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Belean A, Xue E, Cisneros B, Roberson EDO, Paley MA, Bigley TM. Transcriptomic profiling of thymic dysregulation and viral tropism after neonatal roseolovirus infection. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1375508. [PMID: 38895117 PMCID: PMC11183875 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1375508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Herpesviruses, including the roseoloviruses, have been linked to autoimmune disease. The ubiquitous and chronic nature of these infections have made it difficult to establish a causal relationship between acute infection and subsequent development of autoimmunity. We have shown that murine roseolovirus (MRV), which is highly related to human roseoloviruses, induces thymic atrophy and disruption of central tolerance after neonatal infection. Moreover, neonatal MRV infection results in development of autoimmunity in adult mice, long after resolution of acute infection. This suggests that MRV induces durable immune dysregulation. Methods In the current studies, we utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) to study the tropism of MRV in the thymus and determine cellular processes in the thymus that were disrupted by neonatal MRV infection. We then utilized tropism data to establish a cell culture system. Results Herein, we describe how MRV alters the thymic transcriptome during acute neonatal infection. We found that MRV infection resulted in major shifts in inflammatory, differentiation and cell cycle pathways in the infected thymus. We also observed shifts in the relative number of specific cell populations. Moreover, utilizing expression of late viral transcripts as a proxy of viral replication, we identified the cellular tropism of MRV in the thymus. This approach demonstrated that double negative, double positive, and CD4 single positive thymocytes, as well as medullary thymic epithelial cells were infected by MRV in vivo. Finally, by applying pseudotime analysis to viral transcripts, which we refer to as "pseudokinetics," we identified viral gene transcription patterns associated with specific cell types and infection status. We utilized this information to establish the first cell culture systems susceptible to MRV infection in vitro. Conclusion Our research provides the first complete picture of roseolovirus tropism in the thymus after neonatal infection. Additionally, we identified major transcriptomic alterations in cell populations in the thymus during acute neonatal MRV infection. These studies offer important insight into the early events that occur after neonatal MRV infection that disrupt central tolerance and promote autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Belean
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Eden Xue
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Benjamin Cisneros
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Elisha D. O. Roberson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Michael A. Paley
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Tarin M. Bigley
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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2
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Ocampo-Godinez JM, Gonzalez-Quiroz JL, Cote-Palafox H, George E, Vergara-Lope Nuñez JA, Villagomez-Olea G, Vazquez-Vazquez FC, Lopez-Villegas EO, Leon-Avila G, Dominguez-Lopez ML, Alvarez-Perez MA. Primary explants of the postnatal thymus allow the expansion of clonogenic thymic epithelial cells that constitute thymospheres. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:312. [PMID: 37904232 PMCID: PMC10617125 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03529-8] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are responsible for shaping the repertoires of T cells, where their postnatal regeneration depends on a subset of clonogenic TECs. Despite the implications for regenerative medicine, their cultivation and expansion remain challenging. Primary explant cell culture is a technique that allows the seeding and expansion of difficult-to-culture cells. Here, we report a reliable and simple culture system to obtain functional TECs and thymic interstitial cells (TICs). METHODS To establish primary thymic explants, we harvested 1 mm cleaned fragments of thymus from 5-week-old C57/BL6 mice. Tissue fragments of a complete thymic lobe were placed in the center of a Petri dish with 1 mL of DMEM/F-12 medium supplemented with 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1% penicillin‒streptomycin. To compare, thymic explants were also cultivated by using serum-free DMEM/F-12 medium supplemented with 10% KnockOut™. RESULTS We obtained high numbers of functional clonogenic TECs and TICs from primary thymic explants cultivated with DMEM/F-12 with 20% FBS. These cells exhibited a highly proliferative and migration profile and were able to constitute thymospheres. Furthermore, all the subtypes of medullary TECs were identified in this system. They express functional markers to shape T-cell and type 2 innate lymphoid cells repertoires, such as Aire, IL25, CCL21 and CD80. Finally, we also found that ≥ 70% of lineage negative TICs expressed high amounts of Aire and IL25. CONCLUSION Thymic explants are an efficient method to obtain functional clonogenic TECs, all mTEC subsets and different TICs Aire+IL25+ with high regenerative capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Ocampo-Godinez
- Laboratorio de Bioingeniería de Tejidos, División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Genética, Departamento de Zoología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica I, Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jose L Gonzalez-Quiroz
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica I, Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Hector Cote-Palafox
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth George
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Jael A Vergara-Lope Nuñez
- Laboratorio de Bioingeniería de Tejidos, División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
- Central de Microscopia, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Guillermo Villagomez-Olea
- Laboratorio de Bioingeniería de Tejidos, División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Febe C Vazquez-Vazquez
- Laboratorio de Investigación de Materiales Dentales y Biomateriales, Departamento de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Edgar O Lopez-Villegas
- Central de Microscopia, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gloria Leon-Avila
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Maria L Dominguez-Lopez
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica I, Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Marco A Alvarez-Perez
- Laboratorio de Bioingeniería de Tejidos, División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.
