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Chen Y, Song Y, Peng H, Li J, Zhao C, Liu D, Tan J, Liu Y. Changes in Thymic Size and Immunity Are Associated with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e1732-e1739. [PMID: 37192653 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1768704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are at increased risk for dysfunctional immune responses in the postnatal period. This study aimed to verify the hypothesis that thymic function is altered in infants with BPD and changes in the expression of thymic function-related genes affect thymic development. STUDY DESIGN Included in the study were infants who had a gestational age ≤32 weeks and survived to a postmenstrual age of ≥36 weeks. The clinical features and thymic size were comparatively studied between infants with and without BPD. Thymic function and the expression of thymic function-related genes were determined in BPD infants at birth, week 2, and 4 of life. The thymic size was ultrasonographically assessed in terms of the thymic index (TI) and thymic weight index (TWI). T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and gene expression were quantitatively determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Compared to non-BPD infants, their BPD counterparts had a shorter GA, lower birth weight, lower Apgar scores at birth, and were more likely to be of the male gender. BPD infants had an elevated incidence of respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis. TI was 1.73 ± 0.68 versus 2.87 ± 0.70 cm3 and TWI was 1.38 ± 0.45 versus 1.72 ± 0.28 cm3/kg in the BPD group versus the non-BPD group (p < 0.05). In BPD infants, no significant changes were observed in thymic size, lymphocyte counts, and TREC copy numbers at the first 2 weeks (p > 0.05), but they all exhibited a significant increase at week 4 (p < 0.05). BPD infants presented a trend toward increased expression of transforming growth factor-β1 and decreased expression of forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3) from birth to week 4 (p < 0.05). Nonetheless, no significant difference was found in IL-2 or IL-7 expression at all time points (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION For preterm infants with BPD, reduced thymic size at birth might be associated with impaired thymic function. Thymic function was developmentally regulated in the BPD process. KEY POINTS · For preterm infants with BPD, reduced thymic size at birth might be associated with impaired thymic.. · BPD infants had an elevated incidence of respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis.. · Thymic function was developmentally regulated in the BPD process..
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- Department of Pediatric, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Song
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Key Lab of Molecular Imaging, China
| | - Hua Peng
- Department of Pediatric, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pediatric, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cong Zhao
- Department of Pediatric, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding Liu
- Department of Pediatric, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Tan
- Department of Pediatric, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yalan Liu
- Department of Pediatric, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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2
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Vasconcelos-Fontes L, Vieira RC, He M, Ferreira-Reis R, Jurberg AD, Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz D, Andersson J, Cotta-de-Almeida V, Westerberg LS. Controlled WASp activity regulates the proliferative response for Treg cell differentiation in the thymus. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2350450. [PMID: 38356202 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350450] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) regulates actin cytoskeletal dynamics and function of hematopoietic cells. Mutations in the WAS gene lead to two different syndromes; Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) caused by loss-of-function mutations, and X-linked neutropenia (XLN) caused by gain-of-function mutations. We previously showed that WASp-deficient mice have a decreased number of regulatory T (Treg) cells in the thymus and the periphery. We here evaluated the impact of WASp mutations on Treg cells in the thymus of WAS and XLN mouse models. Using in vitro Treg differentiation assays, WAS CD4 single-positive thymocytes have decreased differentiation to Treg cells, despite normal early signaling upon IL-2 and TGF-β stimulation. They failed to proliferate and express CD25 at high levels, leading to poor survival and a lower number of Foxp3+ Treg cells. Conversely, XLN CD4 single-positive thymocytes efficiently differentiate into Foxp3+ Treg cells following a high proliferative response to IL-2 and TGF-β, associated with high CD25 expression when compared with WT cells. Altogether, these results show that specific mutations of WASp affect Treg cell development differently, demonstrating a critical role of WASp activity in supporting Treg cell development and expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Vasconcelos-Fontes
- Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rhaissa C Vieira
- Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Minghui He
- Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rafaella Ferreira-Reis
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Arnon Dias Jurberg
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - John Andersson
- Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Karolinska Institutet, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vinicius Cotta-de-Almeida
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lisa S Westerberg
- Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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3
