1
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Fisher JS, Adán-Barrientos I, Kumar NR, Lancaster JN. The aged microenvironment impairs BCL6 and CD40L induction in CD4 + T follicular helper cell differentiation. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e14140. [PMID: 38481058 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Weakened germinal center responses by the aged immune system result in diminished immunity against pathogens and reduced efficacy of vaccines. Prolonged contacts between activated B cells and CD4+ T cells are crucial to germinal center formation and T follicular helper cell (Tfh) differentiation, but it is unclear how aging impacts the quality of this interaction. Peptide immunization confirmed that aged mice have decreased expansion of antigen-specific germinal center B cells and reduced antibody titers. Furthermore, aging was associated with accumulated Tfh cells, even in naïve mice. Despite increased numbers, aged Tfh had reduced expression of master transcription factor BCL6 and increased expression of the ectonucleotidase CD39. In vitro activation revealed that proliferative capacity was maintained in aged CD4+ T cells, but not the costimulatory molecule CD40L. When activated in vitro by aged antigen-presenting cells, young CD4+ naïve T cells generated reduced numbers of activated cells with upregulated CD40L. To determine the contribution of cell-extrinsic influences on antigen-specific Tfh induction, young, antigen-specific B and CD4+ T cells were adoptively transferred into aged hosts prior to peptide immunization. Transferred cells had reduced expansion and differentiation into germinal center B cell and Tfh and reduced antigen-specific antibody titers when compared to young hosts. Young CD4+ T cells transferred aged hosts differentiated into Tfh cells with reduced PD-1 and BCL6 expression, and increased CD39 expression, though they maintained their mitochondrial capacity. These results highlight the role of the lymphoid microenvironment in modulating CD4+ T cell differentiation, which contributes to impaired establishment and maintenance of germinal centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob S Fisher
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Irene Adán-Barrientos
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Naveen R Kumar
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Jessica N Lancaster
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
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2
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Lagou MK, Argyris DG, Vodopyanov S, Gunther-Cummins L, Hardas A, Poutahidis T, Panorias C, DesMarais S, Entenberg C, Carpenter RS, Guzik H, Nishku X, Churaman J, Maryanovich M, DesMarais V, Macaluso FP, Karagiannis GS. Morphometric Analysis of the Thymic Epithelial Cell (TEC) Network Using Integrated and Orthogonal Digital Pathology Approaches. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.11.584509. [PMID: 38559037 PMCID: PMC10979902 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.11.584509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The thymus, a central primary lymphoid organ of the immune system, plays a key role in T cell development. Surprisingly, the thymus is quite neglected with regards to standardized pathology approaches and practices for assessing structure and function. Most studies use multispectral flow cytometry to define the dynamic composition of the thymus at the cell population level, but they are limited by lack of contextual insight. This knowledge gap hinders our understanding of various thymic conditions and pathologies, particularly how they affect thymic architecture, and subsequently, immune competence. Here, we introduce a digital pathology pipeline to address these challenges. Our approach can be coupled to analytical algorithms and utilizes rationalized morphometric assessments of thymic tissue, ranging from tissue-wide down to microanatomical and ultrastructural levels. This pipeline enables the quantitative assessment of putative changes and adaptations of thymic structure to stimuli, offering valuable insights into the pathophysiology of thymic disorders. This versatile pipeline can be applied to a wide range of conditions that may directly or indirectly affect thymic structure, ranging from various cytotoxic stimuli inducing acute thymic involution to autoimmune diseases, such as myasthenia gravis. Here, we demonstrate applicability of the method in a mouse model of age-dependent thymic involution, both by confirming established knowledge, and by providing novel insights on intrathymic remodeling in the aged thymus. Our orthogonal pipeline, with its high versatility and depth of analysis, promises to be a valuable and practical toolset for both basic and translational immunology laboratories investigating thymic function and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria K Lagou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Dimitrios G Argyris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Integrated Imaging Program for Cancer Research, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Stepan Vodopyanov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Leslie Gunther-Cummins
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Alexandros Hardas
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Theofilos Poutahidis
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christos Panorias
- Division of Statistics and Operational Research, Department of Mathematics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sophia DesMarais
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Conner Entenberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Randall S Carpenter
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Hillary Guzik
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Xheni Nishku
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Joseph Churaman
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Maria Maryanovich
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Cancer Dormancy and Tumor Microenvironment Institute, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Vera DesMarais
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Frank P Macaluso
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - George S Karagiannis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Integrated Imaging Program for Cancer Research, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Cancer Dormancy and Tumor Microenvironment Institute, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
