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Alves Abrantes JJP, Veríssimo de Azevedo JC, Fernandes FL, Duarte Almeida V, Custódio De Oliveira LA, Ferreira de Oliveira MT, Galvão De Araújo JM, Lanza DCF, Bezerra FL, Andrade VS, Araújo de Medeiros Fernandes TA, Fernandes JV. Viruses as a potential environmental trigger of type 1 diabetes mellitus (Review). Biomed Rep 2024; 20:81. [PMID: 38628629 PMCID: PMC11019645 DOI: 10.3892/br.2024.1770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The etiopathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a complex multifactorial process that involves an intricate network of genetic, epigenetic, immunological, and environmental factors. Despite the advances in recent years, some aspects of the mechanisms involved in triggering the disease are still unclear. Infections with certain viruses have been suggested as possible environmental triggers for the autoimmune process that leads to selective and progressive destruction of pancreatic β-cells and insufficiency of insulin production, which is its hallmark. In this review, advances in knowledge and evidence that suggest the participation of certain viruses in the mechanisms of disease initiation and progression are described. It has been accepted that environmental factors, including viruses, can initiate and possibly sustain, accelerate, or slow down the autoimmune process and consequently damage insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells. Although the role of these agents, especially human enteroviruses, has been exhaustively studied as the most likely triggers of the activation of autoimmunity that destroys pancreatic islets and leads to T1DM, certain doubts remain. Clinical epidemiological and experimental studies in humans and animals provide consistent and increasing evidence that persistent viral infections, especially with human enteroviruses and rotavirus infections, are associated with an increased risk of the disease in individuals genetically predisposed to autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fernando Liberalino Fernandes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rio Grande do Norte State University, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte 59607-360, Brazil
| | - Valéria Duarte Almeida
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rio Grande do Norte State University, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte 59607-360, Brazil
| | | | | | - Josélio Maria Galvão De Araújo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Daniel Carlos Ferreira Lanza
- Laboratory of Applied Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Lima Bezerra
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Vania Sousa Andrade
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59078-970, Brazil
| | | | - José Veríssimo Fernandes
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59078-970, Brazil
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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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What's the role of thymus in diabetes mellitus? Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109765. [PMID: 36702074 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is considered as an autoimmune inflammatory and age-related disease. As an important immune organ, the thymus is involved in the immune response and inflammatory response process. Therefore, there may be a link between changes in thymus function and diabetes. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that thymus dysfunction due to aging and other reasons leads to changes in the generation of various inflammatory-immune cells and inflammatory cytokines that regulate insulin resistance, and then participates in the development of diabetes and its complications. Therefore, thymus may be a key factor in diabetes and complications, and it may be a promising therapeutic strategy to improve the thymus function for patients with diabetes. The purpose of this review is to summarize and discuss recent advances in the influence of thymus function on diabetes, especially its potential mechanisms.
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Nekoua MP, Alidjinou EK, Hober D. Persistent coxsackievirus B infection and pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2022; 18:503-516. [PMID: 35650334 PMCID: PMC9157043 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-022-00688-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Enteroviruses are believed to trigger or accelerate islet autoimmunity in genetically susceptible individuals, thereby resulting in loss of functional insulin-producing β-cells and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Although enteroviruses are primarily involved in acute and lytic infections in vitro and in vivo, they can also establish a persistent infection. Prospective epidemiological studies have strongly associated the persistence of enteroviruses, especially coxsackievirus B (CVB), with the appearance of islet autoantibodies and an increased risk of T1DM. CVB can persist in pancreatic ductal and β-cells, which leads to structural or functional alterations of these cells, and to a chronic inflammatory response that promotes recruitment and activation of pre-existing autoreactive T cells and β-cell autoimmune destruction. CVB persistence in other sites, such as the intestine, blood cells and thymus, has been described; these sites could serve as a reservoir for infection or reinfection of the pancreas, and this persistence could have a role in the disturbance of tolerance to β-cells. This Review addresses the involvement of persistent enterovirus infection in triggering islet autoimmunity and T1DM, as well as current strategies to control enterovirus infections for preventing or reducing the risk of T1DM onset.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Didier Hober
- Laboratoire de Virologie ULR3610, Université de Lille, CHU Lille, Lille, France.
