished despite living in highly endemic areas. Consequently, we decided to investigate the in vitro effect of GH/IGF-I on T. cruzi infection. DESIGN We first treated the parasite and/or host cells with different peptide hormones including GH, IGFI, and PRL. Then, we treated cells using different combinations of GH/IGF-I attempting to mimic the GH/IGF-I serum levels observed in LS subjects. RESULTS We found that exogenous GH confers protection against T. cruzi infection. Moreover, this effect is mediated by GH and not IGFI. The combination of relatively high GH (50 ng/ml) and low IGF-I (20 ng/ml), mimicking the hormonal pattern seen in LS individuals, consistently decreased T. cruzi infection in vitro. CONCLUSIONS The combination of relatively high GH and low IGF-I serum levels in LS individuals may be an underlying condition providing partial protection against T. cruzi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reetobrata Basu
- Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Yanrong Qian
- Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Jaime A Costales
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Jaime Guevara-Aguirre
- Colegio de ciencias de la salud, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Cumbaya, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Mario J Grijalva
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA; Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - John J Kopchick
- Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA; Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA.
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8
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Luo M, Xu L, Qian Z, Sun X. Infection-Associated Thymic Atrophy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:652538. [PMID: 34113341 PMCID: PMC8186317 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.652538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is a vital organ of the immune system that plays an essential role in thymocyte development and maturation. Thymic atrophy occurs with age (physiological thymic atrophy) or as a result of viral, bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection (pathological thymic atrophy). Thymic atrophy directly results in loss of thymocytes and/or destruction of the thymic architecture, and indirectly leads to a decrease in naïve T cells and limited T cell receptor diversity. Thus, it is important to recognize the causes and mechanisms that induce thymic atrophy. In this review, we highlight current progress in infection-associated pathogenic thymic atrophy and discuss its possible mechanisms. In addition, we discuss whether extracellular vesicles/exosomes could be potential carriers of pathogenic substances to the thymus, and potential drugs for the treatment of thymic atrophy. Having acknowledged that most current research is limited to serological aspects, we look forward to the possibility of extending future work regarding the impact of neural modulation on thymic atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingli Luo
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingxin Xu
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengyu Qian
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Sun
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
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9
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Pérez AR, de Meis J, Rodriguez-Galan MC, Savino W. The Thymus in Chagas Disease: Molecular Interactions Involved in Abnormal T-Cell Migration and Differentiation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1838. [PMID: 32983098 PMCID: PMC7492291 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01838] [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: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite T. cruzi, is a prevalent parasitic disease in Latin America. Presently, it is spreading around the world by human migration, thus representing a new global health issue. Chronically infected individuals reveal a dissimilar disease progression: while nearly 60% remain without apparent disease for life, 30% develop life-threatening pathologies, such as chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC) or megaviscerae. Inflammation driven by parasite persistence seems to be involved in the pathophysiology of the disease. However, there is also evidence of the occurrence of autoimmune events, mainly caused by molecular mimicry and bystander activation. In experimental models of disease, is well-established that T. cruzi infects the thymus and causes locally profound structural and functional alterations. The hallmark is a massive loss of CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP) thymocytes, mainly triggered by increased levels of glucocorticoids, although other mechanisms seem to act simultaneously. Thymic epithelial cells (TEC) exhibited an increase in extracellular matrix deposition, which are related to thymocyte migratory alterations. Moreover, medullary TEC showed a decreased expression of AIRE and altered expression of microRNAs, which might be linked to a disrupted negative selection of the T-cell repertoire. Also, almost all stages of thymocyte development are altered, including an abnormal output of CD4−CD8− double negative (DN) and DP immature and mature cells, many of them carrying prohibited TCR-Vβ segments. Evidence has shown that DN and DP cells with an activated phenotype can be tracked in the blood of humans with chronic Chagas disease and also in the secondary lymphoid organs and heart of infected mice, raising new questions about the relevance of these populations in the pathogenesis of Chagas disease and their possible link with thymic alterations and an immunoendocrine imbalance. Here, we discuss diverse molecular mechanisms underlying thymic abnormalities occurring during T. cruzi infection and their link with CCC, which may contribute to the design of innovative strategies to control Chagas disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rosa Pérez
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario, CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina.,Centro de Investigación y Producción de Reactivos Biológicos, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Juliana de Meis
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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10
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Immune-neuroendocrine and metabolic disorders in human and experimental T. cruzi infection: New clues for understanding Chagas disease pathology. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165642. [PMID: 31866417 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Studies in mice undergoing acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection and patients with Chagas disease, led to identify several immune-neuroendocrine disturbances and metabolic disorders. Here, we review relevant findings concerning such abnormalities and discuss their possible influence on disease physiopathology.