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3
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Lancaster JN. Aging of lymphoid stromal architecture impacts immune responses. Semin Immunol 2023; 70:101817. [PMID: 37572552 PMCID: PMC10929705 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
The secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) undergo structural changes with age, which correlates with diminishing immune responses against infectious disease. A growing body of research suggests that the aged tissue microenvironment can contribute to decreased immune function, independent of intrinsic changes to hematopoietic cells with age. Stromal cells impart structural integrity, facilitate fluid transport, and provide chemokine and cytokine signals that are essential for immune homeostasis. Mechanisms that drive SLO development have been described, but their roles in SLO maintenance with advanced age are unknown. Disorganization of the fibroblasts of the T cell and B cell zones may reduce the maintenance of naïve lymphocytes and delay immune activation. Reduced lymphatic transport efficiency with age can also delay the onset of the adaptive immune response. This review focuses on recent studies that describe age-associated changes to the stroma of the lymph nodes and spleen. We also review recent investigations into stromal cell biology, which include high-dimensional analysis of the stromal cell transcriptome and viscoelastic testing of lymph node mechanical properties, as they constitute an important framework for understanding aging of the lymphoid tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N Lancaster
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, 13400 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, 13400 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ, USA.
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4
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Sonar SA, Watanabe M, Nikolich JŽ. Disorganization of secondary lymphoid organs and dyscoordination of chemokine secretion as key contributors to immune aging. Semin Immunol 2023; 70:101835. [PMID: 37651849 PMCID: PMC10840697 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Aging is characterized by progressive loss of organ and tissue function, and the immune system is no exception to that inevitable principle. Of all the age-related changes in the body, reduction of the size of, and naïve T (Tn) cell output from, the thymus occurs earliest, being prominent already before or by the time of puberty. Therefore, to preserve immunity against new infections, over much of their lives, vertebrates dominantly rely on peripheral maintenance of the Tn cell pool in the secondary lymphoid organs (SLO). However, SLO structure and function subsequently also deteriorate with aging. Several recent studies have made a convincing case that this deterioration is of major importance to the erosion of protective immunity in the last third of life. Specifically, the SLO were found to accumulate multiple degenerative changes with aging. Importantly, the results from adoptive transfer and parabiosis studies teach us that the old microenvironment is the limiting factor for protective immunity in old mice. In this review, we discuss the extent, mechanisms, and potential role of stromal cell aging in the age-related alteration of T cell homeostatic maintenance and immune function decline. We use that discussion to frame the potential strategies to correct the SLO stromal aging defects - in the context of other immune rejuvenation approaches, - to improve functional immune responses and protective immunity in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandip Ashok Sonar
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA; The University of Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Makiko Watanabe
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA; The University of Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Janko Ž Nikolich
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA; The University of Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA; the Aegis Consortium for Pandemic-free Future, University of Arizona Health Sciences, USA; BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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5
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Norling LV, Cooper D. Being old and female is an inflammatory combination. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 114:299-300. [PMID: 37403216 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy V Norling
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Dianne Cooper
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
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6
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Arroz-Madeira S, Bekkhus T, Ulvmar MH, Petrova TV. Lessons of Vascular Specialization From Secondary Lymphoid Organ Lymphatic Endothelial Cells. Circ Res 2023; 132:1203-1225. [PMID: 37104555 PMCID: PMC10144364 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.322136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Secondary lymphoid organs, such as lymph nodes, harbor highly specialized and compartmentalized niches. These niches are optimized to facilitate the encounter of naive lymphocytes with antigens and antigen-presenting cells, enabling optimal generation of adaptive immune responses. Lymphatic vessels of lymphoid organs are uniquely specialized to perform a staggering variety of tasks. These include antigen presentation, directing the trafficking of immune cells but also modulating immune cell activation and providing factors for their survival. Recent studies have provided insights into the molecular basis of such specialization, opening avenues for better understanding the mechanisms of immune-vascular interactions and their applications. Such knowledge is essential for designing better treatments for human diseases given the central role of the immune system in infection, aging, tissue regeneration and repair. In addition, principles established in studies of lymphoid organ lymphatic vessel functions and organization may be applied to guide our understanding of specialization of vascular beds in other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Arroz-Madeira
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland (S.A.M., T.V.P.)
