1
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Liu T, Xia S. The Proteostasis of Thymic Stromal Cells in Health and Diseases. Protein J 2024; 43:447-463. [PMID: 38622349 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-024-10197-x] [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] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is the key immune organ for the development of T cells. Different populations of thymic stromal cells interact with T cells, thereby controlling the dynamic development of T cells through their differentiation and function. Proteostasis represents a balance between protein expression, folding, and modification and protein clearance, and its fluctuation usually depends at least partially on related protein regulatory systems for further survival and effects. However, in terms of the substantial requirement for self-antigens and their processing burden, increasing evidence highlights that protein regulation contributes to the physiological effects of thymic stromal cells. Impaired proteostasis may expedite the progression of thymic involution and dysfunction, accompanied by the development of autoimmune diseases or thymoma. Hence, in this review, we summarize the regulation of proteostasis within different types of thymic stromal cells under physiological and pathological conditions to identify potential targets for thymic regeneration and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301, Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Sheng Xia
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301, Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China.
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2
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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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3
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Dinges SS, Amini K, Notarangelo LD, Delmonte OM. Primary and secondary defects of the thymus. Immunol Rev 2024; 322:178-211. [PMID: 38228406 PMCID: PMC10950553 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is the primary site of T-cell development, enabling generation, and selection of a diverse repertoire of T cells that recognize non-self, whilst remaining tolerant to self- antigens. Severe congenital disorders of thymic development (athymia) can be fatal if left untreated due to infections, and thymic tissue implantation is the only cure. While newborn screening for severe combined immune deficiency has allowed improved detection at birth of congenital athymia, thymic disorders acquired later in life are still underrecognized and assessing the quality of thymic function in such conditions remains a challenge. The thymus is sensitive to injury elicited from a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors, and its self-renewal capacity decreases with age. Secondary and age-related forms of thymic dysfunction may lead to an increased risk of infections, malignancy, and autoimmunity. Promising results have been obtained in preclinical models and clinical trials upon administration of soluble factors promoting thymic regeneration, but to date no therapy is approved for clinical use. In this review we provide a background on thymus development, function, and age-related involution. We discuss disease mechanisms, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for primary and secondary thymic defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S. Dinges
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kayla Amini
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Luigi D. Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ottavia M. Delmonte
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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4
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Corral-Ruiz GM, Pérez-Vega MJ, Galán-Salinas A, Mancilla-Herrera I, Barrios-Payán J, Fabila-Castillo L, Hernández-Pando R, Sánchez-Torres LE. Thymic atrophy induced by Plasmodium berghei ANKA and Plasmodium yoelii 17XL infection. Immunol Lett 2023; 264:4-16. [PMID: 37875239 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is the anatomical site where T cells undergo a complex process of differentiation, proliferation, selection, and elimination of autorreactive cells which involves molecular signals in different intrathymic environment. However, the immunological functions of the thymus can be compromised upon exposure to different infections, affecting thymocyte populations. In this work, we investigated the impact of malaria parasites on the thymus by using C57BL/6 mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA and Plasmodium yoelii 17XL; these lethal infection models represent the most severe complications, cerebral malaria, and anemia respectively. Data showed a reduction in the thymic weight and cellularity involving different T cell maturation stages, mainly CD4-CD8- and CD4+CD8+ thymocytes, as well as an increased presence of apoptotic cells, leading to significant thymic cortex reduction. Thymus atrophy showed no association with elevated serum cytokines levels, although increased glucocorticoid levels did. The severity of thymic damage in both models reached the same extend although it occurs at different stages of infection, showing that thymic atrophy does not depend on parasitemia level but on the specific host-parasite interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Corral-Ruiz
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico; Posgrado en Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - M J Pérez-Vega
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico; Posgrado en Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - A Galán-Salinas
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico; Posgrado en Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - I Mancilla-Herrera
- Departamento de Infectología e Inmunología, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - J Barrios-Payán
- Sección de Patología Experimental, Departamento de Patología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - L Fabila-Castillo
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - R Hernández-Pando
- Sección de Patología Experimental, Departamento de Patología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - L E Sánchez-Torres
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico.
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5
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Borelli A, Zamit C, Irla M. Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cell Antigen-presentation Assays. Bio Protoc 2023; 13:e4865. [PMID: 37969750 PMCID: PMC10632154 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC) are bona fide antigen-presenting cells that play a crucial role in the induction of T-cell tolerance. By their unique ability to express a broad range of tissue-restricted self-antigens, mTEC control the clonal deletion (also known as negative selection) of potentially hazardous autoreactive T cells and the generation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Here, we describe a protocol to assess major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen-presentation capacity of mTEC to CD4+ T cells. We detail the different steps of thymus enzymatic digestion, immunostaining, cell sorting of mTEC and CD4+ T cells, peptide-loading of mTEC, and the co-culture between these two cell types. Finally, we describe the flow cytometry protocol and the subsequent analysis to assess the activation of CD4+ T cells. This rapid co-culture assay enables the evaluation of the ability of mTEC to present antigens to CD4+ T cells in an antigen-specific context. Key features • This protocol builds upon the method used by Lopes et al. (2018 and 2022) and Charaix et al. (2022). • This protocol requires transgenic mice, such as OTIIxRag2-/- mice and the cognate peptide OVA323-339, to assess mTEC antigen presentation to CD4+ T cells. • This requires specific equipment such as a Miltenyi Biotec AutoMACS® Pro Separator, a BD FACSAriaTM III cell sorter, and a BD® LSR II flow cytometer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Borelli
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d’Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Cloé Zamit
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d’Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Magali Irla
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d’Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
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6
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Fukuhara T, Ueda Y, Lee SI, Odaka T, Nakajima S, Fujisawa JI, Okuma K, Naganuma M, Okazaki K, Kondo N, Kamioka Y, Matsumoto M, Kinashi T. Thymocyte Development of Humanized Mice Is Promoted by Interactions with Human-Derived Antigen Presenting Cells upon Immunization. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11705. [PMID: 37511462 PMCID: PMC10380196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune responses in humanized mice are generally inefficient without co-transplantation of human thymus or HLA transgenes. Previously, we generated humanized mice via the intra-bone marrow injection of CD133+ cord blood cells into irradiated adult immunodeficient mice (IBMI-huNSG mice), which could mount functional immune responses against HTLV-1, although the underlying mechanisms were still unknown. Here, we investigated thymocyte development in IBMI-huNSG mice, focusing on the roles of human and mouse MHC restriction. IBMI-huNSG mice had normal developmental profiles but aberrant thymic structures. Surprisingly, the thymic medulla-like regions expanded after immunization due to enhanced thymocyte expansion in association with the increase in HLA-DR+ cells, including CD205+ dendritic cells (DCs). The organ culture of thymus from immunized IBMI-huNSG mice with a neutralizing antibody to HLA-DR showed the HLA-DR-dependent expansion of CD4 single positive thymocytes. Mature peripheral T-cells exhibited alloreactive proliferation when co-cultured with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Live imaging of the thymus from immunized IBMI-huNSG mice revealed dynamic adhesive contacts of human-derived thymocytes and DCs accompanied by Rap1 activation. These findings demonstrate that an increase in HLA-DR+ cells by immunization promotes HLA-restricted thymocyte expansion in humanized mice, offering a unique opportunity to generate humanized mice with ease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takataro Fukuhara
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Science, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ueda
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Science, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Osaka, Japan
| | - Sung-Il Lee
- Department of Model Animal, Institute of Biomedical Science, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tokifumi Odaka
- Department of Microbiology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Nakajima
- Department of Microbiology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Fujisawa
- Department of Microbiology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazu Okuma
- Department of Microbiology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Osaka, Japan
| | - Makoto Naganuma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuichi Okazaki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Kondo
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Science, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuji Kamioka
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Science, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Matsumoto
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Enzyme Research, Tokushima University, Kuramoto 770-8503, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Kinashi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Science, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Osaka, Japan
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7
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Savino W, Lepletier A. Thymus-derived hormonal and cellular control of cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1168186. [PMID: 37529610 PMCID: PMC10389273 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1168186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus gland is a central lymphoid organ in which developing T cell precursors, known as thymocytes, undergo differentiation into distinct type of mature T cells, ultimately migrating to the periphery where they exert specialized effector functions and orchestrate the immune responses against tumor cells, pathogens and self-antigens. The mechanisms supporting intrathymic T cell differentiation are pleiotropically regulated by thymic peptide hormones and cytokines produced by stromal cells in the thymic microenvironment and developing thymocytes. Interestingly, in the same way as T cells, thymic hormones (herein exemplified by thymosin, thymulin and thymopoietin), can circulate to impact immune cells and other cellular components in the periphery. Evidence on how thymic function influences tumor cell biology and response of patients with cancer to therapies remains unsatisfactory, although there has been some improvement in the knowledge provided by recent studies. Herein, we summarize research progression in the field of thymus-mediated immunoendocrine control of cancer, providing insights into how manipulation of the thymic microenvironment can influence treatment outcomes, including clinical responses and adverse effects of therapies. We review data obtained from clinical and preclinical cancer research to evidence the complexity of immunoendocrine interactions underpinning anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ailin Lepletier
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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8
