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Du P, Li J, Hua M, Zhu L, Chen C, Zeng H. Potential Contributions of Human Endogenous Retroviruses in Innate Immune Memory. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 213:1225-1233. [PMID: 39230265 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
The phenomenon wherein innate immune cells adopt long-term inflammatory phenotypes following the first stimuli is named trained immunity and can improve host defense against infections. Transcriptional and epigenetic reprogramming are critical mechanisms of trained immunity; however, the regulatory networks are not entirely clear at present. The human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) provide large amounts of transcriptional regulators in the regulatory pathways. In this study, we analyzed published large omics data to explore the roles of such "dark matter" of the human genome in trained and tolerant macrophages. We collected 80 RNA sequencing data and 62 sequencing data to detect histone modifications and active regulatory regions from nine published studies on trained and tolerant macrophages. By analyzing the characteristics of transcription and epigenetic modification of HERVs, as well as their association with gene expression, we found that 15.3% of HERVs were transcribed nonrandomly from noncoding regions and enriched in specific HERV families and specific chromosomes, such as chromosomes 11, 15, 17, and 19, and they were highly related with the expression of adjacent genes. We found that 295 differentially expressed HERVs are located in 50-kbp flanking regions of 142 differentially expressed genes. We found epigenetic changes of these HERVs and that overlap with predicted enhancers and identified 35 enhancer-like HERVs. The related genes were highly involved in the activation and inflammatory responses, such as the TLR pathway. Other pathways including phosphoinositide signaling and transport of folate and K+ might be also related with trained immunity, which require further study. These results demonstrated that HERVs might play important roles in trained immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; and
| | - Jiarui Li
- Biomedical Innovation Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mingxi Hua
- Biomedical Innovation Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Liuluan Zhu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; and
| | - Chen Chen
- Biomedical Innovation Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zeng
- Biomedical Innovation Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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2
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Monteiro CJ, Duarte MJ, Machado MCV, Mascarenhas RS, Palma PVB, García HDM, Nakaya HI, Cunha TM, Donadi EA, Passos GA. The single-cell transcriptome of mTECs and CD4 + thymocytes under adhesion revealed heterogeneity of mTECs and a network controlled by Aire and lncRNAs. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1376655. [PMID: 39328409 PMCID: PMC11425717 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1376655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
To further understand the impact of deficiency of the autoimmune regulator (Aire) gene during the adhesion of medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) to thymocytes, we sequenced single-cell libraries (scRNA-seq) obtained from Aire wild-type (WT) (Airewt/wt ) or Aire-deficient (Airewt/mut ) mTECs cocultured with WT single-positive (SP) CD4+ thymocytes. Although the libraries differed in their mRNA and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) profiles, indicating that mTECs were heterogeneous in terms of their transcriptome, UMAP clustering revealed that both mTEC lines expressed their specific markers, i.e., Epcam, Itgb4, Itga6, and Casp3 in resting mTECs and Ccna2, Pbk, and Birc5 in proliferative mTECs. Both cocultured SP CD4+ thymocytes remained in a homogeneous cluster expressing the Il7r and Ccr7 markers. Comparisons of the two types of cocultures revealed the differential expression of mRNAs that encode transcription factors (Zfpm2, Satb1, and Lef1), cell adhesion genes (Itgb1) in mTECs, and Themis in thymocytes, which is associated with the regulation of positive and negative selection. At the single-cell sequencing resolution, we observed that Aire acts on both Aire WT and Aire-deficient mTECs as an upstream controller of mRNAs, which encode transcription factors or adhesion proteins that, in turn, are posttranscriptionally controlled by lncRNAs, for example, Neat1, Malat1, Pvt1, and Dancr among others. Under Aire deficiency, mTECs dysregulate the expression of MHC-II, CD80, and CD326 (EPCAM) protein markers as well as metabolism and cell cycle-related mRNAs, which delay the cell cycle progression. Moreover, when adhered to mTECs, WT SP CD4+ or CD8+ thymocytes modulate the expression of cell activation proteins, including CD28 and CD152/CTLA4, and the expression of cellular metabolism mRNAs. These findings indicate a complex mechanism through which an imbalance in Aire expression can affect mTECs and thymocytes during adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cíntia J. Monteiro
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Max J. Duarte
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Mayara Cristina V. Machado
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Romário S. Mascarenhas
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia V. Bonini Palma
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Helder I. Nakaya
- Research Institute, Albert Einstein Israeli Hospital, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago M. Cunha
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo A. Donadi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Geraldo A. Passos
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy in Dentistry, Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Chatterjee A, Jayaprakasan M, Chakrabarty AK, Lakkaniga NR, Bhatt BN, Banerjee D, Narwaria A, Katiyar CK, Dubey SK. Comprehensive insights into rheumatoid arthritis: Pathophysiology, current therapies and herbal alternatives for effective disease management. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2764-2799. [PMID: 38522945 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8187] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by immune response overexpression, causing pain and swelling in the synovial joints. This condition is caused by auto-reactive antibodies that attack self-antigens due to their incapacity to distinguish between self and foreign molecules. Dysregulated activity within numerous signalling and immunological pathways supports the disease's development and progression, elevating its complexity. While current treatments provide some alleviation, their effectiveness is accompanied by a variety of adverse effects that are inherent in conventional medications. As a result, there is a deep-rooted necessity to investigate alternate therapeutic strategies capable of neutralizing these disadvantages. Medicinal herbs display a variety of potent bioactive phytochemicals that are effective in the complementary management of disease, thus generating an enormous potency for the researchers to delve deep into the development of novel phytomedicine against autoimmune diseases, although additional evidence and understanding are required in terms of their efficacy and pharmacodynamic mechanisms. This literature-based review highlights the dysregulation of immune tolerance in rheumatoid arthritis, analyses the pathophysiology, elucidates relevant signalling pathways involved, evaluates present and future therapy options and underscores the therapeutic attributes of a diverse array of medicinal herbs in addressing this severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Chatterjee
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, India
| | - Monisha Jayaprakasan
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, India
| | | | - Naga Rajiv Lakkaniga
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, India
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Shirafkan F, Hensel L, Rattay K. Immune tolerance and the prevention of autoimmune diseases essentially depend on thymic tissue homeostasis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1339714. [PMID: 38571951 PMCID: PMC10987875 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1339714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The intricate balance of immune reactions towards invading pathogens and immune tolerance towards self is pivotal in preventing autoimmune diseases, with the thymus playing a central role in establishing and maintaining this equilibrium. The induction of central immune tolerance in the thymus involves the elimination of self-reactive T cells, a mechanism essential for averting autoimmunity. Disruption of the thymic T cell selection mechanisms can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases. In the dynamic microenvironment of the thymus, T cell migration and interactions with thymic stromal cells are critical for the selection processes that ensure self-tolerance. Thymic epithelial cells are particularly significant in this context, presenting self-antigens and inducing the negative selection of autoreactive T cells. Further, the synergistic roles of thymic fibroblasts, B cells, and dendritic cells in antigen presentation, selection and the development of regulatory T cells are pivotal in maintaining immune responses tightly regulated. This review article collates these insights, offering a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted role of thymic tissue homeostasis in the establishment of immune tolerance and its implications in the prevention of autoimmune diseases. Additionally, the developmental pathways of the thymus are explored, highlighting how genetic aberrations can disrupt thymic architecture and function, leading to autoimmune conditions. The impact of infections on immune tolerance is another critical area, with pathogens potentially triggering autoimmunity by altering thymic homeostasis. Overall, this review underscores the integral role of thymic tissue homeostasis in the prevention of autoimmune diseases, discussing insights into potential therapeutic strategies and examining putative avenues for future research on developing thymic-based therapies in treating and preventing autoimmune conditions.
