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Li D, Yao H, Cao X, Han X, Song T, Zeng X. Testosterone regulates thymic remodeling by activating glucocorticoid receptor signaling pathway to accelerate thymocyte apoptosis in male rats. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 164:104288. [PMID: 38924811 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104288] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Thymic atrophy affects T cell generation and migration to the periphery, thereby affecting T cell pool diversity. However, the mechanisms underlying thymic atrophy have not been fully elucidated. Here, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunization and surgical castration did not affect thymocyte proliferation, but significantly reduced the apoptosis and increased the survival rate of CD4-CD8-, CD4+CD8+, CD4+CD8-, and CD4-CD8+ thymocytes. Following testosterone supplementation in rats subjected to GnRH immunization and surgical castration, thymocyte proliferation remained unchange, but the apoptosis of CD4-CD8-, CD4+CD8+, CD4+CD8-, and CD4-CD8+ thymocytes significantly increased. Transcriptome analyses of the thymus after GnRH immunization and surgical castration showed a significant reduction in the thymus's response to corticosterone. Cholesterol metabolism and the synthesis and secretion of corticosterone were significantly reduced. Analysis of the enzyme levels involved in the corticosterone synthesis pathway revealed that corticosterone synthesis in thymocytes was significantly reduced after GnRH immunization and surgical castration, whereas exogenous testosterone supplementation relieved this process. Testosterone promoted thymocyte apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner, and induced corticosterone secretion in vitro. Blocking the intracellular androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway did not significantly affect thymocyte apoptosis, but blocking the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling pathway significantly reduced it. Our findings indicate that testosterone regulates thymus remodeling by affecting corticosterone synthesis in thymocytes, which activates GR signal transduction and promotes thymocyte apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan 625014, PR China
| | - Huan Yao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan 625014, PR China
| | - Xiaohan Cao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan 625014, PR China
| | - Xingfa Han
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan 625014, PR China
| | - Tianzeng Song
- Institute of animal science, Tibet Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Science, Lhasa, Xizang 850009, PR China.
| | - Xianyin Zeng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan 625014, PR China.
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Su Q, Yang SP, Guo JP, Rong YR, Sun Y, Chai YR. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute thymus involution in mice via AMPK/Sirt1 pathway. Microbiol Immunol 2024. [PMID: 38886542 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.13159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The thymus, a site to culture the naïve T lymphocytes, is susceptible to atrophy or involution due to aging, inflammation, and oxidation. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been proven to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor activity. Here, we investigate the effects of EGCG on thymic involution induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin derived from Gram-negative bacteria. The methodology included an in vivo experiment on female Kunming mice exposed to LPS and EGCG. Morphological assessment of thymic involution, immunohistochemical detection, and thymocyte subsets analysis by flow cytometry were further carried out to evaluate the potential role of EGCG on the thymus. As a result, we found that EGCG alleviated LPS-induced thymic atrophy, increased mitochondrial membrane potential and superoxide dismutase levels, and decreased malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species levels. In addition, EGCG pre-supplement restored the ratio of thymocyte subsets, the expression of autoimmune regulator, sex-determining region Y-box 2, and Nanog homebox, and reduced the number of senescent cells and collagen fiber deposition. Western blotting results indicated that EGCG treatment elevated LPS-induced decrease in pAMPK, Sirt1 protein expression. Collectively, EGCG relieved thymus architecture and function damaged by LPS via regulation of AMPK/Sirt1 signaling pathway. Our findings may provide a new strategy on protection of thymus from involution caused by LPS by using EGCG. And EGCG might be considered as a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of thymic involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Su
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Shu-Ping Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
- School of Medical Technology, Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
| | - Jun-Ping Guo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Yi-Ren Rong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Yun Sun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Yu-Rong Chai
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
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Ruiz Pérez M, Maueröder C, Steels W, Verstraeten B, Lameire S, Xie W, Wyckaert L, Huysentruyt J, Divert T, Roelandt R, Gonçalves A, De Rycke R, Ravichandran K, Lambrecht BN, Taghon T, Leclercq G, Vandenabeele P, Tougaard P. TL1A and IL-18 synergy promotes GM-CSF-dependent thymic granulopoiesis in mice. Cell Mol Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41423-024-01180-8. [PMID: 38839915 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01180-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute systemic inflammation critically alters the function of the immune system, often promoting myelopoiesis at the expense of lymphopoiesis. In the thymus, systemic inflammation results in acute thymic atrophy and, consequently, impaired T-lymphopoiesis. The mechanism by which systemic inflammation impacts the thymus beyond suppressing T-cell development is still unclear. Here, we describe how the synergism between TL1A and IL-18 suppresses T-lymphopoiesis to promote thymic myelopoiesis. The protein levels of these two cytokines were elevated in the thymus during viral-induced thymus atrophy infection with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) or pneumonia virus of mice (PVM). In vivo administration of TL1A and IL-18 induced acute thymic atrophy, while thymic neutrophils expanded. Fate mapping with Ms4a3-Cre mice demonstrated that thymic neutrophils emerge from thymic granulocyte-monocyte progenitors (GMPs), while Rag1-Cre fate mapping revealed a common developmental path with lymphocytes. These effects could be modeled ex vivo using neonatal thymic organ cultures (NTOCs), where TL1A and IL-18 synergistically enhanced neutrophil production and egress. NOTCH blockade by the LY411575 inhibitor increased the number of neutrophils in the culture, indicating that NOTCH restricted steady-state thymic granulopoiesis. To promote myelopoiesis, TL1A, and IL-18 synergistically increased GM-CSF levels in the NTOC, which was mainly produced by thymic ILC1s. In support, TL1A- and IL-18-induced granulopoiesis was completely prevented in NTOCs derived from Csf2rb-/- mice and by GM-CSFR antibody blockade, revealing that GM-CSF is the essential factor driving thymic granulopoiesis. Taken together, our findings reveal that TL1A and IL-18 synergism induce acute thymus atrophy while promoting extramedullary thymic granulopoiesis in a NOTCH and GM-CSF-controlled manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Ruiz Pérez
- Molecular Signaling and Cell Death Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christian Maueröder
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cell Clearance in Health and Disease Lab, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wolf Steels
- Molecular Signaling and Cell Death Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno Verstraeten
- Molecular Signaling and Cell Death Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sahine Lameire
