1
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Bjørgen H, Barac F, Fjelldal PG, Hansen T, Hordvik I, Koppang EO. Organisation of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) thymus and its content of Ig-expressing cells. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 150:109652. [PMID: 38788913 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The thymus of fishes is located as a dual organ in a rostrodorsal projection within the gill chamber and is covered by the operculum. The histological organization of the teleost fish thymus displays considerable diversity, particularly in salmonids where a clear distinction between the thymus cortex and medulla is yet to be defined. Recent interest has focused on the role of B cells in thymic function, but the presence of these cells within the salmon thymus remains poorly understood. In this morphological study, we applied in situ hybridization to investigate developing Atlantic salmon thymi for the expression of recombination activating (Rag) genes 1 and 2. We identified the location of the cortex, aligning with the previously described inner zone. Expression of IgM and IgD transcripts was predominantly observed in cells within the outer and subcapsular zones, with lesser expression in the cortex and inner zone. IgT expression was confined to a limited number of cells in the inner zone and capsule. The location of the thymus medulla could not be established. Our results are discussed in the context of the recently identified lymphoid organs, namely the intrabranchial lymphoid tissue (ILT) and the salmon bursa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Håvard Bjørgen
- Unit of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Fran Barac
- Unit of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per G Fjelldal
- Matre Research Station, Institute of Marine Research, Matre, Norway
| | - Tom Hansen
- Matre Research Station, Institute of Marine Research, Matre, Norway
| | - Ivar Hordvik
- Institute of Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Erling O Koppang
- Unit of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
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2
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Liu T, Xia S. The Proteostasis of Thymic Stromal Cells in Health and Diseases. Protein J 2024; 43:447-463. [PMID: 38622349 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-024-10197-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is the key immune organ for the development of T cells. Different populations of thymic stromal cells interact with T cells, thereby controlling the dynamic development of T cells through their differentiation and function. Proteostasis represents a balance between protein expression, folding, and modification and protein clearance, and its fluctuation usually depends at least partially on related protein regulatory systems for further survival and effects. However, in terms of the substantial requirement for self-antigens and their processing burden, increasing evidence highlights that protein regulation contributes to the physiological effects of thymic stromal cells. Impaired proteostasis may expedite the progression of thymic involution and dysfunction, accompanied by the development of autoimmune diseases or thymoma. Hence, in this review, we summarize the regulation of proteostasis within different types of thymic stromal cells under physiological and pathological conditions to identify potential targets for thymic regeneration and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301, Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Sheng Xia
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301, Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China.
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3
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Perrino M, Voulaz E, Balin S, Cazzato G, Fontana E, Franzese S, Defendi M, De Vincenzo F, Cordua N, Tamma R, Borea F, Aliprandi M, Airoldi M, Cecchi LG, Fazio R, Alloisio M, Marulli G, Santoro A, Di Tommaso L, Ingravallo G, Russo L, Da Rin G, Villa A, Della Bella S, Zucali PA, Mavilio D. Autoimmunity in thymic epithelial tumors: a not yet clarified pathologic paradigm associated with several unmet clinical needs. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1288045. [PMID: 38629065 PMCID: PMC11018877 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1288045] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare mediastinal cancers originating from the thymus, classified in two main histotypes: thymoma and thymic carcinoma (TC). TETs affect a primary lymphoid organ playing a critical role in keeping T-cell homeostasis and ensuring an adequate immunological tolerance against "self". In particular, thymomas and not TC are frequently associated with autoimmune diseases (ADs), with Myasthenia Gravis being the most common AD present in 30% of patients with thymoma. This comorbidity, in addition to negatively affecting the quality and duration of patients' life, reduces the spectrum of the available therapeutic options. Indeed, the presence of autoimmunity represents an exclusion criteria for the administration of the newest immunotherapeutic treatments with checkpoint inhibitors. The pathophysiological correlation between TETs and autoimmunity remains a mystery. Several studies have demonstrated the presence of a residual and active thymopoiesis in adult patients affected by thymomas, especially in mixed and lymphocytic-rich thymomas, currently known as type AB and B thymomas. The aim of this review is to provide the state of art in regard to the histological features of the different TET histotype, to the role of the different immune cells infiltrating tumor microenvironments and their impact in the break of central immunologic thymic tolerance in thymomas. We discuss here both cellular and molecular immunologic mechanisms inducing the onset of autoimmunity in TETs, limiting the portfolio of therapeutic strategies against TETs and greatly impacting the prognosis of associated autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Perrino