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3
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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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Sottoriva K, Paik NY, White Z, Bandara T, Shao L, Sano T, Pajcini KV. A Notch/IL-21 signaling axis primes bone marrow T cell progenitor expansion. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e157015. [PMID: 35349492 PMCID: PMC9090257 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.157015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term impairment in T cell-mediated adaptive immunity is a major clinical obstacle following treatment of blood disorders with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Although T cell development in the thymus has been extensively characterized, there are significant gaps in our understanding of prethymic processes that influence early T cell potential. We have uncovered a Notch/IL-21 signaling axis in bone marrow common lymphoid progenitor (CLP) cells. IL-21 receptor expression was driven by Notch activation in CLPs, and in vivo treatment with IL-21 induced Notch-dependent CLP proliferation. Taking advantage of this potentially novel signaling axis, we generated T cell progenitors ex vivo, which improved repopulation of the thymus and peripheral lymphoid organs of mice in an allogeneic transplant model. Importantly, Notch and IL-21 activation were equally effective in the priming and expansion of human cord blood cells toward the T cell fate, confirming the translational potential of the combined treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Na Yoon Paik
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and
| | - Zachary White
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Lijian Shao
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and
| | - Teruyuki Sano
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Depletion of Ift88 in thymic epithelial cells affects thymic synapse and T-cell differentiation in aged mice. Anat Sci Int 2022; 97:409-422. [PMID: 35435578 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-022-00663-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Primary cilia are ubiquitous hair-like organelles, usually projecting from the cell surface. They are essential for the organogenesis and homeostasis of various physiological functions, and their dysfunction leads to a plethora of human diseases. However, there are few reports on the role of primary cilia in the immune system; therefore, we focused on their role in the thymus that nurtures immature lymphocytes to full-fledged T cells. We detected primary cilia on the thymic epithelial cell (TEC) expressing transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) receptor in the basal body, and established a line of an intraflagellar transport protein 88 (Ift88) knockout mice lacking primary cilia in TECs (Ift88-TEC null mutant) to clarify their precise role in thymic organogenesis and T-cell differentiation. The Ift88-TEC null mutant mice showed stunted cilia or lack of cilia in TECs. The intercellular contact between T cells and the "thymic synapse" of medullary TECs was slightly disorganized in Ift88-TEC null mutants. Notably, the CD4- and CD8-single positive thymocyte subsets increased significantly. The absence or disorganization of thymic cilia downregulated the TGF-β signaling cascade, increasing the number of single positive thymocytes. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the physiological role of primary cilia and Ift88 in regulating the differentiation of the thymus and T cells.
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6
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CXCL12-driven thymocyte migration is increased by thymic epithelial cells treated with prolactin in vitro. J Biosci 2021. [PMID: 34815373 PMCID: PMC8608580 DOI: 10.1007/s12038-021-00229-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The prolactin hormone (PRL), in addition to its known effects on breast development and lactation, exerts effects on the immune system, including pleiotropic effects on the thymus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of PRL on the epithelial compartment of the thymus. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) (2BH4 cells) and fresh thymocytes were used. Immunofluorescence assay revealed that PRL treatment (10 ng/mL) increases the deposition of laminin and expression of the chemokine CXCL12 in 2BH4 cells. However, no change was observed in the deposition of fibronectin. Moreover, PRL altered F-actin polymerisation, allowing the formation of focal adhesion complexes in treated cells. When 2BH4 cells were pre-treated with PRL, thymocyte adhesion was not altered. However, in the cell migration assay, pre-treatment with PRL potentiated the chemotactic effect of CXCL12 on the migration of total, double-positive, CD4-positive, and CD8-positive thymocytes. Together, the results of this study demonstrate the effect of PRL on thymic epithelial cells, particularly on CXCL12-driven thymocyte migration, confirming that this hormone is a regulator of thymic physiology.