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Mucosal Immunology, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wei Xie
- Molecular Signaling and Cell Death Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Wyckaert
- Molecular Signaling and Cell Death Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jelle Huysentruyt
- Molecular Signaling and Cell Death Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tatyana Divert
- Molecular Signaling and Cell Death Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ria Roelandt
- Molecular Signaling and Cell Death Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Single Cell Facility, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Amanda Gonçalves
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB BioImaging Core, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, Ghent, 9052, Belgium
| | - Riet De Rycke
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB BioImaging Core, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, Ghent, 9052, Belgium
| | - Kodi Ravichandran
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cell Clearance in Health and Disease Lab, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Bart N Lambrecht
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Mucosal Immunology, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Taghon
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Georges Leclercq
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Vandenabeele
- Molecular Signaling and Cell Death Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Peter Tougaard
- Molecular Signaling and Cell Death Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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Rengifo T, Bishir M, Huang W, Snyder M, Chang SL. Network meta-analysis of the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways underlying alcohol-induced thymic atrophy. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 48:795-809. [PMID: 38553251 PMCID: PMC11161038 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymic atrophy is characterized by loss of thymocytes, destruction of thymic architecture, and a subsequent decrease in naïve T cells with compromised immunity. Thymic atrophy occurs during aging. Environmental factors including alcohol misuse also induce thymic atrophy. Despite the link between alcohol misuse and thymic atrophy, the underlying mechanism is understudied. We aimed to identify molecules and signaling pathways that underly alcohol-induced thymic atrophy during aging. METHODS F344 rats were given 3-day binge-ethanol (4.8 g/kg/day; 52% w/v; i.g.) and the thymus was collected and weighed. Molecular mechanisms underlying ethanol-induced thymic atrophy were investigated by network meta-analysis using the QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). The molecules associated with ethanol were identified from the QIAGEN Knowledge Base (QKB) and those associated with thymic atrophy were identified from QKB and Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI). Aging-mediated Differential Expression Genes (DEGs) from mouse thymocytes were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE132136). The relationship between the molecules and associated signaling pathways were studied using IPA. RESULTS Binge-ethanol decreased thymic weight in F344 rats. Our meta-analysis using IPA identified molecules commonly shared by ethanol and thymic atrophy through which simulation with ethanol increased thymic atrophy. We then obtained aging-mediated DEGs from the atrophied thymocytes. We found that ethanol contributed to thymic atrophy through modulation of the aging-mediated DEGs. Our network meta-analysis suggests that ethanol may augment thymic atrophy through increased expression of cytokines (e.g., IL-6, IL-17A and IL-33) along with their regulators (e.g., STAT1 and STAT3). CONCLUSIONS Exposure to alcohol may augment thymic atrophy by altering the activity of key inflammatory mediators, such as STAT family members and inflammatory cytokines. These findings provide insights into the signaling pathways and upstream regulators that underly alcohol-induced thymic atrophy during aging, suggesting that alcohol consumption could prepone thymic atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Rengifo
- Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Seton Hall University
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seton Hall University
| | - Muhammed Bishir
- Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Seton Hall University
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seton Hall University
| | - Wenfei Huang
- Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Seton Hall University
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seton Hall University
| | | | - Sulie L. Chang
- Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Seton Hall University
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seton Hall University
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Alves Abrantes JJP, Veríssimo de Azevedo JC, Fernandes FL, Duarte Almeida V, Custódio De Oliveira LA, Ferreira de Oliveira MT, Galvão De Araújo JM, Lanza DCF, Bezerra FL, Andrade VS, Araújo de Medeiros Fernandes TA, Fernandes JV. Viruses as a potential environmental trigger of type 1 diabetes mellitus (Review). Biomed Rep 2024; 20:81. [PMID: 38628629 PMCID: PMC11019645 DOI: 10.3892/br.2024.1770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The etiopathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a complex multifactorial process that involves an intricate network of genetic, epigenetic, immunological, and environmental factors. Despite the advances in recent years, some aspects of the mechanisms involved in triggering the disease are still unclear. Infections with certain viruses have been suggested as possible environmental triggers for the autoimmune process that leads to selective and progressive destruction of pancreatic β-cells and insufficiency of insulin production, which is its hallmark. In this review, advances in knowledge and evidence that suggest the participation of certain viruses in the mechanisms of disease initiation and progression are described. It has been accepted that environmental factors, including viruses, can initiate and possibly sustain, accelerate, or slow down the autoimmune process and consequently damage insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells. Although the role of these agents, especially human enteroviruses, has been exhaustively studied as the most likely triggers of the activation of autoimmunity that destroys pancreatic islets and leads to T1DM, certain doubts remain. Clinical epidemiological and experimental studies in humans and animals provide consistent and increasing evidence that persistent viral infections, especially with human enteroviruses and rotavirus infections, are associated with an increased risk of the disease in individuals genetically predisposed to autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fernando Liberalino Fernandes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rio Grande do Norte State University, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte 59607-360, Brazil
| | - Valéria Duarte Almeida
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rio Grande do Norte State University, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte 59607-360, Brazil
| | | | | | - Josélio Maria Galvão De Araújo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Daniel Carlos Ferreira Lanza
- Laboratory of Applied Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Lima Bezerra
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Vania Sousa Andrade
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59078-970, Brazil
| | | | - José Veríssimo Fernandes
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59078-970, Brazil