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Voulaz
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Balin
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gerardo Cazzato
- Section of Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Elena Fontana
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
- Human Genome and Biomedical Technologies Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Franzese
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Defendi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio De Vincenzo
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Nadia Cordua
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Tamma
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Federica Borea
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Aliprandi
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Airoldi
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Giovanni Cecchi
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Fazio
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Alloisio
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marulli
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Armando Santoro
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Di Tommaso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ingravallo
- Section of Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Laura Russo
- Clinical Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Da Rin
- Clinical Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Villa
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Della Bella
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Andrea Zucali
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
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4
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James KD, Cosway EJ, Parnell SM, White AJ, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Assembling the thymus medulla: Development and function of epithelial cell heterogeneity. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300165. [PMID: 38161233 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is a unique primary lymphoid organ that supports the production of self-tolerant T-cells essential for adaptive immunity. Intrathymic microenvironments are microanatomically compartmentalised, forming defined cortical, and medullary regions each differentially supporting critical aspects of thymus-dependent T-cell maturation. Importantly, the specific functional properties of thymic cortical and medullary compartments are defined by highly specialised thymic epithelial cells (TEC). For example, in the medulla heterogenous medullary TEC (mTEC) contribute to the enforcement of central tolerance by supporting deletion of autoreactive T-cell clones, thereby counterbalancing the potential for random T-cell receptor generation to contribute to autoimmune disease. Recent advances have further shed light on the pathways and mechanisms that control heterogeneous mTEC development and how differential mTEC functionality contributes to control self-tolerant T-cell development. Here we discuss recent findings in relation to mTEC development and highlight examples of how mTEC diversity contribute to thymus medulla function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran D James
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Emilie J Cosway
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sonia M Parnell
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrea J White
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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5
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Ying Y, Tao N, Zhang F, Wen X, Zhou M, Gao J. Thymosin β4 Regulates the Differentiation of Thymocytes by Controlling the Cytoskeletal Rearrangement and Mitochondrial Transfer of Thymus Epithelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1088. [PMID: 38256161 PMCID: PMC10816181 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The thymus is one of the most crucial immunological organs, undergoing visible age-related shrinkage. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) play a vital role in maintaining the normal function of the thymus, and their degeneration is the primary cause of age-induced thymic devolution. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) serves as a significant important G-actin sequestering peptide. The objective of this study was to explore whether Tβ4 influences thymocyte differentiation by regulating the cytoskeletal rearrangement and mitochondrial transfer of TECs. A combination of H&E staining, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, cytoskeletal immunolabeling, and mitochondrial immunolabeling were employed to observe the effects of Tβ4 on TECs' skeleton rearrangement, mitochondrial transfer, and thymocyte differentiation. The study revealed that the Tβ4 primarily regulates the formation of microfilaments and the mitochondrial transfer of TECs, along with the formation and maturation of double-negative cells (CD4-CD8-) and CD4 single-positive cells (CD3+TCRβ+CD4+CD8-) thymocytes. This study suggests that Tβ4 plays a crucial role in thymocyte differentiation by influencing the cytoskeletal rearrangement and mitochondrial transfer of TECs. These effects may be associated with Tβ4's impact on the aggregation of F-actin. This finding opens up new avenues for research in the field of immune aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jianli Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (Y.Y.); (N.T.); (F.Z.); (X.W.); (M.Z.)
