1
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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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2
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Huangfu L, Li R, Huang Y, Wang S. The IL-17 family in diseases: from bench to bedside. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:402. [PMID: 37816755 PMCID: PMC10564932 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01620-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The interleukin-17 (IL-17) family comprises six members (IL-17A-17F), and recently, all of its related receptors have been discovered. IL-17 was first discovered approximately 30 years ago. Members of this family have various biological functions, including driving an inflammatory cascade during infections and autoimmune diseases, as well as boosting protective immunity against various pathogens. IL-17 is a highly versatile proinflammatory cytokine necessary for vital processes including host immune defenses, tissue repair, inflammatory disease pathogenesis, and cancer progression. However, how IL-17 performs these functions remains controversial. The multifunctional properties of IL-17 have attracted research interest, and emerging data have gradually improved our understanding of the IL-17 signaling pathway. However, a comprehensive review is required to understand its role in both host defense functions and pathogenesis in the body. This review can aid researchers in better understanding the mechanisms underlying IL-17's roles in vivo and provide a theoretical basis for future studies aiming to regulate IL-17 expression and function. This review discusses recent progress in understanding the IL-17 signaling pathway and its physiological roles. In addition, we present the mechanism underlying IL-17's role in various pathologies, particularly, in IL-17-induced systemic lupus erythematosus and IL-17-related tumor cell transformation and metastasis. In addition, we have briefly discussed promising developments in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longjie Huangfu
- School of Stomatology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Ruiying Li
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Stomatology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, P. R. China
| | - Yamei Huang
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Stomatology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, P. R. China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Stomatology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, P. R. China.
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570216, P. R. China.
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3
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Wang L, Yao C, Chen J, Ge Y, Wang C, Wang Y, Wang F, Sun Y, Dai M, Lin Y, Yao S. γδ T Cell in Cerebral Ischemic Stroke: Characteristic, Immunity-Inflammatory Role, and Therapy. Front Neurol 2022; 13:842212. [PMID: 35432162 PMCID: PMC9008352 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.842212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma-delta (γδ) T cells are a small subset of T cells that are reported to have a proinflammatory role in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia stroke (CIS). Upon activation by interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-23 and IL-18, γδ T cells are stimulated to secrete various cytokines, such as IL-17a, IL-21, IL-22, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). In addition, they all play a pivotal role in the inflammatory and immune responses in ischemia. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms responsible for γδ T cell proinflammatory functions remain poorly understood, and more effective therapies targeting at γδ T cells and cytokines they release remain to be explored, particularly in the context of CIS. CIS is the second most common cause of death and the major cause of permanent disability in adults worldwide. In this review, we focus on the neuroinflammatory and immune functions of γδ T cells and related cytokines, intending to understand their roles in CIS, which may be crucial for the development of novel effective clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengye Yao
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiayi Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yangyang Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenchen Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fuquan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Maosha Dai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yun Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Yun Lin
| | - Shanglong Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Shanglong Yao
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4
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Gordino G, Costa‐Pereira S, Corredeira P, Alves P, Costa L, Gomes AQ, Silva‐Santos B, Ribot JC. MicroRNA-181a restricts human γδ T cell differentiation by targeting Map3k2 and Notch2. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e52234. [PMID: 34821000 PMCID: PMC8728617 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202052234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells are a conserved population of lymphocytes that contributes to anti-tumor responses through its overt type 1 inflammatory and cytotoxic properties. We have previously shown that human γδ T cells acquire this profile upon stimulation with IL-2 or IL-15, in a differentiation process dependent on MAPK/ERK signaling. Here, we identify microRNA-181a as a key modulator of human γδ T cell differentiation. We observe that miR-181a is highly expressed in patients with prostate cancer and that this pattern associates with lower expression of NKG2D, a critical mediator of cancer surveillance. Interestingly, miR-181a expression negatively correlates with an activated type 1 effector profile obtained from in vitro differentiated γδ T cells and miR-181a overexpression restricts their levels of NKG2D and TNF-α. Upon in silico analysis, we identify two miR-181a candidate targets, Map3k2 and Notch2, which we validate via overexpression coupled with luciferase assays. These results reveal a novel role for miR-181a as critical regulator of human γδ T cell differentiation and highlight its potential for manipulation of γδ T cells in next-generation immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Gordino