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Rizvi ZA, Sadhu S, Dandotiya J, Sharma P, Binayke A, Singh V, Das V, Khatri R, Kumar R, Samal S, Kalia M, Awasthi A. SARS-CoV-2 infection induces thymic atrophy mediated by IFN-γ in hACE2 transgenic mice. Eur J Immunol 2024:e2350624. [PMID: 38655818 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Pathogenic infections cause thymic atrophy, perturb thymic T-cell development, and alter immunological response. Previous studies reported dysregulated T-cell function and lymphopenia in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). However, immunopathological changes in the thymus associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection have not been elucidated. Here, we report that SARS-CoV-2 infects thymocytes, and induces CD4+CD8+ (double positive; DP) T-cell apoptosis leading to thymic atrophy and loss of peripheral TCR repertoire in K18-hACE2 transgenic mice. Infected thymus led to increased CD44+CD25- T-cells, indicating an early arrest in the T-cell maturation pathway. Thymic atrophy was notably higher in male hACE2-Tg mice than in females and involved an upregulated de-novo synthesis pathway of thymic glucocorticoid. Further, IFN-γ was crucial for thymic atrophy, as anti-IFN-γ -antibody neutralization blunted thymic involution. Therapeutic use of Remdesivir also rescued thymic atrophy. While the Omicron variant and its sub-lineage BA.5 variant caused marginal thymic atrophy, the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 exhibited severe thymic atrophy characterized by severely depleted DP T-cells. Recently characterized broadly SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibody P4A2 was able to rescue thymic atrophy and restore the thymic maturation pathway of T-cells. Together, we report SARS-CoV-2-associated thymic atrophy resulting from impaired T-cell maturation pathway which may contribute to dyregulated T cell response during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaigham Abbas Rizvi
- Immuno-biology Lab, Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
- Immunology-Core Lab, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Srikanth Sadhu
- Immuno-biology Lab, Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
- Immunology-Core Lab, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Jyotsna Dandotiya
- Immuno-biology Lab, Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
- Immunology-Core Lab, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Puja Sharma
- Regional Centre Biotechnology, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Akshay Binayke
- Immuno-biology Lab, Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
- Immunology-Core Lab, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Virendra Singh
- Immuno-biology Lab, Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
- Immunology-Core Lab, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Vinayaka Das
- Immuno-biology Lab, Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
- Immunology-Core Lab, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Ritika Khatri
- Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Sweety Samal
- Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Manjula Kalia
- Regional Centre Biotechnology, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Amit Awasthi
- Immuno-biology Lab, Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
- Immunology-Core Lab, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
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Segú H, Jalševac F, Sierra-Cruz M, Feliu F, Movassat J, Rodríguez-Gallego E, Terra X, Pinent M, Ardévol A, Blay MT. Assessing the impact of insect protein sources on intestinal health and disease: insights from human ex vivo and rat in vivo models. Food Funct 2024; 15:4552-4563. [PMID: 38584501 DOI: 10.1039/d4fo00381k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The exploration of edible insects, specifically Alphitobius diaperinus and Tenebrio molitor, as sustainable sources of protein for human consumption is an emerging field. However, research into their effects on intestinal health, especially in relation to inflammation and permeability, remains limited. Using ex vivo and in vivo models of intestinal health and disease, in this study we assess the impact of the above insects on intestinal function by focusing on inflammation, barrier dysfunction and morphological changes. Initially, human intestinal explants were exposed to in vitro-digested extracts of these insects, almond and beef. Immune secretome analysis showed that the inflammatory response to insect-treated samples was comparatively lower than it was for samples exposed to almond and beef. Animal studies using yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and buffalo (Alphitobius diaperinus) flours were then used to evaluate their safety in healthy rats and LPS-induced intestinal dysfunction rats. Chronic administration of these insect-derived flours showed no adverse effects on behavior, metabolism, intestinal morphology or immune response (such as inflammation or allergy markers) in healthy Wistar rats. Notably, in rats subjected to proinflammatory LPS-induced intestinal dysfunction, T. molitor consumption did not exacerbate symptoms, nor did it increase allergic responses. These findings validate the safety of these edible insects under healthy conditions, demonstrate their innocuity in a model of intestinal dysfunction, and underscore their promise as sustainable and nutritionally valuable dietary protein sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Segú
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
| | - Florijan Jalševac
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
| | - Marta Sierra-Cruz
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
| | - Francesc Feliu
- Servei de Gastroenterologia, Institut Sanitari Pere Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Jamileh Movassat
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Esther Rodríguez-Gallego
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
| | - Ximena Terra
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
| | - Montserrat Pinent
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
| | - Anna Ardévol
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
| | - M Teresa Blay
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
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Shirafkan F, Hensel L, Rattay K. Immune tolerance and the prevention of autoimmune diseases essentially depend on thymic tissue homeostasis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1339714. [PMID: 38571951 PMCID: PMC10987875 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1339714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The intricate balance of immune reactions towards invading pathogens and immune tolerance towards self is pivotal in preventing autoimmune diseases, with the thymus playing a central role in establishing and maintaining this equilibrium. The induction of central immune tolerance in the thymus involves the elimination of self-reactive T cells, a mechanism essential for averting autoimmunity. Disruption of the thymic T cell selection mechanisms can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases. In the dynamic microenvironment of the thymus, T cell migration and interactions with thymic stromal cells are critical for the selection processes that ensure self-tolerance. Thymic epithelial cells are particularly significant in this context, presenting self-antigens and inducing the negative selection of autoreactive T cells. Further, the synergistic roles of thymic fibroblasts, B cells, and dendritic cells in antigen presentation, selection and the development of regulatory T cells are pivotal in maintaining immune responses tightly regulated. This review article collates these insights, offering a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted role of thymic tissue homeostasis in the establishment of immune tolerance and its implications in the prevention of autoimmune diseases. Additionally, the developmental pathways of the thymus are explored, highlighting how genetic aberrations can disrupt thymic architecture and function, leading to autoimmune conditions. The impact of infections on immune tolerance is another critical area, with pathogens potentially triggering autoimmunity by altering thymic homeostasis. Overall, this review underscores the integral role of thymic tissue homeostasis in the prevention of autoimmune diseases, discussing insights into potential therapeutic strategies and examining putative avenues for future research on developing thymic-based therapies in treating and preventing autoimmune conditions.