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Swaminathan S, Scorza T, Yero A, Farnos O, Burke Schinkel SC, Angel JB, Jenabian MA. Impact of in vitro HIV infection on human thymic regulatory T cell differentiation. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1217801. [PMID: 37547675 PMCID: PMC10400333 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1217801] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The differentiation and function of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) is dictated by the master transcription factor FoxP3. During HIV infection, there is an increase in Treg frequencies in the peripheral blood and lymphoid tissues. This accentuates immune dysfunction and disease progression. Expression of FoxP3 by thymic Tregs (tTregs) is partially controlled by TGF-β. This cytokine also contributes to Treg development in the peripheral blood and lymphoid tissues. Although TGF-β mediates lymphoid tissue fibrosis and peripheral Treg differentiation in HIV-infected individuals, its role in the induction and maintenance of Tregs within the thymus during HIV infection remains unclear. Methods Thymocytes were isolated from fresh human thymic tissues obtained from pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Infection by both R5- and X4-tropic HIV-1 strains and TGF-β treatment of human thymocytes was performed in an in vitro co-culture model with OP9-DL1 cells expressing Notch ligand delta-like 1 without T cell receptor (TCR) activation. Results Despite high expression of CCR5 and CXCR4 by tTregs, FoxP3 + CD3highCD8- thymocytes were much less prone to in vitro infection with R5- and X4-tropic HIV strains compared to FoxP3-CD3highCD8- thymocytes. As expected, CD3highCD4+ thymocytes, when treated with TGF-β1, upregulated CD127 and this treatment resulted in increased FoxP3 expression and Treg differentiation, but did not affect the rate of HIV infection. FoxP3 expression and Treg frequencies remained unchanged following in vitro HIV infection alone or in combination with TGF-β1. Conclusion FoxP3 expression and tTreg differentiation is not affected by in vitro HIV infection alone or the combination of in vitro HIV infection and TGF-β treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharada Swaminathan
- Department of Biological Sciences and CERMO-FC Research Centre, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tatiana Scorza
- Department of Biological Sciences and CERMO-FC Research Centre, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexis Yero
- Department of Biological Sciences and CERMO-FC Research Centre, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Omar Farnos
- Department of Biological Sciences and CERMO-FC Research Centre, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Jonathan B. Angel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Ottawa Hospital-General Campus, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mohammad-Ali Jenabian
- Department of Biological Sciences and CERMO-FC Research Centre, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montreal, QC, Canada
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Han J, Liu N, Jin W, Zanvit P, Zhang D, Xu J, Bynum A, Kazmi R, Zhang J, He W, Chen W. TGF-β controls development of TCRγδ +CD8αα + intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes. Cell Discov 2023; 9:52. [PMID: 37253786 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00542-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
γδ intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) constitute the majority of IELs with unique CD8αα+ homodimers that are distinct from γδT cells in other tissues. However, it remains largely unclear how those cells develop. Here we show that transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling controls the development of TCRγδ+CD8αα+ IELs. Deletion of TGF-β receptors or Smad3 and Smad2 in bone marrow stem cells caused a deficiency of TCRγδ+CD8αα+ IELs in mixed bone marrow chimeric mice. Mechanistically, TGF-β is required for the development of TCRγδ+CD8αα+ IELs thymic precursors (CD44-CD25- γδ thymocytes). In addition, TGF-β signaling induced CD8α in thymic γδT cells and maintained CD8α expression and survival in TCRγδ+CD8αα+ IELs. Moreover, TGF-β also indirectly controls TCRγδ+CD8αα+ IELs by modulating the function of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Importantly, TGF-β signaling in TCRγδ+CD8αα+ IELs safeguarded the integrity of the intestinal barrier in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Han
- Mucosal Immunology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- CAMS Key Laboratory for T Cell and Immunotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Na Liu
- Mucosal Immunology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wenwen Jin
- Mucosal Immunology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Peter Zanvit
- Mucosal Immunology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dunfang Zhang
- Mucosal Immunology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Junji Xu
- Mucosal Immunology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrew Bynum
- Mucosal Immunology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rida Kazmi
- Mucosal Immunology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- CAMS Key Laboratory for T Cell and Immunotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Wei He
- CAMS Key Laboratory for T Cell and Immunotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - WanJun Chen
- Mucosal Immunology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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5
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Chen B, Mu C, Zhang Z, He X, Liu X. The Love-Hate Relationship Between TGF-β Signaling and the Immune System During Development and Tumorigenesis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:891268. [PMID: 35720407 PMCID: PMC9204485 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.891268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Since TGF-β was recognized as an essential secreted cytokine in embryogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis a decade ago, our knowledge of the role of TGF-β in mammalian development and disease, particularly cancer, has constantly been updated. Mounting evidence has confirmed that TGF-β is the principal regulator of the immune system, as deprivation of TGF-β signaling completely abrogates adaptive immunity. However, enhancing TGF-β signaling constrains the immune response through multiple mechanisms, including boosting Treg cell differentiation and inducing CD8+ T-cell apoptosis in the disease context. The love-hate relationship between TGF-β signaling and the immune system makes it challenging to develop effective monotherapies targeting TGF-β, especially for cancer treatment. Nonetheless, recent work on combination therapies of TGF-β inhibition and immunotherapy have provide insights into the development of TGF-β-targeted therapies, with favorable outcomes in patients with advanced cancer. Hence, we summarize the entanglement between TGF-β and the immune system in the developmental and tumor contexts and recent progress on hijacking crucial TGF-β signaling pathways as an emerging area of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baode Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenglin Mu