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Depoërs L, Dumont-Lagacé M, Trinh VQH, Houques C, Côté C, Larouche JD, Brochu S, Perreault C. Klf4 protects thymus integrity during late pregnancy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1016378. [PMID: 37180153 PMCID: PMC10174329 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1016378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy causes abrupt thymic atrophy. This atrophy is characterized by a severe decrease in the number of all thymocyte subsets and qualitative (but not quantitative) changes in thymic epithelial cells (TECs). Pregnancy-related thymic involution is triggered by progesterone-induced functional changes affecting mainly cortical TECs (cTECs). Remarkably, this severe involution is rapidly corrected following parturition. We postulated that understanding the mechanisms of pregnancy-related thymic changes could provide novel insights into signaling pathways regulating TEC function. When we analyzed genes whose expression in TECs was modified during late pregnancy, we found a strong enrichment in genes bearing KLF4 transcription factor binding motifs. We, therefore, engineered a Psmb11-iCre : Klf4lox/lox mouse model to study the impact of TEC-specific Klf4 deletion in steady-state conditions and during late pregnancy. Under steady-state conditions, Klf4 deletion had a minimal effect on TEC subsets and did not affect thymic architecture. However, pregnancy-induced thymic involution was much more pronounced in pregnant females lacking Klf4 expression in TECs. These mice displayed a substantial ablation of TECs with a more pronounced loss of thymocytes. Transcriptomic and phenotypic analyses of Klf4 -/- TECs revealed that Klf4 maintains cTEC numbers by supporting cell survival and preventing epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity during late pregnancy. We conclude that Klf4 is essential for preserving TEC's integrity and mitigating thymic involution during late pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucyle Depoërs
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Maude Dumont-Lagacé
- ExCellThera, Inc., Montréal, QC, Canada
- Piercing Star Technologies, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Vincent Quoc-Huy Trinh
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Cellular Biology, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, and Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Chloé Houques
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Caroline Côté
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-David Larouche
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Brochu
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Sylvie Brochu, ; Claude Perreault,
| | - Claude Perreault
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Sylvie Brochu, ; Claude Perreault,
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9
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Zelenka T, Klonizakis A, Tsoukatou D, Papamatheakis DA, Franzenburg S, Tzerpos P, Tzonevrakis IR, Papadogkonas G, Kapsetaki M, Nikolaou C, Plewczynski D, Spilianakis C. The 3D enhancer network of the developing T cell genome is shaped by SATB1. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6954. [PMID: 36376298 PMCID: PMC9663569 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34345-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms of tissue-specific gene expression regulation via 3D genome organization are poorly understood. Here we uncover the regulatory chromatin network of developing T cells and identify SATB1, a tissue-specific genome organizer, enriched at the anchors of promoter-enhancer loops. We have generated a T-cell specific Satb1 conditional knockout mouse which allows us to infer the molecular mechanisms responsible for the deregulation of its immune system. H3K27ac HiChIP and Hi-C experiments indicate that SATB1-dependent promoter-enhancer loops regulate expression of master regulator genes (such as Bcl6), the T cell receptor locus and adhesion molecule genes, collectively being critical for cell lineage specification and immune system homeostasis. SATB1-dependent regulatory chromatin loops represent a more refined layer of genome organization built upon a high-order scaffold provided by CTCF and other factors. Overall, our findings unravel the function of a tissue-specific factor that controls transcription programs, via spatial chromatin arrangements complementary to the chromatin structure imposed by ubiquitously expressed genome organizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Zelenka
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Despina Tsoukatou
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Dionysios-Alexandros Papamatheakis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Petros Tzerpos
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, HU-4032, Hungary
| | | | - George Papadogkonas
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Manouela Kapsetaki
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Christoforos Nikolaou
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming", 16672, Vari, Greece
| | - Dariusz Plewczynski
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics, Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Genomics, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Charalampos Spilianakis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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10
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Qi Y, Zhang R, Lu Y, Zou X, Yang W. Aire and Fezf2, two regulators in medullary thymic epithelial cells, control autoimmune diseases by regulating TSAs: Partner or complementer? Front Immunol 2022; 13:948259. [PMID: 36110862 PMCID: PMC9468217 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.948259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of tissue-specific antigens (TSAs) in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) is believed to be responsible for the elimination of autoreactive T cells, a critical process in the maintenance of central immune tolerance. The transcription factor autoimmune regulator (Aire) and FEZ family zinc finger 2(Fezf2) play an essential role in driving the expression of TSAs in mTECs, while their deficiency in humans and mice causes a range of autoimmune manifestations, such as type 1 diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. However, because of their regulatory mechanisms, the expression profile of TSAs and their relationship with special autoimmune diseases are still in dispute. In this review, we compare the roles of Aire and Fezf2 in regulating TSAs, with an emphasis on their molecular mechanisms in autoimmune diseases, which provides the foundation for devising improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wei Yang
- *Correspondence: Wei Yang, ; Xueyang Zou,
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11
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Shichkin VP, Antica M. Key Factors for Thymic Function and Development. Front Immunol 2022; 13:926516. [PMID: 35844535 PMCID: PMC9280625 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.926516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is the organ responsible for T cell development and the formation of the adaptive immunity function. Its multicellular environment consists mainly of the different stromal cells and maturing T lymphocytes. Thymus-specific progenitors of epithelial, mesenchymal, and lymphoid cells with stem cell properties represent only minor populations. The thymic stromal structure predominantly determines the function of the thymus. The stromal components, mostly epithelial and mesenchymal cells, form this specialized area. They support the consistent developmental program of functionally distinct conventional T cell subpopulations. These include the MHC restricted single positive CD4+ CD8- and CD4- CD8+ cells, regulatory T lymphocytes (Foxp3+), innate natural killer T cells (iNKT), and γδT cells. Several physiological causes comprising stress and aging and medical treatments such as thymectomy and chemo/radiotherapy can harm the thymus function. The present review summarizes our knowledge of the development and function of the thymus with a focus on thymic epithelial cells as well as other stromal components and the signaling and transcriptional pathways underlying the thymic cell interaction. These critical thymus components are significant for T cell differentiation and restoring the thymic function after damage to reach the therapeutic benefits.
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12
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Charaix J, Borelli A, Santamaria JC, Chasson L, Giraud M, Sergé A, Irla M. Recirculating Foxp3 + regulatory T cells are restimulated in the thymus under Aire control. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:355. [PMID: 35678896 PMCID: PMC11071703 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04328-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Thymically-derived Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) critically control immunological tolerance. These cells are generated in the medulla through high affinity interactions with medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC) expressing the Autoimmune regulator (Aire). Recent advances have revealed that thymic Treg contain not only developing but also recirculating cells from the periphery. Although Aire is implicated in the generation of Foxp3+ Treg, its role in the biology of recirculating Treg remains elusive. Here, we show that Aire regulates the suppressive signature of recirculating Treg independently of the remodeling of the medullary 3D organization throughout life where Treg reside. Accordingly, the adoptive transfer of peripheral Foxp3+ Treg in AireKO recipients led to an impaired suppressive signature upon their entry into the thymus. Furthermore, recirculating Treg from AireKO mice failed to attenuate the severity of multiorgan autoimmunity, demonstrating that their suppressive function is altered. Using bone marrow chimeras, we reveal that mTEC-specific expression of Aire controls the suppressive signature of recirculating Treg. Finally, mature mTEC lacking Aire were inefficient in stimulating peripheral Treg both in polyclonal and antigen-specific co-culture assays. Overall, this study demonstrates that Aire confers to mTEC the ability to restimulate recirculating Treg, unravelling a novel function for this master regulator in Treg biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Charaix
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
| | - Alexia Borelli
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
| | - Jérémy C Santamaria
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
| | - Lionel Chasson
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
| | - Matthieu Giraud
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, INSERM, Nantes Université, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Arnauld Sergé
- Turing Centre for Living Systems, Laboratoire adhésion inflammation (LAI), CNRS, INSERM, Aix-Marseille University, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Magali Irla
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France.
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13
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Rosichini M, Catanoso M, Screpanti I, Felli MP, Locatelli F, Velardi E. Signaling Crosstalks Drive Generation and Regeneration of the Thymus. Front Immunol 2022; 13:920306. [PMID: 35734178 PMCID: PMC9207182 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.920306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimal recovery of immune competence after periods of hematopoietic insults or stress is crucial to re-establish patient response to vaccines, pathogens and tumor antigens. This is particularly relevant for patients receiving high doses of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, who experience prolonged periods of lymphopenia, which can be associated with an increased risk of infections, malignant relapse, and adverse clinical outcome. While the thymus represents the primary organ responsible for the generation of a diverse pool of T cells, its function is profoundly impaired by a range of acute insults (including those caused by cytoreductive chemo/radiation therapy, infections and graft-versus-host disease) and by the chronic physiological deterioration associated with aging. Impaired thymic function increases the risk of infections and tumor antigen escape due to a restriction in T-cell receptor diversity and suboptimal immune response. Therapeutic approaches that can promote the renewal of the thymus have the potential to restore immune competence in patients. Previous work has documented the importance of the crosstalk between thymocytes and thymic epithelial cells in establishing correct architecture and function of thymic epithelium. This crosstalk is relevant not only during thymus organogenesis, but also to promote the recovery of its function after injuries. In this review, we will analyze the signals involved in the crosstalk between TECs and hematopoietic cells. We will focus in particular on how signals from T-cells can regulate TEC function and discuss the relevance of these pathways in restoring thymic function and T-cell immunity in experimental models, as well as in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Rosichini
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marialuigia Catanoso
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Velardi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Enrico Velardi,
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14
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Structural and Functional Thymic Biomarkers Are Involved in the Pathogenesis of Thymic Epithelial Tumors: An Overview. IMMUNO 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/immuno2020025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The normal human thymus originates from the third branchial cleft as two paired anlages that descend into the thorax and fuse on the midline of the anterior–superior mediastinum. Alongside the epithelial and lymphoid components, different types of lymphoid accessory cells, stromal mesenchymal and endothelial cells migrate to, or develop in, the thymus. After reaching maximum development during early postnatal life, the human thymus decreases in size and lymphocyte output drops with age. However, thymic immunological functions persist, although they deteriorate progressively. Several major techniques were fundamental to increasing the knowledge of thymic development and function during embryogenesis, postnatal and adult life; these include immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, in vitro colony assays, transplantation in mice models, fetal organ cultures (FTOC), re-aggregated thymic organ cultures (RTOC), and whole-organ thymic scaffolds. The thymic morphological and functional characterization, first performed in the mouse, was then extended to humans. The purpose of this overview is to provide a report on selected structural and functional biomarkers of thymic epithelial cells (TEC) involved in thymus development and lymphoid cell maturation, and on the historical aspects of their characterization, with particular attention being paid to biomarkers also involved in Thymic Epithelial Tumor (TET) pathogenesis. Moreover, a short overview of targeted therapies in TET, based on currently available experimental and clinical data and on potential future advances will be proposed.