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Gras-Peña R, Danzl NM, Khosravi-Maharlooei M, Campbell SR, Ruiz AE, Parks CA, Suen Savage WM, Holzl MA, Chatterjee D, Sykes M. Human stem cell-derived thymic epithelial cells enhance human T-cell development in a xenogeneic thymus. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 149:1755-1771. [PMID: 34695489 PMCID: PMC9023620 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generation of thymic tissue from pluripotent stem cells would provide therapies for acquired and congenital thymic insufficiency states. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to generate human thymic epithelial progenitors from human embryonic stem cells (hES-TEPs) and to assess their thymopoietic function in vivo. METHODS This study differentiated hES-TEPs by mimicking developmental queues with FGF8, retinoic acid, SHH, Noggin, and BMP4. Their function was assessed in reaggregate cellular grafts under the kidney capsule and in hybrid thymi by incorporating them into swine thymus (SwTHY) grafts implanted under the kidney capsules of immunodeficient mice that received human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (hHSPCs) intravenously. RESULTS Cultured hES-TEPs expressed FOXN1 and formed colonies expressing EPCAM and both cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cell markers. In thymectomized immunodeficient mice receiving hHSPCs, hES-TEPs mixed with human thymic mesenchymal cells supported human T-cell development. Hypothesizing that support from non-epithelial thymic cells might allow long-term function of hES-TEPs, the investigators injected them into SwTHY tissue, which supports human thymopoiesis in NOD severe combined immunodeficiency IL2Rγnull mice receiving hHSPCs. hES-TEPs integrated into SwTHY grafts, enhanced human thymopoiesis, and increased peripheral CD4+ naive T-cell reconstitution. CONCLUSIONS This study has developed and demonstrated in vivo thymopoietic function of hES-TEPs generated with a novel differentiation protocol. The SwTHY hybrid thymus model demonstrates beneficial effects on human thymocyte development of hES-TEPs maturing in the context of a supportive thymic structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Gras-Peña
- Columbia Center for Human Development, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY; Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY.
| | - Nichole M Danzl
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Mohsen Khosravi-Maharlooei
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Sean R Campbell
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Amanda E Ruiz
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Christopher A Parks
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - William Meng Suen Savage
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Markus A Holzl
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Debanjana Chatterjee
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Megan Sykes
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY; Department of Surgery and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY.
