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Yuan M, Wang W, Hawes I, Han J, Yao Z, Bertaina A. Advancements in γδT cell engineering: paving the way for enhanced cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1360237. [PMID: 38576617 PMCID: PMC10991697 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1360237] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Comprising only 1-10% of the circulating T cell population, γδT cells play a pivotal role in cancer immunotherapy due to their unique amalgamation of innate and adaptive immune features. These cells can secrete cytokines, including interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and can directly eliminate tumor cells through mechanisms like Fas/FasL and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Unlike conventional αβT cells, γδT cells can target a wide variety of cancer cells independently of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) presentation and function as antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Their ability of recognizing antigens in a non-MHC restricted manner makes them an ideal candidate for allogeneic immunotherapy. Additionally, γδT cells exhibit specific tissue tropism, and rapid responsiveness upon reaching cellular targets, indicating a high level of cellular precision and adaptability. Despite these capabilities, the therapeutic potential of γδT cells has been hindered by some limitations, including their restricted abundance, unsatisfactory expansion, limited persistence, and complex biology and plasticity. To address these issues, gene-engineering strategies like the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T therapy, T cell receptor (TCR) gene transfer, and the combination with γδT cell engagers are being explored. This review will outline the progress in various engineering strategies, discuss their implications and challenges that lie ahead, and the future directions for engineered γδT cells in both monotherapy and combination immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wenjun Wang
- *Correspondence: Wenjun Wang, ; Alice Bertaina,
| | | | | | | | - Alice Bertaina
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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Ganapathy T, Radhakrishnan R, Sakshi S, Martin S. CAR γδ T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Is the field more yellow than green? Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:277-286. [PMID: 35960333 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03260-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Engineered immune cell therapy to treat malignancies refractory to conventional therapies is modernizing oncology. Although αβ T cells are time-tested chassis for CAR, potential graft versus host disease (GvHD) apart from cytokine toxicity and antigen escape pose limitations to this approach. αβ T cell malignancy challenges isolation and expansion of therapeutic T cells. Moreover, αβ T cells may pose toxicity risk to inflammation sensitive vital tissues bearing the tumor. The HLA independent, multivalent, versatile and systemic anti-tumor immunity increases the desirability of γδ T cells as an alternate chassis for CAR. Indeed, CD19 γδ CAR T cell therapy to treat advanced lymphoma reached a milestone with the fast track status by FDA. However, reduced tumor-toxicity, homing, in vivo persistence and heterogeneity limits the translation of this therapy. The field is gaining momentum in recent years with optimization of gene delivery approaches and mechanistic insights into co-signaling requirements in γδ T cells. There is a renewed interest in customizing design of CAR guided by the biology of the host immune cells. Progress has been made in the current good manufacturing practice compatible expansion and engineering protocols for the δ1 and δ2 T cells. γδ CAR T cells may find its niche in the clinical situations wherein conventional CAR therapy is less suitable due to propensity for cytokine toxicity or off-tumor effect. As the therapy is moving towards clinical trials, this review chronicles the hitherto progress in the therapeutic engineering of γδ T cells for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thamizhselvi Ganapathy
- Immune Cell Engineering and Therapy (iCET) Laboratory, Christian Medical College Vellore, Bagayam, Tamil Nadu, 632002, India
| | - Rajalingam Radhakrishnan
- Synthetic Immunology Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
| | - Seth Sakshi
- Immune Cell Engineering and Therapy (iCET) Laboratory, Christian Medical College Vellore, Bagayam, Tamil Nadu, 632002, India
| | - Sunil Martin
- Synthetic Immunology Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India.
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3
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Alatoom A, ElGindi M, Sapudom J, Teo JCM. The T Cell Journey: A Tour de Force. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200173. [PMID: 36190140 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200173] [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: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
T cells act as the puppeteers in the adaptive immune response, and their dysfunction leads to the initiation and progression of pathological conditions. During their lifetime, T cells experience myriad forces that modulate their effector functions. These forces are imposed by interacting cells, surrounding tissues, and shear forces from fluid movement. In this review, a journey with T cells is made, from their development to their unique characteristics, including the early studies that uncovered their mechanosensitivity. Then the studies pertaining to the responses of T cell activation to changes in antigen-presenting cells' physical properties, to their immediate surrounding extracellular matrix microenvironment, and flow conditions are highlighted. In addition, it is explored how pathological conditions like the tumor microenvironment can hinder T cells and allow cancer cells to escape elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aseel Alatoom
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Campus, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE.,Department of Mechanical Engineering Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
| | - Mei ElGindi
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Campus, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Jiranuwat Sapudom
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Campus, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Jeremy C M Teo
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Campus, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE.,Department of Mechanical Engineering Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
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Toward Establishing an Ideal Adjuvant for Non-Inflammatory Immune Enhancement. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244006. [PMID: 36552770 PMCID: PMC9777512 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244006] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate immune system functions to eliminate invading foreign nucleic acids and foreign proteins from infectious diseases and malignant tumors. Because pathogens and cancer cells have unique amino acid sequences and motifs (e.g., microbe-associated molecular patterns, MAMPs) that are recognized as "non-self" to the host, immune enhancement is one strategy to eliminate invading cells. MAMPs contain nucleic acids specific or characteristic of the microbe and are potential candidates for immunostimulants or adjuvants. Adjuvants are included in many vaccines and are a way to boost immunity by deliberately administering them along with antigens. Although adjuvants are an important component of vaccines, it is difficult to evaluate their efficacy ex vivo and in vivo on their own (without antigens). In addition, inflammation induced by currently candidate adjuvants may cause adverse events, which is a hurdle to their approval as drugs. In addition, the lack of guidelines for evaluating the safety and efficacy of adjuvants in drug discovery research also makes regulatory approval difficult. Viral double-stranded (ds) RNA mimics have been reported as potent adjuvants, but the safety barrier remains unresolved. Here we present ARNAX, a noninflammatory nucleic acid adjuvant that selectively targets Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) in antigen-presenting dendritic cells (APCs) to safely induce antigen cross-presentation and subsequently induce an acquired immune response independent of inflammation. This review discusses the challenges faced in the clinical development of novel adjuvants.