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15
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Abstract
A high diversity of αβ T cell receptors (TCRs), capable of recognizing virtually any pathogen but also self-antigens, is generated during T cell development in the thymus. Nevertheless, a strict developmental program supports the selection of a self-tolerant T cell repertoire capable of responding to foreign antigens. The steps of T cell selection are controlled by cortical and medullary stromal niches, mainly composed of thymic epithelial cells and dendritic cells. The integration of important cues provided by these specialized niches, including (a) the TCR signal strength induced by the recognition of self-peptide-MHC complexes, (b) costimulatory signals, and (c) cytokine signals, critically controls T cell repertoire selection. This review discusses our current understanding of the signals that coordinate positive selection, negative selection, and agonist selection of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. It also highlights recent advances that have unraveled the functional diversity of thymic antigen-presenting cell subsets implicated in T cell selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Irla
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), CNRS, INSERM, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France;
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16
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Fang Z, Zhang Y, Zhu Z, Wang C, Hu Y, Peng X, Zhang D, Zhao J, Shi B, Shen Z, Wu M, Xu C, Chen J, Zhou X, Xie Y, Yu H, Zhang X, Li J, Hu Y, Kozlowski M, Bertoletti A, Yuan Z. Monocytic MDSCs homing to thymus contribute to age-related CD8+ T cell tolerance of HBV. J Exp Med 2022; 219:213051. [PMID: 35254403 PMCID: PMC8906470 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20211838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus exposure in children usually develops into chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Although hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)–specific CD8+ T cells contribute to resolve HBV infection, they are preferentially undetected in CHB patients. Moreover, the mechanism for this rarely detected HBsAg-specific CD8+ T cells remains unexplored. We herein found that the frequency of HBsAg-specific CD8+ T cells was inversely correlated with expansion of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (mMDSCs) in young rather than in adult CHB patients, and CCR9 was upregulated by HBsAg on mMDSCs via activation of ERK1/2 and IL-6. Sequentially, the interaction between CCL25 and CCR9 mediated thymic homing of mMDSCs, which caused the cross-presentation, transferring of peripheral HBsAg into the thymic medulla, and then promoted death of HBsAg-specific CD8+ thymocytes. In mice, adoptive transfer of mMDSCs selectively obliterated HBsAg-specific CD8+ T cells and facilitated persistence of HBV in a CCR9-dependent manner. Taken together, our results uncovered a novel mechanism for establishing specific CD8+ tolerance to HBsAg in chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Fang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Liver Cancer Institute of Zhongshan Hospital and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoqin Zhu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuhua Peng
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bisheng Shi
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongliang Shen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Wu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunhua Xu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieliang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhou
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Youhua Xie
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaonan Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunwen Hu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Maya Kozlowski
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, Shanghai, China
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17
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Centa M, Weinstein EG, Clemente JC, Faith JJ, Fiel MI, Lyallpuri R, Herbin O, Alexandropoulos K. Impaired central tolerance induces changes in the gut microbiota that exacerbate autoimmune hepatitis. J Autoimmun 2022; 128:102808. [PMID: 35276587 PMCID: PMC8963681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) induce T cell tolerance in the thymus through the elimination of self-reactive thymocytes. Commensal bacteria are also critical for shaping T cell responses in the gut and distal organs. We previously showed that mice depleted of mTECs (Traf6ΔTEC) generated autoreactive T cells and developed autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). In this report, we found that Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated microbial sensing on liver hematopoietic cells and the gut microbiota contributed to AIH development in Traf6ΔTEC mice. While adoptive transfer of thymic Traf6ΔTEC T cells in immune-deficient mice was sufficient for AIH development, colonization of germ-free mice with Traf6ΔTEC microbiota failed to induce AIH, suggesting that the gut microbiota contributes to but is not sufficient for AIH development. Microbiota-mediated exacerbation of AIH associated with increased numbers of hepatic Foxp3+ T cells and their increase was proportional to the degree of inflammation. The contribution of the gut microbiota to AIH development associated with an altered microbial signature whose composition was influenced by the qualitative nature of the thymic T cell compartment. These results suggest that aberrant selection of T cells in the thymus can induce changes in the gut microbiota that lead to exacerbation of organ-specific autoimmunity and AIH. Our results add to our understanding of the mechanisms of AIH development and create a platform towards developing novel therapeutic approaches for treating this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Centa
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Jose C Clemente
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeremiah J Faith
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Isabel Fiel
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robby Lyallpuri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Konstantina Alexandropoulos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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18
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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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19
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Khosravi-Maharlooei M, Madley R, Borsotti C, Ferreira LMR, Sharp RC, Brehm MA, Greiner DL, Parent AV, Anderson MS, Sykes M, Creusot RJ. Modeling human T1D-associated autoimmune processes. Mol Metab 2022; 56:101417. [PMID: 34902607 PMCID: PMC8739876 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by impaired immune tolerance to β-cell antigens and progressive destruction of insulin-producing β-cells. Animal models have provided valuable insights for understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease, but they fall short of reflecting the extensive heterogeneity of the disease in humans, which is contributed by various combinations of risk gene alleles and unique environmental factors. Collectively, these factors have been used to define subgroups of patients, termed endotypes, with distinct predominating disease characteristics. SCOPE OF REVIEW Here, we review the gaps filled by these models in understanding the intricate involvement and regulation of the immune system in human T1D pathogenesis. We describe the various models developed so far and the scientific questions that have been addressed using them. Finally, we discuss the limitations of these models, primarily ascribed to hosting a human immune system (HIS) in a xenogeneic recipient, and what remains to be done to improve their physiological relevance. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS To understand the role of genetic and environmental factors or evaluate immune-modifying therapies in humans, it is critical to develop and apply models in which human cells can be manipulated and their functions studied under conditions that recapitulate as closely as possible the physiological conditions of the human body. While microphysiological systems and living tissue slices provide some of these conditions, HIS mice enable more extensive analyses using in vivo systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Khosravi-Maharlooei
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Madley
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chiara Borsotti
- Department of Health Sciences, Histology laboratory, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Leonardo M R Ferreira
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, and Regenerative Medicine & Cell Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Robert C Sharp
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael A Brehm
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dale L Greiner
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Audrey V Parent
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark S Anderson
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Megan Sykes
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Remi J Creusot
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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20
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Stefanski HE, Xing Y, Nicholls J, Jonart L, Goren E, Taylor PA, Mills AA, Riddle M, McGrath J, Tolar J, Hollander GA, Blazar BR. P63 targeted deletion under the FOXN1 promoter disrupts pre-and post-natal thymus development, function and maintenance as well as induces severe hair loss. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0261770. [PMID: 35077450 PMCID: PMC8789144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive immune deficiency of aging is characterized by severe thymic atrophy, contracted T cell repertoire, and poor immune function. p63 is critical for the proliferative potential of embryonic and adult stem cells, as well as thymic epithelial cells (TECs). Because p63 null mice experience rapid post-natal lethality due to epidermal and limb morphogenesis defects, studies to define a role for p63 expression in TEC biology focused on embryonic thymus development and in vitro experiments. Since post-natal thymic stromal development and function differs from that of the embryo, we assessed the impact of lineage-restricted p63 loss on pre- and post-natal murine TEC function by generating mice with a loss of p63 function targeted to TEC, termed p63TECko mice. In adult p63TECko mice, severe thymic hypoplasia was observed with a lack in a discernable segregation into medullary and cortical compartments and peripheral T cell lymphopenia. This profound thymic defect was seen in both neonatal as well as embryonic p63TECko mice. In addition to TECs, p63 also plays in important role in the development of stratified epithelium of the skin; lack of p63 results in defects in skin epidermal stratification and differentiation. Interestingly, all adult p63TECko mice lacked hair follicles despite having normal p63 expression in the skin. Together our results show a critical role of TEC p63 in thymic development and maintenance and show that p63 expression is critical for hair follicle formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather E. Stefanski
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Yan Xing
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Jemma Nicholls
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Leslie Jonart
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Emily Goren
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Patricia A. Taylor
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Alea A. Mills
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Megan Riddle
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - John McGrath
- Molecular Dermatology, St John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College, London, England
| | - Jakub Tolar
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Georg A. Hollander
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Children’s Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bruce R. Blazar
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
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21
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Shevyrev D, Tereshchenko V, Kozlov V, Sennikov S. Phylogeny, Structure, Functions, and Role of AIRE in the Formation of T-Cell Subsets. Cells 2022; 11:194. [PMID: 35053310 PMCID: PMC8773594 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known that the most important feature of adaptive immunity is the specificity that provides highly precise recognition of the self, altered-self, and non-self. Due to the high specificity of antigen recognition, the adaptive immune system participates in the maintenance of genetic homeostasis, supports multicellularity, and protects an organism from different pathogens at a qualitatively different level than innate immunity. This seemingly simple property is based on millions of years of evolution that led to the formation of diversification mechanisms of antigen-recognizing receptors and later to the emergence of a system of presentation of the self and non-self antigens. The latter could have a crucial significance because the presentation of nearly complete diversity of auto-antigens in the thymus allows for the "calibration" of the forming repertoires of T-cells for the recognition of self, altered-self, and non-self antigens that are presented on the periphery. The central role in this process belongs to promiscuous gene expression by the thymic epithelial cells that express nearly the whole spectrum of proteins encoded in the genome, meanwhile maintaining their cellular identity. This complex mechanism requires strict control that is executed by several transcription factors. One of the most important of them is AIRE. This noncanonical transcription factor not only regulates the processes of differentiation and expression of peripheral tissue-specific antigens in the thymic medullar epithelial cells but also controls intercellular interactions in the thymus. Besides, it participates in an increase in the diversity and transfer of presented antigens and thus influences the formation of repertoires of maturing thymocytes. Due to these complex effects, AIRE is also called a transcriptional regulator. In this review, we briefly described the history of AIRE discovery, its structure, functions, and role in the formation of antigen-recognizing receptor repertoires, along with other transcription factors. We focused on the phylogenetic prerequisites for the development of modern adaptive immunity and emphasized the importance of the antigen presentation system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniil Shevyrev
- Research Institute for Fundamental and Clinical Immunology (RIFCI), 630099 Novosibirsk, Russia; (V.T.); (V.K.); (S.S.)