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11
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Brazão V, Colato RP, Santello FH, Vale GTD, Gonzaga NDA, Tirapelli CR, Prado JCD. Effects of melatonin on thymic and oxidative stress dysfunctions during Trypanosoma cruzi infection. J Pineal Res 2018; 65:e12510. [PMID: 29781553 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although the exact etiology of Chagas disease is not completely elucidated, thymic atrophy and oxidative stress are believed to be important contributors to the pathogenesis during acute Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) infection. We hypothesized that exogenous melatonin, administered by gavage (5 mg/kg, p.o., gavage) to young (5 weeks old) and middle-aged (18 months old) male Wistar rats, would modulate thymic oxidative damage and reverse the age-related thymus regression during T. cruzi acute infection. Increased levels of superoxide anion (O2- ) were detected in the thymus of infected animals, and treatment with melatonin reverted this response. We found reduced TBARS levels as well as a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the thymus of all middle-aged melatonin-treated animals, infected or not with T. cruzi. Furthermore, melatonin increased the thymic expression of SOD1 and SOD2 in middle-aged control animals. Nox2 expression was not affected by melatonin treatment in young or middle-aged animals. Melatonin reverted the age-related thymic regression as revealed by the increase in thymus weight, total number of thymocytes, and reduction in age-related accumulation of double-negative thymocytes. This is the first report to directly examine the effects of melatonin treatment on the thymic antioxidant/oxidant status and thymic changes during T. cruzi infection. Our results revealed new antioxidant features that turn melatonin a potentially useful compound for the treatment of Chagas disease, a condition in which an excessive oxidative damage occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vânia Brazão
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Pravato Colato
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabricia Helena Santello
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Tavares do Vale
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Human Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology, College of Nursing of Ribeirão Preto, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Natália de Almeida Gonzaga
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Human Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology, College of Nursing of Ribeirão Preto, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Renato Tirapelli
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Human Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology, College of Nursing of Ribeirão Preto, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - José Clóvis do Prado
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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12
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Borba VV, Zandman-Goddard G, Shoenfeld Y. Prolactin and Autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2018; 9:73. [PMID: 29483903 PMCID: PMC5816039 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The great asymmetry of autoimmune diseases between genders represents one of the most enigmatic observations among the mosaic of autoimmunity. Sex hormones are believed to play a crucial role on this dimorphism. The higher prevalence of autoimmunity among women at childbearing ages, disease onset/relapses during pregnancy, and post-partum are some of the arguments that support this hypothesis. Certainly, motherhood represents one of the most remarkable challenges for the immune system, which not only has to allow for the conceptus, but also has to deal with complex endocrine alterations. Hormonal homeostasis is known to exert a crucial influence in achieving a competent and healthy immune system. Prolactin (PRL) has a bioactive function acting as a hormone and a cytokine. It interferes with immune system modulation, mainly inhibiting the negative selection of autoreactive B lymphocytes. Likewise, hyperprolactinemia has been described in relation to the pathogenesis and activity of several autoimmune disorders. Dopamine is an effective inhibitor of PRL secretion due to either a direct influence on the hypophysis or stimulation of postsynaptic dopamine receptors in the hypothalamus, arousing the release of the PRL inhibitory factor. Hence, dopamine agonists have proven to offer clinical benefits among autoimmune patients and represent a promising therapy to be explored. In this review, we attempt to provide a critical overview of the link between PRL, autoimmune diseases, and motherhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vânia Vieira Borba
- Department "A" of Internal Medicine, Coimbra University Hospital Centre, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | | | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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13