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Lammers S, Barrera V, Brennecke P, Miller C, Yoon J, Balolong J, Anderson MS, Ho Sui S, Steinmetz LM, von Andrian UH, Rattay K. Ehf and Fezf2 regulate late medullary thymic epithelial cell and thymic tuft cell development. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1277365. [PMID: 38420512 PMCID: PMC10901246 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1277365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells are indispensable for T cell maturation and selection and the induction of central immune tolerance. The self-peptide repertoire expressed by medullary thymic epithelial cells is in part regulated by the transcriptional regulator Aire (Autoimmune regulator) and the transcription factor Fezf2. Due to the high complexity of mTEC maturation stages (i.e., post-Aire, Krt10+ mTECs, and Dclk1+ Tuft mTECs) and the heterogeneity in their gene expression profiles (i.e., mosaic expression patterns), it has been challenging to identify the additional factors complementing the transcriptional regulation. We aimed to identify the transcriptional regulators involved in the regulation of mTEC development and self-peptide expression in an unbiased and genome-wide manner. We used ATAC footprinting analysis as an indirect approach to identify transcription factors involved in the gene expression regulation in mTECs, which we validated by ChIP sequencing. This study identifies Fezf2 as a regulator of the recently described thymic Tuft cells (i.e., Tuft mTECs). Furthermore, we identify that transcriptional regulators of the ELF, ESE, ERF, and PEA3 subfamily of the ETS transcription factor family and members of the Krüppel-like family of transcription factors play a role in the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in late mTEC development and promiscuous gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sören Lammers
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Victor Barrera
- Bioinformatics Core, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Philip Brennecke
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Corey Miller
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Joon Yoon
- Bioinformatics Core, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jared Balolong
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Mark S. Anderson
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Shannan Ho Sui
- Bioinformatics Core, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lars M. Steinmetz
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich H. von Andrian
- Department of Immunology & HMS Center for Immune Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Kristin Rattay
- Department of Immunology & HMS Center for Immune Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Pharmacological Institute, Biochemical Pharmacological Center, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Sundaresan B, Shirafkan F, Ripperger K, Rattay K. The Role of Viral Infections in the Onset of Autoimmune Diseases. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030782. [PMID: 36992490 PMCID: PMC10051805 DOI: 10.3390/v15030782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are the consequence of a breach in immune tolerance, leading to the inability to sufficiently differentiate between self and non-self. Immune reactions that are targeted towards self-antigens can ultimately lead to the destruction of the host's cells and the development of autoimmune diseases. Although autoimmune disorders are comparatively rare, the worldwide incidence and prevalence is increasing, and they have major adverse implications for mortality and morbidity. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to be the major factors contributing to the development of autoimmunity. Viral infections are one of the environmental triggers that can lead to autoimmunity. Current research suggests that several mechanisms, such as molecular mimicry, epitope spreading, and bystander activation, can cause viral-induced autoimmunity. Here we describe the latest insights into the pathomechanisms of viral-induced autoimmune diseases and discuss recent findings on COVID-19 infections and the development of AIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhargavi Sundaresan
- Institute of Pharmacology, Biochemical Pharmacological Center, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Shirafkan
- Institute of Pharmacology, Biochemical Pharmacological Center, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Kevin Ripperger
- Institute of Pharmacology, Biochemical Pharmacological Center, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Kristin Rattay
- Institute of Pharmacology, Biochemical Pharmacological Center, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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Lopes N, Boucherit N, Santamaria JC, Provin N, Charaix J, Ferrier P, Giraud M, Irla M. Thymocytes trigger self-antigen-controlling pathways in immature medullary thymic epithelial stages. eLife 2022; 11:69982. [PMID: 35188458 PMCID: PMC8860447 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69982] [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] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions of developing T cells with Aire+ medullary thymic epithelial cells expressing high levels of MHCII molecules (mTEChi) are critical for the induction of central tolerance in the thymus. In turn, thymocytes regulate the cellularity of Aire+ mTEChi. However, it remains unknown whether thymocytes control the precursors of Aire+ mTEChi that are contained in mTEClo cells or other mTEClo subsets that have recently been delineated by single-cell transcriptomic analyses. Here, using three distinct transgenic mouse models, in which antigen presentation between mTECs and CD4+ thymocytes is perturbed, we show by high-throughput RNA-seq that self-reactive CD4+ thymocytes induce key transcriptional regulators in mTEClo and control the composition of mTEClo subsets, including Aire+ mTEChi precursors, post-Aire and tuft-like mTECs. Furthermore, these interactions upregulate the expression of tissue-restricted self-antigens, cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules important for T-cell development. This gene activation program induced in mTEClo is combined with a global increase of the active H3K4me3 histone mark. Finally, we demonstrate that these self-reactive interactions between CD4+ thymocytes and mTECs critically prevent multiorgan autoimmunity. Our genome-wide study thus reveals that self-reactive CD4+ thymocytes control multiple unsuspected facets from immature stages of mTECs, which determines their heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noella Lopes
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Boucherit
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Jérémy C Santamaria
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Nathan Provin
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Jonathan Charaix
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Ferrier
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Matthieu Giraud
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Magali Irla
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