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Sara Costa‐Pereira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Patrícia Corredeira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Patrícia Alves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Luís Costa
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
- Medical Oncology DivisionHospital de Santa MariaCentro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa NorteLisbonPortugal
| | - Anita Q Gomes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Bruno Silva‐Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Julie C Ribot
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
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5
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Constantinides MG, Belkaid Y. Early-life imprinting of unconventional T cells and tissue homeostasis. Science 2021; 374:eabf0095. [PMID: 34882451 DOI: 10.1126/science.abf0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Constantinides
- Metaorganism Immunity Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yasmine Belkaid
- Metaorganism Immunity Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.,NIAID Microbiome Program, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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6
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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: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [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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7
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Papadopoulou M, Sanchez Sanchez G, Vermijlen D. Innate and adaptive γδ T cells: How, when, and why. Immunol Rev 2020; 298:99-116. [PMID: 33146423 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
γδ T cells comprise the third cell lineage of lymphocytes that use, like αβ T cells and B cells, V(D)J gene rearrangement with the potential to generate a highly diverse T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. There is no obvious conservation of γδ T cell subsets (based on TCR repertoire and/or function) between mice and human, leading to the notion that human and mouse γδ T cells are highly different. In this review, we focus on human γδ T cells, building on recent studies using high-throughput sequencing to analyze the TCR repertoire in various settings. We make then the comparison with mouse γδ T cell subsets highlighting the similarities and differences and describe the remarkable changes during lifespan of innate and adaptive γδ T cells. Finally, we propose mechanisms contributing to the generation of innate versus adaptive γδ T cells. We conclude that key elements related to the generation of the γδ TCR repertoire and γδ T cell activation/development are conserved between human and mice, highlighting the similarities between these two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Papadopoulou
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Institute for Medical Immunology (IMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium.,ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), Belgium
| | - Guillem Sanchez Sanchez
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Institute for Medical Immunology (IMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium.,ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), Belgium
| | - David Vermijlen
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Institute for Medical Immunology (IMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium.,ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), Belgium
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8
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Fiala GJ, Gomes AQ, Silva‐Santos B. From thymus to periphery: Molecular basis of effector γδ-T cell differentiation. Immunol Rev 2020; 298:47-60. [PMID: 33191519 PMCID: PMC7756812 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The contributions of γδ T cells to immune (patho)physiology in many pre-clinical mouse models have been associated with their rapid and abundant provision of two critical cytokines, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-17A (IL-17). These are typically produced by distinct effector γδ T cell subsets that can be segregated on the basis of surface expression levels of receptors such as CD27, CD44 or CD45RB, among others. Unlike conventional T cells that egress the thymus as naïve lymphocytes awaiting further differentiation upon activation, a large fraction of murine γδ T cells commits to either IFN-γ or IL-17 expression during thymic development. However, extrathymic signals can both regulate pre-programmed γδ T cells; and induce peripheral differentiation of naïve γδ T cells into effectors. Here we review the key cellular events of "developmental pre-programming" in the mouse thymus; and the molecular basis for effector function maintenance vs plasticity in the periphery. We highlight some of our contributions towards elucidating the role of T cell receptor, co-receptors (like CD27 and CD28) and cytokine signals (such as IL-1β and IL-23) in these processes, and the various levels of gene regulation involved, from the chromatin landscape to microRNA-based post-transcriptional control of γδ T cell functional plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina J. Fiala
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Anita Q. Gomes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
- H&TRC Health & Technology Research CenterESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia da SaúdeInstituto Politécnico de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Bruno Silva‐Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
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9
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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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10
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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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11
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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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12