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Qu D, Preuss V, Hagemeier L, Radomsky L, Beushausen K, Keil J, Nora S, Vennemann B, Falk CS, Klintschar M. Age-related cytokine imbalance in the thymus in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Pediatr Res 2024; 95:949-958. [PMID: 37679518 PMCID: PMC10920197 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02809-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has been considered to be triggered by a combination of underlying immune dysregulation and infections. The thymus is a crucial lymphatic organ responsible for T cell development in infancy. We hypothesized that an altered thymic immune status may be detectable by intrathymic cytokine profiling in SIDS. METHODS 27 cytokines in protein lysates of thymus tissue and thymus weights were assessed in 26 SIDS cases and 16 infants who died of other reasons. RESULTS Seventeen out of 27 cytokines were increased in thymic tissue of SIDS compared to controls without infections, and the most significant discrepancy was in infants younger than 20 weeks. The thymic cytokine profiles in SIDS cases were similar to those in controls with severe infection; however, the magnitude of the cytokine concentration elevation in SIDS was less pronounced, indicating sub-clinical infections in SIDS. In contrast to SIDS, intrathymic cytokine concentrations and thymus weight were increased with age in control children. CONCLUSIONS Elevated thymic cytokine expression and thymus weight, as well as impaired age-related alterations in SIDS, may be influenced by subclinical infection, which may play a role in initiating SIDS in infants with a compromised immune response. IMPACT STATEMENT Increased thymic weight and cytokine concentration may suggest possible subclinical infection in SIDS. Elevated thymic weight and cytokine concentration mainly in SIDS cases aged <20 weeks. Age-related impairment in the thymic weight and cytokine expression may be impaired by subclinical infection in SIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Qu
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Vanessa Preuss
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lars Hagemeier
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lena Radomsky
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, TTU-IICH, Hannover-Braunschweig site, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kerstin Beushausen
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jana Keil
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Schaumann Nora
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Christine S Falk
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, TTU-IICH, Hannover-Braunschweig site, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Klintschar
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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10
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Dinges SS, Amini K, Notarangelo LD, Delmonte OM. Primary and secondary defects of the thymus. Immunol Rev 2024; 322:178-211. [PMID: 38228406 PMCID: PMC10950553 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is the primary site of T-cell development, enabling generation, and selection of a diverse repertoire of T cells that recognize non-self, whilst remaining tolerant to self- antigens. Severe congenital disorders of thymic development (athymia) can be fatal if left untreated due to infections, and thymic tissue implantation is the only cure. While newborn screening for severe combined immune deficiency has allowed improved detection at birth of congenital athymia, thymic disorders acquired later in life are still underrecognized and assessing the quality of thymic function in such conditions remains a challenge. The thymus is sensitive to injury elicited from a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors, and its self-renewal capacity decreases with age. Secondary and age-related forms of thymic dysfunction may lead to an increased risk of infections, malignancy, and autoimmunity. Promising results have been obtained in preclinical models and clinical trials upon administration of soluble factors promoting thymic regeneration, but to date no therapy is approved for clinical use. In this review we provide a background on thymus development, function, and age-related involution. We discuss disease mechanisms, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for primary and secondary thymic defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S. Dinges
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kayla Amini
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Luigi D. Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ottavia M. Delmonte
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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11
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Tougaard P, Pérez MR, Steels W, Huysentruyt J, Verstraeten B, Vetters J, Divert T, Gonçalves A, Roelandt R, Takahashi N, Janssens S, Buus TB, Taghon T, Leclercq G, Vandenabeele P. Type 1 immunity enables neonatal thymic ILC1 production. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadh5520. [PMID: 38232171 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh5520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Acute thymic atrophy occurs following type 1 inflammatory conditions such as viral infection and sepsis, resulting in cell death and disruption of T cell development. However, the impact type 1 immunity has on thymic-resident innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) remains unclear. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed neonatal thymic-resident type 1 ILCs (ILC1s) as a unique and immature subset compared to ILC1s in other primary lymphoid organs. Culturing murine neonatal thymic lobes with the type 1 cytokines interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-18 resulted in a rapid expansion and thymic egress of KLRG1+CXCR6+ cytotoxic ILC1s. Live imaging showed the subcapsular thymic localization and exit of ILC1s following IL-12 + IL-18 stimulation. Similarly, murine cytomegalovirus infection in neonates resulted in thymic atrophy and subcapsular localization of thymic-resident ILC1s. Neonatal thymic grafting revealed that type 1 inflammation enhances the homing of cytokine-producing thymus-derived ILC1s to the liver and peritoneal cavity. Together, we show that type 1 immunity promotes the expansion and peripheral homing of thymic-derived ILC1s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Tougaard
- Cell death and Inflammation Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mario R Pérez
- Cell death and Inflammation Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wolf Steels
- Cell death and Inflammation Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jelle Huysentruyt
- Cell death and Inflammation Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno Verstraeten
- Cell death and Inflammation Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jessica Vetters
- Laboratory for ER Stress and Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tatyana Divert
- Cell death and Inflammation Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Amanda Gonçalves
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB BioImaging Core, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, Ghent 9052, Belgium
| | - Ria Roelandt
- Cell death and Inflammation Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nozomi Takahashi
- Cell death and Inflammation Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sophie Janssens
- Laboratory for ER Stress and Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Terkild B Buus
- LEO Foundation Skin Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tom Taghon
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Georges Leclercq
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Vandenabeele