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Pérez AR, Morrot A, Carvalho VF, de Meis J, Savino W. Role of Hormonal Circuitry Upon T Cell Development in Chagas Disease: Possible Implications on T Cell Dysfunctions. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:334. [PMID: 29963015 PMCID: PMC6010535 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell response plays an essential role in the host resistance to infection by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. This infection is often associated with multiple manifestations of T cell dysfunction, both during the acute and the chronic phases of disease. Additionally, the normal development of T cells is affected. As seen in animal models of Chagas disease, there is a strong thymic atrophy due to massive death of CD4+CD8+ double-positive cells by apoptosis and an abnormal escape of immature and potentially autoreactive thymocytes from the organ. Furthermore, an increase in the release of corticosterone triggered by T. cruzi-driven systemic inflammation is strongly associated with the alterations seen in the thymus of infected animals. Moreover, changes in the levels of other hormones, including growth hormone, prolactin, and testosterone are also able to contribute to the disruption of thymic homeostasis secondary to T. cruzi infection. In this review, we discuss the role of hormonal circuits involved in the normal T cell development and trafficking, as well as their role on the thymic alterations likely related to the peripheral T cell disturbances largely reported in both chagasic patients and animal models of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rosa Pérez
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Immunology (IDICER-CONICET UNR), Rosario, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Ana Rosa Pérez, ,
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Faculty of Medicine, Tuberculosis Research Center, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Frias Carvalho
- Laboratory of Inflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliana de Meis
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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14
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Bodart G, Farhat K, Renard-Charlet C, Becker G, Plenevaux A, Salvatori R, Geenen V, Martens H. The Severe Deficiency of the Somatotrope GH-Releasing Hormone/Growth Hormone/Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Axis of Ghrh-/- Mice Is Associated With an Important Splenic Atrophy and Relative B Lymphopenia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:296. [PMID: 29928261 PMCID: PMC5997896 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A debate is still open about the precise control exerted by the somatotrope GH-releasing hormone (GHRH)/growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor 1 axis on the immune system. The objective of this study was to directly address this question through the use of Ghrh-/- mice that exhibit a severe deficiency of their somatotrope axis. After control backcross studies and normalization for the reduced global weight of transgenic mice, no difference in weight and cellularity of the thymus was observed in Ghrh-/- mice when compared with C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) control mice. Similarly, no significant change was observed in frequency and number of thymic T cell subsets. In the periphery, Ghrh-/- mice exhibited an increase in T cell proportion associated with a higher frequency of sjTREC and naïve T cells. However, all Ghrh-/- mice displayed an absolute and relative splenic atrophy, in parallel with a decrease in B cell percentage. GH supplementation of transgenic mice for 6 weeks induced a significant increase in their global as well as absolute and relative splenic weight. Interestingly, the classical thymus involution following dexamethasone administration was shown to recover in WT mice more quickly than in mutant mice. Altogether, these data show that the severe somatotrope deficiency of Ghrh-/- mice essentially impacts the spleen and B compartment of the adaptive immune system, while it only marginally affects thymic function and T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwennaelle Bodart
- GIGA-I Center of Immunoendocrinology, GIGA Research Institute, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium
| | - Khalil Farhat
- GIGA-I Center of Immunoendocrinology, GIGA Research Institute, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium
| | - Chantal Renard-Charlet
- GIGA-I Center of Immunoendocrinology, GIGA Research Institute, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Alain Plenevaux
- Cyclotron Research Center, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium
| | - Roberto Salvatori
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Vincent Geenen
- GIGA-I Center of Immunoendocrinology, GIGA Research Institute, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Vincent Geenen,
| | - Henri Martens
- GIGA-I Center of Immunoendocrinology, GIGA Research Institute, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium
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15