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Dashtsoodol N, Bortoluzzi S, Schmidt-Supprian M. T Cell Receptor Expression Timing and Signal Strength in the Functional Differentiation of Invariant Natural Killer T Cells. Front Immunol 2019; 10:841. [PMID: 31080448 PMCID: PMC6497757 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The CD1d-restricted Vα14 invariant NKT (iNKT) cell lineage in mice (Vα24 in humans) represents an evolutionary conserved innate-like immune cell type that recognizes glycolipid antigens. Because of their unique ability to promptly secrete copious amounts of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, typically produced by different T helper cell types, iNKT cells are implicated in the regulation of various pathologic conditions such as infection, allergy, autoimmune disease, maintenance of transplantation tolerance, and cancer. This striking multifaceted role in immune regulation is correlated with the presence of multiple functionally distinct iNKT cell subsets that can be distinguished based on the expression of characteristic surface markers and transcription factors. However, to date it, remains largely unresolved how this puzzling diversity of iNKT cell functional subsets emerges and what factors dictate the type of effector cell differentiation during the thymic differentiation considering the mono-specific nature of their T cell receptor (TCR) and their selecting molecule CD1d. Here, we summarize recent findings focusing on the role of TCR-mediated signaling and discuss possible mechanisms that may influence the sub-lineage choice of iNKT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyambayar Dashtsoodol
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar and TranslaTUM Cancer Center, Technische Universität München, München, Germany.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Sabrina Bortoluzzi
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar and TranslaTUM Cancer Center, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Marc Schmidt-Supprian
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar and TranslaTUM Cancer Center, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
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13
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Łyszkiewicz M, Winter SJ, Witzlau K, Föhse L, Brownlie R, Puchałka J, Verheyden NA, Kunze-Schumacher H, Imelmann E, Blume J, Raha S, Sekiya T, Yoshimura A, Frueh JT, Ullrich E, Huehn J, Weiss S, Gutierrez MG, Prinz I, Zamoyska R, Ziętara N, Krueger A. miR-181a/b-1 controls thymic selection of Treg cells and tunes their suppressive capacity. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e2006716. [PMID: 30856173 PMCID: PMC6428341 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2006716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The interdependence of selective cues during development of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in the thymus and their suppressive function remains incompletely understood. Here, we analyzed this interdependence by taking advantage of highly dynamic changes in expression of microRNA 181 family members miR-181a-1 and miR-181b-1 (miR-181a/b-1) during late T-cell development with very high levels of expression during thymocyte selection, followed by massive down-regulation in the periphery. Loss of miR-181a/b-1 resulted in inefficient de novo generation of Treg cells in the thymus but simultaneously permitted homeostatic expansion in the periphery in the absence of competition. Modulation of T-cell receptor (TCR) signal strength in vivo indicated that miR-181a/b-1 controlled Treg-cell formation via establishing adequate signaling thresholds. Unexpectedly, miR-181a/b-1-deficient Treg cells displayed elevated suppressive capacity in vivo, in line with elevated levels of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated 4 (CTLA-4) protein, but not mRNA, in thymic and peripheral Treg cells. Therefore, we propose that intrathymic miR-181a/b-1 controls development of Treg cells and imposes a developmental legacy on their peripheral function.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Flow Cytometry
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Microscopy, Confocal
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 1/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 1/metabolism
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 2/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 2/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- Thymocytes/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Łyszkiewicz
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Immunology, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Planegg-Martiensried, Germany
| | - Samantha J. Winter
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Katrin Witzlau
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lisa Föhse
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rebecca Brownlie
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jacek Puchałka
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Kinderspital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Nikita A. Verheyden
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Heike Kunze-Schumacher
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Esther Imelmann
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jonas Blume
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Solaiman Raha
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Takashi Sekiya
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Yoshimura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jochen T. Frueh
- Experimental Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, Hospital of the Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Experimental Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, Hospital of the Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jochen Huehn
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Siegfried Weiss
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Immo Prinz
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rose Zamoyska
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Natalia Ziętara
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Immunology, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Planegg-Martiensried, Germany
| | - Andreas Krueger