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Haunerdinger V, Moccia MD, Opitz L, Vavassori S, Dave H, Hauri-Hohl MM. Novel Combination of Surface Markers for the Reliable and Comprehensive Identification of Human Thymic Epithelial Cells by Flow Cytometry: Quantitation and Transcriptional Characterization of Thymic Stroma in a Pediatric Cohort. Front Immunol 2021; 12:740047. [PMID: 34659232 PMCID: PMC8514761 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.740047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are essential in supporting the development of mature T cells from hematopoietic progenitor cells and facilitate their lineage-commitment, proliferation, T-cell receptor repertoire selection and maturation. While animal model systems have greatly aided in elucidating the contribution of stromal cells to these intricate processes, human tissue has been more difficult to study, partly due to a lack of suitable surface markers comprehensively defining human TECs. Here, we conducted a flow cytometry based surface marker screen to reliably identify and quantify human TECs and delineate medullary from cortical subsets. These findings were validated by transcriptomic and histologic means. The combination of EpCAM, podoplanin (pdpn), CD49f and CD200 comprehensively identified human TECs and not only allowed their reliable distinction in medullary and cortical subsets but also their detailed quantitation. Transcriptomic profiling of each subset in comparison to fibroblasts and endothelial cells confirmed the identity of the different stromal cell subsets sorted according to the proposed strategy. Our dataset not only demonstrated transcriptional similarities between TEC and cells of mesenchymal origin but furthermore revealed a subset-specific distribution of a specific set of extracellular matrix-related genes in TECs. This indicates that TECs significantly contribute to the distinct compartmentalization - and thus function - of the human thymus. We applied the strategy to quantify TEC subsets in 31 immunologically healthy children, which revealed sex-specific differences of TEC composition early in life. As the distribution of mature CD4- or CD8-single-positive thymocytes was correspondingly altered, the composition of the thymic epithelial compartment may directly impact on the CD4-CD8-lineage choice of thymocytes. We prove that the plain, reliable strategy proposed here to comprehensively identify human TEC subpopulations by flow cytometry based on surface marker expression is suitable to determine their frequency and phenotype in health and disease and allows sorting of live cells for downstream analysis. Its use reaches from a reliable diagnostic tool for thymic biopsies to improved phenotypic characterization of thymic grafts intended for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Haunerdinger
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Domenica Moccia
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lennart Opitz
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Vavassori
- Division of Immunology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Pediatric Immunology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hitendu Dave
- Division of Congenital Cardiovascular Surgery, University Children's Hospital and Children's Research Centre, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mathias M Hauri-Hohl
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
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9
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Wang HX, Zhang Q, Zhang J, Luan R, Liang Z, Tan L, Xu Y, Zhang P, Zheng L, Zhao Y, Qiu YR. CD74 regulates cellularity and maturation of medullary thymic epithelial cells partially by activating the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21535. [PMID: 33817835 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100139r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are indispensable for T cell development, T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire selection, and specific lineage differentiation. Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), which account for the majority of TECs in adults, are critical for thymocyte selection and self-tolerance. CD74 is a nonpolymorphic transmembrane glycoprotein of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) that is expressed in TECs. However, the exact role of CD74 in regulating the development of mTEC is poorly defined. In this research, we found that loss of CD74 resulted in a significant diminution in the medulla, a selective reduction in the cell number of mature mTECs expressing CD80 molecules, which eventually led to impaired thymic CD4+ T cell development. Moreover, RNA-sequence analysis showed that CD74 deficiency obviously downregulated the canonical nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway in mTECs. Our results suggest that CD74 positively controls mTEC cellularity and maturation partially by activating the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xia Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Luan
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanfeng Liang
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Tan
- Department of Urological Organ Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanan Xu
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Rong Qiu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Sharma H, Moroni L. Recent Advancements in Regenerative Approaches for Thymus Rejuvenation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2100543. [PMID: 34306981 PMCID: PMC8292900 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The thymus plays a key role in adaptive immunity by generating a diverse population of T cells that defend the body against pathogens. Various factors from disease and toxic insults contribute to the degeneration of the thymus resulting in a fewer output of T cells. Consequently, the body is prone to a wide host of diseases and infections. In this review, first, the relevance of the thymus is discussed, followed by thymic embryological organogenesis and anatomy as well as the development and functionality of T cells. Attempts to regenerate the thymus include in vitro methods, such as forming thymic organoids aided by biofabrication techniques that are transplantable. Ex vivo methods that have shown promise in enhancing thymic regeneration are also discussed. Current regenerative technologies have not yet matched the complexity and functionality of the thymus. Therefore, emerging techniques that have shown promise and the challenges that lie ahead are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himal Sharma
