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Xiang M, Li H, Zhan Y, Ma D, Gao Q, Fang Y. Functional CRISPR screens in T cells reveal new opportunities for cancer immunotherapies. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:73. [PMID: 38581063 PMCID: PMC10996278 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01987-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
T cells are fundamental components in tumour immunity and cancer immunotherapies, which have made immense strides and revolutionized cancer treatment paradigm. However, recent studies delineate the predicament of T cell dysregulation in tumour microenvironment and the compromised efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. CRISPR screens enable unbiased interrogation of gene function in T cells and have revealed functional determinators, genetic regulatory networks, and intercellular interactions in T cell life cycle, thereby providing opportunities to revamp cancer immunotherapies. In this review, we briefly described the central roles of T cells in successful cancer immunotherapies, comprehensively summarised the studies of CRISPR screens in T cells, elaborated resultant master genes that control T cell activation, proliferation, fate determination, effector function, and exhaustion, and highlighted genes (BATF, PRDM1, and TOX) and signalling cascades (JAK-STAT and NF-κB pathways) that extensively engage in multiple branches of T cell responses. In conclusion, this review bridged the gap between discovering element genes to a specific process of T cell activities and apprehending these genes in the global T cell life cycle, deepened the understanding of T cell biology in tumour immunity, and outlined CRISPR screens resources that might facilitate the development and implementation of cancer immunotherapies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghua Xiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huayi Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhan
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yong Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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2
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da Silva Lima F, da Silva Gonçalves CE, Fock RA. A review of the role of zinc finger proteins on hematopoiesis. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2023; 80:127290. [PMID: 37659124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
The bone marrow is responsible for producing an incredible number of cells daily in order to maintain blood homeostasis through a process called hematopoiesis. Hematopoiesis is a greatly demanding process and one entirely dependent on complex interactions between the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) and its surrounding microenvironment. Zinc (Zn2+) is considered an important trace element, playing diverse roles in different tissues and cell types, and zinc finger proteins (ZNF) are proteins that use Zn2+ as a structural cofactor. In this way, the ZNF structure is supported by a Zn2+ that coordinates many possible combinations of cysteine and histidine, with the most common ZNF being of the Cys2His2 (C2H2) type, which forms a family of transcriptional activators that play an important role in different cellular processes such as development, differentiation, and suppression, all of these being essential processes for an adequate hematopoiesis. This review aims to shed light on the relationship between ZNF and the regulation of the hematopoietic tissue. We include works with different designs, including both in vitro and in vivo studies, detailing how ZNF might regulate hematopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana da Silva Lima
- Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Ambrósio Fock
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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3
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Chopp LB, Zhu X, Gao Y, Nie J, Singh J, Kumar P, Young KZ, Patel S, Li C, Balmaceno-Criss M, Vacchio MS, Wang MM, Livak F, Merchant JL, Wang L, Kelly MC, Zhu J, Bosselut R. Zfp281 and Zfp148 control CD4 + T cell thymic development and T H2 functions. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eadi9066. [PMID: 37948511 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adi9066] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
How CD4+ lineage gene expression is initiated in differentiating thymocytes remains poorly understood. Here, we show that the paralog transcription factors Zfp281 and Zfp148 control both this process and cytokine expression by T helper cell type 2 (TH2) effector cells. Genetic, single-cell, and spatial transcriptomic analyses showed that these factors promote the intrathymic CD4+ T cell differentiation of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC II)-restricted thymocytes, including expression of the CD4+ lineage-committing factor Thpok. In peripheral T cells, Zfp281 and Zfp148 promoted chromatin opening at and expression of TH2 cytokine genes but not of the TH2 lineage-determining transcription factor Gata3. We found that Zfp281 interacts with Gata3 and is recruited to Gata3 genomic binding sites at loci encoding Thpok and TH2 cytokines. Thus, Zfp148 and Zfp281 collaborate with Gata3 to promote CD4+ T cell development and TH2 cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B Chopp
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Immunology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xiaoliang Zhu
- Molecular and Cellular Immunoregulation Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yayi Gao
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jia Nie
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jatinder Singh
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Parimal Kumar
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kelly Z Young
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shil Patel
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Caiyi Li
- Flow Cytometry Core, Laboratory of Genomic Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mariah Balmaceno-Criss
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Melanie S Vacchio
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michael M Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Neurology Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Ferenc Livak
- Flow Cytometry Core, Laboratory of Genomic Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Juanita L Merchant
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Lie Wang
- Institute of Immunology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Michael C Kelly
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jinfang Zhu
- Molecular and Cellular Immunoregulation Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rémy Bosselut
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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4
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Niu H, Wang H. TOX regulates T lymphocytes differentiation and its function in tumor. Front Immunol 2023; 14:990419. [PMID: 36969216 PMCID: PMC10035881 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.990419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box protein (TOX) is expressed differently at all T lymphocytes development stages. Owing to more advanced scientific and technological means, including single-cell sequencing technology, heterogeneity of T lymphocytes and TOX has gradually been revealed. Further exploration of such heterogeneity will help us comprehend the developmental stage and functional characteristics of T lymphocytes in greater detail. Emerging evidence supports its regulation not only in exhausting, but also in activating T lymphocytes, thereby verifying TOX heterogeneity. TOX can be used not only as a latent intervention target for tumor diseases and chronic infections, and a therapeutic strategy for autoimmune diseases, but also as a critical factor predicting the drug response and overall survival of patients with malignant tumors.
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5
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Bosselut R. A Beginner's Guide to T Cell Development. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2580:3-24. [PMID: 36374448 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2740-2_1] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
T lymphocytes (T cells) are essential components of the adaptive immune system; they serve multiple functions in responses to pathogens and to ensure immune homeostasis. Written for readers first entering this field of study, this chapter is a brief overview of the development of T cells in the thymus, from the entry of thymus-settling bone marrow-derived precursors to the egress of mature T cells. Surveyed topics include the differentiation and expansion of early precursors, the generation of the T cell antigen receptor repertoire, the selection of αβ T cell precursors, and their acquisition of functional competency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémy Bosselut
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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6
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Shinton SA, Brill-Dashoff J, Hayakawa K. Pla2g2a promotes innate Th2-type immunity lymphocytes to increase B1a cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14899. [PMID: 36050343 PMCID: PMC9437038 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18876-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Newborns require early generation of effective innate immunity as a primary physiological mechanism for survival. The neonatal Lin28+Let7– developmental pathway allows increased generation of Th2-type cells and B1a (B-1 B) cells compared to adult cells and long-term maintenance of these initially generated innate cells. For initial B1a cell growth from the neonatal to adult stage, Th2-type IL-5 production from ILC2s and NKT2 cells is important to increase B1a cells. The Th17 increase is dependent on extracellular bacteria, and increased bacteria leads to lower Th2-type generation. Secreted group IIA-phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA) from the Pla2g2a gene can bind to gram-positive bacteria and degrade bacterial membranes, controlling microbiota in the intestine. BALB/c mice are Pla2g2a+, and express high numbers of Th2-type cells and B1a cells. C57BL/6 mice are Pla2g2a-deficient and distinct from the SLAM family, and exhibit fewer NKT2 cells and fewer B1a cells from the neonatal to adult stage. We found that loss of Pla2g2a in the BALB/c background decreased IL-5 from Th2-type ILC2s and NKT2s but increased bacterial-reactive NKT17 cells and MAIT cells, and decreased the number of early-generated B1a cells and MZ B cells and the CD4/CD8 T cell ratio. Low IL-5 by decreased Th2-type cells in Pla2g2a loss led to low early-generated B1a cell growth from the neonatal to adult stage. In anti-thymocyte/Thy-1 autoreactive μκ transgenic (ATAμκ Tg) Pla2g2a+ BALB/c background C.B17 mice generated NKT2 cells that continuously control CD1d+ B1 B cells through old aging and lost CD1d in B1 B cells generating strong B1 ATA B cell leukemia/lymphoma. Pla2g2a-deficient ATAμκTg C57BL/6 mice suppressed the initial B1a cell increase, with low/negative spontaneous leukemia/lymphoma generation. These data confirmed that the presence of Pla2g2a to control bacteria is important to allow the neonatal to adult stage. Pla2g2a promotes innate Th2-type immunity lymphocytes to increase early generated B1a cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan A Shinton
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | | | - Kyoko Hayakawa
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA.