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
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14
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Wilharm A, Sandrock I, Marotel M, Demera A, Naumann R, Walzer T, Prinz I. Styk1 is specifically expressed in NK1.1 + lymphocytes including NK, γδ T, and iNKT cells in mice, but is dispensable for their ontogeny and function. Eur J Immunol 2019; 49:686-693. [PMID: 30758858 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201848033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Innate T cells, NK cells, and innate-like lymphocytes (ILCs) share transcriptional signatures that translate into overlapping developmental and functional programs. A prominent example for genes that are highly expressed in NK cells but not in ILCs is serine-threonine-tyrosine kinase 1 (Styk1 encoded by Styk1). We found Styk1 to be specifically expressed in lymphocytes positive for Killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily B, member 1, also known as CD161 or NK1.1, i.e. in NK cell, αβ iNKT, and γδ NKT cell lineages. To investigate the role of Styk1 in the development and function of NK1.1+ innate T-cell subsets, we generated and analyzed a novel Styk1null mutant mouse line. Furthermore, we validated Styk1 expression in γδ NKT cells and in thymic, but not in peripheral invariant αβ iNKT cells through ex vivo analysis of a concomitantly generated transgenic Styk1 reporter mouse line. Despite the very specific expression of Styk1 in NK cells, γδ NKT cells, and thymic αβ iNKT, its absence did not alter homeostasis and function of these lineages. Thus, Styk1 expression is specific for NK cells and selected NK-like innate T-cell subsets, but dispensable for their development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneke Wilharm
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Inga Sandrock
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marie Marotel
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie-International Center for Infectiology Research, Lyon, France.,Inserm, U1111, Lyon, France.,Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,CNRS, UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - Abdi Demera
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ronald Naumann
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thierry Walzer
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie-International Center for Infectiology Research, Lyon, France.,Inserm, U1111, Lyon, France.,Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,CNRS, UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - Immo Prinz
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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15
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Winter SJ, Kunze-Schumacher H, Imelmann E, Grewers Z, Osthues T, Krueger A. MicroRNA miR-181a/b-1 controls MAIT cell development. Immunol Cell Biol 2018; 97:190-202. [DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Winter
- Institute for Molecular Medicine; Goethe University Frankfurt; Frankfurt Germany
| | | | - Esther Imelmann
- Institute for Molecular Medicine; Goethe University Frankfurt; Frankfurt Germany
| | - Zoe Grewers
- Institute for Molecular Medicine; Goethe University Frankfurt; Frankfurt Germany
| | - Tabea Osthues
- Institute for Molecular Medicine; Goethe University Frankfurt; Frankfurt Germany
| | - Andreas Krueger
- Institute for Molecular Medicine; Goethe University Frankfurt; Frankfurt Germany
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16
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Malhotra N, Qi Y, Spidale NA, Frascoli M, Miu B, Cho O, Sylvia K, Kang J. SOX4 controls invariant NKT cell differentiation by tuning TCR signaling. J Exp Med 2018; 215:2887-2900. [PMID: 30287480 PMCID: PMC6219734 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20172021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells expressing the invariant T cell receptor (iTCR) serve an essential function in clearance of certain pathogens and have been implicated in autoimmune and allergic diseases. Complex effector programs of these iNKT cells are wired in the thymus, and upon thymic egress, they can respond within hours of antigenic challenges, classifying iNKT cells as innate-like. It has been assumed that the successful rearrangement of the invariant iTCRα chain is the central event in the divergence of immature thymocytes to the NKT cell lineage, but molecular properties that render the iTCR signaling distinct to permit the T cell lineage diversification remain obscure. Here we show that the High Mobility Group (HMG) transcription factor (TF) SOX4 controls the production of iNKT cells by inducing MicroRNA-181 (Mir181) to enhance TCR signaling and Ca2+ fluxes in precursors. These results suggest the existence of tailored, permissive gene circuits in iNKT precursors for innate-like T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Malhotra
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Yilin Qi
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Nicholas A Spidale
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Michela Frascoli
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Bing Miu
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Okhyun Cho
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Katelyn Sylvia
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Joonsoo Kang
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
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17