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6
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Fu Y, Zhang X, Wu H, Zhang P, Liu S, Guo T, Shan H, Liang Y, Chen H, Xie J, Duan Y. HOXA3 functions as the on-off switch to regulate the development of hESC-derived third pharyngeal pouch endoderm through EPHB2-mediated Wnt pathway. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1258074. [PMID: 38259452 PMCID: PMC10800530 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1258074] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Normal commitment of the endoderm of the third pharyngeal pouch (3PP) is essential for the development and differentiation of the thymus. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of transcription factor HOXA3 in the development and differentiation of 3PP endoderm (3PPE) from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Methods The 3PPE was differentiated from hESC-derived definitive endoderm (DE) by mimicking developmental queues with Activin A, WNT3A, retinoic acid and BMP4. The function of 3PPE was assessed by further differentiating into functional thymic epithelial cells (TECs). The effect of HOXA3 inhibition on cells of 3PPE was subsequently investigated. Results A highly efficient approach for differentiating 3PPE cells was developed and these cells expressed 3PPE related genes HOXA3, SIX1, PAX9 as well as EpCAM. 3PPE cells had a strong potential to develop into TECs which expressed both cortical TEC markers K8 and CD205, and medullary TEC markers K5 and AIRE, and also promoted the development and maturation of T cells. More importantly, transcription factor HOXA3 not only regulated the differentiation of 3PPE, but also had a crucial role for the proliferation and migration of 3PPE cells. Our further investigation revealed that HOXA3 controlled the commitment and function of 3PPE through the regulation of Wnt signaling pathway by activating EPHB2. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that HOXA3 functioned as the on-off switch to regulate the development of hESC-derived 3PPE through EPHB2-mediated Wnt pathway, and our findings will provide new insights into studying the development of 3PP and thymic organ in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Fu
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institute for Clinical Medicine, the Second Affiliation Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueyan Zhang
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institute for Clinical Medicine, the Second Affiliation Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haibin Wu
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institute for Clinical Medicine, the Second Affiliation Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pingping Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliation Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shoupei Liu
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institute for Clinical Medicine, the Second Affiliation Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Guo
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institute for Clinical Medicine, the Second Affiliation Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huanhuan Shan
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institute for Clinical Medicine, the Second Affiliation Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institute for Clinical Medicine, the Second Affiliation Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Honglin Chen
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghe Xie
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuyou Duan
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institute for Clinical Medicine, the Second Affiliation Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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7
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Zhong X, Peddada N, Wang J, Moresco JJ, Zhan X, Shelton JM, SoRelle JA, Keller K, Lazaro DR, Moresco EMY, Choi JH, Beutler B. OVOL2 sustains postnatal thymic epithelial cell identity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7786. [PMID: 38012144 PMCID: PMC10682436 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43456-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Distinct pathways and molecules may support embryonic versus postnatal thymic epithelial cell (TEC) development and maintenance. Here, we identify a mechanism by which TEC numbers and function are maintained postnatally. A viable missense allele (C120Y) of Ovol2, expressed ubiquitously or specifically in TECs, results in lymphopenia, in which T cell development is compromised by loss of medullary TECs and dysfunction of cortical TECs. We show that the epithelial identity of TECs is aberrantly subverted towards a mesenchymal state in OVOL2-deficient mice. We demonstrate that OVOL2 inhibits the epigenetic regulatory BRAF-HDAC complex, specifically disrupting RCOR1-LSD1 interaction. This causes inhibition of LSD1-mediated H3K4me2 demethylation, resulting in chromatin accessibility and transcriptional activation of epithelial genes. Thus, OVOL2 controls the epigenetic landscape of TECs to enforce TEC identity. The identification of a non-redundant postnatal mechanism for TEC maintenance offers an entry point to understanding thymic involution, which normally begins in early adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhong
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - Nagesh Peddada
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - Jianhui Wang
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - James J Moresco
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - Xiaowei Zhan
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8821, USA
| | - John M Shelton
- Intermal Medicine-Histopathology Core, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8573, USA
| | - Jeffrey A SoRelle
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9072, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9063, USA
| | - Katie Keller
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - Danielle Renee Lazaro
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - Eva Marie Y Moresco
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - Jin Huk Choi
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA.
| | - Bruce Beutler
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA.