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Callebaut A, Bruggeman Y, Zamit C, Sodré FMC, Irla M, Mathieu C, Buitinga M, Overbergh L. Aberrant expression of transglutaminase 2 in pancreas and thymus of NOD mice underscores the importance of deamidation in neoantigen generation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:908248. [PMID: 35966081 PMCID: PMC9367685 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.908248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications can lead to a break in immune tolerance in autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes (T1D). Deamidation, the conversion of glutamine to glutamic acid by transglutaminase (TGM) enzymes, is a post-translational modification of interest, with deamidated peptides being reported as autoantigens in T1D. However, little is known about how Tgm2, the most ubiquitously expressed Tgm isoform, is regulated and how tolerance against deamidated peptides is lost. Here, we report on the aberrant expression and regulation of Tgm2 in the pancreas and thymus of NOD mice. We demonstrate that Tgm2 expression is induced by the inflammatory cytokines IL1β and IFNγ in a synergistic manner and that murine pancreatic islets of NOD mice have higher Tgm2 levels, while Tgm2 levels in medullary thymic epithelial cells are reduced. We thus provide the first direct evidence to our knowledge that central tolerance establishment against deamidated peptides might be impaired due to lower Tgm2 expression in NOD medullary thymic epithelial cells, which together with the aberrantly high levels of deamidated peptides in NOD β-cells underscores the role of deamidation in amplifying T-cell reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aїsha Callebaut
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ylke Bruggeman
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cloé Zamit
- CNRS, INSERM, Centre d’Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Fernanda Marques Câmara Sodré
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Magali Irla
- CNRS, INSERM, Centre d’Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Chantal Mathieu
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mijke Buitinga
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Lut Overbergh
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Lut Overbergh,
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Halouani A, Michaux H, Jmii H, Trussart C, Chahbi A, Martens H, Renard C, Aouni M, Hober D, Geenen V, Jaïdane H. Coxsackievirus B4 Transplacental Infection Severely Disturbs Central Tolerogenic Mechanisms in the Fetal Thymus. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071537. [PMID: 34361972 PMCID: PMC8303261 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymus plays a fundamental role in central tolerance establishment, especially during fetal life, through the generation of self-tolerant T cells. This process consists in T cells education by presenting them tissue-restricted autoantigens promiscuously expressed by thymic epithelial cells (TECs), thus preventing autoimmunity. Thymus infection by Coxsackievirus B (CV-B) during fetal life is supposed to disturb thymic functions and, hence, to be an inducing or accelerating factor in the genesis of autoimmunity. To further investigate this hypothesis, in our current study, we analyzed thymic expression of autoantigens, at the transcriptional and protein level, following in utero infection by CV-B4. mRNA expression levels of Igf2 and Myo7, major autoantigens of pancreas and heart, respectively, were analyzed in whole thymus and in enriched TECs together along with both transcription factors, Aire and Fezf2, involved in autoantigens expression in the thymus. Results show that in utero infection by CV-B4 induces a significant decrease in Igf2 and Myo7 expression at both mRNA and protein level in whole thymus and in enriched TECs as well. Moreover, a correlation between viral load and autoantigens expression can be observed in the whole thymus, indicating a direct effect of in utero infection by CV-B4 on autoantigens expression. Together, these results indicate that an in utero infection of the thymus by CV-B4 may interfere with self-tolerance establishment in TECs by decreasing autoantigen expression at both mRNA and protein level and thereby increase the risk of autoimmunity onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aymen Halouani
- Laboratoire des Maladies Transmissibles et Substances Biologiquement Actives LR99ES27, Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisia; (A.H.); (H.J.); (M.A.)
- Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1068, Tunisia
- GIGA-I3 Immunoendocrinologie, Faculté de Médicine, Université de Liège, CHU-B34, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (H.M.); (C.T.); (H.M.); (C.R.); (V.G.)
| | - Hélène Michaux
- GIGA-I3 Immunoendocrinologie, Faculté de Médicine, Université de Liège, CHU-B34, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (H.M.); (C.T.); (H.M.); (C.R.); (V.G.)
| | - Habib Jmii
- Laboratoire des Maladies Transmissibles et Substances Biologiquement Actives LR99ES27, Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisia; (A.H.); (H.J.); (M.A.)
- Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1068, Tunisia
| | - Charlotte Trussart
- GIGA-I3 Immunoendocrinologie, Faculté de Médicine, Université de Liège, CHU-B34, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (H.M.); (C.T.); (H.M.); (C.R.); (V.G.)
| | - Ahlem Chahbi
- Laboratoire d’Hématologie, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1007, Tunisia;
| | - Henri Martens
- GIGA-I3 Immunoendocrinologie, Faculté de Médicine, Université de Liège, CHU-B34, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (H.M.); (C.T.); (H.M.); (C.R.); (V.G.)
| | - Chantal Renard
- GIGA-I3 Immunoendocrinologie, Faculté de Médicine, Université de Liège, CHU-B34, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (H.M.); (C.T.); (H.M.); (C.R.); (V.G.)
| | - Mahjoub Aouni
- Laboratoire des Maladies Transmissibles et Substances Biologiquement Actives LR99ES27, Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisia; (A.H.); (H.J.); (M.A.)
| | - Didier Hober
- Laboratoire de Virologie EA3610, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lille, CHU Lille, 59000 Lille, France;
| | - Vincent Geenen
- GIGA-I3 Immunoendocrinologie, Faculté de Médicine, Université de Liège, CHU-B34, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (H.M.); (C.T.); (H.M.); (C.R.); (V.G.)
| | - Hela Jaïdane
- Laboratoire des Maladies Transmissibles et Substances Biologiquement Actives LR99ES27, Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisia; (A.H.); (H.J.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +216-98-677-174
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Pontarotti P, Abi-Rached L, Yeh JH, Paganini J. Self-Peptidome Variation Shapes Individual Immune Responses. Trends Genet 2020; 37:414-420. [PMID: 33867017 PMCID: PMC7577255 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between human genetic variation and disease has not been fully elucidated. According to the present view on infectious diseases pathogen resistance is linked to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I/II variants and their individual capacity to present pathogen-derived peptides. Yet, T cell education in the thymus occurs through negative and positive selection, and both processes are controlled by a combination of HLA class I/II variants and peptides from the self. Therefore, the capacity of given HLA class I/II variants to bind pathogen-derived peptides is only one part of the selective process to generate effective immune responses. We thus propose that peptidome variation contributes to shaping T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires and hence individual immune responses, and that this variation represents inherent modulator epitopes. TCR repertoires emerge in the thymus in each individual as T cells undergo positive and negative selection. T cell education is controlled by the combination of HLA class I/II molecules and their peptide pools (peptidome). HLA class I/II molecules are highly plastic in human populations but the peptidome is also a source of variation. Hence combined diversity of HLA class I/II molecules and of self-peptides shapes individual immune responses. Self-peptide variants that affect T cell repertoires represent inherent modulator epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Pontarotti
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; SNC5039 CNRS, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; XEGEN, 15 rue Dominique Piazza, 13420 Gemenos, France.