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Oliveira-de-Abreu E, Silva-dos-Santos D, Lepletier A, Ramos TDP, Ferreira-Reis R, Vasconcelos-Fontes L, Ramos MT, Torres RC, Cotta-de-Almeida V, Carvalho VDF, Villa-Verde DMS. Lack of Galectin-3 Disrupts Thymus Homeostasis in Association to Increase of Local and Systemic Glucocorticoid Levels and Steroidogenic Machinery. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:365. [PMID: 30042731 PMCID: PMC6048246 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of thymus homeostasis is a delicate interplay involving hormones, neurotransmitters and local microenvironmental proteins, as well as saccharides, acting on both thymocytes and stromal cells. Disturbances in these interactions may lead to alterations on thymocyte development. We previously showed that galectin-3, a β-galactoside-binding protein, is constitutively expressed in the thymus, interacting with extracellular matrix glycoproteins and acting as a de-adhesion molecule, thus modulating thymocyte-stromal cell interactions. In this work, we aimed to investigate the participation of galectin-3 in the maintenance of thymus homeostasis, including hormonal-mediated circuits. For that, we used genetically engineered galectin-3-deficient mice. We observed that the thymus of galectin-3-deficient mice was reduced in mass and cellularity compared to wild-type controls; however, the proportions of different thymocyte subpopulations defined by CD4/CD8 expression were not changed. Considering the CD4-CD8- double-negative (DN) subpopulation, an accumulation of the most immature (DN1) stage was observed. Additionally, the proliferative capacity of thymocytes was decreased in all thymocyte subsets, whereas the percentage of apoptosis was increased, especially in the CD4+CD8+ double-positive thymocytes. As glucocorticoid hormones are known to be involved in thymus homeostasis, we evaluated serum and intrathymic corticosterone levels by radioimmunoassay, and the expression of steroidogenic machinery using real-time PCR. We detected a significant increase in corticosterone levels in both serum and thymus samples of galectin-3-deficient mice, as compared to age-matched controls. This was paralleled by an increase of gene transcription of the steroidogenic enzymes, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star) and Cyp11b1 in thymus, 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase (Hsd11b1) in the adrenal, and Cyp11a1 in both glands. In conclusion, our findings show that the absence of galectin-3 subverts mouse thymus homeostasis by a mechanism likely associated to intrathymic and systemic stress-related endocrine circuitries, affecting thymocyte number, proliferation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ednéa Oliveira-de-Abreu
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Danielle Silva-dos-Santos
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ailin Lepletier
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tiago D. P. Ramos
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rafaella Ferreira-Reis
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana T. Ramos
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Inflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rafael C. Torres
- Laboratory of Inflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Cotta-de-Almeida
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vinícius de Frias Carvalho
- Laboratory of Inflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Déa M. S. Villa-Verde
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Déa M. S. Villa-Verde ;
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16
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Carbajosa S, Gea S, Chillón-Marinas C, Poveda C, Del Carmen Maza M, Fresno M, Gironès N. Altered bone marrow lymphopoiesis and interleukin-6-dependent inhibition of thymocyte differentiation contribute to thymic atrophy during Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Oncotarget 2017; 8:17551-17561. [PMID: 28147332 PMCID: PMC5392268 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic atrophy occurs during infection being associated with apoptosis of double positive (DP) and premature exit of DP and double negative (DN) thymocytes. We observed for the first time that a significant bone marrow aplasia and a decrease in common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs) preceded thymic alterations in mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. In addition, depletion of the DN2 stage was previous to the DN1, indicating an alteration in the differentiation from DN1 to DN2 thymocytes. Interestingly, infected mice deficient in IL-6 expression showed higher numbers of DP and CD4+ thymocytes than wild type infected mice, while presenting similar percentages of DN1 thymocytes. Moreover, the drop in late differentiation stages of DN thymocytes was partially abrogated in comparison with wild type littermates. Thus, our results suggest that thymic atrophy involves a drop in CLPs production in bone marrow and IL-6-dependent and independent mechanisms that inhibits the differentiation of DN thymocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Carbajosa
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Gea
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Chillón-Marinas
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Poveda
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Del Carmen Maza
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Sanitario de Investigación Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Fresno
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Sanitario de Investigación Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Núria Gironès
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Sanitario de Investigación Princesa, Madrid, Spain
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17