- Cell death and Inflammation Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Lord JM, Veenith T, Sullivan J, Sharma-Oates A, Richter AG, Greening NJ, McAuley HJC, Evans RA, Moss P, Moore SC, Turtle L, Gautam N, Gilani A, Bajaj M, Wain LV, Brightling C, Raman B, Marks M, Singapuri A, Elneima O, Openshaw PJM, Duggal NA. Accelarated immune ageing is associated with COVID-19 disease severity. Immun Ageing 2024; 21:6. [PMID: 38212801 PMCID: PMC10782727 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-023-00406-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The striking increase in COVID-19 severity in older adults provides a clear example of immunesenescence, the age-related remodelling of the immune system. To better characterise the association between convalescent immunesenescence and acute disease severity, we determined the immune phenotype of COVID-19 survivors and non-infected controls. RESULTS We performed detailed immune phenotyping of peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from 103 COVID-19 survivors 3-5 months post recovery who were classified as having had severe (n = 56; age 53.12 ± 11.30 years), moderate (n = 32; age 52.28 ± 11.43 years) or mild (n = 15; age 49.67 ± 7.30 years) disease and compared with age and sex-matched healthy adults (n = 59; age 50.49 ± 10.68 years). We assessed a broad range of immune cell phenotypes to generate a composite score, IMM-AGE, to determine the degree of immune senescence. We found increased immunesenescence features in severe COVID-19 survivors compared to controls including: a reduced frequency and number of naïve CD4 and CD8 T cells (p < 0.0001); increased frequency of EMRA CD4 (p < 0.003) and CD8 T cells (p < 0.001); a higher frequency (p < 0.0001) and absolute numbers (p < 0.001) of CD28-ve CD57+ve senescent CD4 and CD8 T cells; higher frequency (p < 0.003) and absolute numbers (p < 0.02) of PD-1 expressing exhausted CD8 T cells; a two-fold increase in Th17 polarisation (p < 0.0001); higher frequency of memory B cells (p < 0.001) and increased frequency (p < 0.0001) and numbers (p < 0.001) of CD57+ve senescent NK cells. As a result, the IMM-AGE score was significantly higher in severe COVID-19 survivors than in controls (p < 0.001). Few differences were seen for those with moderate disease and none for mild disease. Regression analysis revealed the only pre-existing variable influencing the IMM-AGE score was South Asian ethnicity ([Formula: see text] = 0.174, p = 0.043), with a major influence being disease severity ([Formula: see text] = 0.188, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our analyses reveal a state of enhanced immune ageing in survivors of severe COVID-19 and suggest this could be related to SARS-Cov-2 infection. Our data support the rationale for trials of anti-immune ageing interventions for improving clinical outcomes in these patients with severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet M Lord
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Office 6, University of Birmingham Research Labs, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Tonny Veenith
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jack Sullivan
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Office 6, University of Birmingham Research Labs, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Alex G Richter
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Neil J Greening
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Hamish J C McAuley
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Rachael A Evans
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Paul Moss
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Shona C Moore
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lance Turtle
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nandan Gautam
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ahmed Gilani
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Manan Bajaj
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Louise V Wain
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Christopher Brightling
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Betty Raman
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael Marks
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, UK
| | - Amisha Singapuri
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Omer Elneima
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Niharika A Duggal
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Office 6, University of Birmingham Research Labs, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
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13
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Su N, Lin Z, Liu X, Sun X, Jin X, Feng H, Zhan C, Hu X, Gu C, Zhang W, Cheng G. Pathological observation and transcriptomic analysis of thymus injury in PRRSV-infected piglets. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1949-1962. [PMID: 37266866 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10133-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The thymus, the central immune organ in mammals, plays an important role in immune defense. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection in piglets can cause thymus injury and immunosuppression. However, the mechanisms of thymus injury remain unknown. This study was aimed at investigating the specific manifestations of thymus injury through the construction of a PRRSV-infected piglet model and histopathological observation. In this study, fourteen 40-day-old PRRSV-free piglets were randomly divided into two groups, eleven of which were intramuscularly injected with 3 mL of PRRSV WUH3 virus suspension (106 PFU /mL) in the infection group, and three of which were sham-inoculated with 3 mL of RPMI-1640 medium in the control group. Clinical necropsy and samples collection were performed on day 8 after artificial infection. With the Illumina platform, the transcriptomes of piglet thymus tissues from infected and control piglets were sequenced to explore the relationships of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and signaling pathways with thymus injury. The immune organs of PRRSV-infected piglets were severely damaged. The histopathological findings in the thymus indicated that PRRSV infection was associated with a large decrease in lymphocytes, cell necrosis and cell apoptosis; an increase in blood vessels and macrophages; thymic corpuscle hyperplasia; and interstitial widening of the thymic lobules. The transcriptomic analysis results revealed that the Gene Ontology functions of DEGs were enriched primarily in biological processes such as angiogenesis, regulation of angiogenesis and positive regulation of cell migration. Moreover, greater numbers of blood vessels and macrophages were observed in the thymus in PRRSV-infected than control piglets. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the DEGs were significantly enriched in the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, chemokine signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway. The expression of TLR8, IRF5, the chemokines CCL2, CCL3L1 and CCL5; and their receptors CCR1, CCR2 and CCR5 was significantly up-regulated in PRRSV infection, thus suggesting that these cytokines were associated with the pathological processes of thymus injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naying Su
- College of Animal Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Shanghai InnoStar Bio-tech Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengdan Lin
- College of Animal Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xi Liu
- College of Animal Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiuxiu Sun
- College of Animal Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xinxin Jin
- College of Animal Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Helong Feng
- College of Animal Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Cunlin Zhan
- College of Animal Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xueying Hu
- College of Animal Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Changqin Gu
- College of Animal Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wanpo Zhang
- College of Animal Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Guofu Cheng
- College of Animal Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
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14
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Martinez RJ, Hogquist KA. The role of interferon in the thymus. Curr Opin Immunol 2023; 84:102389. [PMID: 37738858 PMCID: PMC10543640 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102389] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) are a family of proteins that are generated in response to viral infection and induce an antiviral response in many cell types. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed that patients with inborn errors of type-I IFN immunity were more prone to severe infections, but also found that many patients with severe COVID-19 had anti-IFN autoantibodies that led to acquired defects in type-I IFN immunity. These findings revealed the previously unappreciated finding that central immune tolerance to IFN is essential to immune health. Further evidence has also highlighted the importance of IFN within the thymus and its impact on T-cell development. This review will highlight what is known of IFN's role in T-cell development, T-cell central tolerance, and the impact of IFN on the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Martinez
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kristin A Hogquist
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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15
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Xia M, Wang B, Sun W, Ji D, Zhou H, Huang X, Yu M, Su Z, Chen P, Qu K, Wang X. Lsd1 safeguards T-cell development via suppressing endogenous retroelements and interferon responses. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302042. [PMID: 37429639 PMCID: PMC10345215 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The histone demethylase Lsd1 has been shown to play multiple essential roles in mammalian biology. However, its physiological functions in thymocyte development remain elusive. We observed that the specific deletion of Lsd1 in thymocytes caused significant thymic atrophy and reduced peripheral T cell populations with impaired proliferation capacity. Single-cell RNA sequencing combined with strand-specific total RNA-seq and ChIP-seq analysis revealed that ablation of Lsd1 led to the aberrant derepression of endogenous retroelements, which resulted in a viral mimicry state and activated the interferon pathway. Furthermore, the deletion of Lsd1 blocked the programmed sequential down-regulation of CD8 expression at the DP→CD4+CD8lo stage and induced an innate memory phenotype in both thymic and peripheral T cells. Single-cell TCR sequencing revealed the kinetics of TCR recombination in the mouse thymus. However, the preactivation state after Lsd1 deletion neither disturbed the timeline of TCR rearrangement nor reshaped the TCR repertoire of SP cells. Overall, our study provides new insight into the function of Lsd1 as an important maintainer of endogenous retroelement homeostasis in early T-cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoran Xia