| | - Laurent Abi-Rached
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; SNC5039 CNRS, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Jung-Hua Yeh
- Prokarium Ltd., London Bioscience Innovation Centre, 2 Royal College Street, London NW1 0NH, UK
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11
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Oliveira EH, Assis AF, Speck-Hernandez CA, Duarte MJ, Passos GA. Aire Gene Influences the Length of the 3' UTR of mRNAs in Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1039. [PMID: 32547551 PMCID: PMC7270294 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aire is a transcriptional controller in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) modulating a set of peripheral tissue antigens (PTAs) and non-PTA mRNAs as well as miRNAs. Even miRNAs exerting posttranscriptional control of mRNAs in mTECs, the composition of miRNA-mRNA networks may differ. Under reduction in Aire expression, networks exhibited greater miRNA diversity controlling mRNAs. Variations in the number of 3'UTR binding sites of Aire-dependent mRNAs may represent a crucial factor that influence the miRNA interaction. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed through bioinformatics the length of 3'UTRs of a large set of Aire-dependent mRNAs. The data were obtained from existing RNA-seq of mTECs of wild type or Aire-knockout (KO) mice. We used computational algorithms as FASTQC, STAR and HTSEQ for sequence alignment and counting reads, DESEQ2 for the differential expression, 3USS for the alternative 3'UTRs and TAPAS for the alternative polyadenylation sites. We identified 152 differentially expressed mRNAs between these samples comprising those that encode PTAs as well as transcription regulators. In Aire KO mTECs, most of these mRNAs featured an increase in the length of their 3'UTRs originating additional miRNA binding sites and new miRNA controllers. Results from the in silico analysis were statistically significant and the predicted miRNA-mRNA interactions were thermodynamically stable. Even with no in vivo or in vitro experiments, they were adequate to show that lack of Aire in mTECs might favor the downregulation of PTA mRNAs and transcription regulators via miRNA control. This could unbalance the overall transcriptional activity in mTECs and thus the self-representation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernna H. Oliveira
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Cesar A. Speck-Hernandez
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Max Jordan Duarte
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Geraldo A. Passos
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Basic and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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12
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Larouche JD, Trofimov A, Hesnard L, Ehx G, Zhao Q, Vincent K, Durette C, Gendron P, Laverdure JP, Bonneil É, Côté C, Lemieux S, Thibault P, Perreault C. Widespread and tissue-specific expression of endogenous retroelements in human somatic tissues. Genome Med 2020; 12:40. [PMID: 32345368 PMCID: PMC7189544 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-020-00740-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endogenous retroelements (EREs) constitute about 42% of the human genome and have been implicated in common human diseases such as autoimmunity and cancer. The dominant paradigm holds that EREs are expressed in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and germline cells but are repressed in differentiated somatic cells. Despite evidence that some EREs can be expressed at the RNA and protein levels in specific contexts, a system-level evaluation of their expression in human tissues is lacking. METHODS Using RNA sequencing data, we analyzed ERE expression in 32 human tissues and cell types, including medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs). A tissue specificity index was computed to identify tissue-restricted ERE families. We also analyzed the transcriptome of mTECs in wild-type and autoimmune regulator (AIRE)-deficient mice. Finally, we developed a proteogenomic workflow combining RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry (MS) in order to evaluate whether EREs might be translated and generate MHC I-associated peptides (MAP) in B-lymphoblastoid cell lines (B-LCL) from 16 individuals. RESULTS We report that all human tissues express EREs, but the breadth and magnitude of ERE expression are very heterogeneous from one tissue to another. ERE expression was particularly high in two MHC I-deficient tissues (ESCs and testis) and one MHC I-expressing tissue, mTECs. In mutant mice, we report that the exceptional expression of EREs in mTECs was AIRE-independent. MS analyses identified 103 non-redundant ERE-derived MAPs (ereMAPs) in B-LCLs. These ereMAPs preferentially derived from sense translation of intronic EREs. Notably, detailed analyses of their amino acid composition revealed that ERE-derived MAPs presented homology to viral MAPs. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that ERE expression in somatic tissues is more pervasive and heterogeneous than anticipated. The high and diversified expression of EREs in mTECs and their ability to generate MAPs suggest that EREs may play an important role in the establishment of self-tolerance. The viral-like properties of ERE-derived MAPs suggest that those not expressed in mTECs can be highly immunogenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-David Larouche
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Station, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Assya Trofimov
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Station, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
- Department of Computer Science and Operations Research, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Leslie Hesnard
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Station, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Gregory Ehx
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Station, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Qingchuan Zhao
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Station, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Krystel Vincent
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Station, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Chantal Durette
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Station, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Patrick Gendron
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Station, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Laverdure
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Station, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Éric Bonneil
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Station, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Caroline Côté
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Station, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Sébastien Lemieux
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Station, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Thibault
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Station, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada.
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| | - Claude Perreault
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Station, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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Zhang P, Liu RT, Du T, Yang CL, Liu YD, Ge MR, Zhang M, Li XL, Li H, Dou YC, Duan RS. Exosomes derived from statin-modified bone marrow dendritic cells increase thymus-derived natural regulatory T cells in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:202. [PMID: 31679515 PMCID: PMC6825716 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1587-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The thymus plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis (MG). In patients with MG, natural regulatory T cells (nTreg), a subpopulation of T cells that maintain tolerance to self-antigens, are severely impaired in the thymuses. In our previous study, upregulated nTreg cells were observed in the thymuses of rats in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis after treatment with exosomes derived from statin-modified dendritic cells (statin-Dex). METHODS We evaluated the effects of exosomes on surface co-stimulation markers and Aire expression of different kinds of thymic stromal cells, including cTEC, mTEC, and tDCs, in EAMG rats. The isolated exosomes were examined by western blot and DLS. Immunofluorescence was used to track the exosomes in the thymus. Flow cytometry and western blot were used to analyze the expression of co-stimulatory molecules and Aire in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS We confirmed the effects of statin-Dex in inducing Foxp3+ nTreg cells and found that both statin-Dex and DMSO-Dex could upregulate CD40 but only statin-Dex increased Aire expression in thymic stromal cells in vivo. Furthermore, we found that the role of statin-Dex and DMSO-Dex in the induction of Foxp3+ nTreg cells was dependent on epithelial cells in vitro. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that statin-Dex increased expression of Aire in the thymus, which may further promote the Foxp3 expression in the thymus. These findings may provide a new strategy for the treatment of myasthenia gravis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ru-Tao Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
| | - Tong Du
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-Lin Yang
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Dong Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng-Ru Ge
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Li Li
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
| | - Heng Li
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying-Chun Dou
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355 People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui-Sheng Duan
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
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14