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7
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Gao Y, Zamisch M, Vacchio M, Chopp L, Ciucci T, Paine EL, Lyons GC, Nie J, Xiao Q, Zvezdova E, Love PE, Vinson CR, Jenkins LM, Bosselut R. NuRD complex recruitment to Thpok mediates CD4 + T cell lineage differentiation. Sci Immunol 2022; 7:eabn5917. [PMID: 35687698 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abn5917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Although BTB-zinc finger (BTB-ZF) transcription factors control the differentiation of multiple hematopoietic and immune lineages, how they function is poorly understood. The BTB-ZF factor Thpok controls intrathymic CD4+ T cell development and the expression of most CD4+ and CD8+ lineage genes. Here, we identify the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex as a critical Thpok cofactor. Using mass spectrometry and coimmunoprecipitation in primary T cells, we show that Thpok binds NuRD components independently of DNA association. We locate three amino acid residues within the Thpok BTB domain that are required for both NuRD binding and Thpok functions. Conversely, a chimeric protein merging the NuRD component Mta2 to a BTB-less version of Thpok supports CD4+ T cell development, indicating that NuRD recruitment recapitulates the functions of the Thpok BTB domain. We found that NuRD mediates Thpok repression of CD8+ lineage genes, including the transcription factor Runx3, but is dispensable for Cd4 expression. We show that these functions cannot be performed by the BTB domain of the Thpok-related factor Bcl6, which fails to bind NuRD. Thus, cofactor binding critically contributes to the functional specificity of BTB-ZF factors, which control the differentiation of most hematopoietic subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayi Gao
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Monica Zamisch
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Melanie Vacchio
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Laura Chopp
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Immunology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Thomas Ciucci
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Elliott L Paine
- Collaborative Protein Technology Resource, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gaelyn C Lyons
- Collaborative Protein Technology Resource, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jia Nie
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Qi Xiao
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ekaterina Zvezdova
- Section on Hematopoiesis and Lymphocyte Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paul E Love
- Section on Hematopoiesis and Lymphocyte Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Charles R Vinson
- Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lisa M Jenkins
- Immunology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rémy Bosselut
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
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8
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Tsiomita S, Liveri EM, Vardaka P, Vogiatzi A, Skiadaresis A, Saridis G, Tsigkas I, Michaelidis TM, Mavrothalassitis G, Thyphronitis G. ETS2 repressor factor (ERF) is involved in T lymphocyte maturation acting as regulator of thymocyte lineage commitment. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:641-657. [PMID: 35258130 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.1a0720-439r] [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: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymocyte differentiation and lineage commitment is regulated by an extensive network of transcription factors and signaling molecules among which Erk plays a central role. However, Erk effectors as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying this network are not well understood. Erf is a ubiquitously expressed transcriptional repressor regulated by Erk-dependent phosphorylation. Here, we investigated the role of Erf in T cell maturation and lineage commitment, using a double-fluorescent Erf-floxed mouse to produce thymus-specific Erf knockouts. We observed significant accumulation of thymocytes in the CD4/CD8 DP stage, followed by a significant reduction in CD4SP cells, a trend for lower CD8SP cell frequency, and an elevated percentage of γδ expressing thymocytes in Erf-deficient mice. Also, an elevated number of CD69+ TCRβ+ cells indicates that thymocytes undergoing positive selection accumulate at this stage. The expression of transcription factors Gata3, ThPOK, and Socs1 that promote CD4+ cell commitment was significantly decreased in Erf-deficient mice. These findings suggest that Erf is involved in T cell maturation, acting as a positive regulator during CD4 and eventually CD8 lineage commitment, while negatively regulates the production of γδ T cells. In addition, Erf-deficient mice displayed decreased percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ splenocytes and elevated levels of IL-4 indicating that Erf may have an additional role in the homeostasis, differentiation, and immunologic response of helper and cytotoxic T cells in the periphery. Overall, our results show, for the first time, Erf's involvement in T cell biology suggesting that Erf acts as a potential regulator during thymocyte maturation and thymocyte lineage commitment, in γδ T cell generation, as well as in Th cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyridoula Tsiomita
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Effrosyni Maria Liveri
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Panagiota Vardaka
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Angeliki Vogiatzi
- Department of Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Argyris Skiadaresis
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - George Saridis
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Tsigkas
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Department of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Theologos M Michaelidis
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Department of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Ioannina, Greece
| | - George Mavrothalassitis
- Department of Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.,IMBB, FORTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - George Thyphronitis
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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9
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Abstract
Cytotoxic CD4 T lymphocytes (CD4-CTL) are important in anti-viral immunity. For example, we have previously shown that in mice, CD4-CTL are important to control ectromelia virus (ECTV) infection. How viral infections induce CD4-CTL responses remains incompletely understood. Here we demonstrate that not only ECTV but also vaccinia virus and Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus induce CD4-CTL, but that the response to ECTV is stronger. Using ECTV, we also demonstrate that in contrast to CD8-CTL, CD4-CTL differentiation requires constant virus replication and ceases once the virus is controlled. We also show that Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II molecules on CD11c+ cells are required for CD4-CTL differentiation and for mousepox resistance. Transcriptional analysis indicated that anti-viral CD4-CTL and non-cytolytic T Helper 1 (Th1) CD4 T cells have similar transcriptional profiles, suggesting that CD4-CTL are terminally differentiated classical Th1 cells. Interestingly, CD4-CTL and classical Th1 cells expressed similar mRNA levels of the transcription factors ThPOK and GATA-3, necessary for CD4 T cell linage commitment; and Runx3, required for CD8 T cell development and effector function. However, at the protein level, CD4-CTL had higher levels of the three transcription factors suggesting that further post-transcriptional regulation is required for CD4-CTL differentiation. Finally, using CRISPR-Cas9 deletion of Runx3 in CD4 T cells, we demonstrate that the development of CD4-CTL but not of classical Th1 CD4 T cells requires Runx3 following ECTV infection. These results further our understanding of the mechanisms of CD4-CTL differentiation during viral infection and the role of post-transcriptionally regulated Runx3 in this process. IMPORTANCE While it is well established that cytotoxic CD4 T cells (CD4-CTL) directly contribute to viral clearance, it remains unclear how CD4-CTL are induced. We now show that CD4-CTL require sustained antigen presentation and are induced by CD11c-expressing antigen presenting cells. Moreover, we show that CD4-CTL are derived from the terminal differentiation of classical T helper 1 (Th1) subset of CD4 cells. Compared to Th1 cells, CD4-CTL upregulate protein levels of the transcription factors ThPOK, Runx3 and GATA-3 post-transcriptionally. Deletion of Runx3 in differentiated CD4 T cells prevents CD4-CTL but not of classical Th1 cells. These results advance our knowledge of how CD4-CTL are induced during viral infection.