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22
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Borelli A, Irla M. Lymphotoxin: from the physiology to the regeneration of the thymic function. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:2305-2314. [PMID: 34290396 PMCID: PMC8329281 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00834-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The members of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) superfamily, the ligand lymphotoxin α1β2 (LTα1β2) and its unique receptor lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR), play a pivotal role in the establishment and regulation of the immune system by allowing a tight communication between lymphocytes and stromal cells. Recent advances using transgenic mice harboring a specific deletion of the Ltbr gene in distinct stromal cells have revealed important roles for LTβR signaling in the thymic function that ensures the generation of a diverse and self-tolerant T-cell repertoire. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge on this signaling axis in the thymic homing of lymphoid progenitors and peripheral antigen-presenting cells, the trafficking and egress of thymocytes, the differentiation of medullary thymic epithelial cells, and the establishment of central tolerance. We also highlight the importance of LTα1β2/LTβR axis in controlling the recovery of the thymic function after myeloablative conditioning regimen, opening novel perspectives in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Borelli
- grid.417850.f0000 0004 0639 5277Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d’Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Magali Irla
- grid.417850.f0000 0004 0639 5277Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d’Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
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23
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Xia H, Zhong S, Zhao Y, Ren B, Wang Z, Shi Y, Chai Q, Wang X, Zhu M. Thymic Egress Is Regulated by T Cell-Derived LTβR Signal and via Distinct Thymic Portal Endothelial Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 12:707404. [PMID: 34276703 PMCID: PMC8281811 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.707404] [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: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic blood vessels at the perivascular space (PVS) are the critical site for both homing of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and egress of mature thymocytes. It has been intriguing how different opposite migrations can happen in the same place. A subset of specialized thymic portal endothelial cells (TPECs) associated with PVS has been identified to function as the entry site for HPCs. However, the cellular basis and mechanism underlying egress of mature thymocytes has not been well defined. In this study, using various conventional and conditional gene-deficient mouse models, we first confirmed the role of endothelial lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTβR) for thymic egress and ruled out the role of LTβR from epithelial cells or dendritic cells. In addition, we found that T cell-derived ligands lymphotoxin (LT) and LIGHT are required for thymic egress, suggesting a crosstalk between T cells and endothelial cells (ECs) for thymic egress control. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining analysis interestingly showed that TPECs are also the exit site for mature thymocytes. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of thymic endothelial cells suggested that TPECs are heterogeneous and can be further divided into two subsets depending on BST-1 expression level. Importantly, BST-1hi population is associated with thymic egressing thymocytes while BST-1lo/− population is associated with HPC settling. Thus, we have defined a LT/LIGHT-LTβR signaling–mediated cellular crosstalk regulating thymic egress and uncovered distinct subsets of TPECs controlling thymic homing and egress, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Xia
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Suijuan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yixiao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Boyang Ren
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongnan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yaoyao Shi
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Chai
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingzhao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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24
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Ferrua F, Bortolomai I, Fontana E, Di Silvestre D, Rigoni R, Marcovecchio GE, Draghici E, Brambilla F, Castiello MC, Delfanti G, Moshous D, Picard C, Taghon T, Bordon V, Schulz AS, Schuetz C, Giliani S, Soresina A, Gennery AR, Signa S, Dávila Saldaña BJ, Delmonte OM, Notarangelo LD, Roifman CM, Poliani PL, Uva P, Mauri PL, Villa A, Bosticardo M. Thymic Epithelial Cell Alterations and Defective Thymopoiesis Lead to Central and Peripheral Tolerance Perturbation in MHCII Deficiency. Front Immunol 2021; 12:669943. [PMID: 34211466 PMCID: PMC8239840 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.669943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II (MHCII) deficiency (MHCII-D), also known as Bare Lymphocyte Syndrome (BLS), is a rare combined immunodeficiency due to mutations in genes regulating expression of MHCII molecules. MHCII deficiency results in impaired cellular and humoral immune responses, leading to severe infections and autoimmunity. Abnormal cross-talk with developing T cells due to the absence of MHCII expression likely leads to defects in thymic epithelial cells (TEC). However, the contribution of TEC alterations to the pathogenesis of this primary immunodeficiency has not been well characterized to date, in particular in regard to immune dysregulation. To this aim, we have performed an in-depth cellular and molecular characterization of TEC in this disease. We observed an overall perturbation of thymic structure and function in both MHCII-/- mice and patients. Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of murine TEC revealed several alterations. In particular, we demonstrated that impairment of lymphostromal cross-talk in the thymus of MHCII-/- mice affects mTEC maturation and promiscuous gene expression and causes defects of central tolerance. Furthermore, we observed peripheral tolerance impairment, likely due to defective Treg cell generation and/or function and B cell tolerance breakdown. Overall, our findings reveal disease-specific TEC defects resulting in perturbation of central tolerance and limiting the potential benefits of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in MHCII deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ferrua
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Pediatric Immunohematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Ileana Bortolomai
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Fontana
- Human Genome Department, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Milan Unit, Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Dario Di Silvestre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Biomedical Technologies-National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Rosita Rigoni
- Human Genome Department, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Milan Unit, Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Genni Enza Marcovecchio
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Draghici
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Brambilla
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Biomedical Technologies-National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Carmina Castiello
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Milan Unit, Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Gloria Delfanti
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Despina Moshous
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Hematology and Rheumatology, Necker Children’s Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
- Laboratory “Genome Dynamics in the Immune System”, INSERM UMR1163, Université de Paris, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - Capucine Picard
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Hematology and Rheumatology, Necker Children’s Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
- Centre d’Etude des Déficits Immunitaires, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Activation and Susceptibility to EBV infection, Inserm UMR 1163, University Paris Descartes Sorbonne Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
| | - Tom Taghon
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Victoria Bordon
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ansgar S. Schulz
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Catharina Schuetz
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Silvia Giliani
- Cytogenetics and Medical Genetics Unit and “A. Nocivelli” Institute for Molecular Medicine, Spedali Civili Hospital, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Annarosa Soresina
- Unit of Pediatric Immunology, Pediatrics Clinic, University of Brescia, ASST-Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrew R. Gennery
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Department of Pediatric Immunology and HSCT, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Signa
- Department of Pediatric Immunology and HSCT, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Autoinflammatory Diseases and Immunodeficiencies Center, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, and Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Children's Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Blachy J. Dávila Saldaña
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Ottavia M. Delmonte
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Luigi D. Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Chaim M. Roifman
- Division of Immunology & Allergy, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, the Canadian Centre for Primary Immunodeficiency and the University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Pietro Luigi Poliani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Pathology Unit, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paolo Uva
- CRS4, Science and Technology Park Polaris, Pula, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Mauri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Biomedical Technologies-National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Villa
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Milan Unit, Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Marita Bosticardo
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
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25
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Sernoskie SC, Jee A, Uetrecht JP. The Emerging Role of the Innate Immune Response in Idiosyncratic Drug Reactions. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:861-896. [PMID: 34016669 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiosyncratic drug reactions (IDRs) range from relatively common, mild reactions to rarer, potentially life-threatening adverse effects that pose significant risks to both human health and successful drug discovery. Most frequently, IDRs target the liver, skin, and blood or bone marrow. Clinical data indicate that most IDRs are mediated by an adaptive immune response against drug-modified proteins, formed when chemically reactive species of a drug bind to self-proteins, making them appear foreign to the immune system. Although much emphasis has been placed on characterizing the clinical presentation of IDRs and noting implicated drugs, limited research has focused on the mechanisms preceding the manifestations of these severe responses. Therefore, we propose that to address the knowledge gap between drug administration and onset of a severe IDR, more research is required to understand IDR-initiating mechanisms; namely, the role of the innate immune response. In this review, we outline the immune processes involved from neoantigen formation to the result of the formation of the immunologic synapse and suggest that this framework be applied to IDR research. Using four drugs associated with severe IDRs as examples (amoxicillin, amodiaquine, clozapine, and nevirapine), we also summarize clinical and animal model data that are supportive of an early innate immune response. Finally, we discuss how understanding the early steps in innate immune activation in the development of an adaptive IDR will be fundamental in risk assessment during drug development. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Although there is some understanding that certain adaptive immune mechanisms are involved in the development of idiosyncratic drug reactions, the early phase of these immune responses remains largely uncharacterized. The presented framework refocuses the investigation of IDR pathogenesis from severe clinical manifestations to the initiating innate immune mechanisms that, in contrast, may be quite mild or clinically silent. A comprehensive understanding of these early influences on IDR onset is crucial for accurate risk prediction, IDR prevention, and therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Christine Sernoskie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (S.C.S., J.P.U.), and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A.J., J.P.U.)
| | - Alison Jee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (S.C.S., J.P.U.), and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A.J., J.P.U.)
| | - Jack Paul Uetrecht
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (S.C.S., J.P.U.), and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A.J., J.P.U.)