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingbing Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wujianan Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Dengyu Ji
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuefeng Huang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Minghang Yu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyang Su
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Qu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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16
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Hollingsworth BA, Aldrich JT, Case CM, DiCarlo AL, Hoffman CM, Jakubowski AA, Liu Q, Loelius SG, PrabhuDas M, Winters TA, Cassatt DR. Immune Dysfunction from Radiation Exposure. Radiat Res 2023; 200:396-416. [PMID: 38152282 PMCID: PMC10751071 DOI: 10.1667/rade-22-00004.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The hematopoietic system is highly sensitive to ionizing radiation. Damage to the immune system may result in opportunistic infections and hemorrhage, which could lead to mortality. Inflammation triggered by tissue damage can also lead to additional local or widespread tissue damage. The immune system is responsible for tissue repair and restoration, which is made more challenging when it is in the process of self-recovery. Because of these challenges, the Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP) and the Basic Immunology Branch (BIB) under the Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation (DAIT) within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), along with partners from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), and the Radiation Injury Treatment Network (RITN) sponsored a two-day meeting titled Immune Dysfunction from Radiation Exposure held on September 9-10, 2020. The intent was to discuss the manifestations and mechanisms of radiation-induced immune dysfunction in people and animals, identify knowledge gaps, and discuss possible treatments to restore immune function and enhance tissue repair after irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brynn A. Hollingsworth
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation (DAIT), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, Maryland
- Current address: Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, Maryland
| | | | - Cullen M. Case
- Radiation Injury Treatment Network, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Andrea L. DiCarlo
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation (DAIT), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, Maryland
| | - Corey M. Hoffman
- Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Washington, DC
| | | | - Qian Liu
- Basic Immunology Branch (BIB), Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation (DAIT), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, Maryland
| | - Shannon G. Loelius
- Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Washington, DC
| | - Mercy PrabhuDas
- Basic Immunology Branch (BIB), Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation (DAIT), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, Maryland
| | - Thomas A. Winters
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation (DAIT), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, Maryland
| | - David R. Cassatt
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation (DAIT), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, Maryland
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17
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Vigneron C, Py BF, Monneret G, Venet F. The double sides of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in sepsis. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:333-351. [PMID: 36856019 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220556] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening organ dysfunction induced by a dysregulated host immune response to infection. Immune response induced by sepsis is complex and dynamic. It is schematically described as an early dysregulated systemic inflammatory response leading to organ failures and early deaths, followed by the development of persistent immune alterations affecting both the innate and adaptive immune responses associated with increased risk of secondary infections, viral reactivations, and late mortality. In this review, we will focus on the role of NACHT, leucin-rich repeat and pyrin-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in the pathophysiology of sepsis. NLRP3 inflammasome is a multiproteic intracellular complex activated by infectious pathogens through a two-step process resulting in the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 and the formation of membrane pores by gasdermin D, inducing a pro-inflammatory form of cell death called pyroptosis. The role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathophysiology of sepsis can be ambivalent. Indeed, although it might protect against sepsis when moderately activated after initial infection, excessive NLRP3 inflammasome activation can induce dysregulated inflammation leading to multiple organ failure and death during the acute phase of the disease. Moreover, this activation might become exhausted and contribute to post-septic immunosuppression, driving impaired functions of innate and adaptive immune cells. Targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome could thus be an attractive option in sepsis either through IL-1β and IL-18 antagonists or through inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway downstream components. Available treatments and results of first clinical trials will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Vigneron
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard-Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Bénédicte F Py
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard-Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Guillaume Monneret
- EA 7426 "Pathophysiology of Injury-Induced Immunosuppression" (Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 - Hospices Civils de Lyon - bioMérieux), Joint Research Unit HCL-bioMérieux, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Lyon, France
- Immunology Laboratory, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Lyon, France
| | - Fabienne Venet
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard-Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Immunology Laboratory, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Lyon, France
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18
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Li Y, Li B, Liu F, Yang L, Wu Q, Wu Y, Ma Y, Xu D, Li Y. Characterization of circular RNA expression profiles in the age-related thymic involution of Magang goose. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 139:104581. [PMID: 36283574 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104581] [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: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is a vital immune organ, but its function gradually declines with age. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are related to the development of tissues and organs. In this study, bioinformatics analysis showed that 1329, 755, and 417 circRNAs were differentially expressed between the comparison groups of 6-month age (M6) and 20-embryo age (E20), 3-day post-hatch (P3), and 3-month age (M3) Magang geese, respectively. Among them, 167 circRNAs were differentially co-expressed between thymic development (E20, P3, and M3) and involution (M6). Functional analysis showed significant enrichment of phosphorylation and positive regulation of GTPase activity. Furthermore, pathway analysis has shown that glycerolipid metabolism and the Wnt signaling pathway are critical pathways in the thymic involution process. Finally, we constructed the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. The results of this study suggest that circRNAs may be involved in the age-related thymic involution of the Magang goose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Bingxin Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Fenfen Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Lin Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qingru Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yingying Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yongjiang Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Danning Xu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China.