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10
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Ye J, Chen Q, Wang R. Logical modeling of thymus and natural killer lymphocyte differentiation. J Biol Phys 2021; 47:31-47. [PMID: 33735399 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-021-09563-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymus (T) and natural killer (NK) lymphocytes are important barriers against diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to understand regulatory mechanisms related to the cell fate decisions involved in the production of these cells. Although some individual information related to T and NK lymphocyte cell fate decisions have been revealed, the related network and its dynamical characteristics still have not been well understood. By integrating individual information and comparing with experimental data, we construct a comprehensive regulatory network and a logical model related to T and NK lymphocyte differentiation. We aim to explore possible mechanisms of how each lineage differentiation is realized by systematically screening individual perturbations. When determining the perturbation strategies, the state transition can be used to identify the roles of specific genes in cell type selection and reprogramming. In agreement with experimental observations, the dynamics of the model correctly restates the cell differentiation processes from common lymphoid progenitors to CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and NK cells. Our analysis reveals that some specific perturbations can give rise to directional cell differentiation or reprogramming. We test our in silico results by using known experimental observations. The integrated network and the logical model presented here might be a good candidate for providing qualitative mechanisms of cell fate specification involved in T and NK lymphocyte cell fate decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianting Ye
- Department of Mathematics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingxi Chen
- Department of Mathematics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruiqi Wang
- Department of Mathematics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
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11
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Liu C, Lan Y, Liu B, Zhang H, Hu H. T Cell Development: Old Tales Retold By Single-Cell RNA Sequencing. Trends Immunol 2021; 42:165-175. [PMID: 33446417 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian T cell development initiates from the migration of hematopoietic progenitors to the thymus, which undergo cell proliferation, T-lineage specification and commitment, as well as positive and negative selection. These processes are precisely controlled at multiple levels and have been intensively studied using gene-modified animal models and in vitro coculture systems. However, several long-standing questions, including the characterization of the rare but crucial progenitors/precursors and the molecular mechanisms underlying their fate decision, have been dampened because of cell scarcity and lack of appropriate techniques. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) makes it possible to investigate and resolve some of these questions, leading to new remarkable progress in identifying and characterizing early thymic progenitors and delineating the refined developmental trajectories of conventional and unconventional T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yu Lan
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Bing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing 100071, China; Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Huiyuan Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Hongbo Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China.
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12
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Fahey L, Donohoe G, Broin PÓ, Morris DW. Genes regulated by BCL11B during T-cell development are enriched for de novo mutations found in schizophrenia patients. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2020; 183:370-379. [PMID: 32729240 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
While abnormal neurodevelopment contributes to schizophrenia (SCZ) risk, there is also evidence to support a role for immune dysfunction in SCZ. BCL11B, associated with SCZ in genome-wide association study (GWAS), is a transcription factor that regulates the differentiation and development of cells in the central nervous and immune systems. Here, we use functional genomics data from studies of BCL11B to investigate the contribution of neuronal and immune processes to SCZ pathophysiology. We identified the gene targets of BCL11B in brain striatal cells (n = 223 genes), double negative 4 (DN4) developing T cells (n = 114 genes) and double positive (DP) developing T cells (n = 518 genes) using an integrated analysis of RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data. No gene-set was enriched for genes containing common variants associated with SCZ but the DP gene-set was enriched for genes containing missense de novo mutations (DNMs; p = .001) using data from 3,447 SCZ trios. Post hoc analysis revealed the enrichment to be stronger for DP genes negatively regulated by BCL11B. Biological processes enriched for genes negatively regulated by BCL11B in DP gene-set included immune system development and cytokine signaling. These analyses, leveraging a GWAS-identified SCZ risk gene and data on gene expression and transcription factor binding, indicate that DNMs in immune pathways contribute to SCZ risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fahey
- Cognitive Genetics and Cognitive Therapy Group, Centre for Neuroimaging & Cognitive Genomics, School of Psychology and Discipline of Biochemistry, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,School of Mathematics, Statistics and Applied Mathematics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Gary Donohoe
- Cognitive Genetics and Cognitive Therapy Group, Centre for Neuroimaging & Cognitive Genomics, School of Psychology and Discipline of Biochemistry, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Pilib Ó Broin
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Applied Mathematics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Derek W Morris
- Cognitive Genetics and Cognitive Therapy Group, Centre for Neuroimaging & Cognitive Genomics, School of Psychology and Discipline of Biochemistry, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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13
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Daams R, Sime W, Leandersson K, Sitnicka E, Massoumi R. Deletion of Nemo-like Kinase in T Cells Reduces Single-Positive CD8 + Thymocyte Population. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:1830-1841. [PMID: 32839237 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The β-catenin/Wnt signaling pathway plays an important role in all stages of T cell development. Nemo-like kinase (NLK) is an evolutionary conserved serine/threonine kinase and a negative regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway. NLK can directly phosphorylate histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), as well as T cell factor/lymphoid enhancer-binding factor (TCF/LEF), causing subsequent repression of target gene transcription. By engineering mice lacking NLK in early stages of T cell development, we set out to characterize the role NLK plays in T cell development and found that deletion of NLK does not affect mouse health or lymphoid tissue development. Instead, these mice harbored a reduced number of single-positive (SP) CD8+ thymocytes without any defects in the SP CD4+ thymocyte population. The decrease in SP CD8+ thymocytes was not caused by a block in differentiation from double-positive CD4+CD8+ cells. Neither TCR signaling nor activation was altered in the absence of NLK. Instead, we observed a significant increase in cell death and reduced phosphorylation of LEF1 as well as HDAC1 among NLK-deleted SP CD8+ cells. Thus, NLK seems to play an important role in the survival of CD8+ thymocytes. Our data provide evidence for a new function for NLK with regard to its involvement in T cell development and supporting survival of SP CD8+ thymocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée Daams
- Molecular Tumor Pathology, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Wondossen Sime
- Molecular Tumor Pathology, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin Leandersson
- Cancer Immunology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, 214 28 Malmö, Sweden; and
| | - Ewa Sitnicka
- Lymphoid Development and Regulation, Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ramin Massoumi
- Molecular Tumor Pathology, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 223 81 Lund, Sweden;
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14
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Vinogradova EV, Zhang X, Remillard D, Lazar DC, Suciu RM, Wang Y, Bianco G, Yamashita Y, Crowley VM, Schafroth MA, Yokoyama M, Konrad DB, Lum KM, Simon GM, Kemper EK, Lazear MR, Yin S, Blewett MM, Dix MM, Nguyen N, Shokhirev MN, Chin EN, Lairson LL, Melillo B, Schreiber SL, Forli S, Teijaro JR, Cravatt BF. An Activity-Guided Map of Electrophile-Cysteine Interactions in Primary Human T Cells. Cell 2020; 182:1009-1026.e29. [PMID: 32730809 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Electrophilic compounds originating from nature or chemical synthesis have profound effects on immune cells. These compounds are thought to act by cysteine modification to alter the functions of immune-relevant proteins; however, our understanding of electrophile-sensitive cysteines in the human immune proteome remains limited. Here, we present a global map of cysteines in primary human T cells that are susceptible to covalent modification by electrophilic small molecules. More than 3,000 covalently liganded cysteines were found on functionally and structurally diverse proteins, including many that play fundamental roles in immunology. We further show that electrophilic compounds can impair T cell activation by distinct mechanisms involving the direct functional perturbation and/or degradation of proteins. Our findings reveal a rich content of ligandable cysteines in human T cells and point to electrophilic small molecules as a fertile source for chemical probes and ultimately therapeutics that modulate immunological processes and their associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - David Remillard
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Daniel C Lazar
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Radu M Suciu
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yujia Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Giulia Bianco
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yu Yamashita
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratories, New Drug Research Division, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 463-10 Kawauchi-cho, Tokushima 771-0192, Japan
| | - Vincent M Crowley
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Michael A Schafroth
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Minoru Yokoyama
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - David B Konrad
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Kenneth M Lum
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Gabriel M Simon
- Vividion Therapeutics, 5820 Nancy Ridge Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Esther K Kemper
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Michael R Lazear
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Sifei Yin
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Megan M Blewett
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Melissa M Dix
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Nhan Nguyen
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Maxim N Shokhirev
- Razavi Newman Integrative Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Emily N Chin
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Luke L Lairson