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Lin B, Jia X, Xie Z, Su T, Wei Y, Tang J, Yang C, Cui C, Liu J. Vascular Endothelial Cells Activate Peripheral Natural Killer T Cells and Participate in Regulation of Downstream Immune Cascades in Patients with Sepsis. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:7387-7398. [PMID: 30324936 PMCID: PMC6199819 DOI: 10.12659/msm.911466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study investigated the effect of supernatant of endothelial cells stimulated by peripheral blood serum from sepsis patients on phenotype and function of peripheral NKT cells. Material/Methods Twenty-one patients with sepsis and 21 healthy subjects were included. Peripheral blood (5 ml) was collected from all patients and healthy subjects. To isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), Ficoll lymphocyte separation solution was used. Flow cytometry was carried out to determine NKT cell ratio, activity, and cytokine secretion. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured with serum from sepsis patients for 48 h before changing to fresh medium, and supernatant was collected. The supernatant was used to co-culture PBMCs before analyzing NKT activity and cytokines. Results The ratios of CD3-CD56+NK cells and CD3+CD56+NKT cells were increased in peripheral blood from sepsis patients. Surface receptors p30, G2D, and p44 of CD3+CD56+NKT cells were elevated, while inhibitory receptors NKG2A and 158b were decreased. CD4+ NKT cells in peripheral blood from sepsis patients were enhanced. GranB, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17 in NKT cells from sepsis patients were up-regulated. After co-culture with vascular endothelial cells treated with sepsis serum, expression of p30 and G2D in NKT cells was upregulated, and number of TCRVα24-positive cells was increased. In addition, ratio of CD4+NKT cells was increased, and intracellular expression of IL-4 and IFN-γ was elevated. Conclusions The study demonstrates that the level of NKT cells in peripheral blood from sepsis patients is increased, and their activity is enhanced. In addition, vascular endothelial cells from sepsis patients can regulate the activity of NKT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Lin
- Department of Intensive Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Xinju Jia
- Department of Intensive Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Zuohua Xie
- Department of Intensive Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Ting Su
- Department of Intensive Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Ying Wei
- Department of Intensive Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Jiping Tang
- Department of Intensive Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Chengzhi Yang
- Graduate School, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Chuanbao Cui
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Jinxiang Liu
- Department of Intensive Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
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18
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Xu M, Gan T, Ning H, Wang L. MicroRNA Functions in Thymic Biology: Thymic Development and Involution. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2063. [PMID: 30254640 PMCID: PMC6141719 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
During the entire processes of thymus organogenesis, maturation, and involution, gene regulation occurs post-transcriptionally via recently discovered microRNA (miRNA) transcripts. Numerous reports indicate that miRNAs may be involved in the construction of a normal thymic microenvironment, which constitutes a critical component to support T lymphocyte development. MiRNAs are also expressed in thymic stromal cells including thymic epithelial cells (TECs) during maturation and senescence. This review focuses on the function of miRNAs in thymic development and involution. A better understanding of these processes will provide new insights into the regulatory network of TECs and further comprehension of how genes control TECs to maintain the thymic microenvironment during thymus development and aging, thus supporting a normal cellular immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minwen Xu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Tao Gan
- Department of Biotechnology, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Huiting Ning
- Department of Biotechnology, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Liefeng Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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19
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Jouan Y, Patin EC, Hassane M, Si-Tahar M, Baranek T, Paget C. Thymic Program Directing the Functional Development of γδT17 Cells. Front Immunol 2018; 9:981. [PMID: 29867959 PMCID: PMC5951931 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
γδT cells comprise a unique T cell sublineage endowed with a wide functional repertoire, which allow them to play important—sometimes opposite—roles in many immune responses associated with infection, cancer, and inflammatory processes. This is largely dependent on the existence of pre-programmed discrete functional subsets that differentiate within the thymus at specific temporal windows of life. Since they represent a major early source of interleukin-17A in many models of immune responses, the γδT17 cell population has recently gained considerable interest. Thus, a better dissection of the developmental program of this effector γδT subset appears critical in understanding their associated immune functions. Several recent reports have provided new exciting insights into the developmental mechanisms that control γδT cell lineage commitment and differentiation. Here, we review the importance of thymic cues and intrinsic factors that shape the developmental program of γδT17 cells. We also discuss the potential future areas of research in γδT17 cell development especially in regards to the recently provided data from deep RNA sequencing technology. Pursuing our understanding into this complex mechanism will undoubtedly provide important clues into the biology of this particular T cell sublineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youenn Jouan
- INSERM, Centre d'Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), UMR 1100, Tours, France.,Université de Tours, Tours, France.,Service de Médecine Intensive Réanimation, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Emmanuel C Patin
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Targeted Therapy Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maya Hassane
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mustapha Si-Tahar
- INSERM, Centre d'Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), UMR 1100, Tours, France.,Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Thomas Baranek
- INSERM, Centre d'Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), UMR 1100, Tours, France.,Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Christophe Paget
- INSERM, Centre d'Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), UMR 1100, Tours, France.,Université de Tours, Tours, France