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8
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Huang X, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Xu M, Du X, Zhang Y. Circulating miRNAs drive personalized medicine based on subgroup classification in myasthenia gravis patients. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:3877-3884. [PMID: 37402938 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06933-3] [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: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a classic autoimmune neuromuscular disease with strong clinical heterogeneity. The concept of subgroup classification was proposed to guide the precise treatment of MG. Subgroups based on serum antibodies and clinical features include ocular MG, early-onset MG with AchR antibodies, late-onset MG with AchR antibodies, thymoma-associated MG, MuSK-associated MG, LRP4-associated MG, and seronegative MG. However, reliable objective biomarkers are still needed to reflect the individualized response to therapy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules which can specifically bind to target genes and regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, and then influence celluar biological processes. MiRNAs play an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including MG. Several studies on circulating miRNAs in MG have been reported. However, there is rare systematic review to summarize the differences of these miRNAs in different subgroups of MG. Here, we summarize the potential role of circulating miRNAs in different subgroups of MG to promote personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Huang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan Distric, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhouao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan Distric, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yingying Wang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan Distric, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingming Xu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan Distric, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xue Du
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan Distric, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan Distric, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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9
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Stankiewicz LN, Salim K, Flaschner EA, Wang YX, Edgar JM, Lin BZB, Bingham GC, Major MC, Jones RD, Blau HM, Rideout EJ, Levings MK, Zandstra PW, Rossi FMV. Sex biased human thymic architecture guides T cell development through spatially defined niches. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.13.536804. [PMID: 37090676 PMCID: PMC10120731 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.13.536804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Within the thymus, regulation of the cellular cross-talk directing T cell development is dependent on spatial interactions within specialized niches. To create a holistic, spatially defined map of tissue niches guiding postnatal T cell development we employed the multidimensional imaging platform CO-detection by indEXing (CODEX), as well as CITE-seq and ATAC-seq. We generated age-matched 4-5-month-old postnatal thymus datasets for male and female donors, and identify significant sex differences in both T cell and thymus biology. We demonstrate a crucial role for JAG ligands in directing thymic-like dendritic cell development, reveal important functions of a novel population of ECM- fibroblasts, and characterize the medullary niches surrounding Hassall's corpuscles. Together, these data represent a unique age-matched spatial multiomic resource to investigate how sex-based differences in thymus regulation and T cell development arise, and provide an essential resource to understand the mechanisms underlying immune function and dysfunction in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin Salim
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Canada
| | - Emily A Flaschner
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yu Xin Wang
- Center for Genetic Disorders and Aging, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - John M Edgar
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bruce ZB Lin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Grace C Bingham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, USA
| | - Matthew C Major
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ross D Jones
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Helen M Blau
- Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | | | - Megan K Levings
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Canada
| | - Peter W Zandstra
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Canada
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Canada
- These authors contributed equally
- Lead contact
| | - Fabio MV Rossi
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Canada
- These authors contributed equally
- Lead contact
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10
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Gustafsson K, Scadden DT. Isolation of Thymus Stromal Cells from Human and Murine Tissue. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2567:191-201. [PMID: 36255703 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2679-5_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
T cells go through most of their maturation in the thymus, and the stromal constituents of the thymus are therefore essential for T cell differentiation. The thymic stroma secretes the factors that recruit and sustain T cell progenitors, and they also partake in the shaping of a functional and tolerant T cell receptor repertoire. The damage incurred to the thymic stromal compartment by bone marrow conditioning regimens as well as by the natural aging process impairs T cell production. Yet little is known of how to prevent or reverse this damage. The development of high-throughput, single-cell analysis technologies has enabled better characterization of thymic stromal cells. This does however require tissue dissociation protocols optimized for stromal cell isolation. In this chapter, we detail the methodology of harvesting thymus stromal cells from human and murine tissue for downstream applications such as flow cytometric analysis and single-cell RNA sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Gustafsson
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David T Scadden
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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11