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Bruno Melillo
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Stuart L Schreiber
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Stefano Forli
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - John R Teijaro
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Benjamin F Cravatt
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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15
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Vacchio MS, Ciucci T, Gao Y, Watanabe M, Balmaceno-Criss M, McGinty MT, Huang A, Xiao Q, McConkey C, Zhao Y, Shetty J, Tran B, Pepper M, Vahedi G, Jenkins MK, McGavern DB, Bosselut R. A Thpok-Directed Transcriptional Circuitry Promotes Bcl6 and Maf Expression to Orchestrate T Follicular Helper Differentiation. Immunity 2019; 51:465-478.e6. [PMID: 31422869 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2019.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The generation of high-affinity neutralizing antibodies, the objective of most vaccine strategies, occurs in B cells within germinal centers (GCs) and requires rate-limiting "help" from follicular helper CD4+ T (Tfh) cells. Although Tfh differentiation is an attribute of MHC II-restricted CD4+ T cells, the transcription factors driving Tfh differentiation, notably Bcl6, are not restricted to CD4+ T cells. Here, we identified a requirement for the CD4+-specific transcription factor Thpok during Tfh cell differentiation, GC formation, and antibody maturation. Thpok promoted Bcl6 expression and bound to a Thpok-responsive region in the first intron of Bcl6. Thpok also promoted the expression of Bcl6-independent genes, including the transcription factor Maf, which cooperated with Bcl6 to mediate the effect of Thpok on Tfh cell differentiation. Our findings identify a transcriptional program that links the CD4+ lineage with Tfh differentiation, a limiting factor for efficient B cell responses, and suggest avenues to optimize vaccine generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie S Vacchio
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas Ciucci
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yayi Gao
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Masashi Watanabe
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mariah Balmaceno-Criss
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mitchell T McGinty
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Allan Huang
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Qi Xiao
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cameron McConkey
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yongmei Zhao
- Center for Cancer Research Sequencing Facility, Advanced Technology Research Facility, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jyoti Shetty
- Center for Cancer Research Sequencing Facility, Advanced Technology Research Facility, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bao Tran
- Center for Cancer Research Sequencing Facility, Advanced Technology Research Facility, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marion Pepper
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Golnaz Vahedi
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marc K Jenkins
- Center for Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Dorian B McGavern
- Viral Immunology and Intravital Imaging Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rémy Bosselut
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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16
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Abstract
Generating and maintaining a diverse repertoire of naive T cells is essential for protection against pathogens, and developing a mechanistic and quantitative description of the processes involved lies at the heart of our understanding of vertebrate immunity. Here, we review the biology of naive T cells from birth to maturity and outline how the integration of mathematical models and experiments has helped us to develop a full picture of their life histories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedict Seddon
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, UCL, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Andrew J Yates
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
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17
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Bosselut R. Control of Intra-Thymic αβ T Cell Selection and Maturation by H3K27 Methylation and Demethylation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:688. [PMID: 31001282 PMCID: PMC6456692 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to transcription factor binding, the dynamics of DNA modifications (methylation) and chromatin structure are essential contributors to the control of transcription in eukaryotes. Research in the past few years has emphasized the importance of histone H3 methylation at lysine 27 for lineage specific gene repression, demonstrated that deposition of this mark at specific genes is subject to differentiation-induced changes during development, and identified enzymatic activities, methyl transferases and demethylases, that control these changes. The present review discusses the importance of these mechanisms during intrathymic αβ T cell selection and late differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémy Bosselut
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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18
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Yamada T, Nabe S, Toriyama K, Suzuki J, Inoue K, Imai Y, Shiraishi A, Takenaka K, Yasukawa M, Yamashita M. Histone H3K27 Demethylase Negatively Controls the Memory Formation of Antigen-Stimulated CD8 + T Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 202:1088-1098. [PMID: 30626691 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although the methylation status of histone H3K27 plays a critical role in CD4+ T cell differentiation and its function, the role of Utx histone H3K27 demethylase in the CD8+ T cell-dependent immune response remains unclear. We therefore generated T cell-specific Utx flox/flox Cd4-Cre Tg (Utx KO) mice to determine the role of Utx in CD8+ T cells. Wild-type (WT) and Utx KO mice were infected with Listeria monocytogenes expressing OVA to analyze the immune response of Ag-specific CD8+ T cells. There was no significant difference in the number of Ag-specific CD8+ T cells upon primary infection between WT and Utx KO mice. However, Utx deficiency resulted in more Ag-specific CD8+ T cells upon secondary infection. Adoptive transfer of Utx KO CD8+ T cells resulted in a larger number of memory cells in the primary response than in WT. We observed a decreased gene expression of effector-associated transcription factors, including Prdm1 encoding Blimp1, in Utx KO CD8+ T cells. We confirmed that the trimethylation level of histone H3K27 in the Prdm1 gene loci in the Utx KO cells was higher than in the WT cells. The treatment of CD8+ T cells with Utx-cofactor α-ketoglutarate hampered the memory formation, whereas Utx inhibitor GSK-J4 enhanced the memory formation in WT CD8+ T cells. These data suggest that Utx negatively controls the memory formation of Ag-stimulated CD8+ T cells by epigenetically regulating the gene expression. Based on these findings, we identified a critical link between Utx and the differentiation of Ag-stimulated CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Yamada
- Department of Medical Technology, Ehime Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Tobe, Ehime 791-2101, Japan; .,Department of Infection and Host Defenses, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Shogo Nabe
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Koji Toriyama
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Junpei Suzuki
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.,Department of Translational Immunology, Translational Research Center, Ehime University Hospital, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Kazuki Inoue
- Division of Integrative Pathophysiology, Department of Proteo-Inovation, Proteo-Science Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan; and
| | - Yuuki Imai
- Division of Integrative Pathophysiology, Department of Proteo-Inovation, Proteo-Science Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan; and
| | - Atsushi Shiraishi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Katsuto Takenaka
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Masaki Yasukawa
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.,Division of Immune Regulation, Department of Proteo-Innovation, Proteo-Science Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Yamashita
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan; .,Department of Translational Immunology, Translational Research Center, Ehime University Hospital, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.,Division of Immune Regulation, Department of Proteo-Innovation, Proteo-Science Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
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19
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Vacchio MS, Bosselut R. What Happens in the Thymus Does Not Stay in the Thymus: How T Cells Recycle the CD4+-CD8+ Lineage Commitment Transcriptional Circuitry To Control Their Function. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 196:4848-56. [PMID: 27260768 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1600415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
MHC-restricted CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells are at the core of most adaptive immune responses. Although these cells carry distinct functions, they arise from a common precursor during thymic differentiation, in a developmental sequence that matches CD4 and CD8 expression and functional potential with MHC restriction. Although the transcriptional control of CD4(+)-CD8(+) lineage choice in the thymus is now better understood, less was known about what maintains the CD4(+) and CD8(+) lineage integrity of mature T cells. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms that establish in the thymus, and maintain in postthymic cells, the separation of these lineages. We focus on recent studies that address the mechanisms of epigenetic control of Cd4 expression and emphasize how maintaining a transcriptional circuitry nucleated around Thpok and Runx proteins, the key architects of CD4(+)-CD8(+) lineage commitment in the thymus, is critical for CD4(+) T cell helper functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie S Vacchio
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Rémy Bosselut
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
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20
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Carpenter AC, Wohlfert E, Chopp LB, Vacchio MS, Nie J, Zhao Y, Shetty J, Xiao Q, Deng C, Tran B, Cam M, Gaida MM, Belkaid Y, Bosselut R. Control of Regulatory T Cell Differentiation by the Transcription Factors Thpok and LRF. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 199:1716-1728. [PMID: 28754678 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1700181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The CD4+ lineage-specific transcription factor Thpok is required for intrathymic CD4+ T cell differentiation and, together with its homolog LRF, supports CD4+ T cell helper effector responses. However, it is not known whether these factors are needed for the regulatory T cell (Treg) arm of MHC class II responses. In this study, by inactivating in mice the genes encoding both factors in differentiated Tregs, we show that Thpok and LRF are redundantly required to maintain the size and functions of the postthymic Treg pool. They support IL-2-mediated gene expression and the functions of the Treg-specific factor Foxp3. Accordingly, Treg-specific disruption of Thpok and Lrf causes a lethal inflammatory syndrome similar to that resulting from Treg deficiency. Unlike in conventional T cells, Thpok and LRF functions in Tregs are not mediated by their repression of the transcription factor Runx3. Additionally, we found that Thpok is needed for the differentiation of thymic Treg precursors, an observation in line with the fact that Foxp3+ Tregs are CD4+ cells. Thus, a common Thpok-LRF node supports both helper and regulatory arms of MHC class II responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Carpenter