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Switzerland (S.A.M., T.V.P.)
| | - Tove Bekkhus
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Sweden (T.B., M.H.U.)
| | - Maria H. Ulvmar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Sweden (T.B., M.H.U.)
| | - Tatiana V. Petrova
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland (S.A.M., T.V.P.)
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Switzerland (S.A.M., T.V.P.)
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7
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Bekkhus T, Olofsson A, Sun Y, Magnusson PU, Ulvmar MH. Stromal transdifferentiation drives lipomatosis and induces extensive vascular remodeling in the aging human lymph node. J Pathol 2023; 259:236-253. [PMID: 36367235 PMCID: PMC10108032 DOI: 10.1002/path.6030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Lymph node (LN) lipomatosis is a common but rarely discussed phenomenon associated with aging that involves a gradual exchange of the LN parenchyma into adipose tissue. The mechanisms behind these changes and the effects on the LN are unknown. We show that LN lipomatosis starts in the medullary regions of the human LN and link the initiation of lipomatosis to transdifferentiation of LN fibroblasts into adipocytes. The latter is associated with a downregulation of lymphotoxin beta expression. We also show that isolated medullary and CD34+ fibroblasts, in contrast to the reticular cells of the T-cell zone, display an inherently higher sensitivity for adipogenesis. Progression of lipomatosis leads to a gradual loss of the medullary lymphatic network, but at later stages, collecting-like lymphatic vessels are found inside the adipose tissue. The stromal dysregulation includes a dramatic remodeling and dilation of the high endothelial venules associated with reduced density of naïve T-cells. Abnormal clustering of plasma cells is also observed. Thus, LN lipomatosis causes widespread stromal dysfunction with consequences for the immune contexture of the human LN. Our data warrant an increased awareness of LN lipomatosis as a factor contributing to decreased immune functions in the elderly and in disease. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tove Bekkhus
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Olofsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peetra U Magnusson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria H Ulvmar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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8
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Bennett AK, Richner M, Mun MD, Richner JM. Type I IFN stimulates lymph node stromal cells from adult and old mice during a West Nile virus infection. Aging Cell 2023; 22:e13796. [PMID: 36802099 PMCID: PMC10086524 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13796] [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: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced age is a significant risk factor during viral infection due to an age-associated decline in the immune response. Older individuals are especially susceptible to severe neuroinvasive disease after West Nile virus (WNV) infection. Previous studies have characterized age-associated defects in hematopoietic immune cells during WNV infection that culminate in diminished antiviral immunity. Situated amongst immune cells in the draining lymph node (DLN) are structural networks of nonhematopoietic lymph node stromal cells (LNSCs). LNSCs are comprised of numerous, diverse subsets, with critical roles in the coordination of robust immune responses. The contributions of LNSCs to WNV immunity and immune senescence are unclear. Here, we examine LNSC responses to WNV within adult and old DLNs. Acute WNV infection triggered cellular infiltration and LNSC expansion in adults. Comparatively, aged DLNs exhibited diminished leukocyte accumulation, delayed LNSC expansion, and altered fibroblast and endothelial cell subset composition, signified by fewer LECs. We established an ex vivo culture system to probe LNSC function. Adult and old LNSCs both recognized an ongoing viral infection primarily through type I IFN signaling. Gene expression signatures were similar between adult and old LNSCs. Aged LNSCs were found to constitutively upregulate immediate early response genes. Collectively, these data suggest LNSCs uniquely respond to WNV infection. We are the first to report age-associated differences in LNSCs on the population and gene expression level during WNV infection. These changes may compromise antiviral immunity, leading to increased WNV disease in older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison K Bennett
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michelle Richner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Madeline D Mun