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Leavens KF, Alvarez-Dominguez JR, Vo LT, Russ HA, Parent AV. Stem cell-based multi-tissue platforms to model human autoimmune diabetes. Mol Metab 2022; 66:101610. [PMID: 36209784 PMCID: PMC9587366 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which pancreatic insulin-producing β cells are specifically destroyed by the immune system. Understanding the initiation and progression of human T1D has been hampered by the lack of appropriate models that can reproduce the complexity and heterogeneity of the disease. The development of platforms combining multiple human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) derived tissues to model distinct aspects of T1D has the potential to provide critical novel insights into the etiology and pathogenesis of the human disease. SCOPE OF REVIEW In this review, we summarize the state of hPSC differentiation approaches to generate cell types and tissues relevant to T1D, with a particular focus on pancreatic islet cells, T cells, and thymic epithelium. We present current applications as well as limitations of using these hPSC-derived cells for disease modeling and discuss efforts to optimize platforms combining multiple cell types to model human T1D. Finally, we outline remaining challenges and emphasize future improvements needed to accelerate progress in this emerging field of research. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Recent advances in reprogramming approaches to create patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell lines (iPSCs), genome engineering technologies to efficiently modify DNA of hPSCs, and protocols to direct their differentiation into mature cell types have empowered the use of stem cell derivatives to accurately model human disease. While challenges remain before complex interactions occurring in human T1D can be modeled with these derivatives, experiments combining hPSC-derived β cells and immune cells are already providing exciting insight into how these cells interact in the context of T1D, supporting the viability of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla F Leavens
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania and Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Juan R Alvarez-Dominguez
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Linda T Vo
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Holger A Russ
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Audrey V Parent
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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12
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Xu L, Wei C, Chen Y, Wu Y, Shou X, Chen W, Lu D, Sun H, Li W, Yu B, Wang X, Zhang X, Yu Y, Lei Z, Tang R, Zhu J, Li Y, Lu L, Zhou H, Zhou S, Su C, Chen X. IL-33 induces thymic involution-associated naive T cell aging and impairs host control of severe infection. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6881. [PMID: 36371464 PMCID: PMC9653498 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34660-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe infection commonly results in immunosuppression, which leads to impaired pathogen clearance or increased secondary infection in both humans and animals. However, the exact mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that IL-33 results in immunosuppression by inducing thymic involution-associated naive T cell dysfunction with aberrant expression of aging-associated genes and impairs host control of infection in mouse disease models of schistosomiasis or sepsis. Furthermore, we illustrate that IL-33 triggers the excessive generation of medullary thymic epithelial cell (mTEC) IV (thymic tuft cells) in a Pou2f3-dependent manner, as a consequence, disturbs mTEC/cortical TEC (cTEC) compartment and causes thymic involution during severe infection. More importantly, IL-33 deficiency, the anti-IL-33 neutralizing antibody treatment, or IL-33 receptor ST2 deficient thymus transplantation rescues T cell immunity to better control infection in mice. Our findings not only uncover a link between severe infection-induced IL-33 and thymic involution-mediated naive T cell aging, but also suggest that targeting IL-33 or ST2 is a promising strategy to rejuvenate T cell immunity to better control severe infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Respiratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210006 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210006 P. R. China
| | - Chuan Wei
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China
| | - Ying Chen
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China
| | - Yue Wu
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China
| | - Xiaoli Shou
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China
| | - Wenjie Chen
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China
| | - Di Lu
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China
| | - Haoran Sun
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China
| | - Wei Li
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210006 P. R. China
| | - Beibei Yu
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- grid.452511.6Department of Blood Transfusion, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008 P. R. China
| | - Xiaojun Zhang
- grid.452511.6Imaging Center, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008 P. R. China
| | - Yanxiong Yu
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China
| | - Zhigang Lei
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China
| | - Rui Tang
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China
| | - Jifeng Zhu
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China
| | - Yalin Li
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China
| | - Linrong Lu
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XInstitute of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 P. R. China
| | - Hong Zhou
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XDepartment of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 P. R. China
| | - Sha Zhou
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China
| | - Chuan Su
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China
| | - Xiaojun Chen
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166 P. R. China
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13
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Abstract
The microenvironment of the thymus is composed of a group of stromal cells that include endoderm-derived thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and mesenchymal stromal cells such as fibroblasts and serves as a site for the development of T cells. TECs are known to play an essential role in T cell differentiation and selection. Mesenchymal stromal cells have been less studied in terms of their immunological significance compared to TECs. Recently, new technologies have made it possible to identify and characterize mesenchymal stromal cells in the thymus, revealing their unique functions in thymic organogenesis and T cell development. This review outlines the current views on mesenchymal stromal cells in the thymus, particularly highlighting the newly discovered function of thymic fibroblasts in T cell repertoire selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Nitta