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26
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Reis M, Willis GR, Fernandez-Gonzalez A, Yeung V, Taglauer E, Magaletta M, Parsons T, Derr A, Liu X, Maehr R, Kourembanas S, Mitsialis SA. Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Restore Thymic Architecture and T Cell Function Disrupted by Neonatal Hyperoxia. Front Immunol 2021; 12:640595. [PMID: 33936055 PMCID: PMC8082426 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.640595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Treating premature infants with high oxygen is a routine intervention in the context of neonatal intensive care. Unfortunately, the increase in survival rates is associated with various detrimental sequalae of hyperoxia exposure, most notably bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a disease of disrupted lung development. The effects of high oxygen exposure on other developing organs of the infant, as well as the possible impact such disrupted development may have on later life remain poorly understood. Using a neonatal mouse model to investigate the effects of hyperoxia on the immature immune system we observed a dramatic involution of the thymic medulla, and this lesion was associated with disrupted FoxP3+ regulatory T cell generation and T cell autoreactivity. Significantly, administration of mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MEx) restored thymic medullary architecture and physiological thymocyte profiles. Using single cell transcriptomics, we further demonstrated preferential impact of MEx treatment on the thymic medullary antigen presentation axis, as evidenced by enrichment of antigen presentation and antioxidative-stress related genes in dendritic cells (DCs) and medullary epithelial cells (mTECs). Our study demonstrates that MEx treatment represents a promising restorative therapeutic approach for oxygen-induced thymic injury, thus promoting normal development of both central tolerance and adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Reis
- Division of Newborn Medicine & Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Gareth R Willis
- Division of Newborn Medicine & Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Angeles Fernandez-Gonzalez
- Division of Newborn Medicine & Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Vincent Yeung
- Division of Newborn Medicine & Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Taglauer
- Division of Newborn Medicine & Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Margaret Magaletta
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Teagan Parsons
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Alan Derr
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Xianlan Liu
- Division of Newborn Medicine & Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rene Maehr
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Stella Kourembanas
- Division of Newborn Medicine & Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - S Alex Mitsialis
- Division of Newborn Medicine & Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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27
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Perniola R, Fierabracci A, Falorni A. Autoimmune Addison's Disease as Part of the Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 1: Historical Overview and Current Evidence. Front Immunol 2021; 12:606860. [PMID: 33717087 PMCID: PMC7953157 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.606860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS1) is caused by pathogenic variants of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene, located in the chromosomal region 21q22.3. The related protein, AIRE, enhances thymic self-representation and immune self-tolerance by localization to chromatin and anchorage to multimolecular complexes involved in the initiation and post-initiation events of tissue-specific antigen-encoding gene transcription. Once synthesized, the self-antigens are presented to, and cause deletion of, the self-reactive thymocyte clones. The clinical diagnosis of APS1 is based on the classic triad idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (HPT)—chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis—autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD), though new criteria based on early non-endocrine manifestations have been proposed. HPT is in most cases the first endocrine component of the syndrome; however, APS1-associated AAD has received the most accurate biochemical, clinical, and immunological characterization. Here is a comprehensive review of the studies on APS1-associated AAD from initial case reports to the most recent scientific findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Perniola
- Department of Pediatrics-Neonatal Intensive Care, V. Fazzi Hospital, ASL LE, Lecce, Italy
| | - Alessandra Fierabracci
- Infectivology and Clinical Trials Research Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Falorni
- Section of Internal Medicine and Endocrinological and Metabolic Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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28
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Santamaria JC, Borelli A, Irla M. Regulatory T Cell Heterogeneity in the Thymus: Impact on Their Functional Activities. Front Immunol 2021; 12:643153. [PMID: 33643324 PMCID: PMC7904894 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.643153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) maintain the integrity of the organism by preventing excessive immune responses. These cells protect against autoimmune diseases but are also important regulators of other immune responses including inflammation, allergy, infection, and tumors. Furthermore, they exert non-immune functions such as tissue repair and regeneration. In the periphery, Foxp3+ Treg have emerged as a highly heterogeneous cell population with distinct molecular and functional properties. Foxp3+ Treg mainly develop within the thymus where they receive instructive signals for their differentiation. Recent studies have revealed that thymic Treg are also heterogeneous with two distinct precursors that give rise to mature Foxp3+ Treg exhibiting non-overlapping regulatory activities characterized by a differential ability to control different types of autoimmune reactions. Furthermore, the thymic Treg cell pool is not only composed of newly developing Treg, but also contain a large fraction of recirculating peripheral cells. Here, we review the two pathways of thymic Treg cell differentiation and their potential impact on Treg activity in the periphery. We also summarize our current knowledge on recirculating peripheral Treg in the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy C Santamaria
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Alexia Borelli
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Magali Irla
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
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29
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Irla M. RANK Signaling in the Differentiation and Regeneration of Thymic Epithelial Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 11:623265. [PMID: 33552088 PMCID: PMC7862717 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.623265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) provide essential clues for the proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation of thymocytes. Recent advances in mouse and human have revealed that TECs constitute a highly heterogeneous cell population with distinct functional properties. Importantly, TECs are sensitive to thymic damages engendered by myeloablative conditioning regimen used for bone marrow transplantation. These detrimental effects on TECs delay de novo T-cell production, which can increase the risk of morbidity and mortality in many patients. Alike that TECs guide the development of thymocytes, reciprocally thymocytes control the differentiation and organization of TECs. These bidirectional interactions are referred to as thymic crosstalk. The tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) member, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) and its cognate ligand RANKL have emerged as key players of the crosstalk between TECs and thymocytes. RANKL, mainly provided by positively selected CD4+ thymocytes and a subset of group 3 innate lymphoid cells, controls mTEC proliferation/differentiation and TEC regeneration. In this review, I discuss recent advances that have unraveled the high heterogeneity of TECs and the implication of the RANK-RANKL signaling axis in TEC differentiation and regeneration. Targeting this cell-signaling pathway opens novel therapeutic perspectives to recover TEC function and T-cell production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Irla
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
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30
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Nitta T, Takayanagi H. Non-Epithelial Thymic Stromal Cells: Unsung Heroes in Thymus Organogenesis and T Cell Development. Front Immunol 2021; 11:620894. [PMID: 33519827 PMCID: PMC7840694 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.620894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The stromal microenvironment in the thymus is essential for generating a functional T cell repertoire. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are numerically and phenotypically one of the most prominent stromal cell types in the thymus, and have been recognized as one of most unusual cell types in the body by virtue of their unique functions in the course of the positive and negative selection of developing T cells. In addition to TECs, there are other stromal cell types of mesenchymal origin, such as fibroblasts and endothelial cells. These mesenchymal stromal cells are not only components of the parenchymal and vascular architecture, but also have a pivotal role in controlling TEC development, although their functions have been less extensively explored than TECs. Here, we review both the historical studies on and recent advances in our understanding of the contribution of such non-TEC stromal cells to thymic organogenesis and T cell development. In particular, we highlight the recently discovered functional effect of thymic fibroblasts on T cell repertoire selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Nitta
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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31
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Walsh MC, Choi Y. Regulation of T cell-associated tissues and T cell activation by RANKL-RANK-OPG. J Bone Miner Metab 2021; 39:54-63. [PMID: 33438173 PMCID: PMC8670018 DOI: 10.1007/s00774-020-01178-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-RANK-osteoprotegerin (OPG) system is critical to bone homeostasis, but genetically deficient mouse models have revealed important roles in the immune system as well. RANKL-RANK-OPG is particularly important to T cell biology because of its organogenic control of thymic development and secondary lymphoid tissues influence central T cell tolerance and peripheral T cell function. RANKL-RANK-OPG cytokine-receptor interactions are often controlled by regulation of expression of RANKL on developing T cells, which interacts with RANK expressed on some lymphoid tissue cells to stimulate key downstream signaling pathways that affect critical tuning functions of the T cell compartment, like cell survival and antigen presentation. Activation of peripheral T cells is regulated by RANKL-enhanced dendritic cell survival, and dysregulation of the RANKL-RANK-OPG system in this context is associated with loss of T cell tolerance and autoimmune disease. Given its broader implications for immune homeostasis and osteoimmunology, it is critical to further understand how the RANKL-RANK-OPG system operates in T cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Walsh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yongwon Choi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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32
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Kreins AY, Maio S, Dhalla F. Inborn errors of thymic stromal cell development and function. Semin Immunopathol 2020; 43:85-100. [PMID: 33257998 PMCID: PMC7925491 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00826-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
As the primary site for T cell development, the thymus is responsible for the production and selection of a functional, yet self-tolerant T cell repertoire. This critically depends on thymic stromal cells, derived from the pharyngeal apparatus during embryogenesis. Thymic epithelial cells, mesenchymal and vascular elements together form the unique and highly specialised microenvironment required to support all aspects of thymopoiesis and T cell central tolerance induction. Although rare, inborn errors of thymic stromal cells constitute a clinically important group of conditions because their immunological consequences, which include autoimmune disease and T cell immunodeficiency, can be life-threatening if unrecognised and untreated. In this review, we describe the molecular and environmental aetiologies of the thymic stromal cell defects known to cause disease in humans, placing particular emphasis on those with a propensity to cause thymic hypoplasia or aplasia and consequently severe congenital immunodeficiency. We discuss the principles underpinning their diagnosis and management, including the use of novel tools to aid in their identification and strategies for curative treatment, principally transplantation of allogeneic thymus tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Y Kreins
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Department of Immunology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Stefano Maio
- Developmental Immunology, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fatima Dhalla
- Developmental Immunology, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Department of Clinical Immunology, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK.