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Elizabeth Wohlfert
- Microbiome Program, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.,Mucosal Immunology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Laura B Chopp
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.,Immunology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Melanie S Vacchio
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Jia Nie
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Yongmei Zhao
- Center for Cancer Research Sequencing Facility, Advanced Technology Research Facility, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Jyoti Shetty
- Center for Cancer Research Sequencing Facility, Advanced Technology Research Facility, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Qi Xiao
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Callie Deng
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Bao Tran
- Center for Cancer Research Sequencing Facility, Advanced Technology Research Facility, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Margaret Cam
- Center for Cancer Research Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892; and
| | - Matthias M Gaida
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.,Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yasmine Belkaid
- Microbiome Program, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.,Mucosal Immunology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Rémy Bosselut
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892;
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21
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Rothenberg EV, Kueh HY, Yui MA, Zhang JA. Hematopoiesis and T-cell specification as a model developmental system. Immunol Rev 2016; 271:72-97. [PMID: 27088908 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The pathway to generate T cells from hematopoietic stem cells guides progenitors through a succession of fate choices while balancing differentiation progression against proliferation, stage to stage. Many elements of the regulatory system that controls this process are known, but the requirement for multiple, functionally distinct transcription factors needs clarification in terms of gene network architecture. Here, we compare the features of the T-cell specification system with the rule sets underlying two other influential types of gene network models: first, the combinatorial, hierarchical regulatory systems that generate the orderly, synchronized increases in complexity in most invertebrate embryos; second, the dueling 'master regulator' systems that are commonly used to explain bistability in microbial systems and in many fate choices in terminal differentiation. The T-cell specification process shares certain features with each of these prevalent models but differs from both of them in central respects. The T-cell system is highly combinatorial but also highly dose-sensitive in its use of crucial regulatory factors. The roles of these factors are not always T-lineage-specific, but they balance and modulate each other's activities long before any mutually exclusive silencing occurs. T-cell specification may provide a new hybrid model for gene networks in vertebrate developmental systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen V Rothenberg
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Hao Yuan Kueh
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Mary A Yui
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Jingli A Zhang
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
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22
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this review was to systematically analyze recent studies updating our knowledge on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in childhood asthma. RECENT FINDINGS A systematic literature search was conducted that identified 23 fresh articles published within the last 5 years reporting the results of human studies on the relationships between epigenetic modifications and childhood asthma or its/related phenotypes. In almost all these studies, meaningful associations between levels of epigenetic marks (DNA methylation and/or histone modifications) and pediatric asthma or its/related phenotypes have been observed. In addition, many studies identified by our screening analyzed those associations in the context of environmental factors, such as pollution, tobacco smoke, farming, or diet, showing in a huge majority a modifying effect of those exposures. SUMMARY The results of our systematic literature search provide a strong support for the role of epigenetic mechanisms in (mediating the effects of environmental exposure on) pediatric asthma. This knowledge may possibly be translated into diagnostic and/or therapeutic approaches.
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Bosselut R. Pleiotropic Functions of H3K27Me3 Demethylases in Immune Cell Differentiation. Trends Immunol 2016; 37:102-113. [PMID: 26796037 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2015] [Revised: 12/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27Me3) contributes to gene repression, notably through recruitment of Polycomb complexes, and has long been considered essential to maintain cell identity. Whereas H3K27Me3 was thought to be stable and not catalytically reversible, the discovery of the Utx and Jmjd3 demethylases changed this notion, raising new questions on the role of these enzymes in gene expression and cell differentiation. Recent studies have demonstrated critical roles for Utx and Jmjd3 in the development and function of immune cells, and revealed both demethylase and demethylase-independent activities of these enzymes. I review these finding here, and discuss the current understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the broad, yet highly cell- and gene-specific, impact of these enzymes in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémy Bosselut
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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24
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Talaber G, Jondal M, Okret S. Local glucocorticoid production in the thymus. Steroids 2015; 103:58-63. [PMID: 26102271 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Revised: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Besides generating immunocompetent T lymphocytes, the thymus is an established site of de novo extra-adrenal glucocorticoid (GC) production. Among the compartments of the thymus, both stromal thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and thymocytes secrete biologically active GCs. Locally produced GCs secreted by the various thymic cellular compartments have been suggested to have different impact on thymic homeostasis. TEC-derived GCs may regulate thymocyte differentiation whereas thymocyte-derived GCs might regulate age-dependent involution. However the full biological significance of thymic-derived GCs is still not fully understood. In this review, we summarize and describe recent advances in the understanding of local GC production in the thymus and immunoregulatory steroid production by peripheral T cells and highlight the possible role of local GCs for thymus function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Talaber
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Mikael Jondal
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Insitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sam Okret
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Huddinge, Sweden
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25
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Manna S, Kim JK, Baugé C, Cam M, Zhao Y, Shetty J, Vacchio MS, Castro E, Tran B, Tessarollo L, Bosselut R. Histone H3 Lysine 27 demethylases Jmjd3 and Utx are required for T-cell differentiation. Nat Commun 2015; 6:8152. [PMID: 26328764 PMCID: PMC4569738 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27Me3) is associated with gene silencing, whether H3K27Me3 demethylation affects transcription and cell differentiation in vivo has remained elusive. To investigate this, we conditionally inactivated the two H3K27Me3 demethylases, Jmjd3 and Utx, in non-dividing intrathymic CD4(+) T-cell precursors. Here we show that both enzymes redundantly promote H3K27Me3 removal at, and expression of, a specific subset of genes involved in terminal thymocyte differentiation, especially S1pr1, encoding a sphingosine-phosphate receptor required for thymocyte egress. Thymocyte expression of S1pr1 was not rescued in Jmjd3- and Utx-deficient male mice, which carry the catalytically inactive Utx homolog Uty, supporting the conclusion that it requires H3K27Me3 demethylase activity. These findings demonstrate that Jmjd3 and Utx are required for T-cell development, and point to a requirement for their H3K27Me3 demethylase activity in cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sugata Manna
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Jong Kyong Kim
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Catherine Baugé
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Margaret Cam
- Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Yongmei Zhao
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Jyoti Shetty
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Melanie S Vacchio
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Ehydel Castro
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Bao Tran
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Lino Tessarollo
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Rémy Bosselut
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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26
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Srivastava S, Dhawan J, Mishra RK. Epigenetic mechanisms and boundaries in the regulation of mammalian Hox clusters. Mech Dev 2015; 138 Pt 2:160-169. [PMID: 26254900 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2015.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Hox gene expression imparts segment identity to body structures along the anterior-posterior axis and is tightly governed by higher order chromatin mechanisms. Chromatin regulatory features of the homeotic complex are best defined in Drosophila melanogaster, where multiple cis-regulatory elements have been identified that ensure collinear Hox gene expression patterns in accordance with their genomic organization. Recent studies focused on delineating the epigenetic features of the vertebrate Hox clusters have helped reveal their dynamic chromatin organization and its impact on gene expression. Enrichment for the 'activating' H3K4me3 and 'repressive' H3K27me3 histone modifications is a particularly strong read-out for transcriptional status and correlates well with the evidence for chromatin loop domain structures and stage specific topological changes at these loci. However, it is not clear how such distinct domains are imposed and regulated independent of each other. Comparative analysis of the chromatin structure and organization of the homeotic gene clusters in fly and mammals is increasingly revealing the functional conservation of chromatin mediated mechanisms. Here we discuss the case for interspersed boundary elements existing within mammalian Hox clusters along with their possible roles and mechanisms of action. Recent studies suggest a role for factors other than the well characterized vertebrate boundary factor CTCF, such as the GAGA binding factor (GAF), in maintaining chromatin domains at the Hox loci. We also present data demonstrating how such regulatory elements may be involved in organizing higher order structure and demarcating active domains of gene expression at the mammalian Hox clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi Srivastava
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India.