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Guo D, Ye Y, Qi J, Tan X, Zhang Y, Ma Y, Li Y. Age and sex differences in microRNAs expression during the process of thymus aging. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2017; 49:409-419. [PMID: 28369179 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmx029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The gender-biased thymus involution and the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) expression in modulating the thymus development have been reported in many studies. However, how males and females differ in so many ways in thymus involution remains unclear. To address this question, we investigated the miRNA expression profiles in both untreated 3- and 12-month-old female and male mice thymuses. The results showed that 7 and 18 miRNAs were defined as the sex- and age-specific miRNAs, respectively. The expression of miR-181c-5p, miR-20b-5p, miR-98b-5p, miR-329-3p, miR-341-5p, and miR-2137 showed significant age-difference in mice thymus by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. High expression levels of miR-2137 were detected in mice thymic epithelial cells and gradually increased during the process of thymus aging. MiR-27b-3p and miR-378a-3p of the female-biased miRNAs were confirmed as the sex- and estrogen-responsive miRNAs in mice thymus in vivo. Their potential target genes and the pathway were identified by the online software. Possible regulation roles of sex- and age-specific miRNA expression during the process of thymus aging were discussed. Our results suggested that these miRNAs may be potential biomarkers for the study of sex- and age-specific thymus aging and involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongguang Guo
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yaqiong Ye
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Junjie Qi
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiaotong Tan
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yongjiang Ma
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yugu Li
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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18
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Ansari AR, Liu H. Acute Thymic Involution and Mechanisms for Recovery. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2017; 65:401-420. [PMID: 28331940 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-017-0462-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Acute thymic involution (ATI) is usually regarded as a virulence trait. It is caused by several infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi) and other factors, including stress, pregnancy, malnutrition and chemotherapy. However, the complex mechanisms that operate during ATI differ substantially from each other depending on the causative agent. For instance, a transient reduction in the size and weight of the thymus and depletion of populations of T cell subsets are hallmarks of ATI in many cases, whereas severe disruption of the anatomical structure of the organ is also associated with some factors, including fungal, parasitic and viral infections. However, growing evidence shows that ATI may be therapeutically halted or reversed. In this review, we highlight the current progress in this field with respect to numerous pathological factors and discuss the possible mechanisms. Moreover, these new observations also show that ATI can be mechanistically reversed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdur Rahman Ansari
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (CVAS), Jhang, Pakistan.,University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Huazhen Liu
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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19
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Modular transcriptional repertoire and MicroRNA target analyses characterize genomic dysregulation in the thymus of Down syndrome infants. Oncotarget 2016; 7:7497-533. [PMID: 26848775 PMCID: PMC4884935 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Trisomy 21-driven transcriptional alterations in human thymus were characterized through gene coexpression network (GCN) and miRNA-target analyses. We used whole thymic tissue--obtained at heart surgery from Down syndrome (DS) and karyotipically normal subjects (CT)--and a network-based approach for GCN analysis that allows the identification of modular transcriptional repertoires (communities) and the interactions between all the system's constituents through community detection. Changes in the degree of connections observed for hierarchically important hubs/genes in CT and DS networks corresponded to community changes. Distinct communities of highly interconnected genes were topologically identified in these networks. The role of miRNAs in modulating the expression of highly connected genes in CT and DS was revealed through miRNA-target analysis. Trisomy 21 gene dysregulation in thymus may be depicted as the breakdown and altered reorganization of transcriptional modules. Leading networks acting in normal or disease states were identified. CT networks would depict the "canonical" way of thymus functioning. Conversely, DS networks represent a "non-canonical" way, i.e., thymic tissue adaptation under trisomy 21 genomic dysregulation. This adaptation is probably driven by epigenetic mechanisms acting at chromatin level and through the miRNA control of transcriptional programs involving the networks' high-hierarchy genes.