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33
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García-Ceca J, Montero-Herradón S, Zapata AG. Intrathymic Selection and Defects in the Thymic Epithelial Cell Development. Cells 2020; 9:cells9102226. [PMID: 33023072 PMCID: PMC7601110 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intimate interactions between thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and thymocytes (T) have been repeatedly reported as essential for performing intrathymic T-cell education. Nevertheless, it has been described that animals exhibiting defects in these interactions were capable of a proper positive and negative T-cell selection. In the current review, we first examined distinct types of TECs and their possible role in the immune surveillance. However, EphB-deficient thymi that exhibit profound thymic epithelial (TE) alterations do not exhibit important immunological defects. Eph and their ligands, the ephrins, are implicated in cell attachment/detachment and govern, therefore, TEC–T interactions. On this basis, we hypothesized that a few normal TE areas could be enough for a proper phenotypical and functional maturation of T lymphocytes. Then, we evaluated in vivo how many TECs would be necessary for supporting a normal T-cell differentiation, concluding that a significantly low number of TEC are still capable of supporting normal T lymphocyte maturation, whereas with fewer numbers, T-cell maturation is not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier García-Ceca
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.G.-C.); (S.M.-H.)
- Health Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Montero-Herradón
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.G.-C.); (S.M.-H.)
- Health Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín G. Zapata
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.G.-C.); (S.M.-H.)
- Health Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-91-394-4979
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34
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Gaballa A, Clave E, Uhlin M, Toubert A, Arruda LCM. Evaluating Thymic Function After Human Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in the Personalized Medicine Era. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1341. [PMID: 32849495 PMCID: PMC7412601 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an effective treatment option for several malignant and non-malignant hematological diseases. The clinical outcome of this procedure relies to a large extent on optimal recovery of adaptive immunity. In this regard, the thymus plays a central role as the primary site for de novo generation of functional, diverse, and immunocompetent T-lymphocytes. The thymus is exquisitely sensitive to several insults during HSCT, including conditioning drugs, corticosteroids, infections, and graft-vs.-host disease. Impaired thymic recovery has been clearly associated with increased risk of opportunistic infections and poor clinical outcomes in HSCT recipients. Therefore, better understanding of thymic function can provide valuable information for improving HSCT outcomes. Recent data have shown that, besides gender and age, a specific single-nucleotide polymorphism affects thymopoiesis and may also influence thymic output post-HSCT, suggesting that the time of precision medicine of thymic function has arrived. Here, we review the current knowledge about thymic role in HSCT and the recent work of genetic control of human thymopoiesis. We also discuss different transplant-related factors that have been associated with impaired thymic recovery and the use of T-cell receptor excision circles (TREC) to assess thymic output, including its clinical significance. Finally, we present therapeutic strategies that could boost thymic recovery post-HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Gaballa
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emmanuel Clave
- INSERM UMR-1160, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Hôpital Saint-Louis APHP, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Michael Uhlin
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antoine Toubert
- INSERM UMR-1160, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Hôpital Saint-Louis APHP, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Lucas C M Arruda
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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35
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Park JE, Botting RA, Domínguez Conde C, Popescu DM, Lavaert M, Kunz DJ, Goh I, Stephenson E, Ragazzini R, Tuck E, Wilbrey-Clark A, Roberts K, Kedlian VR, Ferdinand JR, He X, Webb S, Maunder D, Vandamme N, Mahbubani KT, Polanski K, Mamanova L, Bolt L, Crossland D, de Rita F, Fuller A, Filby A, Reynolds G, Dixon D, Saeb-Parsy K, Lisgo S, Henderson D, Vento-Tormo R, Bayraktar OA, Barker RA, Meyer KB, Saeys Y, Bonfanti P, Behjati S, Clatworthy MR, Taghon T, Haniffa M, Teichmann SA. A cell atlas of human thymic development defines T cell repertoire formation. Science 2020; 367:367/6480/eaay3224. [PMID: 32079746 DOI: 10.1126/science.aay3224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The thymus provides a nurturing environment for the differentiation and selection of T cells, a process orchestrated by their interaction with multiple thymic cell types. We used single-cell RNA sequencing to create a cell census of the human thymus across the life span and to reconstruct T cell differentiation trajectories and T cell receptor (TCR) recombination kinetics. Using this approach, we identified and located in situ CD8αα+ T cell populations, thymic fibroblast subtypes, and activated dendritic cell states. In addition, we reveal a bias in TCR recombination and selection, which is attributed to genomic position and the kinetics of lineage commitment. Taken together, our data provide a comprehensive atlas of the human thymus across the life span with new insights into human T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Eun Park
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Rachel A Botting
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | | | - Dorin-Mirel Popescu
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Marieke Lavaert
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Daniel J Kunz
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.,Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratory/Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.,Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Issac Goh
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Emily Stephenson
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Roberta Ragazzini
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK.,Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Tuck
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Anna Wilbrey-Clark
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Kenny Roberts
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Veronika R Kedlian
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - John R Ferdinand
- Molecular Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Xiaoling He
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Simone Webb
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Daniel Maunder
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Niels Vandamme
- Data Mining and Modeling for Biomedicine, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Krishnaa T Mahbubani
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Krzysztof Polanski
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Lira Mamanova
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Liam Bolt
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - David Crossland
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.,Department of Adult Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology/Cardiothoracic Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4LP, UK
| | - Fabrizio de Rita
- Department of Adult Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology/Cardiothoracic Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4LP, UK
| | - Andrew Fuller
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Andrew Filby
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Gary Reynolds
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - David Dixon
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Kourosh Saeb-Parsy
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Steven Lisgo
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Deborah Henderson
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Roser Vento-Tormo
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Omer A Bayraktar
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Roger A Barker
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK.,WT-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Kerstin B Meyer
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Yvan Saeys
- Data Mining and Modeling for Biomedicine, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paola Bonfanti
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK.,Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.,Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sam Behjati
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SP, UK
| | - Menna R Clatworthy
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.,Molecular Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.,Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Tom Taghon
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. .,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Muzlifah Haniffa
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK. .,Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.,Department of Dermatology and NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4LP, UK
| | - Sarah A Teichmann
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK. .,Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratory/Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
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36
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Yi J, Kawabe T, Sprent J. New insights on T-cell self-tolerance. Curr Opin Immunol 2020; 63:14-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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37
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Park JE, Botting RA, Domínguez Conde C, Popescu DM, Lavaert M, Kunz DJ, Goh I, Stephenson E, Ragazzini R, Tuck E, Wilbrey-Clark A, Roberts K, Kedlian VR, Ferdinand JR, He X, Webb S, Maunder D, Vandamme N, Mahbubani KT, Polanski K, Mamanova L, Bolt L, Crossland D, de Rita F, Fuller A, Filby A, Reynolds G, Dixon D, Saeb-Parsy K, Lisgo S, Henderson D, Vento-Tormo R, Bayraktar OA, Barker RA, Meyer KB, Saeys Y, Bonfanti P, Behjati S, Clatworthy MR, Taghon T, Haniffa M, Teichmann SA. A cell atlas of human thymic development defines T cell repertoire formation. Science 2020. [DOI: 10.1126/science.aay3224 32079746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Eun Park
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Rachel A. Botting
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | | | - Dorin-Mirel Popescu
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Marieke Lavaert
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Daniel J. Kunz
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratory/Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Issac Goh
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Emily Stephenson
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Roberta Ragazzini
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Tuck
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Anna Wilbrey-Clark
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Kenny Roberts
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Veronika R. Kedlian
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - John R. Ferdinand
- Molecular Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Xiaoling He
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Simone Webb
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Daniel Maunder
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Niels Vandamme
- Data Mining and Modeling for Biomedicine, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Krishnaa T. Mahbubani
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Krzysztof Polanski
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Lira Mamanova
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Liam Bolt
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - David Crossland
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
- Department of Adult Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology/Cardiothoracic Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4LP, UK
| | - Fabrizio de Rita
- Department of Adult Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology/Cardiothoracic Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4LP, UK
| | - Andrew Fuller
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Andrew Filby
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Gary Reynolds
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - David Dixon
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Kourosh Saeb-Parsy
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Steven Lisgo
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Deborah Henderson
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Roser Vento-Tormo
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Omer A. Bayraktar
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Roger A. Barker
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
- WT-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Kerstin B. Meyer
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Yvan Saeys
- Data Mining and Modeling for Biomedicine, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paola Bonfanti
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sam Behjati
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SP, UK
| | - Menna R. Clatworthy
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Molecular Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Tom Taghon
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Muzlifah Haniffa
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
- Department of Dermatology and NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4LP, UK
| | - Sarah A. Teichmann
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratory/Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
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38
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Dumont-Lagacé M, Daouda T, Depoërs L, Zumer J, Benslimane Y, Brochu S, Harrington L, Lemieux S, Perreault C. Qualitative Changes in Cortical Thymic Epithelial Cells Drive Postpartum Thymic Regeneration. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3118. [PMID: 32010151 PMCID: PMC6974522 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