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Pala F, Notarangelo LD, Bosticardo M. Inborn errors of immunity associated with defects of thymic development. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2022; 33:e13832. [PMID: 36003043 PMCID: PMC11077434 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The main function of the thymus is to support the establishment of a wide repertoire of T lymphocytes capable of eliminating foreign pathogens, yet tolerant to self-antigens. Thymocyte development in the thymus is dependent on the interaction with thymic stromal cells, a complex mixture of cells comprising thymic epithelial cells (TEC), mesenchymal and endothelial cells. The exchange of signals between stromal cells and thymocytes is referred to as "thymic cross-talk". Genetic defects affecting either side of this interaction result in defects in thymic development that ultimately lead to a decreased output of T lymphocytes to the periphery. In the present review, we aim at providing a summary of inborn errors of immunity (IEI) characterized by T-cell lymphopenia due to defects of the thymic stroma, or to hematopoietic-intrinsic defects of T-cell development, with a special focus on recently discovered disorders. Additionally, we review the novel diagnostic tools developed to discover and study new genetic causes of IEI due to defects in thymic development. Finally, we discuss therapeutic approaches to correct thymic defects that are currently available, in addition to potential novel therapies that could be applied in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pala
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Marita Bosticardo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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15
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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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16
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Gulla S, Reddy MC, Reddy VC, Chitta S, Bhanoori M, Lomada D. Role of thymus in health and disease. Int Rev Immunol 2022; 42:347-363. [PMID: 35593192 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2022.2064461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ, essential for the development of T-cells that will protect from invading pathogens, immune disorders, and cancer. The thymus decreases in size and cellularity with age referred to as thymus involution or atrophy. This involution causes decreased T-cell development and decreased naive T-cell emigration to the periphery, increased proportion of memory T cells, and a restricted, altered T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. The changes in composition and function of the circulating T cell pool as a result of thymic involution led to increased susceptibility to infectious diseases including the recent COVID and a higher risk for autoimmune disorders and cancers. Thymic involution consisting of both structural and functional loss of the thymus has a deleterious effect on T cell development, T cell selection, and tolerance. The mechanisms which act on the structural (cortex and medulla) matrix of the thymus, the gradual accumulation of genetic mutations, and altered gene expressions may lead to immunosenescence as a result of thymus involution. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind thymic involution is critical for identifying diagnostic biomarkers and targets for treatment help to develop strategies to mitigate thymic involution-associated complications. This review is focused on the consequences of thymic involution in infections, immune disorders, and diseases, identifying potential checkpoints and potential approaches to sustain or restore the function of the thymus particularly in elderly and immune-compromised individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendra Gulla
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Madhava C Reddy
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Vajra C Reddy
- Katuri Medical College and Hospital, Chinnakondrupadu, Guntur, India
| | | | - Manjula Bhanoori
- Department of Biochemistry, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India
| | - Dakshayani Lomada
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India
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17
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Handel AE, Cheuk S, Dhalla F, Maio S, Hübscher T, Rota I, Deadman ME, Ekwall O, Lütolf M, Weinberg K, Holländer G. Developmental dynamics of the neural crest-mesenchymal axis in creating the thymic microenvironment. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm9844. [PMID: 35559672 PMCID: PMC9106291 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm9844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The thymic stroma is composed of epithelial and nonepithelial cells providing separate microenvironments controlling homing, differentiation, and selection of hematopoietic precursor cells to functional T cells. Here, we explore at single-cell resolution the complex composition and dynamic changes of the nonepithelial stromal compartment across different developmental stages in the human and mouse thymus, and in an experimental model of the DiGeorge syndrome, the most common form of human thymic hypoplasia. The detected gene expression signatures identify previously unknown stromal subtypes and relate their individual molecular profiles to separate differentiation trajectories and functions, revealing an unprecedented heterogeneity of different cell types that emerge at discrete developmental stages and vary in their expression of key regulatory signaling circuits and extracellular matrix components. Together, these findings highlight the dynamic complexity of the nonepithelial thymus stroma and link this to separate instructive roles essential for normal thymus organogenesis and tissue maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam E. Handel
- Department of Paediatrics and the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stanley Cheuk
- Department of Paediatrics and the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fatima Dhalla
- Department of Paediatrics and the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stefano Maio
- Department of Paediatrics and the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tania Hübscher