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20
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Nardy AFFR, Freire-de-Lima CG, Pérez AR, Morrot A. Role of Trypanosoma cruzi Trans-sialidase on the Escape from Host Immune Surveillance. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:348. [PMID: 27047464 PMCID: PMC4804232 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, affecting millions of people throughout Latin America. The parasite dampens host immune response causing modifications in diverse lymphoid compartments, including the thymus. T. cruzi trans-sialidase (TS) seems to play a fundamental role in such immunopathological events. This unusual enzyme catalyses the transference of sialic acid molecules from host glycoconjugates to acceptor molecules placed on the parasite surface. TS activity mediates several biological effects leading to the subversion of host immune system, hence favoring both parasite survival and the establishment of chronic infection. This review summarizes current findings on the roles of TS in the immune response during T. cruzi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana F F R Nardy
- Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Celio G Freire-de-Lima
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana R Pérez
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Immunology of Rosario, CONICET, National University of Rosario Rosario, Argentina
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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21
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Savino W, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Lepletier A, Dardenne M. Hormonal control of T-cell development in health and disease. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2016; 12:77-89. [PMID: 26437623 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2015.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The physiology of the thymus, the primary lymphoid organ in which T cells are generated, is controlled by hormones. Data from animal models indicate that several peptide and nonpeptide hormones act pleiotropically within the thymus to modulate the proliferation, differentiation, migration and death by apoptosis of developing thymocytes. For example, growth hormone and prolactin can enhance thymocyte proliferation and migration, whereas glucocorticoids lead to the apoptosis of these developing cells. The thymus undergoes progressive age-dependent atrophy with a loss of cells being generated and exported, therefore, hormone-based therapies are being developed as an alternative strategy to rejuvenate the organ, as well as to augment thymocyte proliferation and the export of mature T cells to peripheral lymphoid organs. Some hormones (such as growth hormone and progonadoliberin-1) are also being used as therapeutic agents to treat immunodeficiency disorders associated with thymic atrophy, such as HIV infection. In this Review, we discuss the accumulating data that shows the thymus gland is under complex and multifaceted hormonal control that affects the process of T-cell development in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Savino
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenue Brasil 4365, 21045-900, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenue Brasil 4365, 21045-900, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ailin Lepletier
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenue Brasil 4365, 21045-900, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mireille Dardenne
- Hôpital Necker, CNRS UMR 8147, Université Paris Descartes, 75015 Paris, France
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Linhares-Lacerda L, Palu CC, Ribeiro-Alves M, Paredes BD, Morrot A, Garcia-Silva MR, Cayota A, Savino W. Differential Expression of microRNAs in Thymic Epithelial Cells from Trypanosoma cruzi Acutely Infected Mice: Putative Role in Thymic Atrophy. Front Immunol 2015; 6:428. [PMID: 26347748 PMCID: PMC4543887 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A common feature seen in acute infections is a severe atrophy of the thymus. This occurs in the murine model of acute Chagas disease. Moreover, in thymuses from Trypanosoma cruzi acutely infected mice, thymocytes exhibit an increase in the density of fibronectin and laminin integrin-type receptors, with an increase in migratory response ex vivo. Thymic epithelial cells (TEC) play a major role in the intrathymic T cell differentiation. To date, the consequences of molecular changes promoted by parasite infection upon thymus have not been elucidated. Considering the importance of microRNA for gene expression regulation, 85 microRNAs (mRNAs) were analyzed in TEC from T. cruzi acutely infected mice. The infection significantly modulated 29 miRNAs and modulation of 9 was also dependent whether TEC sorted out from the thymus exhibited cortical or medullary phenotype. In silico analysis revealed that these miRNAs may control target mRNAs known to be responsible for chemotaxis, cell adhesion, and cell death. Considering that we sorted TEC in the initial phase of thymocyte loss, it is conceivable that changes in TEC miRNA expression profile are functionally related to thymic atrophy, providing new clues to better understanding the mechanisms of the thymic involution seen in experimental Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandra Linhares-Lacerda