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Lau CI, Yánez DC, Solanki A, Papaioannou E, Saldaña JI, Crompton T. Foxa1 and Foxa2 in thymic epithelial cells (TEC) regulate medullary TEC and regulatory T-cell maturation. J Autoimmun 2018; 93:131-138. [PMID: 30061015 PMCID: PMC6119767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Foxa1 and Foxa2 transcription factors are essential for mouse development. Here we show that they are expressed in thymic epithelial cells (TEC) where they regulate TEC development and function, with important consequences for T-cell development. TEC are essential for T-cell differentiation, lineage decisions and repertoire selection. Conditional deletion of Foxa1 and Foxa2 from murine TEC led to a smaller thymus with a greater proportion of TEC and a greater ratio of medullary to cortical TEC. Cell-surface MHCI expression was increased on cortical TEC in the conditional Foxa1Foxa2 knockout thymus, and MHCII expression was reduced on both cortical and medullary TEC populations. These changes in TEC differentiation and MHC expression led to a significant reduction in thymocyte numbers, reduced positive selection of CD4+CD8+ cells to the CD4 lineage, and increased CD8 cell differentiation. Conditional deletion of Foxa1 and Foxa2 from TEC also caused an increase in the medullary TEC population, and increased expression of Aire, but lower cell surface MHCII expression on Aire-expressing mTEC, and increased production of regulatory T-cells. Thus, Foxa1 and Foxa2 in TEC promote positive selection of CD4SP T-cells and modulate regulatory T-cell production and activity, of importance to autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-In Lau
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Diana C Yánez
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Anisha Solanki
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Eleftheria Papaioannou
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - José Ignacio Saldaña
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, Water Lane, London E15 4LZ, UK
| | - Tessa Crompton
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
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15
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Villegas JA, Gradolatto A, Truffault F, Roussin R, Berrih-Aknin S, Le Panse R, Dragin N. Cultured Human Thymic-Derived Cells Display Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cell Phenotype and Functionality. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1663. [PMID: 30083154 PMCID: PMC6064927 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells are one of the main components of the thymic microenvironment required for T-cell development. In this work, we describe an efficient method free of enzymatic and Facs-sorted methods to culture human medullary thymic epithelial cells without affecting the cell phenotypic, physiologic and functional features. Human medulla thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) are obtained by culturing thymic biopsies explants. After 7 days of primo-culture, mTECs keep their ability to express key molecules involved in immune tolerance processes such as autoimmune regulator, tissue-specific antigens, chemokines, and cytokines. In addition, the cells sensor their cultured environment and consequently adjust their gene expression network. Therefore, we describe and provide a human mTEC model that may be used to test the effect of various molecules on thymic epithelial cell homeostasis and physiology. This method should allow the investigations of the specificities and the knowledge of human mTECs in normal or pathological conditions and therefore discontinue the extrapolations done on the murine models.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Villegas
- INSERM, AIM, Center of Research in Myology, UMRS974, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Angeline Gradolatto
- INSERM, AIM, Center of Research in Myology, UMRS974, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Frédérique Truffault
- INSERM, AIM, Center of Research in Myology, UMRS974, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | | | - Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- INSERM, AIM, Center of Research in Myology, UMRS974, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Rozen Le Panse
- INSERM, AIM, Center of Research in Myology, UMRS974, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Nadine Dragin
- INSERM, AIM, Center of Research in Myology, UMRS974, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,Inovarion, Paris, France
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16
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Speck-Hernandez CA, Assis AF, Felicio RF, Cotrim-Sousa L, Pezzi N, Lopes GS, Bombonato-Prado KF, Giuliatti S, Passos GA. Aire Disruption Influences the Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cell Transcriptome and Interaction With Thymocytes. Front Immunol 2018; 9:964. [PMID: 29867946 PMCID: PMC5949327 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) is associated with thymocyte adhesion, which is crucial for the negative selection of autoreactive thymocytes in the thymus. This process represents the root of central tolerance of self-components and prevents the onset of autoimmune diseases. Since thymic epithelia correspond to an important target of donor T cells during the onset of chronic graft-vs-host-disease, mTEC-thymocyte adhesion may have implications for alloimmunity. The Aire and Fezf2 genes function as transcriptome controllers in mTECs. The central question of this study is whether there is a mutual relationship between mTEC-thymocyte adhesion and the control of the mTEC transcriptome and whether Aire is involved in this process. Here, we show that in vitro mTEC-thymocyte adhesion causes transcriptome changes in mTECs and upregulates the transcriptional expression of Aire and Fezf2, as well as cell adhesion-related genes such as Cd80 or Tcf7, among others. Crispr-Cas9-mediated Aire gene disruption demonstrated that this gene plays a role in the process of mTEC-thymocyte adhesion. Consistent with the nuclear localization signal (NLS) encoded by Aire exon 3, which was targeted, we demonstrate that Aire KO-/- mTECs impair AIRE protein localization in the nucleus. Consequently, the loss of function of Aire reduced the ability of these cells to adhere to thymocytes. Their transcriptomes differed from their wild-type Aire+/+ counterparts, even during thymocyte adhesion. A set of mRNA isoforms that encode proteins involved in cell adhesion were also modulated during this process. This demonstrates that both thymocyte interactions and Aire influence transcriptome profiling of mTEC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar A. Speck-Hernandez
- Graduate Programme in Basic and Applied Immunology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda F. Assis
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafaela F. Felicio
- Graduate Programme in Basic and Applied Immunology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa Cotrim-Sousa
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nicole Pezzi
- Graduate Programme in Basic and Applied Immunology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel S. Lopes
- Graduate Programme in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karina F. Bombonato-Prado
- Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvana Giuliatti
- Genetics, Bioinformatics Group, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Geraldo A. Passos
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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17
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Abstract
About two decades ago, cloning of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene materialized one of the most important actors on the scene of self-tolerance. Thymic transcription of genes encoding tissue-specific antigens (ts-ags) is activated by AIRE protein and embodies the essence of thymic self-representation. Pathogenic AIRE variants cause the autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1, which is a rare and complex disease that is gaining attention in research on autoimmunity. The animal models of disease, although not identically reproducing the human picture, supply fundamental information on mechanisms and extent of AIRE action: thanks to its multidomain structure, AIRE localizes to chromatin enclosing the target genes, binds to histones, and offers an anchorage to multimolecular complexes involved in initiation and post-initiation events of gene transcription. In addition, AIRE enhances mRNA diversity by favoring alternative mRNA splicing. Once synthesized, ts-ags are presented to, and cause deletion of the self-reactive thymocyte clones. However, AIRE function is not restricted to the activation of gene transcription. AIRE would control presentation and transfer of self-antigens for thymic cellular interplay: such mechanism is aimed at increasing the likelihood of engagement of the thymocytes that carry the corresponding T-cell receptors. Another fundamental role of AIRE in promoting self-tolerance is related to the development of thymocyte anergy, as thymic self-representation shapes at the same time the repertoire of regulatory T cells. Finally, AIRE seems to replicate its action in the secondary lymphoid organs, albeit the cell lineage detaining such property has not been fully characterized. Delineation of AIRE functions adds interesting data to the knowledge of the mechanisms of self-tolerance and introduces exciting perspectives of therapeutic interventions against the related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Perniola
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care, Vito Fazzi Regional Hospital, Lecce, Italy
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18