- Institute for Intelligent Bio/Chem Manufacturing (iBCM), Zhejiang University (ZJU)-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhang
- Institute for Intelligent Bio/Chem Manufacturing (iBCM), Zhejiang University (ZJU)-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuelin He
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Institute for Intelligent Bio/Chem Manufacturing (iBCM), Zhejiang University (ZJU)-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou, China
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6
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Rojas-Pirela M, Andrade-Alviárez D, Medina L, Castillo C, Liempi A, Guerrero-Muñoz J, Ortega Y, Maya JD, Rojas V, Quiñones W, Michels PA, Kemmerling U. MicroRNAs: master regulators in host-parasitic protist interactions. Open Biol 2022; 12:210395. [PMID: 35702995 PMCID: PMC9198802 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs present in a wide diversity of organisms. MiRNAs regulate gene expression at a post-transcriptional level through their interaction with the 3' untranslated regions of target mRNAs, inducing translational inhibition or mRNA destabilization and degradation. Thus, miRNAs regulate key biological processes, such as cell death, signal transduction, development, cellular proliferation and differentiation. The dysregulation of miRNAs biogenesis and function is related to the pathogenesis of diseases, including parasite infection. Moreover, during host-parasite interactions, parasites and host miRNAs determine the probability of infection and progression of the disease. The present review is focused on the possible role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of diseases of clinical interest caused by parasitic protists. In addition, the potential role of miRNAs as targets for the design of drugs and diagnostic and prognostic markers of parasitic diseases is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Rojas-Pirela
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile,Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile,Facultad de Farmacia y Bioanálisis, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Diego Andrade-Alviárez
- Laboratorio de Enzimología de Parásitos, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Lisvaneth Medina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Christian Castillo
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile,Núcleo de Investigación Aplicada en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Chile
| | - Ana Liempi
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Jesús Guerrero-Muñoz
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Yessica Ortega
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile,Facultad de Farmacia y Bioanálisis, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Juan Diego Maya
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Verónica Rojas
- Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile
| | - Wilfredo Quiñones
- Laboratorio de Enzimología de Parásitos, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Paul A. Michels
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution and Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Ulrike Kemmerling
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
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Gordino G, Costa‐Pereira S, Corredeira P, Alves P, Costa L, Gomes AQ, Silva‐Santos B, Ribot JC. MicroRNA-181a restricts human γδ T cell differentiation by targeting Map3k2 and Notch2. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e52234. [PMID: 34821000 PMCID: PMC8728617 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202052234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells are a conserved population of lymphocytes that contributes to anti-tumor responses through its overt type 1 inflammatory and cytotoxic properties. We have previously shown that human γδ T cells acquire this profile upon stimulation with IL-2 or IL-15, in a differentiation process dependent on MAPK/ERK signaling. Here, we identify microRNA-181a as a key modulator of human γδ T cell differentiation. We observe that miR-181a is highly expressed in patients with prostate cancer and that this pattern associates with lower expression of NKG2D, a critical mediator of cancer surveillance. Interestingly, miR-181a expression negatively correlates with an activated type 1 effector profile obtained from in vitro differentiated γδ T cells and miR-181a overexpression restricts their levels of NKG2D and TNF-α. Upon in silico analysis, we identify two miR-181a candidate targets, Map3k2 and Notch2, which we validate via overexpression coupled with luciferase assays. These results reveal a novel role for miR-181a as critical regulator of human γδ T cell differentiation and highlight its potential for manipulation of γδ T cells in next-generation immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Gordino
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Sara Costa‐Pereira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Patrícia Corredeira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Patrícia Alves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Luís Costa
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
- Medical Oncology DivisionHospital de Santa MariaCentro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa NorteLisbonPortugal
| | - Anita Q Gomes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Bruno Silva‐Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Julie C Ribot
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
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8