| | - Yugu Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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19
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Yang HS, Yang M, Kang M, Kim B, Lee K. Inhalation toxicity of polyhexamethylene guanidine-phosphate in rats: A 4-week inhalation exposure and 24-week recovery period study. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 312:137232. [PMID: 36379427 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137232] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Humidifier disinfectant (HD) is a causative agent of atypical lung injury reported in 2011 in South Korea, and various diseases caused by HD after exposure cessation have been reported to date. However, there is limited research on most of the reported diseases in terms of their association with HD exposure, and information on the progression of diseases caused by HD exposure is also limited. Therefore, we investigated the effects of HD inhalation on the body in rats. Rats were exposed to 0.15, 0.50, and 1.60 mg/m3 polyhexamethylene guanidine-phosphate (PHMG-p), which is the major component of HDs and most closely related to HD-associated lung injury. We conducted necropsy four times during the recovery period (0, 4, 12, and 24 weeks) and evaluated general systemic toxicities. There were significant changes in the mortality rate, body weight, and food consumption in the PHMG-p-exposed groups. Hematology revealed changes in hemoglobin level, hematocrit, red blood cell, reticulocyte, and white blood cell counts until 12 weeks of the recovery period. PHMG-p induced a delay in prothrombin time until 12 weeks of the recovery period. The aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and triglyceride levels were higher in the PHMG-p-exposed groups than in the control group at week 4 of the recovery period, and these parameters normalized after 12 weeks of the recovery period. Histopathological examination in PHMG-p exposed groups revealed several changes in the lungs, including the presence of alveolar macrophages, chronic inflammation, squamous metaplasia, alveolar emphysema, and pulmonary fibrosis. The severity of these symptoms was maintained or exacerbated till 24 weeks. Overall, PHMG-p inhalation can induce irreversible histological changes in the lungs and cause various types of damage throughout the body, even after exposure ends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo-Seon Yang
- Inhalation Toxicology Center for Airborne Risk Factors, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do 56212, Republic of Korea; Biosafety Research Institute and Laboratory of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk do, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mijin Yang
- Jeonbuk Pathology Research Group, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do 56212, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mihyun Kang
- Inhalation Toxicology Center for Airborne Risk Factors, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do 56212, Republic of Korea.
| | - Bumseok Kim
- Biosafety Research Institute and Laboratory of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk do, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyuhong Lee
- Inhalation Toxicology Center for Airborne Risk Factors, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do 56212, Republic of Korea; Department of Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
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20
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Petrušić M, Stojić-Vukanić Z, Pilipović I, Kosec D, Prijić I, Leposavić G. Thymic changes as a contributing factor in the increased susceptibility of old Albino Oxford rats to EAE development. Exp Gerontol 2023; 171:112009. [PMID: 36334894 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2022.112009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The study was aimed to examine putative contribution of thymic involution to ageing-associated increase in susceptibility of Albino Oxford (AO) rats to the development of clinical EAE, and vice versa influence of the disease on the progression of thymic involution. To this end we examined (i) the parameters of thymocyte negative selection efficacy, the thymic generation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) and thymic capacity to instruct/predetermine IL-17-producing T-cell differentiation, and thymopietic efficacy-associated accumulation of "inflammescent" cytotoxic CD28- T cells in the periphery, and (ii) the key underlying mechanisms in young and old non-immunised AO rats and their counterparts immunised for EAE (on the 16th day post-immunisation when the disease in old rats reached the plateau) using flow cytometry analysis and/or RT-qPCR. It was found that thymic involution impairs: (i) the efficacy of negative selection (by affecting thymocyte expression of CD90, negative regulator of selection threshold and the expression of thymic stromal cell integrity factors) and (ii) Treg generation (by diminishing expression of cytokines supporting their differentiation/maturation). Additionally, the results suggest that thymic involution facilitates CD8+ T-cell differentiation into IL-17-producing cells (previously linked to the development of clinical EAE in old AO rats). Furthermore, they confirmed that ageing-related decrease in thymic T-cell output (as indicated by diminished frequency of recent thymic emigrants in peripheral blood) resulted in the accumulation of CD28- T cells in peripheral blood and, upon immunisation, in the target organ. On the other hand, the development of EAE (most likely by increasing circulatory levels of proinflammatory cytokines) contributed to the decline in thymic output of T cells, including Tregs, and thereby to the progression/maintenance of clinical EAE. Thus, in AO rats thymic involution via multi-layered mechanisms may favour the development of clinically manifested autoimmunity, which, in turn, precipitates the thymus atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Petrušić
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Pharmacy, 450 Vojvode Stepe, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zorica Stojić-Vukanić
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Pharmacy, 450 Vojvode Stepe, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivan Pilipović
- Immunology Research Centre "Branislav Janković", Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera "Torlak", 458 Vojvode Stepe, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Duško Kosec
- Immunology Research Centre "Branislav Janković", Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera "Torlak", 458 Vojvode Stepe, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Prijić
- Immunology Research Centre "Branislav Janković", Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera "Torlak", 458 Vojvode Stepe, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gordana Leposavić
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Pharmacy, 450 Vojvode Stepe, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia.