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Passos GA, Speck‐Hernandez CA, Assis AF, Mendes‐da‐Cruz DA. Update on Aire and thymic negative selection. Immunology 2018; 153:10-20. [PMID: 28871661 PMCID: PMC5721245 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Twenty years ago, the autoimmune regulator (Aire) gene was associated with autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy, and was cloned and sequenced. Its importance goes beyond its abstract link with human autoimmune disease. Aire identification opened new perspectives to better understand the molecular basis of central tolerance and self-non-self distinction, the main properties of the immune system. Since 1997, a growing number of immunologists and molecular geneticists have made important discoveries about the function of Aire, which is essentially a pleiotropic gene. Aire is one of the functional markers in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), controlling their differentiation and expression of peripheral tissue antigens (PTAs), mTEC-thymocyte adhesion and the expression of microRNAs, among other functions. With Aire, the immunological tolerance became even more apparent from the molecular genetics point of view. Currently, mTECs represent the most unusual cells because they express almost the entire functional genome but still maintain their identity. Due to the enormous diversity of PTAs, this uncommon gene expression pattern was termed promiscuous gene expression, the interpretation of which is essentially immunological - i.e. it is related to self-representation in the thymus. Therefore, this knowledge is strongly linked to the negative selection of autoreactive thymocytes. In this update, we focus on the most relevant results of Aire as a transcriptional and post-transcriptional controller of PTAs in mTECs, its mechanism of action, and its influence on the negative selection of autoreactive thymocytes as the bases of the induction of central tolerance and prevention of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldo A. Passos
- Molecular Immunogenetics GroupDepartment of GeneticsRibeirão Preto Medical SchoolUniversity of São PauloRibeirão PretoSPBrazil
- Discipline of Genetics and Molecular BiologyDepartment of Morphology, Physiology and Basic PathologySchool of Dentistry of Ribeirão PretoUniversity of São PauloRibeirão PretoSPBrazil
| | - Cesar A. Speck‐Hernandez
- Graduate Programme in Basic and Applied ImmunologyRibeirão Preto Medical SchoolUniversity of São PauloRibeirão PretoSPBrazil
| | - Amanda F. Assis
- Molecular Immunogenetics GroupDepartment of GeneticsRibeirão Preto Medical SchoolUniversity of São PauloRibeirão PretoSPBrazil
| | - Daniella A. Mendes‐da‐Cruz
- Laboratory on Thymus ResearchOswaldo Cruz InstituteOswaldo Cruz FoundationRio de JaneiroRJBrazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on NeuroimmunomodulationRio de JaneiroRJBrazil
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19
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Zhang X, Ding XJ, Wang Q, Yue YX, Xie Y, Hao HJ, Liang B, Zhang XJ, Song M, Gao Z, Jiang P, Qin Y, Li HF. Rs3761389 polymorphism in autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene is associated with susceptibility of myasthenia gravis in Chinese patients. J Clin Neurosci 2017; 40:180-184. [PMID: 28262400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2017.02.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Polymorphism in autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene is associated with various autoimmune disorders. Abnormal AIRE expression is associated with the development of myasthenia gravis (MG). We investigated the association of polymorphism in AIRE gene and the clinical features and severity of MG. The frequencies of alleles and genotypes were compared between 480MG patients and 487 healthy controls, as well as among subgroups of MG patients. The frequencies of rs3761389G allele in MG group (OR=1.213, CI 95% 1.014-1.451, p=0.035) and in mild (Oosterhuis score 0-2) subgroup (OR=1.393, CI 95% 1.110-1.751, p=0.004) were significantly higher than those in the control group. There were significant differences in the frequencies of rs3761389 genotypes (OR=1.20, CI 95% 1.00-1.43, p=0.046, log-additive model) and mild subgroup (OR=1.32, CI 95% 1.03-1.69, p=0.0058, log-additive model) compared with the control group. A Logistic regression analysis did not identify rs3761389 genotype as an independent risk factor to predict the severity of MG. This study provides the necessary preliminary data on the association with rs3761389 in AIRE gene with the susceptibility of MG, but not with the severity of MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No.16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Ding
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua West Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No.16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yao-Xian Yue
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua West Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yanchen Xie
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.95 Yongan Road, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Hong-Jun Hao
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Street, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Bing Liang
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua West Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xian-Jun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No.16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Min Song
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua West Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Zhe Gao
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No.16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No.16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yue Qin
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No.16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Hai-Feng Li
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua West Road, Jinan 250012, China.
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20
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Ustarroz-Cano M, Garcia-Pelaez I, Cervantes-Yepez S, Lopez-Valdez N, Fortoul TI. Thymic cytoarchitecture changes in mice exposed to vanadium. J Immunotoxicol 2017; 14:9-14. [DOI: 10.1080/1547691x.2016.1250848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Martha Ustarroz-Cano
- Department of Cellular and Tissue Biology, School of Medicine, National University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Isabel Garcia-Pelaez
- Department of Cellular and Tissue Biology, School of Medicine, National University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Silvana Cervantes-Yepez
- Department of Cellular and Tissue Biology, School of Medicine, National University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nelly Lopez-Valdez
- Department of Cellular and Tissue Biology, School of Medicine, National University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Teresa I. Fortoul
- Department of Cellular and Tissue Biology, School of Medicine, National University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
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21
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Marré ML, Piganelli JD. Environmental Factors Contribute to β Cell Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Neo-Antigen Formation in Type 1 Diabetes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:262. [PMID: 29033899 PMCID: PMC5626851 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which immune-mediated targeting and destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic islet β cells leads to chronic hyperglycemia. There are many β cell proteins that are targeted by autoreactive T cells in their native state. However, recent studies have demonstrated that many β cell proteins are recognized as neo-antigens following posttranslational modification (PTM). Although modified neo-antigens are well-established targets of pathology in other autoimmune diseases, the effects of neo-antigens in T1D progression and the mechanisms by which they are generated are not well understood. We have demonstrated that PTM occurs during endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, a process to which β cells are uniquely susceptible due to the high rate of insulin production in response to dynamic glucose sensing. In the context of genetic susceptibility to autoimmunity, presentation of these modified neo-antigens may activate autoreactive T cells and cause pathology. However, inherent β cell ER stress and protein PTM do not cause T1D in every genetically susceptible individual, suggesting the contribution of additional factors. Indeed, many environmental factors, such as viral infection, chemicals, or inflammatory cytokines, are associated with T1D onset, but the mechanisms by which these factors lead to disease onset remain unknown. Since these environmental factors also cause ER stress, exposure to these factors may enhance production of neo-antigens, therefore boosting β cell recognition by autoreactive T cells and exacerbating T1D pathogenesis. Therefore, the combined effects of physiological ER stress and the stress that is induced by environmental factors may lead to breaks in peripheral tolerance, contribute to antigen spread, and hasten disease onset. This Hypothesis and Theory article summarizes what is currently known about ER stress and protein PTM in autoimmune diseases including T1D and proposes a role for environmental factors in breaking immune tolerance to β cell antigens through neo-antigen formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan L Marré
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jon D Piganelli
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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22