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Greaves RB, Chen D, Green EA. Thymic B Cells as a New Player in the Type 1 Diabetes Response. Front Immunol 2021; 12:772017. [PMID: 34745148 PMCID: PMC8566354 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.772017] [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: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1d) results from a sustained autoreactive T and B cell response towards insulin-producing β cells in the islets of Langerhans. The autoreactive nature of the condition has led to many investigations addressing the genetic or cellular changes in primary lymphoid tissues that impairs central tolerance- a key process in the deletion of autoreactive T and B cells during their development. For T cells, these studies have largely focused on medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) critical for the effective negative selection of autoreactive T cells in the thymus. Recently, a new cellular player that impacts positively or negatively on the deletion of autoreactive T cells during their development has come to light, thymic B cells. Normally a small population within the thymus of mouse and man, thymic B cells expand in T1d as well as other autoimmune conditions, reside in thymic ectopic germinal centres and secrete autoantibodies that bind selective mTECs precipitating mTEC death. In this review we will discuss the ontogeny, characteristics and functionality of thymic B cells in healthy and autoimmune settings. Furthermore, we explore how in silico approaches may help decipher the complex cellular interplay of thymic B cells with other cells within the thymic microenvironment leading to new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B Greaves
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Dawei Chen
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - E Allison Green
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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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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Alhazmi A, Nekoua MP, Michaux H, Sane F, Halouani A, Engelmann I, Alidjinou EK, Martens H, Jaidane H, Geenen V, Hober D. Effect of Coxsackievirus B4 Infection on the Thymus: Elucidating Its Role in the Pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9061177. [PMID: 34072590 PMCID: PMC8229779 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus gland is a primary lymphoid organ for T-cell development. Various viral infections can result in disturbance of thymic functions. Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) are important for the negative selection of self-reactive T-cells to ensure central tolerance. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is the dominant self-peptide of the insulin family expressed in mTECs and plays a crucial role in the intra-thymic programing of central tolerance to insulin-secreting islet β-cells. Coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4) can infect and persist in the thymus of humans and mice, thus hampering the T-cell maturation and differentiation process. The modulation of IGF2 expression and protein synthesis during a CVB4 infection has been observed in vitro and in vivo in mouse models. The effect of CVB4 infections on human and mouse fetal thymus has been studied in vitro. Moreover, following the inoculation of CVB4 in pregnant mice, the thymic function in the fetus and offspring was disturbed. A defect in the intra-thymic expression of self-peptides by mTECs may be triggered by CVB4. The effects of viral infections, especially CVB4 infection, on thymic cells and functions and their possible role in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz Alhazmi
- Laboratoire de Virologie ULR3610, Université de Lille, CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (A.A.); (M.P.N.); (F.S.); (I.E.); (E.K.A.)
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, College of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan 82911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Magloire Pandoua Nekoua
- Laboratoire de Virologie ULR3610, Université de Lille, CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (A.A.); (M.P.N.); (F.S.); (I.E.); (E.K.A.)
| | - Hélène Michaux
- GIGA-I3 Center of Immunoendocrinology, GIGA Research Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (H.M.); (H.M.); (V.G.)
| | - Famara Sane
- Laboratoire de Virologie ULR3610, Université de Lille, CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (A.A.); (M.P.N.); (F.S.); (I.E.); (E.K.A.)
| | - Aymen Halouani
- Laboratoire des Maladies Transmissibles et Substances Biologiquement Actives LR99ES27, Université de Monastir, 5000 Monastir, Tunisia; (A.H.); (H.J.)
| | - Ilka Engelmann
- Laboratoire de Virologie ULR3610, Université de Lille, CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (A.A.); (M.P.N.); (F.S.); (I.E.); (E.K.A.)
| | - Enagnon Kazali Alidjinou
- Laboratoire de Virologie ULR3610, Université de Lille, CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (A.A.); (M.P.N.); (F.S.); (I.E.); (E.K.A.)
| | - Henri Martens
- GIGA-I3 Center of Immunoendocrinology, GIGA Research Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (H.M.); (H.M.); (V.G.)
| | - Hela Jaidane
- Laboratoire des Maladies Transmissibles et Substances Biologiquement Actives LR99ES27, Université de Monastir, 5000 Monastir, Tunisia; (A.H.); (H.J.)
| | - Vincent Geenen
- GIGA-I3 Center of Immunoendocrinology, GIGA Research Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (H.M.); (H.M.); (V.G.)