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment of Complex Tissue RegenerationMaastricht UniversityMaastricht6229 ERNetherlands
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment of Complex Tissue RegenerationMaastricht UniversityMaastricht6229 ERNetherlands
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Besnard M, Padonou F, Provin N, Giraud M, Guillonneau C. AIRE deficiency, from preclinical models to human APECED disease. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:dmm046359. [PMID: 33729987 PMCID: PMC7875492 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.046359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) is a rare life-threatening autoimmune disease that attacks multiple organs and has its onset in childhood. It is an inherited condition caused by a variety of mutations in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene that encodes a protein whose function has been uncovered by the generation and study of Aire-KO mice. These provided invaluable insights into the link between AIRE expression in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), and the broad spectrum of self-antigens that these cells express and present to the developing thymocytes. However, these murine models poorly recapitulate all phenotypic aspects of human APECED. Unlike Aire-KO mice, the recently generated Aire-KO rat model presents visual features, organ lymphocytic infiltrations and production of autoantibodies that resemble those observed in APECED patients, making the rat model a main research asset. In addition, ex vivo models of AIRE-dependent self-antigen expression in primary mTECs have been successfully set up. Thymus organoids based on pluripotent stem cell-derived TECs from APECED patients are also emerging, and constitute a promising tool to engineer AIRE-corrected mTECs and restore the generation of regulatory T cells. Eventually, these new models will undoubtedly lead to main advances in the identification and assessment of specific and efficient new therapeutic strategies aiming to restore immunological tolerance in APECED patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Besnard
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Francine Padonou
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Nathan Provin
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Matthieu Giraud
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Carole Guillonneau
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, F-44000 Nantes, France
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12
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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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13
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Medeiros NC, Porto FL, de Menezes CA, dos Santos Reis MD, Smaniotto S, Lins MP. CXCL12-driven thymocyte migration is increased by thymic epithelial cells treated with prolactin in vitro. J Biosci 2021; 46:103. [PMID: 34815373 PMCID: PMC8608580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The prolactin hormone (PRL), in addition to its known effects on breast development and lactation, exerts effects on the immune system, including pleiotropic effects on the thymus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of PRL on the epithelial compartment of the thymus. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) (2BH4 cells) and fresh thymocytes were used. Immunofluorescence assay revealed that PRL treatment (10 ng/ mL) increases the deposition of laminin and expression of the chemokine CXCL12 in 2BH4 cells. However, no change was observed in the deposition of fibronectin. Moreover, PRL altered F-actin polymerisation, allowing the formation of focal adhesion complexes in treated cells. When 2BH4 cells were pre-treated with PRL, thymocyte adhesion was not altered. However, in the cell migration assay, pre-treatment with PRL potentiated the chemotactic effect of CXCL12 on the migration of total, double-positive, CD4-positive, and CD8-positive thymocytes. Together, the results of this study demonstrate the effect of PRL on thymic epithelial cells, particularly on CXCL12-driven thymocyte migration, confirming that this hormone is a regulator of thymic physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Návylla Candeia Medeiros
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Felipe Lima Porto
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Clarice Agudo de Menezes
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Maria Danielma dos Santos Reis
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
- Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Salete Smaniotto
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
- Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marvin Paulo Lins
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
- Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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14
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Detection of Microbiota from Human Thymus of Myasthenia Gravis. Indian J Surg 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12262-020-02202-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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15
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Cron MA, Payet CA, Fayet OM, Maillard S, Truffault F, Fadel E, Guihaire J, Berrih-Aknin S, Liston A, Le Panse R. Decreased expression of miR-29 family associated with autoimmune myasthenia gravis. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:294. [PMID: 33032631 PMCID: PMC7545844 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01958-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disease mainly mediated by autoantibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) at the neuromuscular junction. The thymus is the effector organ, and its removal alleviates the symptoms of the disease. In the early-onset form of MG, the thymus displays functional and morphological abnormalities such as B cell infiltration leading to follicular hyperplasia, and the production of AChR antibodies. Type-I interferon (IFN-I), especially IFN-β, is the orchestrator of thymic changes observed in MG. As Dicer and miR-29 subtypes play a role in modulating the IFN-I signalization in mouse thymus, we investigated their expression in MG thymus. Methods The expression of DICER and miR-29 subtypes were thoroughly investigated by RT-PCR in human control and MG thymuses, and in thymic epithelial cells (TECs). Using miR-29a/b-1-deficient mice, with lower miR-29a/b-1 expression, we investigated their susceptibility to experimental autoimmune MG (EAMG) as compared to wild-type mice. Results DICER mRNA and all miR-29 subtypes were down-regulated in the thymus of MG patients and DICER expression was correlated with the lower expression of miR-29a-3p. A decreased expression of miR-29 subtypes was similarly observed in MG TECs; a decrease also induced in TECs upon IFN-β treatment. We demonstrated that miR-29a/b-1-deficient mice were more susceptible to EAMG without higher levels of anti-AChR IgG subtypes. In the thymus, if no B cell infiltration was observed, an increased expression of Ifn-β associated with Baff expression and the differentiation of Th17 cells associated with increased expression of Il-6, Il-17a and Il-21 and decreased Tgf-β1 mRNA were demonstrated in miR-29a/b-1-deficient EAMG mice. Conclusions It is not clear if the decreased expression of miR-29 subtypes in human MG is a consequence or a causative factor of thymic inflammation. However, our results from the EAMG mouse model indicated that a reduction in miR-29a/b1 may contribute to the pathophysiological process involved in MG by favoring the increased expression of IFN-β and the emergence of pro-inflammatory Th17 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie A Cron
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Cloé A Payet
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Odessa-Maud Fayet
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Solène Maillard
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Frédérique Truffault
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Elie Fadel
- Marie Lannelongue Hospital, Paris-Sud University, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Julien Guihaire
- Marie Lannelongue Hospital, Paris-Sud University, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Adrian Liston
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Lymphocyte Signalling and Development, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Rozen Le Panse
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, UMRS 974, Paris, France.
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16
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Truffault F, Nazzal D, Verdier J, Gradolatto A, Fadel E, Roussin R, Eymard B, Le Panse R, Berrih-Aknin S. Comparative Analysis of Thymic and Blood Treg in Myasthenia Gravis: Thymic Epithelial Cells Contribute to Thymic Immunoregulatory Defects. Front Immunol 2020; 11:782. [PMID: 32435245 PMCID: PMC7218102 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00782] [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: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is involved in autoimmune Myasthenia gravis (MG) associated with anti-acetylcholine (AChR) antibodies. In MG, thymic regulatory T cells (Treg) are not efficiently suppressive, and conventional T cells (Tconv) are resistant to suppression. To better understand the specific role of the thymus in MG, we compared the phenotype and function of peripheral and thymic Treg and Tconv from controls and MG patients. Suppression assays with thymic or peripheral CD4 + T cells showed that the functional impairment in MG was more pronounced in the thymus than in the periphery. Phenotypic analysis of Treg showed a significant reduction of resting and effector Treg in the thymus but not in the periphery of MG patients. CD31, a marker lost with excessive immunoreactivity, was significantly reduced in thymic but not blood resting Treg. These results suggest that an altered thymic environment may explain Treg differences between MG patients and controls. Since thymic epithelial cells (TECs) play a major role in the generation of Treg, we co-cultured healthy thymic CD4 + T cells with control or MG TECs and tested their suppressive function. Co-culture with MG TECs consistently hampers regulatory activity, as compared with control TECs, suggesting that MG TECs contribute to the immune regulation defects of MG CD4 + T cells. MG TECs produced significantly higher thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) than control TECs, and a neutralizing anti-TSLP antibody partially restored the suppressive capacity of Treg derived from co-cultures with MG TECs, suggesting that TSLP contributed to the defect of thymic Treg in MG patients. Finally, a co-culture of MG CD4 + T cells with control TECs restored numbers and function of MG Treg, demonstrating that a favorable environment could correct the immune regulation defects of T cells in MG. Altogether, our data suggest that the severe defect of thymic Treg is at least partially due to MG TECs that overproduce TSLP. The Treg defects could be corrected by replacing dysfunctional TECs by healthy TECs. These findings highlight the role of the tissue environment on the immune regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédérique Truffault
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Dani Nazzal
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Julien Verdier
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Angeline Gradolatto
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Elie Fadel
- Marie Lannelongue Hospital, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | | | - Bruno Eymard
- AP-HP, Referral Center for Neuromuscular Disorders, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Institute of Myology, Paris, France
| | - Rozen Le Panse
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
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Abstract
Thymus regenerative therapy implementation is severely obstructed by the limited number and expansion capacity in vitro of tissue-specific thymic epithelial stem cells (TESC). Current solutions are mostly based on growth factors that can drive differentiation of pluripotent stem cells toward tissue-specific TESC. Target-specific small chemical compounds represent an alternative solution that could induce and support the clonal expansion of TESC and reversibly block their differentiation into mature cells. These compounds could be used both in the composition of culture media designed for TESC expansion in vitro, and in drugs development for thymic regeneration in vivo. It should allow reaching the ultimate objective - autologous thymic tissue regeneration in paediatric patients who had their thymus removed in the course of cardiac surgery.