During gestation, sex hormones cause a significant thymic involution which enhances fertility. This thymic involution is rapidly corrected following parturition. As thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are responsible for the regulation of thymopoiesis, we analyzed the sequential phenotypic and transcriptomic changes in TECs during the postpartum period in order to identify mechanisms triggering postpartum thymic regeneration. In particular, we performed flow cytometry analyses and deep RNA-sequencing on purified TEC subsets at several time points before and after parturition. We report that pregnancy-induced involution is not caused by loss of TECs since their number does not change during or after pregnancy. However, during pregnancy, we observed a significant depletion of all thymocyte subsets downstream of the double-negative 1 (DN1) differentiation stage. Variations in thymocyte numbers correlated with conspicuous changes in the transcriptome of cortical TECs (cTECs). The transcriptomic changes affected predominantly cTEC expression of Foxn1, its targets and several genes that are essential for thymopoiesis. By contrast, medullary TECs (mTECs) showed very little transcriptomic changes in the early postpartum regenerative phase, but seemed to respond to the expansion of single-positive (SP) thymocytes in the late phase of regeneration. Together, these results show that postpartum thymic regeneration is orchestrated by variations in expression of a well-defined subset of cTEC genes, that occur very early after parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maude Dumont-Lagacé
- Immunobiology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Tariq Daouda
- Immunobiology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Functional and Structural Bioinformatics Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Lucyle Depoërs
- Immunobiology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jérémie Zumer
- Functional and Structural Bioinformatics Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Yahya Benslimane
- Telomere Length Homeostasis and Genomic Instability Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Brochu
- Immunobiology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Lea Harrington
- Telomere Length Homeostasis and Genomic Instability Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sébastien Lemieux
- Functional and Structural Bioinformatics Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Claude Perreault
- Immunobiology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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39
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Kaneko KB, Tateishi R, Miyao T, Takakura Y, Akiyama N, Yokota R, Akiyama T, Kobayashi TJ. Quantitative analysis reveals reciprocal regulations underlying recovery dynamics of thymocytes and thymic environment in mice. Commun Biol 2019; 2:444. [PMID: 31815199 PMCID: PMC6884561 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0688-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic crosstalk, a set of reciprocal regulations between thymocytes and the thymic environment, is relevant for orchestrating appropriate thymocyte development as well as thymic recovery from various exogenous insults. In this work, interactions shaping thymic crosstalk and the resultant dynamics of thymocytes and thymic epithelial cells are inferred based on quantitative analysis and modeling of the recovery dynamics induced by irradiation. The analysis identifies regulatory interactions consistent with known molecular evidence and reveals their dynamic roles in the recovery process. Moreover, the analysis also predicts, and a subsequent experiment verifies, a previously unrecognized regulation of CD4+CD8+ double positive thymocytes which temporarily increases their proliferation rate upon the decrease in their population size. Our model establishes a pivotal step towards the dynamic understanding of thymic crosstalk as a regulatory network system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumasa B. Kaneko
- Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo, 113-8656 Japan
| | - Ryosuke Tateishi
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045 Japan
| | - Takahisa Miyao
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045 Japan
| | - Yuki Takakura
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045 Japan
| | - Nobuko Akiyama
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045 Japan
| | - Ryo Yokota
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku Tokyo, 153-8505 Japan
| | - Taishin Akiyama
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045 Japan
| | - Tetsuya J. Kobayashi
- Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo, 113-8656 Japan
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku Tokyo, 153-8505 Japan
- PREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012 Japan
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Cotrim-Sousa L, Freire-Assis A, Pezzi N, Tanaka PP, Oliveira EH, Passos GA. Adhesion between medullary thymic epithelial cells and thymocytes is regulated by miR-181b-5p and miR-30b. Mol Immunol 2019; 114:600-611. [PMID: 31539668 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we demonstrate that adhesion between medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) and thymocytes is controlled by miRNAs. Adhesion between mTECs and developing thymocytes is essential for triggering negative selection (NS) of autoreactive thymocytes that occurs in the thymus. Immune recognition is mediated by the MHC / TCR receptor, whereas adhesion molecules hold cell-cell interaction stability. Indeed, these processes must be finely controlled, if it is not, it may lead to aggressive autoimmunity. Conversely, the precise molecular genetic control of mTEC-thymocyte adhesion is largely unclear. Here, we asked whether miRNAs would be controlling this process through the posttranscriptional regulation of mRNAs that encode adhesion molecules. For this, we used small interfering RNA to knockdown (KD) Dicer mRNA in vitro in a murine mTEC line. A functional assay with fresh murine thymocytes co-cultured with mTECs showed that single-positive (SP) CD4 and CD8 thymocyte adhesion was increased after Dicer KD and most adherent subtype was CD8 SP cells. Analysis of broad mTEC transcriptional expression showed that Dicer KD led to the modulation of 114 miRNAs and 422 mRNAs, including those encoding cell adhesion or extracellular matrix proteins, such as Lgals9, Lgals3pb, Tnc and Cd47. Analysis of miRNA-mRNA networks followed by miRNA mimic transfection showed that these mRNAs are under the control of miR-181b-5p and miR-30b*, which may ultimately control mTEC-thymocyte adhesion. The expression of CD80 surface marker in mTECs was increased after Dicer KD following thymocyte adhesion. This indicates the existence of new mechanisms in mTECs that involve the synergistic action of thymocyte adhesion and regulatory miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Cotrim-Sousa
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Amanda Freire-Assis
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; State University of Minas Gerais, Passos, MG, Brazil
| | - Nicole Pezzi
- Graduate Program in Basic and Applied Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro Paranhos Tanaka
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ernna Hérida Oliveira
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Geraldo Aleixo Passos
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Graduate Program in Basic and Applied Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Basic and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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41
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Pouzolles M, Machado A, Guilbaud M, Irla M, Gailhac S, Barennes P, Cesana D, Calabria A, Benedicenti F, Sergé A, Raman I, Li QZ, Montini E, Klatzmann D, Adjali O, Taylor N, Zimmermann VS. Intrathymic adeno-associated virus gene transfer rapidly restores thymic function and long-term persistence of gene-corrected T cells. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2019; 145:679-697.e5. [PMID: 31513879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2019.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with T-cell immunodeficiencies are generally treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, but alternatives are needed for patients without matched donors. An innovative intrathymic gene therapy approach that directly targets the thymus might improve outcomes. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the efficacy of intrathymic adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotypes to transduce thymocyte subsets and correct the T-cell immunodeficiency in a zeta-associated protein of 70 kDa (ZAP-70)-deficient murine model. METHODS AAV serotypes were injected intrathymically into wild-type mice, and gene transfer efficiency was monitored. ZAP-70-/- mice were intrathymically injected with an AAV8 vector harboring the ZAP70 gene. Thymus structure, immunophenotyping, T-cell receptor clonotypes, T-cell function, immune responses to transgenes and autoantibodies, vector copy number, and integration were evaluated. RESULTS AAV8, AAV9, and AAV10 serotypes all transduced thymocyte subsets after in situ gene transfer, with transduction of up to 5% of cells. Intrathymic injection of an AAV8-ZAP-70 vector into ZAP-70-/- mice resulted in a rapid thymocyte differentiation associated with the development of a thymic medulla. Strikingly, medullary thymic epithelial cells expressing the autoimmune regulator were detected within 10 days of gene transfer, correlating with the presence of functional effector and regulatory T-cell subsets with diverse T-cell receptor clonotypes in the periphery. Although thymocyte reconstitution was transient, gene-corrected peripheral T cells harboring approximately 1 AAV genome per cell persisted for more than 40 weeks, and AAV vector integration was detected. CONCLUSIONS Intrathymic AAV-transduced progenitors promote a rapid restoration of the thymic architecture, with a single wave of thymopoiesis generating long-term peripheral T-cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Pouzolles
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Alice Machado
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Mickaël Guilbaud
- INSERM UMR1089, Université de Nantes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Magali Irla
- Center of Immunology Marseille-Luminy (CIML), INSERM U1104, CNRS UMR7280, Aix-Marseille Université UM2, Marseille, France
| | - Sarah Gailhac
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre Barennes
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy (i3), Paris, France
| | - Daniela Cesana
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Calabria
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Benedicenti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Arnauld Sergé
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Indu Raman
- Microarray Core Facility, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex
| | - Quan-Zhen Li
- Microarray Core Facility, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex; Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex
| | - Eugenio Montini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - David Klatzmann
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy (i3), Paris, France; AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Biotherapy (CIC-BTi) and Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (i2B), Paris, France
| | - Oumeya Adjali
- INSERM UMR1089, Université de Nantes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, Nantes, France.
| | - Naomi Taylor
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France; Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.
| | - Valérie S Zimmermann
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
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42
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Al-Shalan HAM, Hu D, Nicholls PK, Greene WK, Ma B. Immunofluorescent characterization of innervation and nerve-immune cell neighborhood in mouse thymus. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 378:239-254. [PMID: 31230166 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03052-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The central nervous system impacts the immune system mainly by regulating the systemic concentration of humoral substances, whereas the peripheral nervous system (PNS) communicates with the immune system specifically according to local "hardwiring" of sympathetic/parasympathetic (efferent) and sensory (afferent) nerves to the primary and secondary lymphoid tissue/organs (e.g., thymus spleen and lymph nodes). In the present study, we use immunofluorescent staining of neurofilament-heavy to reveal the distribution of nerve fibers and the nerve-immune cell neighborhood inside the mouse thymus. Our results demonstrate (a) the presence of an extensive meshwork of nerve fibers in all thymic compartments, including the capsule, subcapsular region, cortex, cortico-medullary junction and medulla; (b) close associations of nerve fibers with blood vessels (including the postcapillary venules), indicating the neural control of blood circulation and immune cell dynamics inside the thymus; (c) the close proximity of nerve fibers to various subsets of thymocytes (e.g., CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+CD8+), dendritic cells (e.g., B220+, CD4+, CD8+ and F4/80+), macrophages (Mac1+ and F4/80+) and B cells. Our novel findings concerning thymic innervation and the nerve-immune cell neighborhood in situ should facilitate the understanding of bi-directional communications between the PNS and primary lymphoid organs. Since the innervation of lymphoid organs, including the thymus, may play essential roles in the pathogenesis and progression of some neuroimmune, infectious and autoimmune diseases, better knowledge of PNS-immune system crosstalk should benefit the development of potential therapies for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huda A M Al-Shalan
- Discipline of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia.,Department of Microbiology/Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Baghdad University, Baghdad, 10070, Iraq
| | - Dailun Hu
- Clinical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050031, Hebei, China
| | - Philip K Nicholls
- Discipline of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Wayne K Greene
- Discipline of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Bin Ma
- Discipline of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia.