| | - Didier Hober
- Laboratoire de Virologie ULR3610, Université de Lille, CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (A.A.); (M.P.N.); (F.S.); (I.E.); (E.K.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)3-20-44-66-88
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8
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Foth S, Völkel S, Bauersachs D, Zemlin M, Skevaki C. T Cell Repertoire During Ontogeny and Characteristics in Inflammatory Disorders in Adults and Childhood. Front Immunol 2021; 11:611573. [PMID: 33633732 PMCID: PMC7899981 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.611573] [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: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first day of life, a newborn has to deal with various pathogens from the environment. While passive immune protection is provided by diaplacental maternal antibodies, the development of cellular immunity is ongoing. A mature immune system should be able not only to defend against pathogens, but should also be able to differentiate between self- and non-self-antigens. Dysregulation in the development of cellular immunity can lead to severe disorders like immunodeficiency, autoimmunity and chronic inflammation. In this review, we explain the role of T cell immunity in antigen detection and summarize the characteristics of a mature TCR repertoire as well as the current state of knowledge about the development of the TCR repertoire in ontogenesis. In addition, methods of assessments are outlined, with a focus on the advantages and disadvantages of advanced methods such as next generation sequencing. Subsequently, we provide an overview of various disorders occuring in early childhood like immunodeficiencies, autoimmunity, allergic diseases and chronic infections and outline known changes in the TCR repertoire. Finally, we summarize the latest findings and discuss current research gaps as well as potential future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Foth
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sara Völkel
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Bauersachs
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Michael Zemlin
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Saarland University Medical School, Homburg, Germany
| | - Chrysanthi Skevaki
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Insulin-Like Growth Factors Are Key Regulators of T Helper 17 Regulatory T Cell Balance in Autoimmunity. Immunity 2020; 52:650-667.e10. [PMID: 32294406 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2020.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Appropriate balance of T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells maintains immune tolerance and host defense. Disruption of Th17-Treg cell balance is implicated in a number of immune-mediated diseases, many of which display dysregulation of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system. Here, we show that, among effector T cell subsets, Th17 and Treg cells selectively expressed multiple components of the IGF system. Signaling through IGF receptor (IGF1R) activated the protein kinase B-mammalian target of rapamycin (AKT-mTOR) pathway, increased aerobic glycolysis, favored Th17 cell differentiation over that of Treg cells, and promoted a heightened pro-inflammatory gene expression signature. Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s), but not ILC1s or ILC2s, were similarly responsive to IGF signaling. Mice with deficiency of IGF1R targeted to T cells failed to fully develop disease in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis. Thus, the IGF system represents a previously unappreciated pathway by which type 3 immunity is modulated and immune-mediated pathogenesis controlled.
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Insights into Thymus Development and Viral Thymic Infections. Viruses 2019; 11:v11090836. [PMID: 31505755 PMCID: PMC6784209 DOI: 10.3390/v11090836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell development in the thymus is a complex and highly regulated process, involving a wide variety of cells and molecules which orchestrate thymocyte maturation into either CD4+ or CD8+ single-positive (SP) T cells. Here, we briefly review the process regulating T-cell differentiation, which includes the latest advances in this field. In particular, we highlight how, starting from a pool of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, the sequential action of transcriptional factors and cytokines dictates the proliferation, restriction of lineage potential, T-cell antigen receptors (TCR) gene rearrangements, and selection events on the T-cell progenitors, ultimately leading to the generation of mature T cells. Moreover, this review discusses paradigmatic examples of viral infections affecting the thymus that, by inducing functional changes within this lymphoid gland, consequently influence the behavior of peripheral mature T-lymphocytes.
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11
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Soumya V, Padmanabhan RA, Titus S, Laloraya M. Murine uterine decidualization is a novel function of autoimmune regulator-beyond immune tolerance. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 76:224-34. [PMID: 27432359 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy, candidiasis, and ectodermal dystrophy (APECED, APS-1) patients characterized by Aire (autoimmune regulator) mutations and Aire homozygous knockouts (Aire(-/-) ) exhibit infertility. It is not clear as to what contributes to infertility in the above. METHOD OF STUDY This study investigates the expression of "AIRE in the uterus" and its contribution to early pregnancy of mice by using quantitative real-time PCR analysis, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and in vivo Aire silencing experiments. RESULTS Aire (Isoform 1a) is expressed in the uterus during the "window of implantation" and decidualization. In vivo Aire silencing interfered with formation of implantation sites and stromal cell transformation by regulating bone morphogenetic protein-2,4 (Bmp2, Bmp4), homeobox A10 (Hoxa10), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1(Igfbp1) leading to pregnancy failure. CONCLUSION Our consolidated results on extrathymic uterine expression of AIRE during early pregnancy and decidualization and impaired fertility on in vivo silencing are suggestive of its importance in pregnancy via a role beyond immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasanthi Soumya
- Female Reproduction and Metabolic Syndromes Laboratory, Division of Molecular Reproduction, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Renjini A Padmanabhan
- Female Reproduction and Metabolic Syndromes Laboratory, Division of Molecular Reproduction, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Shiny Titus
- Female Reproduction and Metabolic Syndromes Laboratory, Division of Molecular Reproduction, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Malini Laloraya
- Female Reproduction and Metabolic Syndromes Laboratory, Division of Molecular Reproduction, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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12
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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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