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Justin M Richner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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9
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McGovern KE, Sonar SA, Watanabe M, Coplen CP, Bradshaw CM, Nikolich JŽ. The aging of the immune system and its implications for transplantation. GeroScience 2023:10.1007/s11357-022-00720-2. [PMID: 36626019 PMCID: PMC9838392 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00720-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
By the last third of life, most mammals, including humans, exhibit a decline in immune cell numbers, immune organ structure, and immune defense of the organism, commonly known as immunosenescence. This decline leads to clinical manifestations of increased susceptibility to infections, particularly those caused by emerging and reemerging microorganisms, which can reach staggering levels-infection with SARS-CoV-2 has been 270-fold more lethal to older adults over 80 years of age, compared to their 18-39-year-old counterparts. However, while this would be expected to be beneficial to situations where hyporeactivity of the immune system may be desirable, this is not always the case. Here, we discuss the cellular and molecular underpinnings of immunosenescence as they pertain to outcomes of solid organ and hematopoietic transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E McGovern
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
- Arizona Center On Aging, The University of Arizona, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Sandip A Sonar
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
- Arizona Center On Aging, The University of Arizona, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Makiko Watanabe
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
- Arizona Center On Aging, The University of Arizona, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Christopher P Coplen
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
- Arizona Center On Aging, The University of Arizona, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Christine M Bradshaw
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
- Arizona Center On Aging, The University of Arizona, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Janko Ž Nikolich
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
- Arizona Center On Aging, The University of Arizona, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- The Aegis Consortium for Pandemic-free Future, University of Arizona Health Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, 85719, USA.
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10
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Bennett AK, Richner M, Mun MD, Richner JM. Type I IFN stimulates lymph node stromal cells from adult and old mice during a West Nile virus infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.05.522898. [PMID: 36711838 PMCID: PMC9881888 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.05.522898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Advanced age is a significant risk factor during viral infection due to an age-associated decline in the immune response. Older individuals are especially susceptible to severe neuroinvasive disease after West Nile virus (WNV) infection. Previous studies have characterized age-associated defects in hematopoietic immune cells during WNV infection that culminate in diminished antiviral immunity. Situated amongst immune cells in the draining lymph node (DLN) are structural networks of nonhematopoietic lymph node stromal cells (LNSCs). LNSCs are comprised of numerous, diverse subsets, with critical roles in the coordination of robust immune responses. The contributions of LNSCs to WNV immunity and immune senescence are unclear. Here, we examine LNSC responses to WNV within adult and old DLNs. Acute WNV infection triggered cellular infiltration and LNSC expansion in adult. Comparatively, aged DLNs exhibited diminished leukocyte accumulation, delayed LNSC expansion, and altered fibroblast and endothelial cell subset composition, signified by fewer LECs. We established an ex vivo culture system to probe LNSC function. Adult and old LNSCs both recognized an ongoing viral infection primarily through type I IFN signaling. Gene expression signatures were similar between adult and old LNSCs. Aged LNSCs were found to constitutively upregulate immediate early response genes. Collectively, these data suggest LNSCs uniquely respond to WNV infection. We are the first to report age-associated differences in LNSCs on the population- and gene expression-level during WNV infection. These changes may compromise antiviral immunity, leading to increased WNV disease in older individuals.