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Browning LM, Miller C, Kuczma M, Pietrzak M, Jing Y, Rempala G, Muranski P, Ignatowicz L, Kraj P. Bone Morphogenic Proteins Are Immunoregulatory Cytokines Controlling FOXP3 + T reg Cells. Cell Rep 2021; 33:108219. [PMID: 33027660 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) are members of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) cytokine family promoting differentiation, homeostasis, and self-renewal of multiple tissues. We show that signaling through the bone morphogenic protein receptor 1α (BMPR1α) sustains expression of FOXP3 in Treg cells in peripheral lymphoid tissues. BMPR1α signaling promotes molecular circuits supporting acquisition and preservation of Treg cell phenotype and inhibiting differentiation of pro-inflammatory effector Th1/Th17 CD4+ T cell. Mechanistically, increased expression of KDM6B (JMJD3) histone demethylase, an antagonist of the polycomb repressive complex 2, underlies lineage-specific changes of T cell phenotypes associated with abrogation of BMPR1α signaling. These results reveal that BMPs are immunoregulatory cytokines mediating maturation and stability of peripheral FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) and controlling generation of iTreg cells. Thus, we establish that BMPs, a large cytokine family, are an essential link between stromal tissues and the adaptive immune system involved in sustaining tissue homeostasis by promoting immunological tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Browning
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Caroline Miller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Michal Kuczma
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Maciej Pietrzak
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Yu Jing
- Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Grzegorz Rempala
- College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Pawel Muranski
- Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Leszek Ignatowicz
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Piotr Kraj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA.
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9
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de Barros SC, Suterwala BT, He C, Ge S, Chick B, Blumberg GK, Kim K, Klein S, Zhu Y, Wang X, Casero D, Crooks GM. Pleiotropic Roles of VEGF in the Microenvironment of the Developing Thymus. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:2423-2436. [PMID: 32989093 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neonatal life marks the apogee of murine thymic growth. Over the first few days after birth, growth slows and the murine thymus switches from fetal to adult morphology and function; little is known about the cues driving this dramatic transition. In this study, we show for the first time (to our knowledge) the critical role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on thymic morphogenesis beyond its well-known role in angiogenesis. During a brief window a few days after birth, VEGF inhibition induced rapid and profound remodeling of the endothelial, mesenchymal and epithelial thymic stromal compartments, mimicking changes seen during early adult maturation. Rapid transcriptional changes were seen in each compartment after VEGF inhibition, including genes involved in migration, chemotaxis, and cell adhesion as well as induction of a proinflammatory and proadipogenic signature in endothelium, pericytes, and mesenchyme. Thymocyte numbers fell subsequent to the stromal changes. Expression patterns and functional blockade of the receptors VEGFR2 and NRP1 demonstrated that VEGF mediates its pleiotropic effects through distinct receptors on each microenvironmental compartment of the developing mouse thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C de Barros
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Batul T Suterwala
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Chongbin He
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Shundi Ge
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Brent Chick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Garrett K Blumberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Kenneth Kim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Sam Klein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Yuhua Zhu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - David Casero
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Gay M Crooks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095; .,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095; and.,Broad Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
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Transforming Growth Factor-beta signaling in αβ thymocytes promotes negative selection. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5690. [PMID: 31857584 PMCID: PMC6923358 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13456-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In the thymus, the T lymphocyte repertoire is purged of a substantial portion of highly self-reactive cells. This negative selection process relies on the strength of TCR-signaling in response to self-peptide-MHC complexes, both in the cortex and medulla regions. However, whether cytokine-signaling contributes to negative selection remains unclear. Here, we report that, in the absence of Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-β) signaling in thymocytes, negative selection is significantly impaired. Highly autoreactive thymocytes first escape cortical negative selection and acquire a Th1-like-phenotype. They express high levels of CXCR3, aberrantly accumulate at the cortico-medullary junction and subsequently fail to sustain AIRE expression in the medulla, escaping medullary negative selection. Highly autoreactive thymocytes undergo an atypical maturation program, substantially accumulate in the periphery and induce multiple organ-autoimmune-lesions. Thus, these findings reveal TGF-β in thymocytes as crucial for negative selection with implications for understanding T cell self-tolerance mechanisms.
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12
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Passos GA, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Oliveira EH. Editorial: The Role of Aire, microRNAs and Cell-Cell Interactions on Thymic Architecture and Induction of Tolerance. Front Immunol 2015; 6:615. [PMID: 26697011 PMCID: PMC4677259 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Geraldo Aleixo Passos
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , Brazil ; Disciplines of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
| | | | - Ernna Hérida Oliveira
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
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