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Mongolian Medicine RuXian-I Treatment of Estrogen-Induced Mammary Gland Hyperplasia in Rats Related to TCTP Regulating Apoptosis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:1907263. [PMID: 31015848 PMCID: PMC6444233 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1907263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Mongolian medicine RuXian-I is composed of 30 Mongolian herbs, which is a traditional Mongolian recipe for clinical treatment of breast "Qi Su Bu Ri Le Du Sen" disease (hyperplasia of mammary glands, HMG). Based on the previous study, this dissertation further explores the therapeutic mechanism of RuXian-I on estrogen-induced HMG in rats. RuXian-I had no effect on the body weight and food intake of HMG rats and had no toxic effects on the five organs (heart, lung, spleen, and kidney). RuXian-I reduced the diameter and height of nipple, organ index, and pathological changes and alleviated the sex hormone levels oh HMG; RuXian-I reduced the upregulation of TCTP, Mcl-1, and Bcl-xL in breast tissue of mammary gland hyperplasia and increased the downregulation of p53, Bax, caspase-9, and caspase-3 protein. RuXian-I has an effective therapeutic activity on HMG rats, and its possible therapeutic mechanism is closely related to antiapoptosis protein TCTP-regulated apoptosis.
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Villegas JA, Bayer AC, Ider K, Bismuth J, Truffault F, Roussin R, Santelmo N, Le Panse R, Berrih-Aknin S, Dragin N. Il-23/Th17 cell pathway: A promising target to alleviate thymic inflammation maintenance in myasthenia gravis. J Autoimmun 2019; 98:59-73. [PMID: 30578016 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
IL-23/Th17 pathway has been identified to sustain inflammatory condition in several autoimmune diseases and therefore being targeted in various therapeutic and effective approaches. Patients affected with autoimmune myasthenia gravis exhibit a disease effector tissue, the thymus, that harbors ectopic germinal centers that sustain production of auto-antibodies, targeting proteins located in the neuromuscular junction, cause of the organ-specific chronic autoimmune disease. The present study aims to investigate the IL-23/Th17 cell pathway in the thymic inflammatory and pathogenic events. We found that thymuses of MG patients displayed overexpression of Interleukin-17, signature cytokine of activated Th17 cells. This activation was sustained by a higher secretion of Interleukin-23 by TEC, in addition to the increased expression of cytokines involved in Th17 cell development. The overexpression of Interleukin-23 was due to a dysregulation of interferon type I pathway. Besides, Interleukin-17 secreted, and Th17 cells were localized around thymic ectopic germinal centers. These cells expressed podoplanin, a protein involved in B-cell maturation and antibody secretion. Finally, production of Interleukin-23 was also promoted by Interleukin-17 secreted itself by Th17 cells, highlighting a chronic loop of inflammation sustained by thymic cell interaction. Activation of the IL-23/Th17 pathway in the thymus of autoimmune myasthenia gravis patients creates an unstoppable loop of inflammation that may participate in ectopic germinal center maintenance. To alleviate the physio-pathological events in myasthenia gravis patients, this pathway may be considered as a new therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Villegas
- Sorbonne Université, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France; INSERM UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France
| | - Alexandra C Bayer
- Sorbonne Université, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France; INSERM UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France
| | - Katia Ider
- Sorbonne Université, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France; INSERM UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France
| | - Jacky Bismuth
- Sorbonne Université, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France; INSERM UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France
| | - Frédérique Truffault
- Sorbonne Université, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France; INSERM UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Rozen Le Panse
- Sorbonne Université, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France; INSERM UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France.
| | - Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- Sorbonne Université, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France; INSERM UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France
| | - Nadine Dragin
- Sorbonne Université, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France; INSERM UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France; Inovarion, Paris, France.
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