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21
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Chiang KC, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Gupta A. Thymic Dysfunction and Atrophy in COVID-19 Disease Complicated by Inflammation, Malnutrition and Cachexia. Nutr Health 2022; 28:199-206. [PMID: 35234100 PMCID: PMC8891908 DOI: 10.1177/02601060221083160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Background: The current COVID-19 pandemic has put millions of people, especially children at risk of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) by pushing them into poverty and disrupting the global food supply chain. The thymus is severely affected by nutritional deficiencies and is known as a barometer of malnutrition. Aim: The present commentary provides a novel perspective on the role of malnutrition-induced thymic dysfunction, involution and atrophy on the risk and severity of disease in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A review of pertinent indexed literature including studies examining the effects of malnutrition on the thymus and immune dysfunction in COVID-19. Results: Protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies of zinc, iron and vitamin A are known to promote thymic dysfunction and thymocyte loss in children. Malnutrition- and infection-induced thymic atrophy and immune dysfunction may increase the risk of first, progression of COVID-19 disease to more severe forms including development of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C); second, slow the recovery from COVID-19 disease; and third, increase the risk of other infections. Furthermore, malnourished children may be at increased risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection due to socioeconomic conditions that promote viral transmission amongst contacts and create barriers to vaccination. Conclusion: National governments and international organizations including WHO, World Food Program, and UNICEF should institute measures to ensure provision of food and micronutrients for children at risk in order to limit the health impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kamyar Kalantar-Zadeh
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension
and Kidney Transplantation and Department of Medicine,
University of
California Irvine (UCI) School of Medicine,
USA
| | - Ajay Gupta
- Charak
Foundation, Orange, CA, USA
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension
and Kidney Transplantation and Department of Medicine,
University of
California Irvine (UCI) School of Medicine,
USA
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22
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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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23
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Fish Collagen Peptides Protect against Cisplatin-Induced Cytotoxicity and Oxidative Injury by Inhibiting MAPK Signaling Pathways in Mouse Thymic Epithelial Cells. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20040232. [PMID: 35447905 PMCID: PMC9032569 DOI: 10.3390/md20040232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) account for the most abundant and dominant stromal component of the thymus, where T cells mature. Oxidative- or cytotoxic-stress associated injury in TECs, a significant and common problem in many clinical settings, may cause a compromised thymopoietic capacity of TECs, resulting in clinically significant immune deficiency disorders or impairment in the adaptive immune response in the body. The present study demonstrated that fish collagen peptides (FCP) increase cell viability, reduce intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and impede apoptosis by repressing the expression of Bax and Bad and the release of cytochrome c, and by upregulating the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL in cisplatin-treated TECs. These inhibitory effects of FCP on TEC damage occur via the suppression of ROS generation and MAPK (p38 MAPK, JNK, and ERK) activity. Taken together, our data suggest that FCP can be used as a promising protective agent against cytotoxic insults- or ROS-mediated TEC injury. Furthermore, our findings provide new insights into a therapeutic approach for the future application of FCP in the prevention and treatment of various types of oxidative- or cytotoxic stress-related cell injury in TECs as well as age-related or acute thymus involution.
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24
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Barreira-Silva P, Melo-Miranda R, Nobrega C, Roque S, Serre-Miranda C, Borges M, Armada G, de Sá Calçada D, Behar SM, Appelberg R, Correia-Neves M. IFNγ and iNOS-Mediated Alterations in the Bone Marrow and Thymus and Its Impact on Mycobacterium avium-Induced Thymic Atrophy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:696415. [PMID: 34987496 PMCID: PMC8721011 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.696415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Disseminated infection with the high virulence strain of Mycobacterium avium 25291 leads to progressive thymic atrophy. We previously showed that M. avium-induced thymic atrophy results from increased glucocorticoid levels that synergize with nitric oxide (NO) produced by interferon gamma (IFNγ) activated macrophages. Where and how these mediators act is not understood. We hypothesized that IFNγ and NO promote thymic atrophy through their effects on bone marrow (BM) T cell precursors and T cell differentiation in the thymus. We show that M. avium infection cause a reduction in the percentage and number of common lymphoid progenitors (CLP). Additionally, BM precursors from infected mice show an overall impaired ability to reconstitute thymi of RAGKO mice, in part due to IFNγ. Thymi from infected mice present an IFNγ and NO-driven inflammation. When transplanted under the kidney capsule of uninfected mice, thymi from infected mice are unable to sustain T cell differentiation. Finally, we observed increased thymocyte death via apoptosis after infection, independent of both IFNγ and iNOS; and a decrease on active caspase-3 positive thymocytes, which is not observed in the absence of iNOS expression. Together our data suggests that M. avium-induced thymic atrophy results from a combination of defects mediated by IFNγ and NO, including alterations in the BM T cell precursors, the thymic structure and the thymocyte differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palmira Barreira-Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute/Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group (ICVS/3B’s), PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Palmira Barreira-Silva, ; Margarida Correia-Neves,
| | - Rita Melo-Miranda
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute/Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group (ICVS/3B’s), PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Claudia Nobrega
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute/Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group (ICVS/3B’s), PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Susana Roque
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute/Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group (ICVS/3B’s), PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Serre-Miranda
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute/Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group (ICVS/3B’s), PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Margarida Borges
- Research Unit on Applied Molecular Biosciences (UCIBIO)/Rede de Química e Tecnologia (REQUINTE), Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gisela Armada
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute/Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group (ICVS/3B’s), PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Daniela de Sá Calçada
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute/Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group (ICVS/3B’s), PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Samuel M. Behar
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Rui Appelberg
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margarida Correia-Neves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute/Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group (ICVS/3B’s), PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Palmira Barreira-Silva, ; Margarida Correia-Neves,
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25
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Duah M, Li L, Shen J, Lan Q, Pan B, Xu K. Thymus Degeneration and Regeneration. Front Immunol 2021; 12:706244. [PMID: 34539637 PMCID: PMC8442952 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.706244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system’s ability to resist the invasion of foreign pathogens and the tolerance to self-antigens are primarily centered on the efficient functions of the various subsets of T lymphocytes. As the primary organ of thymopoiesis, the thymus performs a crucial role in generating a self-tolerant but diverse repertoire of T cell receptors and peripheral T cell pool, with the capacity to recognize a wide variety of antigens and for the surveillance of malignancies. However, cells in the thymus are fragile and sensitive to changes in the external environment and acute insults such as infections, chemo- and radiation-therapy, resulting in thymic injury and degeneration. Though the thymus has the capacity to self-regenerate, it is often insufficient to reconstitute an intact thymic function. Thymic dysfunction leads to an increased risk of opportunistic infections, tumor relapse, autoimmunity, and adverse clinical outcome. Thus, exploiting the mechanism of thymic regeneration would provide new therapeutic options for these settings. This review summarizes the thymus’s development, factors causing thymic injury, and the strategies for improving thymus regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Duah
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Lingling Li
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Shen
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qiu Lan
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Bin Pan
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kailin Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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