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Cherry ABC, Gherardin NA, Sikder HI. Intracellular radar: Understanding γδ T cell immune surveillance and implications for clinical strategies in oncology. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1011081. [PMID: 36212425 PMCID: PMC9539555 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1011081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells play a key role in anticancer immunity, with responses mediated through a diversity of αβ or γδ T cell receptors. Although αβ and γδ T cells stem from common thymic precursors, the development and subsequent biological roles of these two subsets differ considerably. γδ T cells are an unconventional T cell subset, uniquely poised between the adaptive and innate immune systems, that possess the ability to recognize intracellular disturbances and non-peptide-based antigens to eliminate tumors. These distinctive features of γδ T cells have led to recent interest in developing γδ-inspired therapies for treating cancer patients. In this minireview, we explore the biology of γδ T cells, including how the γδ T cell immune surveillance system can detect intracellular disturbances, and propose a framework to understand the γδ T cell-inspired therapeutic strategies entering the clinic today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne B. C. Cherry
- Axiom Healthcare Strategies, Princeton, NJ, United States
- *Correspondence: Anne B. C. Cherry,
| | - Nicholas A. Gherardin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Barisic S, Childs RW. Graft-Versus-Solid-Tumor Effect: From Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation to Adoptive Cell Therapies. Stem Cells 2022; 40:556-563. [PMID: 35325242 PMCID: PMC9216497 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxac021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
After allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), donor lymphocytes may contribute to the regression of hematological malignancies and select solid tumors, a phenomenon referred to as the graft-versus-tumor effect (GVT). However, this immunologic reaction is frequently limited by either poor specificity resulting in graft-versus-host disease or the frequency of tumor-specific T cells being too low to induce a complete and sustained anti-tumor response. Over the past 2 decades, it has become clear that the driver of GVT following allogeneic HSCT is T-cell-mediated recognition of antigens presented on tumor cells. With that regard, even though the excitement for using HSCT in solid tumors has declined, clinical trials of HSCT in solid tumors provided proof of concept and valuable insights leading to the discovery of tumor antigens and the development of targeted adoptive cell therapies for cancer. In this article, we review the results of clinical trials of allogeneic HSCT in solid tumors. We focus on lessons learned from correlative studies of these trials that hold the potential for the creation of tumor-specific immunotherapies with greater efficacy and safety for the treatment of malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Barisic
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunotherapy, Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Richard W Childs
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunotherapy, Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Corresponding author: Richard W. Childs, MD, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room 3-5330, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. Tel: +1 301 451 7128;
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Cai C, Peng Y, Shen E, Wan R, Gao L, Gao Y, Zhou Y, Huang Q, Chen Y, Liu P, Guo C, Feng Z, Zhang X, Liu Y, Shen H, Zeng S, Han Y. Identification of tumour immune infiltration-associated snoRNAs (TIIsno) for predicting prognosis and immune landscape in patients with colon cancer via a TIIsno score model. EBioMedicine 2022; 76:103866. [PMID: 35144219 PMCID: PMC8844792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.103866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colon cancer (CC) is the leading cause of tumour-related death worldwide. SnoRNA plays a critical role in the tumour microenvironment. The tumour microenvironment can be shaped by tumour-infiltrating immune cells, which control the destiny of immunotherapy efficacy. This study uniquely focused on snoRNAs derived from immune cells to identify new biomarkers for immune landscape. Methods A novel computational framework was initiated for identifying tumour immune infiltration-associated snoRNAs (TIIsno) signatures and developed a TIIsno score model from integrative snoRNA profiling analysis of 21 purified immune cell lines, 43 colon cancer cell lines, and three datasets (training, test, real-world validation set). Findings Our study found that a high TIIsno score was associated with poor CC prognosis. TIIsno scores were seen to be negatively correlated with (I) the infiltration level of most immune cells, (II) the inhibitory immune checkpoints expression level, and (III) the immune score. These findings, taken together with the observation that TIIsno score is lower in MSI-H patients, suggests that patients with a low TIIsno score may have a better response to immunotherapy. Interpretation In conclusion, we successfully identified TIIsno and constructed a TIIsno score model, a new potential biomarker of immunotherapy response, which can effectively predict the prognosis of CC patients as well. Funding National Key R & D Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, key projects from the Nature Science Foundation of Hunan Province, projects from Beijing CSCO Clinical Oncology Research Foundation, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of Central South University.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjing Cai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008
| | - Yinghui Peng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008
| | - Edward Shen
- Department of Life Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Rongjun Wan
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China, 410008
| | - Le Gao
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008
| | - Yulai Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008
| | - Qiaoqiao Huang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008
| | - Yihong Chen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008
| | - Cao Guo
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008
| | - Ziyang Feng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008
| | - Xiangyang Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008
| | - Yihan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China, 410008.