| | - Jyotsna Dhawan
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Rakesh K Mishra
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India
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27
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Steinke FC, Xue HH. From inception to output, Tcf1 and Lef1 safeguard development of T cells and innate immune cells. Immunol Res 2015; 59:45-55. [PMID: 24847765 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-014-8545-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors have recurring roles during T cell development and activation. Tcf1 and Lef1 are known to be essential for early stages of thymocyte maturation. Recent research has revealed several novel aspects of their functionality. Tcf1 is induced at the very earliest step of specifying hematopoietic progenitors to the T cell lineage as a key target gene downstream of Notch activation. In addition to promoting maturation of T-lineage-committed thymocytes, Tcf1 functions as a tumor suppressor in developing thymocytes, and this is mediated, paradoxically, by restraining Lef1 expression. After positive selection, Tcf1 and Lef1 act together to direct CD4(+)CD8(+) double positive thymocytes to a CD4(+) T cell fate. Although not required for CD8(+) T cell differentiation, Tcf1 and Lef1 cooperate with Runx factors to achieve stable silencing of the Cd4 gene in CD8(+) T cells. Tcf1 is also found to have versatile roles in innate immune cells, which partly mirror its functions in mature T helper cells. Discrepancy in requirements of Tcf1/Lef1 and β-catenin in T cells has been a long-standing enigma. We will review other protein factors interacting with Tcf1 and Lef1 and discuss their regulatory roles independent of β-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farrah C Steinke
- Department of Microbiology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
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28
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Pan YX, Ye Q, Shao WX, Shang SQ, Mao JH, Zhang T, Shen HQ, Zhao N. Relationship between immune parameters and organ involvement in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115261. [PMID: 25514176 PMCID: PMC4267823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is the most common type of connective tissue diseases which increasingly occurs in children in recent years and its pathogenesis remains unclear. In order to explore the immune parameters and underlying pathogenesis mechanism of children with HSP, the study involved 1232 patients with HSP having different clinical symptoms and their laboratory indicators were evaluated. Th1/Th2 imbalance and overactivity of Th2 cells can cause increase in the synthesis and release of immunoglobulins in children with HSP. The number of red blood cells and white blood cells in urine was directly proportional to the level of IgA and inversely proportional to the level of serum complements (C3 and C4). Activation of these complements caused by immunoglobulin in patients with HSP plays an important role in renal injury. The urinary protein content in children with HSP along with proteinuria was positively correlated with IgE level, and IgE mediated type 1 hypersensitivity can cause increase in capillary permeability and weakened the charge barrier; hence, it could be considered as one of the causes of proteinuria in HSP. Additionally, the NK cells percentage was reduced and impaired immune function of NK cells were related to the immune injury of the digestive tract and kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-xiang Pan
- Clinical Laboratory, The Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Qing Ye
- Clinical Laboratory, The Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Neonatal Diseases, Hangzhou, PR China
- * E-mail:
| | - Wen-xia Shao
- Clinical Laboratory, Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Shi-qiang Shang
- Clinical Laboratory, The Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Jian-hua Mao
- The Nephrology Department, The Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Hong-qiang Shen
- Clinical Laboratory, The Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Ning Zhao
- Clinical Laboratory, The Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
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29
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A ThPOK-LRF transcriptional node maintains the integrity and effector potential of post-thymic CD4+ T cells. Nat Immunol 2014; 15:947-56. [PMID: 25129370 PMCID: PMC4251968 DOI: 10.1038/ni.2960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor ThPOK promotes CD4+ T cell differentiation in the thymus. Here, using a mouse strain that allows post-thymic gene deletion, we show that ThPOK maintains CD4+ T lineage integrity and couples effector differentiation to environmental cues after antigenic stimulation. ThPOK preserved the integrity and amplitude of effector responses, and was required for proper TH1 and TH2 differentiation in vivo by restraining the expression and function of the transcriptional regulator of cytotoxic T cell differentiation, Runx3. The transcription factor LRF contributed in a redundant manner with ThPOK to prevent the trans-differentiation of mature CD4+ T cells into CD8+ T cells. As such, the ThPOK-LRF transcriptional module was essential for CD4+ T cell integrity and responses.
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30
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Steinke FC, Yu S, Zhou X, He B, Yang W, Zhou B, Kawamoto H, Zhu J, Tan K, Xue HH. TCF-1 and LEF-1 act upstream of Th-POK to promote the CD4(+) T cell fate and interact with Runx3 to silence Cd4 in CD8(+) T cells. Nat Immunol 2014; 15:646-656. [PMID: 24836425 PMCID: PMC4064003 DOI: 10.1038/ni.2897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factors TCF-1 and LEF-1 are essential for early T cell development, but their roles beyond the CD4(+)CD8(+) double-positive (DP) stage are unknown. By specific ablation of these factors in DP thymocytes, we demonstrated that deficiency in TCF-1 and LEF-1 diminished the output of CD4(+) T cells and redirected CD4(+) T cells to a CD8(+) T cell fate. The role of TCF-1 and LEF-1 in the CD4-versus-CD8 lineage 'choice' was mediated in part by direct positive regulation of the transcription factor Th-POK. Furthermore, loss of TCF-1 and LEF-1 unexpectedly caused derepression of CD4 expression in T cells committed to the CD8(+) lineage without affecting the expression of Runx transcription factors. Instead, TCF-1 physically interacted with Runx3 to cooperatively silence Cd4. Thus, TCF-1 and LEF-1 adopted distinct genetic 'wiring' to promote the CD4(+) T cell fate and establish CD8(+) T cell identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farrah C. Steinke
- Department of Microbiology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
- Interdisciplinary Immunology Graduate Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Shuyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P. R. China 100193
| | - Xinyuan Zhou
- Insitute of Immunology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China 400038
| | - Bing He
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Wenjing Yang
- Development Biology Center, NHLBI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Bo Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Hiroshi Kawamoto
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan 606-8507
| | - Jun Zhu
- Development Biology Center, NHLBI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Kai Tan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Hai-Hui Xue
- Department of Microbiology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
- Interdisciplinary Immunology Graduate Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
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31
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Abstract
T and B cells share a common somatic gene rearrangement mechanism for assembling the genes that code for their antigen receptors; they also have developmental pathways with many parallels. Shared usage of basic helix-loop-helix E proteins as transcriptional drivers underlies these common features. However, the transcription factor networks in which these E proteins are embedded are different both in membership and in architecture for T and B cell gene regulatory programs. These differences permit lineage commitment decisions to be made in different hierarchical orders. Furthermore, in contrast to B cell gene networks, the T cell gene network architecture for effector differentiation is sufficiently modular so that E protein inputs can be removed. Complete T cell-like effector differentiation can proceed without T cell receptor rearrangement or selection when E proteins are neutralized, yielding natural killer and other innate lymphoid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen V Rothenberg
- Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125;
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32
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Martínez-Sosa P, Mendoza L. The regulatory network that controls the differentiation of T lymphocytes. Biosystems 2013; 113:96-103. [PMID: 23743337 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2013.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2012] [Revised: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
There is a vast amount of molecular information regarding the differentiation of T lymphocytes, in particular regarding in vitro experimental treatments that modify their differentiation process. This publicly available information was used to infer the regulatory network that controls the differentiation of T lymphocytes into CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells. Hereby we present a network that consists of 50 nodes and 97 regulatory interactions, representing the main signaling circuits established among molecules and molecular complexes regulating the differentiation of T cells. The network was converted into a continuous dynamical system in the form of a set of coupled ordinary differential equations, and its dynamical behavior was studied. With the aid of numerical methods, nine fixed point attractors were found for the dynamical system. These attractors correspond to the activation patterns observed experimentally for the following cell types: CD4(-)CD8(-), CD4(+)CD8(+), CD4(+) naive, Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, CD8(+) naive, and CTL. Furthermore, the model is able to describe the differentiation process from the precursor CD4(-)CD8(-) to any of the effector types due to a specific series of extracellular signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Martínez-Sosa