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ioanna Rota
- Department of Paediatrics and the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mary E. Deadman
- Department of Paediatrics and the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Olov Ekwall
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthias Lütolf
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kenneth Weinberg
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Georg Holländer
- Department of Paediatrics and the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Paediatric Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Children’s Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
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18
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Sun S, Li JY, Nim HT, Piers A, Ramialison M, Porrello ER, Konstantinov IE, Elefanty AG, Stanley EG. CD90 Marks a Mesenchymal Program in Human Thymic Epithelial Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. Front Immunol 2022; 13:846281. [PMID: 35371075 PMCID: PMC8966383 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.846281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelium is critical for the structural integrity of the thymus and for T cell development. Within the fully formed thymus, large numbers of hematopoietic cells shape the thymic epithelium into a scaffold-like structure which bears little similarity to classical epithelial layers, such as those observed in the skin, intestine or pancreas. Here, we show that human thymic epithelial cells (TECs) possess an epithelial identity that also incorporates the expression of mesenchymal cell associated genes, whose expression levels vary between medullary and cortical TECs (m/cTECs). Using pluripotent stem cell (PSC) differentiation systems, we identified a unique population of cells that co-expressed the master TEC transcription factor FOXN1, as well as the epithelial associated marker EPCAM and the mesenchymal associated gene CD90. Using the same serum free culture conditions, we also observed co-expression of EPCAM and CD90 on cultured TECs derived from neonatal human thymus in vitro. Single cell RNA-sequencing revealed these cultured TECs possessed an immature mTEC phenotype and expressed epithelial and mesenchymal associated genes, such as EPCAM, CLDN4, CD90 and COL1A1. Importantly, flow cytometry and single cell RNA-sequencing analysis further confirmed the presence of an EPCAM+CD90+ population in the CD45- fraction of neonatal human thymic stromal cells in vivo. Using the human thymus cell atlas, we found that cTECs displayed more pronounced mesenchymal characteristics than mTECs during embryonic development. Collectively, these results suggest human TECs possess a hybrid gene expression program comprising both epithelial and mesenchymal elements, and provide a basis for the further exploration of thymus development from primary tissues and from the in vitro differentiation of PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shicheng Sun
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jacky Y Li
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Hieu T Nim
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute and Systems Biology Institute Australia, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Adam Piers
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Centre for Cardiovascular Genomics and Regenerative Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mirana Ramialison
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute and Systems Biology Institute Australia, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Enzo R Porrello
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Centre for Cardiovascular Genomics and Regenerative Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Igor E Konstantinov
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute and Systems Biology Institute Australia, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Cardiac Surgery, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew G Elefanty
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Edouard G Stanley
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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19
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Wang H, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. Thymic Microenvironment: Interactions Between Innate Immune Cells and Developing Thymocytes. Front Immunol 2022; 13:885280. [PMID: 35464404 PMCID: PMC9024034 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.885280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is a crucial organ for the development of T cells. T cell progenitors first migrate from the bone marrow into the thymus. During the journey to become a mature T cell, progenitors require interactions with many different cell types within the thymic microenvironment, such as stromal cells, which include epithelial, mesenchymal and other non-T-lineage immune cells. There are two crucial decision steps that are required for generating mature T cells: positive and negative selection. Each of these two processes needs to be performed efficiently to produce functional MHC-restricted T cells, while simultaneously restricting the production of auto-reactive T cells. In each step, there are various cell types that are required for the process to be carried out suitably, such as scavengers to clean up apoptotic thymocytes that fail positive or negative selection, and antigen presenting cells to display self-antigens during positive and negative selection. In this review, we will focus on thymic non-T-lineage immune cells, particularly dendritic cells and macrophages, and the role they play in positive and negative selection. We will also examine recent advances in the understanding of their participation in thymus homeostasis and T cell development. This review will provide a perspective on how the thymic microenvironment contributes to thymocyte differentiation and T cell maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Wang
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker,
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20
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Payet CA, You A, Fayet OM, Dragin N, Berrih-Aknin S, Le Panse R. Myasthenia Gravis: An Acquired Interferonopathy? Cells 2022; 11:cells11071218. [PMID: 35406782 PMCID: PMC8997999 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disease mediated by antibodies against components of the neuromuscular junction, particularly the acetylcholine receptor (AChR). The thymus plays a primary role in AChR-MG patients. In early-onset AChR-MG and thymoma-associated MG, an interferon type I (IFN-I) signature is clearly detected in the thymus. The origin of this chronic IFN-I expression in the thymus is not yet defined. IFN-I subtypes are normally produced in response to viral infection. However, genetic diseases called interferonopathies are associated with an aberrant chronic production of IFN-I defined as sterile inflammation. Some systemic autoimmune diseases also share common features with interferonopathies. This review aims to analyze the pathogenic role of IFN-I in these diseases as compared to AChR-MG in order to determine if AChR-MG could be an acquired interferonopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cloé A Payet