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Oliveira EH, Macedo C, Collares CV, Freitas AC, Donate PB, Sakamoto-Hojo ET, Donadi EA, Passos GA. Aire Downregulation Is Associated with Changes in the Posttranscriptional Control of Peripheral Tissue Antigens in Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cells. Front Immunol 2016; 7:526. [PMID: 27933063 PMCID: PMC5120147 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune regulator (Aire) is a transcriptional regulator of peripheral tissue antigens (PTAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that Aire also played a role as an upstream posttranscriptional controller in these cells and that variation in its expression might be associated with changes in the interactions between miRNAs and the mRNAs encoding PTAs. We demonstrated that downregulation of Aire in vivo in the thymuses of BALB/c mice imbalanced the large-scale expression of these two RNA species and consequently their interactions. The expression profiles of a large set of mTEC miRNAs and mRNAs isolated from the thymuses of mice subjected (or not) to small-interfering-induced Aire gene knockdown revealed that 87 miRNAs and 4,558 mRNAs were differentially expressed. The reconstruction of the miRNA–mRNA interaction networks demonstrated that interactions between these RNAs were under Aire influence and therefore changed when this gene was downregulated. Prior to Aire-knockdown, only members of the miR-let-7 family interacted with a set of PTA mRNAs. Under Aire-knockdown conditions, a larger set of miRNA families and their members established this type of interaction. Notably, no previously described Aire-dependent PTA interacted with the miRNAs, indicating that these PTAs were somehow refractory. The miRNA–mRNA interactions were validated by calculating the minimal free energy of the pairings between the miRNA seed regions and the mRNA 3′ UTRs and within the cellular milieu using the luciferase reporter gene assay. These results suggest the existence of a link between transcriptional and posttranscriptional control because Aire downregulation alters the miRNA–mRNA network controlling PTAs in mTEC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernna H Oliveira
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Claudia Macedo
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Cristhianna V Collares
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Freitas
- Department of Pathology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Paula Barbim Donate
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Elza T Sakamoto-Hojo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Eduardo A Donadi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Geraldo A Passos
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil; Discipline of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
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23
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Lundberg V, Berglund M, Skogberg G, Lindgren S, Lundqvist C, Gudmundsdottir J, Thörn K, Telemo E, Ekwall O. Thymic exosomes promote the final maturation of thymocytes. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36479. [PMID: 27824109 PMCID: PMC5099897 DOI: 10.1038/srep36479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive knowledge has been gained the last years concerning mechanisms underlying the selection of single positive thymocytes in the thymic medulla. Less is known regarding other important processes in the thymic medulla such as the regulation of late stage thymocyte maturation. We have previously reported that exosomes are abundant in the thymus with a phenotype that indicates an epithelial cell origin and immunoregulatory properties. In this study we use an in vitro system to investigate the effects of thymic exosomes on the maturation of single positive thymocytes as well as effects on nTreg formation. We show that thymic exosomes promote the maturation of single positive CD4+CD25- cells into mature thymocytes with S1P1+Qa2+ and CCR7+Qa2+ phenotypes. Furthermore, we show that thymic exosomes reduce the formation of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ thymocytes and that these exosome effects are independent of dendritic cell co-stimulation but require intact exosomal RNA content and surface proteins. An efficient direct uptake of exosomes by both thymocytes and thymic DC's is also demonstrated. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that exosomes may represent a new route of communication within the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Lundberg
- Dept of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.,Dept of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Martin Berglund
- Dept of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gabriel Skogberg
- Dept of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Susanne Lindgren
- Dept of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.,Dept of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christina Lundqvist
- Dept of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Judith Gudmundsdottir
- Dept of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.,Dept of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karolina Thörn
- Dept of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Esbjörn Telemo
- Dept of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Olov Ekwall
- Dept of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.,Dept of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
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24
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Guo D, Ye Y, Qi J, Xu L, Zhang L, Tan X, Tan Z, Yu X, Zhang Y, Ma Y, Li Y. MicroRNA-195a-5p inhibits mouse medullary thymic epithelial cells proliferation by directly targeting Smad7. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2016; 48:290-7. [PMID: 26837421 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmv136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
MiR-195 has been implicated in inhibiting cell proliferation in different types of tumors. Whether it contributes to the process of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) proliferation remains unclear. In this study, we found that miR-195a-5p was highly up-regulated in the TECs isolated from the aging mice. Further experiments showed that miR-195a-5p mimic transfection inhibited the proliferation of mouse medullary thymic epithelial cell line 1 (MTEC1), whereas the transfection of miR-195a-5p inhibitor in MTEC1 had the opposite effect. In addition, miR-195a-5p had no obvious effect on MTEC1 apoptosis. Furthermore, Smad7, a negative regulator of transforming growth factor β pathway, was confirmed as a direct target of miR-195a-5p by luciferase assays. Taken together, our results indicate that miR-195a-5p inhibits MTEC1 proliferation, at least in part, via down-regulation of Smad7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongguang Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yaqiong Ye
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Junjie Qi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lifeng Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiaotong Tan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhigang Tan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiaofang Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yongjiang Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yugu Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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25
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Evolutionary conserved gene co-expression drives generation of self-antigen diversity in medullary thymic epithelial cells. J Autoimmun 2016; 67:65-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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26
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Saldaña JI, Solanki A, Lau CI, Sahni H, Ross S, Furmanski AL, Ono M, Holländer G, Crompton T. Sonic Hedgehog regulates thymic epithelial cell differentiation. J Autoimmun 2016; 68:86-97. [PMID: 26778835 PMCID: PMC4803023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is expressed in the thymus, where it regulates T cell development. Here we investigated the influence of Shh on thymic epithelial cell (TEC) development. Components of the Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway were expressed by TEC, and use of a Gli Binding Site-green fluorescence protein (GFP) transgenic reporter mouse demonstrated active Hh-dependent transcription in TEC in the foetal and adult thymus. Analysis of Shh-deficient foetal thymus organ cultures (FTOC) showed that Shh is required for normal TEC differentiation. Shh-deficient foetal thymus contained fewer TEC than wild type (WT), the proportion of medullary TEC was reduced relative to cortical TEC, and cell surface expression of MHC Class II molecules was increased on both cortical and medullary TEC populations. In contrast, the Gli3-deficient thymus, which shows increased Hh-dependent transcription in thymic stroma, had increased numbers of TEC, but decreased cell surface expression of MHC Class II molecules on both cortical and medullary TEC. Neutralisation of endogenous Hh proteins in WT FTOC led to a reduction in TEC numbers, and in the proportion of mature Aire-expressing medullary TEC, but an increase in cell surface expression of MHC Class II molecules on medullary TEC. Likewise, conditional deletion of Shh from TEC in the adult thymus resulted in alterations in TEC differentiation and consequent changes in T cell development. TEC numbers, and the proportion of mature Aire-expressing medullary TEC were reduced, and cell surface expression of MHC Class II molecules on medullary TEC was increased. Differentiation of mature CD4 and CD8 single positive thymocytes was increased, demonstrating the regulatory role of Shh production by TEC on T cell development. Treatment of human thymus explants with recombinant Shh or neutralising anti-Shh antibody indicated that the Hedgehog pathway is also involved in regulation of differentiation from DP to mature SP T cells in the human thymus. TEC express components of the Hedgehog signalling pathway and transduce it's signals. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is required for normal TEC development. Sonic hedgehog particularly influences differentiation to the medullary TEC lineage. Shh regulates cell surface MHCII expression on both cortical and medullary TEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ignacio Saldaña
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Anisha Solanki
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Ching-In Lau
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Hemant Sahni
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Susan Ross
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Anna L Furmanski
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Masahiro Ono
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Georg Holländer
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, and Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Tessa Crompton
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street London WC1N 1EH, UK.