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, CP04510 México, D.F., Mexico
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33
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Mingueneau M, Kreslavsky T, Gray D, Heng T, Cruse R, Ericson J, Bendall S, Spitzer MH, Nolan GP, Kobayashi K, von Boehmer H, Mathis D, Benoist C, Best AJ, Knell J, Goldrath A, Joic V, Koller D, Shay T, Regev A, Cohen N, Brennan P, Brenner M, Kim F, Nageswara Rao T, Wagers A, Heng T, Ericson J, Rothamel K, Ortiz-Lopez A, Mathis D, Benoist C, Bezman NA, Sun JC, Min-Oo G, Kim CC, Lanier LL, Miller J, Brown B, Merad M, Gautier EL, Jakubzick C, Randolph GJ, Monach P, Blair DA, Dustin ML, Shinton SA, Hardy RR, Laidlaw D, Collins J, Gazit R, Rossi DJ, Malhotra N, Sylvia K, Kang J, Kreslavsky T, Fletcher A, Elpek K, Bellemare-Pelletier A, Malhotra D, Turley S. The transcriptional landscape of αβ T cell differentiation. Nat Immunol 2013; 14:619-32. [PMID: 23644507 PMCID: PMC3660436 DOI: 10.1038/ni.2590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
αβT cell differentiation from thymic precursors is a complex process, explored here with the breadth of ImmGen expression datasets, analyzing how differentiation of thymic precursors gives rise to transcriptomes. After surprisingly gradual changes though early T commitment, transit through the CD4+CD8+ stage involves a shutdown or rare breadth, and correlating tightly with MYC. MHC-driven selection promotes a large-scale transcriptional reactivation. We identify distinct signatures that mark cells destined for positive selection versus apoptotic deletion. Differential expression of surprisingly few genes accompany CD4 or CD8 commitment, a similarity that carries through to peripheral T cells and their activation, revealed by mass cytometry phosphoproteomics. The novel transcripts identified as candidate mediators of key transitions help define the “known unknown” of thymocyte differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Mingueneau
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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34
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Xiong Y, Castro E, Yagi R, Zhu J, Lesourne R, Love PE, Feigenbaum L, Bosselut R. Thpok-independent repression of Runx3 by Gata3 during CD4+ T-cell differentiation in the thymus. Eur J Immunol 2013; 43:918-28. [PMID: 23310955 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201242944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2012] [Revised: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CD4(+) helper T cells are essential for immune responses and differentiate in the thymus from CD4(+) CD8(+) "double-positive" (DP) thymocytes. The transcription factor Runx3 inhibits CD4(+) T-cell differentiation by repressing Cd4 gene expression; accordingly, Runx3 is not expressed in DP thymocytes or developing CD4(+) T cells. The transcription factor Thpok is upregulated in CD4-differentiating thymocytes and required to repress Runx3. However, how Runx3 is controlled at early stages of CD4(+) T-cell differentiation, before the onset of Thpok expression, remains unknown. Here we show that Gata3, a transcription factor preferentially and transiently upregulated by CD4(+) T-cell precursors, represses Runx3 and binds the Runx3 locus in vivo. Accordingly, we show that high-level Gata3 expression and expression of Runx3 are mutually exclusive. Furthermore, whereas Runx3 represses Cd4, we show that Gata3 promotes Cd4 expression in Thpok-deficient thymocytes. Thus, in addition to its previously documented role in promoting CD4-lineage gene-expression, Gata3 represses CD8-lineage gene expression. These findings identify Gata3 as a critical pivot of CD4-CD8 lineage differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Xiong
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda 20892-4259, MD, USA
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35
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Self-peptides in TCR repertoire selection and peripheral T cell function. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2013; 373:49-67. [PMID: 23612987 DOI: 10.1007/82_2013_319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate antigen receptors are anticipatory in their antigen recognition and display a vast diversity. Antigen receptors are assembled through V(D)J recombination, in which one of each Variable, (Diverse), and Joining gene segment are randomly utilized and recombined. Both gene rearrangement and mutational insertion are generated through randomness; therefore, the process of antigen receptors generation requires a rigorous testing system to select every receptor which is useful to recognize foreign antigens, but which would cause no harm to self cells. In the case of T cell receptors (TCR), such a quality control responsibility rests in thymic positive and negative selection. In this review, we focus on the critical involvement of self-peptides in the generation of a T cell repertoire, discuss the role of T cell thymic development in shaping the specificity of TCR repertoire, and directing function fitness of mature T cells in periphery. Here, we consider thymic positive selection to be not merely a one-time maturing experience for an individual T cell, but a life-long imprinting which influences the function of each individual T cell in periphery.
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36
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Ma D, Wei Y, Liu F. Regulatory mechanisms of thymus and T cell development. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 39:91-102. [PMID: 22227346 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2011.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Revised: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is a central hematopoietic organ which produces mature T lymphocytes with diverse antigen specificity. During development, the thymus primordium is derived from the third pharyngeal endodermal pouch, and then differentiates into cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells (TECs). TECs represent the primary functional cell type that forms the unique thymic epithelial microenvironment which is essential for intrathymic T-cell development, including positive selection, negative selection and emigration out of the thymus. Our understanding of thymopoiesis has been greatly advanced by using several important animal models. This review will describe progress on the molecular mechanisms involved in thymus and T cell development with particular focus on the signaling and transcription factors involved in this process in mouse and zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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37
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The transcription factors Thpok and LRF are necessary and partly redundant for T helper cell differentiation. Immunity 2012; 37:622-33. [PMID: 23041065 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2012.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
T helper (Th) cells are critical for defenses against infection and recognize peptides bound to class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC II) molecules. Although transcription factors have been identified that direct Th cells into specific effector fates, whether a "master" regulator controls the developmental program common to all Th cells remains unclear. Here, we showed that the two transcription factors Thpok and LRF share this function. Although disruption of both factors did not prevent the generation of MHC II-specific T cells, these cells failed to express Th cell genes or undergo Th cell differentiation in vivo. In contrast, T cells lacking Thpok, which only displayed LRF-dependent functions, contributed to multiple effector responses, both in vitro and in vivo, with the notable exception of Th2 cell responses that control extracellular parasites. These findings identify the Thpok-LRF pair as a core node of Th cell differentiation and function.
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Santoni de Sio FR, Barde I, Offner S, Kapopoulou A, Corsinotti A, Bojkowska K, Genolet R, Thomas JH, Luescher IF, Pinschewer D, Harris N, Trono D. KAP1 regulates gene networks controlling T-cell development and responsiveness. FASEB J 2012; 26:4561-75. [PMID: 22872677 DOI: 10.1096/fj.12-206177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin remodeling at specific genomic loci controls lymphoid differentiation. Here, we investigated the role played in this process by Kruppel-associated box (KRAB)-associated protein 1 (KAP1), the universal cofactor of KRAB-zinc finger proteins (ZFPs), a tetrapod-restricted family of transcriptional repressors. T-cell-specific Kap1-deleted mice displayed a significant expansion of immature thymocytes, imbalances in CD4(+)/CD8(+) cell ratios, and altered responses to TCR and TGFβ stimulation when compared to littermate KAP1 control mice. Transcriptome and chromatin studies revealed that KAP1 binds T-cell-specific cis-acting regulatory elements marked by the H3K9me3 repressive mark and enriched in Ikaros/NuRD complexes. Also, KAP1 directly controls the expression of several genes involved in TCR and cytokine signaling. Among these, regulation of FoxO1 seems to play a major role in this system. Likely responsible for tethering KAP1 to at least part of its genomic targets, a small number of KRAB-ZFPs are selectively expressed in T-lymphoid cells. These results reveal the so far unsuspected yet important role of KAP1-mediated epigenetic regulation in T-lymphocyte differentiation and activation.