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11
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Chen J, Deng JC, Goldstein DR. How aging impacts vaccine efficacy: known molecular and cellular mechanisms and future directions. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:1100-1111. [PMID: 36216643 PMCID: PMC9691569 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Aging leads to a gradual dysregulation of immune functions, one consequence of which is reduced vaccine efficacy. In this review, we discuss several key contributing factors to the age-related decline in vaccine efficacy, such as alterations within the lymph nodes where germinal center (GC) reactions take place, alterations in the B cell compartment, alterations in the T cell compartment, and dysregulation of innate immune pathways. Additionally, we discuss several methods currently used in vaccine development to bolster vaccine efficacy in older adults. This review highlights the multifactorial defects that impair vaccine responses with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Program in Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jane C Deng
- Program in Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Daniel R Goldstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Program in Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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12
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Lambert S, Cao W, Zhang H, Colville A, Liu JY, Weyand CM, Goronzy JJ, Gustafson CE. The influence of three-dimensional structure on naïve T cell homeostasis and aging. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2022; 3:1045648. [PMID: 36419548 PMCID: PMC9676450 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2022.1045648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A breakdown in cellular homeostasis is thought to drive naïve T cell aging, however the link between naïve T cell homeostasis and aging in humans is poorly understood. To better address this, we developed a lymphoid organoid system that maintains resting naïve T cells for more than 2 weeks, in conjunction with high CD45RA expression. Deep phenotypic characterization of naïve T cells across age identified reduced CD45RA density as a hallmark of aging. A conversion from CD45RAhigh naive cells to a CD45RAlow phenotype was reproduced within our organoid system by structural breakdown, but not by stromal cell aging or reduced lymphocyte density, and mediated by alternative CD45 splicing. Together, these data suggest that external influences within the lymph node microenvironment may cause phenotypic conversion of naïve T cells in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lambert
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Administration Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Wenqiang Cao
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Administration Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States,Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States,Health Sciences Institute, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Administration Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States,Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Alex Colville
- Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging and Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Jie-Yu Liu
- Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging and Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Cornelia M. Weyand
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Administration Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States,Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Jorg J. Goronzy
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Administration Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States,Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Claire E. Gustafson
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States,Allen Institute for Immunology, Seattle, WA, United States,*Correspondence: Claire E. Gustafson,
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Early age-related atrophy of cutaneous lymph nodes precipitates an early functional decline in skin immunity in mice with aging. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2121028119. [PMID: 35439062 PMCID: PMC9169949 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2121028119] [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] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) (including the spleen and lymph nodes [LNs]) are critical both for the maintenance of naive T (TN) lymphocytes and for the initiation and coordination of immune responses. How they age, including the exact timing, extent, physiological relevance, and the nature of age-related changes, remains incompletely understood. We used “time stamping” to indelibly mark newly generated naive T cells (also known as recent thymic emigrants) (RTEs) in mice, and followed their presence, phenotype, and retention in SLOs. We found that SLOs involute asynchronously. Skin-draining LNs atrophied by 6 to 9 mo in life, whereas deeper tissue-draining LNs atrophied by 18 to 20 mo, as measured by the loss of both TN numbers and the fibroblastic reticular cell (FRC) network. Time-stamped RTEs at all ages entered SLOs and successfully completed postthymic differentiation, but the capacity of older SLOs to maintain TN numbers was reduced with aging, and that trait did not depend on the age of TNs. However, in SLOs of older mice, these cells exhibited an emigration phenotype (CCR7loS1P1hi), which correlated with an increase of the cells of the same phenotype in the blood. Finally, upon intradermal immunization, RTEs generated in mice barely participated in de novo immune responses and failed to produce well-armed effector cells detectable in blood as early as by 7 to 8 mo of age. These results highlight changes in structure and function of superficial secondary lymphoid organs in laboratory mice that are earlier than expected and are consistent with the long-appreciated reduction of cutaneous immunity with aging.
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