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Institute Oswaldo Cruz, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Cintia Cristina Palu
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Institute Oswaldo Cruz, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Marcelo Ribeiro-Alves
- HIV/AIDS Clinical Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Bruno Diaz Paredes
- The National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | | | - Alfonso Cayota
- Functional Genomics Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo , Montevideo , Uruguay
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Institute Oswaldo Cruz, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
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Lepletier A, Chidgey AP, Savino W. Perspectives for Improvement of the Thymic Microenvironment through Manipulation of Thymic Epithelial Cells: A Mini-Review. Gerontology 2015; 61:504-14. [DOI: 10.1159/000375160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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24
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Lepletier A, de Almeida L, Santos L, da Silva Sampaio L, Paredes B, González FB, Freire-de-Lima CG, Beloscar J, Bottasso O, Einicker-Lamas M, Pérez AR, Savino W, Morrot A. Early double-negative thymocyte export in Trypanosoma cruzi infection is restricted by sphingosine receptors and associated with human chagas disease. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3203. [PMID: 25330249 PMCID: PMC4199546 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is able to target the thymus and induce alterations of the thymic microenvironmental and lymphoid compartments. Acute infection results in severe atrophy of the organ and early release of immature thymocytes into the periphery. To date, the pathophysiological effects of thymic changes promoted by parasite-inducing premature release of thymocytes to the periphery has remained elusive. Herein, we show that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a potent mediator of T cell chemotaxis, plays a role in the exit of immature double-negative thymocytes in experimental Chagas disease. In thymuses from T. cruzi-infected mice we detected reduced transcription of the S1P kinase 1 and 2 genes related to S1P biosynthesis, together with increased transcription of the SGPL1 sphingosine-1-lyase gene, whose product inactivates S1P. These changes were associated with reduced intrathymic levels of S1P kinase activity. Interestingly, double-negative thymocytes from infected animals expressed high levels of the S1P receptor during infection, and migrated to lower levels of S1P. Moreover, during T. cruzi infection, this thymocyte subset expresses high levels of IL-17 and TNF-α cytokines upon polyclonal stimulation. In vivo treatment with the S1P receptor antagonist FTY720 resulted in recovery the numbers of double-negative thymocytes in infected thymuses to physiological levels. Finally, we showed increased numbers of double-negative T cells in the peripheral blood in severe cardiac forms of human Chagas disease. The formation of mature lineage-committed T cells requires the specialized environment of the thymus, a central organ of the immune system supporting the development of self-tolerant T cells. Key events of intrathymic T-cell development include lineage commitment, selection events and thymic emigration. This organ undergoes physiological involution during aging. However, acute thymic atrophy can occur in the presence autoimmune diseases, malignant tumors and infections caused by intracellular pathogens. The present study shows that the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi changes the thymic microenvironmental and lymphoid compartments, resulting in premature release of very immature CD4−CD8− double-negative thymocytes, TCRneg/low, which bear a pro-inflammatory activation profile. Strikingly, we also found elevated levels of these undifferentiated T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of patients in severe cardiac forms of chronic Chagas disease. Importantly, we provided evidence that migration of CD4−CD8− T cells from infected mouse thymus is due to sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1-dependent chemotaxis. These findings point to an important role for bioactive signaling sphingolipids in the thymic escape of immature thymocytes to the periphery in Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailin Lepletier
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Liliane de Almeida
- Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Santos
- Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luzia da Silva Sampaio
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruno Paredes
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Juan Beloscar
- Servicio de Clínica Médica, Hospital J.B. Iturraspe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Oscar Bottasso
- Servicio de Clínica Médica, Hospital J.B. Iturraspe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Einicker-Lamas
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Rosa Pérez
- Institute of Immunology, National University of Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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