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China, 410008.
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008; Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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Rana I, Badarinath K, Zirmire RK, Jamora C. Isolation and Quantification of Mouse γδT-cells in vitro and in vivo. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e4148. [PMID: 34604453 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4148] [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: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The skin plays an important role in protecting the body from pathogens and chemicals in the external environment. Upon injury, a healing program is rapidly initiated and involves extensive intercellular communication to restore tissue homeostasis. The deregulation of this crosstalk can lead to abnormal healing processes and is the foundation of many skin diseases. A relatively overlooked cell type that nevertheless plays critical roles in skin homeostasis, wound repair, and disease is the dendritic epidermal T cells (DETCs), which are also called γδT-cells. Given their varied roles in both physiological and pathological scenarios, interest in the regulation and function of DETCs has substantially increased. Moreover, their ability to regulate other immune cells has garnered substantial attention for their potential role as immunomodulators and in immunotherapies. In this article, we describe a protocol to isolate and culture DETCs and analyse them in vivo within the skin. These approaches will facilitate the investigation of their crosstalk with other cutaneous cells and the mechanisms by which they influence the status of the skin. Graphic abstract: Overall workflow to analyse DETCs in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isha Rana
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India.,Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Krithika Badarinath
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India.,National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Ravindra K Zirmire
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India.,Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Colin Jamora
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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Miccoli A, Guerra L, Pianese V, Saraceni PR, Buonocore F, Taddei AR, Couto A, De Wolf T, Fausto AM, Scapigliati G, Picchietti S. Molecular, Cellular and Functional Analysis of TRγ Chain along the European Sea Bass Dicentrarchus labrax Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073376. [PMID: 33806063 PMCID: PMC8036326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In jawed vertebrates, adaptive immune responses are enabled by T cells. Two lineages were characterized based on their T cell receptor (TcR) heterodimers, namely αβ or γδ peptide chains, which display an Ig domain-type sequence that is somatically rearranged. γδ T cells have been less extensively characterized than αβ and teleost fish, in particular, suffer from a severe scarcity of data. In this paper, we worked on the well-known model, the European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax, to broaden the understanding of teleost γδ-T cells. The T cell receptor chain (TR) γ transcript was expressed at a later developmental stage than TRβ, suggesting a layered appearance of fish immune cells, and the thymus displayed statistically-significant higher mRNA levels than any other organ or lymphoid tissue investigated. The polyclonal antibody developed against the TRγ allowed the localization of TRγ-expressing cells in lymphoid organs along the ontogeny. Cell positivity was investigated through flow cytometry and the highest percentage was found in peripheral blood leukocytes, followed by thymus, gut, gills, spleen and head kidney. Numerous TRγ-expressing cells were localized in the gut mucosa, and the immunogold labelling revealed ultrastructural features that are typical of T cells. At last, microalgae-based diet formulations significantly modulated the abundance of TRγ+ cells in the posterior intestine, hinting at a putative involvement in nutritional immunity. From a comparative immunological perspective, our results contribute to the comprehension of the diversity and functionalities of γδ T cells during the development of a commercially relevant marine teleost model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Miccoli
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.M.); (L.G.); (V.P.); (P.R.S.); (F.B.); (A.M.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Laura Guerra
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.M.); (L.G.); (V.P.); (P.R.S.); (F.B.); (A.M.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Valeria Pianese
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.M.); (L.G.); (V.P.); (P.R.S.); (F.B.); (A.M.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Paolo Roberto Saraceni
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.M.); (L.G.); (V.P.); (P.R.S.); (F.B.); (A.M.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Francesco Buonocore
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.M.); (L.G.); (V.P.); (P.R.S.); (F.B.); (A.M.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Anna Rita Taddei
- Section of Electron Microscopy, Great Equipment Center, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
| | - Ana Couto
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Av. General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
| | - Tania De Wolf
- INVE Aquaculture Research Center, 57016 Rosignano Solvay, Italy;
| | - Anna Maria Fausto
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.M.); (L.G.); (V.P.); (P.R.S.); (F.B.); (A.M.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Scapigliati
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.M.); (L.G.); (V.P.); (P.R.S.); (F.B.); (A.M.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Simona Picchietti
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.M.); (L.G.); (V.P.); (P.R.S.); (F.B.); (A.M.F.); (G.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0761-357-135
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