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27
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Passos GA, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Oliveira EH. Editorial: The Role of Aire, microRNAs and Cell-Cell Interactions on Thymic Architecture and Induction of Tolerance. Front Immunol 2015; 6:615. [PMID: 26697011 PMCID: PMC4677259 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Geraldo Aleixo Passos
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , Brazil ; Disciplines of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
| | | | - Ernna Hérida Oliveira
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
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28
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Savino W, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Golbert DCF, Riederer I, Cotta-de-Almeida V. Laminin-Mediated Interactions in Thymocyte Migration and Development. Front Immunol 2015; 6:579. [PMID: 26635793 PMCID: PMC4648024 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrathymic T-cell differentiation is a key process for the development and maintenance of cell-mediated immunity, and occurs concomitantly to highly regulated migratory events. We have proposed a multivectorial model for describing intrathymic thymocyte migration. One of the individual vectors comprises interactions mediated by laminins (LMs), a heterotrimeric protein family of the extracellular matrix. Several LMs are expressed in the thymus, being produced by microenvironmental cells, particularly thymic epithelial cells (TECs). Also, thymocytes and epithelial cells express integrin-type LM receptors. Functionally, it has been reported that the dy/dy mutant mouse (lacking the LM isoform 211) exhibits defective thymocyte differentiation. Several data show haptotactic effects of LMs upon thymocytes, as well as their adhesion on TECs; both effects being prevented by anti-LM or anti-LM receptor antibodies. Interestingly, LM synergizes with chemokines to enhance thymocyte migration, whereas classe-3 semaphorins and B ephrins, which exhibit chemorepulsive effects in the thymus, downregulate LM-mediated migratory responses of thymocytes. More recently, we showed that knocking down the ITGA6 gene (which encodes the α6 integrin chain of LM receptors) in human TECs modulates a large number of cell migration-related genes and results in changes of adhesion pattern of thymocytes onto the thymic epithelium. Overall, LM-mediated interactions can be placed at the cross-road of the multivectorial process of thymocyte migration, with a direct influence per se, as well as by modulating other molecular interactions associated with the intrathymic-trafficking events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | | | | | - Ingo Riederer
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Vinicius Cotta-de-Almeida
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
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29
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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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30
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Skogberg G, Telemo E, Ekwall O. Exosomes in the Thymus: Antigen Transfer and Vesicles. Front Immunol 2015; 6:366. [PMID: 26257734 PMCID: PMC4507453 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymocytes go through several steps of maturation and selection in the thymus in order to form a functional pool of effector T-cells and regulatory T-cells in the periphery. Close interactions between thymocytes, thymic epithelial cells, and dendritic cells are of vital importance for the maturation, selection, and lineage decision of the thymocytes. One important question that is still unanswered is how a relatively small epithelial cell population can present a vast array of self-antigens to the manifold larger population of developing thymocytes in this selection process. Here, we review and discuss the literature concerning antigen transfer from epithelial cells with a focus on exosomes. Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles released from a cell into the extracellular space. These vesicles can carry proteins, microRNAs, and mRNAs between cells and are thus able to participate in intercellular communication. Exosomes have been shown to be produced by thymic epithelial cells and to carry tissue-restricted antigens and MHC molecules, which may enable them to participate in the thymocyte selection process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Skogberg
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Esbjörn Telemo
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Olov Ekwall
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University , Gothenburg , Sweden ; Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University , Gothenburg , Sweden
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Passos GA, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Oliveira EH. The Thymic Orchestration Involving Aire, miRNAs, and Cell-Cell Interactions during the Induction of Central Tolerance. Front Immunol 2015; 6:352. [PMID: 26236310 PMCID: PMC4500981 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing thymocytes interact sequentially with two distinct structures within the thymus: the cortex and medulla. Surviving single-positive and double-positive thymocytes from the cortex migrate into the medulla, where they interact with medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs). These cells ectopically express a vast set of peripheral tissue antigens (PTAs), a property termed promiscuous gene expression that is associated with the presentation of PTAs by mTECs to thymocytes. Thymocyte clones that have a high affinity for PTAs are eliminated by apoptosis in a process termed negative selection, which is essential for tolerance induction. The Aire gene is an important factor that controls the expression of a large set of PTAs. In addition to PTAs, Aire also controls the expression of miRNAs in mTECs. These miRNAs are important in the organization of the thymic architecture and act as posttranscriptional controllers of PTAs. Herein, we discuss recent discoveries and highlight open questions regarding the migration and interaction of developing thymocytes with thymic stroma, the ectopic expression of PTAs by mTECs, the association between Aire and miRNAs and its effects on central tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldo Aleixo Passos
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo , Brazil ; Disciplines of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Ernna Hérida Oliveira
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo , Brazil
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Michaux H, Martens H, Jaïdane H, Halouani A, Hober D, Geenen V. How Does Thymus Infection by Coxsackievirus Contribute to the Pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes? Front Immunol 2015; 6:338. [PMID: 26175734 PMCID: PMC4485212 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Through synthesis and presentation of neuroendocrine self-antigens by major histocompatibility complex proteins, thymic epithelial cells (TECs) play a crucial role in programing central immune self-tolerance to neuroendocrine functions. Insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) is the dominant gene/polypeptide of the insulin family that is expressed in TECs from different animal species and humans. Igf2 transcription is defective in the thymus of diabetes-prone bio-breeding rats, and tolerance to insulin is severely decreased in Igf2 (-/-) mice. For more than 15 years now, our group is investigating the hypothesis that, besides a pancreotropic action, infection by coxsackievirus B4 (CV-B4) could implicate the thymus as well, and interfere with the intrathymic programing of central tolerance to the insulin family and secondarily to insulin-secreting islet β cells. In this perspective, we have demonstrated that a productive infection of the thymus occurs after oral CV-B4 inoculation of mice. Moreover, our most recent data have demonstrated that CV-B4 infection of a murine medullary (m) TEC line induces a significant decrease in Igf2 expression and IGF-2 production. In these conditions, Igf1 expression was much less affected by CV-B4 infection, while Ins2 transcription was not detected in this cell line. Through the inhibition of Igf2 expression in TECs, CV-B4 infection could lead to a breakdown of central immune tolerance to the insulin family and promote an autoimmune response against insulin-secreting islet β cells. Our major research objective now is to understand the molecular mechanisms by which CV-B4 infection of TECs leads to a major decrease in Igf2 expression in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Michaux
- Department of Biomedical and Preclinical Sciences, GIGA-I 3 Center of Immunoendocrinology, GIGA Research Institute, University of Liege , Liege , Belgium
| | - Henri Martens
- Department of Biomedical and Preclinical Sciences, GIGA-I 3 Center of Immunoendocrinology, GIGA Research Institute, University of Liege , Liege , Belgium
| | - Hela Jaïdane
- Laboratory of Virology LR99ES27, School of Pharmacy, University of Monastir , Monastir , Tunisia ; Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar , Tunis , Tunisia
| | - Aymen Halouani
- Laboratory of Virology LR99ES27, School of Pharmacy, University of Monastir , Monastir , Tunisia ; Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar , Tunis , Tunisia
| | - Didier Hober
- Laboratory of Virology EA3610, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Lille, University of Lille 2 , Lille , France
| | - Vincent Geenen
- Department of Biomedical and Preclinical Sciences, GIGA-I 3 Center of Immunoendocrinology, GIGA Research Institute, University of Liege , Liege , Belgium
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