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43
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Hu D, Nicholls PK, Yin C, Kelman K, Yuan Q, Greene WK, Shi Z, Ma B. Immunofluorescent Localization of Non-myelinating Schwann Cells and Their Interactions With Immune Cells in Mouse Thymus. J Histochem Cytochem 2018; 66:775-785. [PMID: 29775115 DOI: 10.1369/0022155418778543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is innervated by sympathetic/parasympathetic nerve fibers from the peripheral nervous system (PNS), suggesting a neural regulation of thymic function including T-cell development. Despite some published studies, data on the innervation and nerve-immune interaction inside the thymus remain limited. In the present study, we used immunofluorescent staining of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) coupled with confocal microscopy/three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction to reveal the distribution of non-myelinating Schwann cells (NMSC) and their interactions with immune cells inside mouse thymus. Our results demonstrate (1) the presence of an extensive network of NMSC processes in all compartments of the thymus including the capsule, subcapsular region, cortex, cortico-medullary junction, and medulla; (2) close associations/interactions of NMSC processes with blood vessels, indicating the neural control of blood flow inside the thymus; (3) the close "synapse-like" association of NMSC processes with various subsets of dendritic cells (DC; e.g., B220+ DCs, CD4+ DCs, and CD8+ DCs), and lymphocytes (B cells, CD4+/CD8+ thymocytes). Our novel findings concerning the distribution of NMSCs and the associations of NMSCs and immune cells inside mouse thymus should help us understand the anatomical basis and the mechanisms through which the PNS affects T-cell development and thymic endocrine function in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dailun Hu
- Clinical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Philip K Nicholls
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Changfu Yin
- Clinical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Khama Kelman
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Qionglan Yuan
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wayne K Greene
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Zhongli Shi
- Clinical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bin Ma
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
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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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45
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Lopes N, Charaix J, Cédile O, Sergé A, Irla M. Lymphotoxin α fine-tunes T cell clonal deletion by regulating thymic entry of antigen-presenting cells. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1262. [PMID: 29593265 PMCID: PMC5872006 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03619-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC) purge the T cell repertoire of autoreactive thymocytes. Although dendritic cells (DC) reinforce this process by transporting innocuous peripheral self-antigens, the mechanisms that control their thymic entry remain unclear. Here we show that mTEC-CD4+ thymocyte crosstalk regulates the thymus homing of SHPS-1+ conventional DCs (cDC), plasmacytoid DCs (pDC) and macrophages. This homing process is controlled by lymphotoxin α (LTα), which negatively regulates CCL2, CCL8 and CCL12 chemokines in mTECs. Consequently, Ltα-deficient mice have increased expression of these chemokines that correlates with augmented classical NF-κB subunits and increased thymic recruitment of cDCs, pDCs and macrophages. This enhanced migration depends mainly on the chemokine receptor CCR2, and increases thymic clonal deletion. Altogether, this study identifies a fine-tuning mechanism of T cell repertoire selection and paves the way for therapeutic interventions to treat autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noëlla Lopes
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, INSERM U1104, CNRS UMR7280, Aix-Marseille Université UM2, Marseille, 13288 cedex 09, France
| | - Jonathan Charaix
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, INSERM U1104, CNRS UMR7280, Aix-Marseille Université UM2, Marseille, 13288 cedex 09, France
| | - Oriane Cédile
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Neurobiology Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløwsvej 25, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Arnauld Sergé
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Aix-Marseille Université UM105, 13273 cedex 09, Marseille, France
| | - Magali Irla
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, INSERM U1104, CNRS UMR7280, Aix-Marseille Université UM2, Marseille, 13288 cedex 09, France.
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46
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Lopes N, Vachon H, Marie J, Irla M. Administration of RANKL boosts thymic regeneration upon bone marrow transplantation. EMBO Mol Med 2018; 9:835-851. [PMID: 28455312 PMCID: PMC5452038 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201607176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytoablative treatments lead to severe damages on thymic epithelial cells (TECs), which result in delayed de novo thymopoiesis and a prolonged period of T‐cell immunodeficiency. Understanding the mechanisms that govern thymic regeneration is of paramount interest for the recovery of a functional immune system notably after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Here, we show that RANK ligand (RANKL) is upregulated in CD4+ thymocytes and lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells during the early phase of thymic regeneration. Importantly, whereas RANKL neutralization alters TEC recovery after irradiation, ex vivo RANKL administration during BMT boosts the regeneration of TEC subsets including thymic epithelial progenitor‐enriched cells, thymus homing of lymphoid progenitors, and de novo thymopoiesis. RANKL increases specifically in LTi cells, lymphotoxin α, which is critical for thymic regeneration. RANKL treatment, dependent on lymphotoxin α, is beneficial upon BMT in young and aged individuals. This study thus indicates that RANKL may be clinically useful to improve T‐cell function recovery after BMT by controlling multiple facets of thymic regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noella Lopes
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Hortense Vachon
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Julien Marie
- Department of Immunology Virology and Inflammation, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL) UMR INSERM1052, CNRS 5286, Lyon, France.,TGF-b and Immune Evasion, Tumor Immunology Program, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Magali Irla
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, Marseille Cedex 09, France
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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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48
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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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49
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Abstract
As potent antigen-presenting cells, dendritic cells (DCs) comprise the most heterogeneous cell population with significant cellular phenotypic and functional plasticity. They form a sentinel network to modulate immune responses, since intrinsic cellular mechanisms and complex external, environmental signals endow DCs with the distinct capacity to induce protective immunity or tolerance to self. Interactions between DCs and other cells of the immune system mediate this response. This interactive response depends on DC maturation status and subtype, as well as the microenvironment of the tissue location and DC-intrinsic regulators. Dysregulated DCs can initiate and perpetuate various immune disorders, which creates attractive therapeutic targets. In this review, we provide a detailed outlook on DC ontogeny and functional specialization. We highlight recent advances on the regulatory role that DCs play in immune responses, the putative molecular regulators that control DC functional responding and the contribution of DCs to inflammatory disease physiopathology.
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Ucar O, Li K, Dvornikov D, Kreutz C, Timmer J, Matt S, Brenner L, Smedley C, Travis MA, Hofmann TG, Klingmüller U, Kyewski B. A Thymic Epithelial Stem Cell Pool Persists throughout Ontogeny and Is Modulated by TGF-β. Cell Rep 2017; 17:448-457. [PMID: 27705793 PMCID: PMC5067280 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 07/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult tissue-specific stem cells (SCs) mediate tissue homeostasis and regeneration and can give rise to all lineages in the corresponding tissue, similar to the early progenitors that generate organs in the first place. However, the developmental origins of adult SCs are largely unknown. We recently identified thymosphere-forming stem cells (TSFCs) in the adult mouse thymus, which display genuine stemness features and can generate the two major thymic epithelial cell lineages. Here, we show that embryonic TSFCs possess stemness features but differ from adult TSFCs in surface marker profile. Our findings support the model of a continuous thymic SC lineage that is maintained throughout ontogeny. TGF-β signaling differentially affects embryonic versus adult thymosphere formation, suggesting that thymic epithelial SC potency depends on both developmental stage and environmental signals. Collectively, our findings suggest that embryonic TSFCs contribute to an adult SC pool and that TSFC plasticity is controlled by TGF-β signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Ucar
- Division of Developmental Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Kaiyong Li
- Division of Developmental Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dmytro Dvornikov
- Division of Systems Biology of Signal Transduction, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Translational Lung Research Center (TLRC) Heidelberg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clemens Kreutz
- Center for Biological Systems Analysis (ZBSA), BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jens Timmer
- Center for Biological Systems Analysis (ZBSA), BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sonja Matt
- Division of Epigenetics, Cellular Senescence Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lukas Brenner
- Division of Developmental Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Catherine Smedley
- Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Manchester M13 9NT, UK; Manchester Immunology Group, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
| | - Mark A Travis
- Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Manchester M13 9NT, UK; Manchester Immunology Group, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
| | - Thomas G Hofmann
- Division of Epigenetics, Cellular Senescence Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ursula Klingmüller
- Division of Systems Biology of Signal Transduction, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Translational Lung Research Center (TLRC) Heidelberg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bruno Kyewski
- Division of Developmental Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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