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Axel You
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Odessa-Maud Fayet
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Nadine Dragin
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Rozen Le Panse
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013 Paris, France
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21
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Constantin AM, Boşca AB, Melincovici CS, Mărginean MV, Jianu EM, Moldovan IM, Sufleţel RT, Djouini A, Şovrea AS, Şovrea AS. Short histological kaleidoscope - recent findings in histology. Part II. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY = REVUE ROUMAINE DE MORPHOLOGIE ET EMBRYOLOGIE 2022; 63:275-292. [PMID: 36374135 PMCID: PMC9801680 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.63.2.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This article focuses on the latest histological knowledge in the field regarding the peripheral lymphoid system [mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT), gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT)], the thymus stroma, some of the various corpuscles of the human body (Hassall's corpuscles in thymus, arenaceous corpuscles in pineal gland, corpora amylacea in prostate and other locations) and Fañanas glial cells in the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marie Constantin
- Discipline of Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adina Bianca Boşca
- Discipline of Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Carmen Stanca Melincovici
- Discipline of Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mariana Viorica Mărginean
- Discipline of Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Elena Mihaela Jianu
- Discipline of Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Maria Moldovan
- Discipline of Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Rada Teodora Sufleţel
- Discipline of Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Amina Djouini
- Ophthalmology Resident Physician, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Alina Simona Şovrea
- Discipline of Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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22
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Oh S, Gray DHD, Chong MMW. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Approaches for Tracing T Cell Development. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:363-370. [PMID: 34644259 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
T cell development occurs in the thymus, where uncommitted progenitors are directed into a range of sublineages with distinct functions. The goal is to generate a TCR repertoire diverse enough to recognize potential pathogens while remaining tolerant of self. Decades of intensive research have characterized the transcriptional programs controlling critical differentiation checkpoints at the population level. However, greater precision regarding how and when these programs orchestrate differentiation at the single-cell level is required. Single-cell RNA sequencing approaches are now being brought to bear on this question, to track the identity of cells and analyze their gene expression programs at a resolution not previously possible. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the application of these technologies that have the potential to yield unprecedented insight to T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungyoul Oh
- St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine (St. Vincent's), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel H D Gray
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; and.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark M W Chong
- St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; .,Department of Medicine (St. Vincent's), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
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23
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Zhang Q, Liang Z, Zhang J, Lei T, Dong X, Su H, Chen Y, Zhang Z, Tan L, Zhao Y. Sirt6 Regulates the Development of Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cells and Contributes to the Establishment of Central Immune Tolerance. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:655552. [PMID: 33869219 PMCID: PMC8044826 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.655552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although some advances have been made in understanding the molecular regulation of mTEC development, the role of epigenetic regulators in the development and maturation of mTEC is poorly understood. Here, using the TEC-specific Sirt6 knockout mice, we found the deacetylase Sirtuin 6 (Sirt6) is essential for the development of functionally competent mTECs. First of all, TEC-specific Sirt6 deletion dramatically reduces the mTEC compartment, which is caused by reduced DNA replication and subsequent impaired proliferation ability of Sirt6-deficient mTECs. Secondly, Sirt6 deficiency specifically accelerates the differentiation of mTECs from CD80–Aire– immature population to CD80+Aire– intermediate mature population by promoting the expression of Spib. Finally, Sirt6 ablation in TECs markedly interferes the proper expression of tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs) and impairs the development of thymocytes and nTreg cells. In addition, TEC conditional knockout of Sirt6 results in severe autoimmune disease manifested by reduced body weight, the infiltration of lymphocytes and the presence of autoantibodies. Collectively, this study reveals that the expression of epigenetic regulator Sirt6 in TECs is crucial for the development and differentiation of mTECs, which highlights the importance of Sirt6 in the establishment of central immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Lei
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huiting Su
- Department of Central Laboratory and Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yifang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Tan
- Center of Organ Transplantation, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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