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20
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Koenecke C, Krueger A. MicroRNA in T-Cell Development and T-Cell Mediated Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease. Front Immunol 2018; 9:992. [PMID: 29867969 PMCID: PMC5949326 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is still a major cause of treatment-related mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Allo-antigen recognition of donor T cells after transplantation account for the onset and persistence of this disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are molecular regulators involved in numerous processes during T-cell development, homeostasis, and activation. Thus, miRNAs also contribute to pathological T-cell function during GvHD. Given their capacity of fine-tuning T-cell function, miRNAs have emerged as promising therapeutic targets to curtail acute GvHD, but simultaneously maintain T-cell-mediated graft-versus-tumor effects. Here, we review the role of key miRNAs contributing to the pathophysiology of GvHD. We focus on those miRNAs acting in T cells and for which a role in GvHD has been established in preclinical models. Finally, we provide an outlook for clinical application of this new therapeutic target for GvHD prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Koenecke
- Clinic for Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Krueger
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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21
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Roy S, Moore AJ, Love C, Reddy A, Rajagopalan D, Dave SS, Li L, Murre C, Zhuang Y. Id Proteins Suppress E2A-Driven Invariant Natural Killer T Cell Development prior to TCR Selection. Front Immunol 2018; 9:42. [PMID: 29416542 PMCID: PMC5787561 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A family of transcription factors known as E proteins, and their antagonists, Id proteins, regulate T cell differentiation at critical developmental checkpoints. Id proteins promote the differentiation of conventional αβ T cells and suppress the expansion of innate-like αβ T cells known as invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. However, it remains to be determined whether Id proteins differentially regulate these distinct lineage choices in early stages of T cell development. In this manuscript, we report that in Id-deficient mice, uninhibited activity of the E protein family member E2A mediates activation of genes that support iNKT cell development and function. There is also biased rearrangement in Id-deficient DP cells that promotes selection into the iNKT lineage in these mice. The observed expansion of iNKT cells is not abrogated by blocking pre-TCR signaling, which is required for conventional αβ T cell development. Finally, E2A is found to be a key transcriptional regulator of both iNKT and γδNKT lineages, which appear to have shared lineage history. Therefore, our study reveals a previously unappreciated role of E2A in coordinating the development of the iNKT lineage at an early stage, prior to their TCR-mediated selection alongside conventional αβ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumedha Roy
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Amanda J Moore
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Cassandra Love
- Duke Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Anupama Reddy
- Duke Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Deepthi Rajagopalan
- Duke Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Sandeep S Dave
- Duke Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Leping Li
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Durham, NC, United States
| | - Cornelis Murre
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Yuan Zhuang
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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22
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Blume J, Zur Lage S, Witzlau K, Georgiev H, Weiss S, Łyszkiewicz M, Ziȩtara N, Krueger A. Overexpression of Vα14Jα18 TCR promotes development of iNKT cells in the absence of miR-181a/b-1. Immunol Cell Biol 2016; 94:741-6. [PMID: 27089939 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2016.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Expression of microRNA miR-181a/b-1 is critical for intrathymic development of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. However, the underlying mechanism has remained a matter of debate. On the one hand, growing evidence suggested that miR-181a/b-1 is instrumental in setting T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling threshold and thus permits agonist selection of iNKT cells through high-affinity TCR ligands. On the other hand, alterations in metabolic fitness mediated by miR-181a/b-1-dependent dysregulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog (Pten) have been proposed to cause the iNKT-cell defect in miR-181-a/b-1-deficient mice. To re-assess the hypothesis that modulation of TCR signal strength is the key mechanism by which miR-181a/b-1 controls the development of iNKT cells, we generated miR-181a/b-1-deficient mice expressing elevated levels of a Vα14Jα18 TCRα chain. In these mice, development of iNKT cells was fully restored. Furthermore, both subset distribution of iNKT cells as well as TCR Vβ repertoire were independent of the presence of miR-181a/b-1 once a Vα14Jα18 TCRα chain was overexpressed. Finally, levels of Pten protein were similar in Vα14Jα18 transgenic mice irrespective of their miR-181a/b-1 status. Collectively, our data support a model in which miR-181 promotes development of iNKT cells primarily by generating a permissive state for agonist selection with alterations in metabolic fitness possibly constituting a secondary effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Blume
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Zur Lage
- Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Katrin Witzlau
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hristo Georgiev
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Siegfried Weiss
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Natalia Ziȩtara
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Krueger
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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