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39
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Rui J, Liu H, Zhu X, Cui Y, Liu X. Epigenetic Silencing of Cd8 Genes by ThPOK-Mediated Deacetylation during CD4 T Cell Differentiation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 189:1380-90. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1201077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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40
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Xiong Y, Bosselut R. CD4-CD8 differentiation in the thymus: connecting circuits and building memories. Curr Opin Immunol 2012; 24:139-45. [PMID: 22387323 PMCID: PMC3773541 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2012.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2011] [Revised: 01/22/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The proper choice of the CD4-helper or CD8-cytotoxic lineages by developing T cells is crucial for the generation of an antigen-responsive and functionally fit T cell repertoire. Here we present a brief overview of the transcriptional control of this process, with emphasis on two issues. The study of Cd4 expression, that had previously generated important paradigms for transcriptional regulation in eukaryotic cells, now brings new twists to the concept of 'epigenetic memory'. And connections are emerging between transcriptional regulators critical for commitment to either lineage. The present review attempts to integrate these findings and discusses the still elusive mechanisms that match CD4-CD8 lineage differentiation to MHC specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Xiong
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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41
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Michaloski JS, Galante PAF, Nagai MH, Armelin-Correa L, Chien MS, Matsunami H, Malnic B. Common promoter elements in odorant and vomeronasal receptor genes. PLoS One 2011; 6:e29065. [PMID: 22216168 PMCID: PMC3247230 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Accepted: 11/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammals, odorants and pheromones are detected by hundreds of odorant receptors (ORs) and vomeronasal receptors (V1Rs and V2Rs) expressed by sensory neurons that are respectively located in the main olfactory epithelium and in the vomeronasal organ. Even though these two olfactory systems are functionally and anatomically separate, their sensory neurons show a common mechanism of receptor gene regulation: each neuron expresses a single receptor gene from a single allele. The mechanisms underlying OR and VR gene expression remain unclear. Here we investigated if OR and V1R genes share common sequences in their promoter regions. We conducted a comparative analysis of promoter regions of 39 mouse V1R genes and found motifs that are common to a large number of promoters. We then searched mouse OR promoter regions for motifs that resemble the ones found in the V1R promoters. We identified motifs that are present in both the V1R and OR promoter regions. Some of these motifs correspond to the known O/E like binding sites while others resemble binding sites for transcriptional repressors. We show that one of these motifs specifically interacts with proteins extracted from both nuclei from olfactory and vomeronasal neurons. Our study is the first to identify motifs that resemble binding sites for repressors in the promoters of OR and V1R genes. Analysis of these motifs and of the proteins that bind to these motifs should reveal important aspects of the mechanisms of OR/V1R gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jussara S. Michaloski
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro A. F. Galante
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maíra H. Nagai
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucia Armelin-Correa
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ming-Shan Chien
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Hiroaki Matsunami
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Bettina Malnic
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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42
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Nature and nurture in Foxp3(+) regulatory T cell development, stability, and function. Hum Immunol 2011; 73:232-9. [PMID: 22240298 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2011.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2011] [Revised: 04/18/2011] [Accepted: 12/19/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Foxp3(+) regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) are critical homeostatic regulators of immune and inflammatory responses. Their absence leads to fulminant multiorgan autoimmunity. This review explores recent studies that have altered our emerging view of the development, stability, and plasticity of these cells. Treg appear not to be a single entity, but a family of immunomodulatory cell types with shared capabilities. On a first level, Treg may alternatively form in response to developmental cues in the thymus as a distinct lineage of CD4(+) T cells or adaptively, in response to environmental cues received by mature conventional CD4(+) T lymphocytes. These 2 populations bear distinct specificity, stability, and genetic profiles and are differentially used in immune responses. Secondarily, in a manner analogous to the generation of T helper (Th)-1, Th2, and other T cell subsets, Treg may further specialize, adapting to the needs of their immunologic surroundings. Treg therefore comprise developmentally distinct, functionally overlapping cell populations that are uniquely designed to preserve immunologic homeostasis. They combine an impressive degree of both stability and adaptability.
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43
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Aliahmad P, Kadavallore A, de la Torre B, Kappes D, Kaye J. TOX is required for development of the CD4 T cell lineage gene program. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 187:5931-40. [PMID: 22021617 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1101474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The factors that regulate thymic development of the CD4(+) T cell gene program remain poorly defined. The transcriptional regulator ThPOK is a dominant factor in CD4(+) T cell development, which functions primarily to repress the CD8 lineage fate. Previously, we showed that nuclear protein TOX is also required for murine CD4(+) T cell development. In this study, we sought to investigate whether the requirement for TOX was solely due to a role in ThPOK induction. In apparent support of this proposition, ThPOK upregulation and CD8 lineage repression were compromised in the absence of TOX, and enforced ThPOK expression could restore some CD4 development. However, these "rescued" CD4 cells were defective in many aspects of the CD4(+) T cell gene program, including expression of Id2, Foxo1, and endogenous Thpok, among others. Thus, TOX is necessary to establish the CD4(+) T cell lineage gene program, independent of its influence on ThPOK expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parinaz Aliahmad
- Research Division of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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44
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Thompson PK, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. On becoming a T cell, a convergence of factors kick it up a Notch along the way. Semin Immunol 2011; 23:350-9. [PMID: 21981947 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2011.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is seeded by bone marrow-derived progenitors, which undergo a series of differentiation and proliferation events in order to generate functional T lymphocytes. The Notch signaling pathway, together with multiple transcription factors, act in concert to commit progenitors to a T-lineage fate, extinguishing non-T cell potential, inducing thymocyte differentiation and supporting proliferation and survival along the way to becoming a mature T cell. This review focuses on recent evidence regarding the complex interplay between the Notch pathway and other key transcription factors at specific lineage-decision points during the program of T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja K Thompson
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada
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45
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Wang L, Xiong Y, Bosselut R. Maintaining CD4-CD8 lineage integrity in T cells: where plasticity serves versatility. Semin Immunol 2011; 23:360-7. [PMID: 21963088 PMCID: PMC3740965 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2011.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The divergence of the two αβ T cell subsets defined by the mutually exclusive expression of CD4 and CD8 glycoproteins is an important event during the intrathymic differentiation of T lymphocytes. This reviews briefly summarizes the mechanisms that promote commitment to the CD4 or CD8 lineage in the thymus, and discusses the transcription factor circuits and epigenetic mechanisms that concur to maintain lineage integrity in post-thymic cells and yet allow effector cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lie Wang
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-4259, USA
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46
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Xiong Y, Bosselut R. The enigma of CD4-lineage specification. Eur J Immunol 2011; 41:568-74. [PMID: 21341258 PMCID: PMC3388806 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201041098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2010] [Revised: 11/10/2010] [Accepted: 12/15/2010] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
CD4(+) T cells are essential for defenses against pathogens and affect the functions of most cells involved in the immune response. Although CD4(+) T cells generally recognize peptide antigens bound to MHC-II molecules, important subsets are restricted by other MHC or MHC-like molecules, including CD1d-restricted "invariant" iNK T cells. This review discusses recently identified nodes in the transcriptional circuits that are involved in controlling CD4(+) T-cell differentiation, notably the commitment factor Thpok and its interplay with Runx transcriptional regulators, and focuses on how transcription factors acting upstream of Thpok, including Gata3, Tox and E-box proteins, promote the emergence of CD4-lineage-specific gene expression patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Xiong
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-4259, USA
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47
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Control of the development of CD8αα+ intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes by TGF-β. Nat Immunol 2011; 12:312-9. [PMID: 21297643 PMCID: PMC3062738 DOI: 10.1038/ni.1997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2010] [Accepted: 01/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms directing the development of TCRαβ+CD8αα+ intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) are not thoroughly understood. Here we show that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) controls the development of TCRαβ+CD8αα+ IEL. Mice with either a TGF-β1 null mutation or a T cell-specific deletion of the TGF-β receptor I lacked TCRαβ+CD8αα+ IEL, whereas transgenic mice that over-expressed TGF-β1 had an increased population of TCRαβ+CD8αα+ IEL. Defective development of the TCRαβ+CD8αα+ IEL thymic precursors (CD4-CD8-TCRαβ+CD5+) was observed in the absence of TGF-β. In addition, we showed that TGF-β signaling induced CD8α expression in TCRαβ+CD8αα+ IEL thymic precursors and induced and maintained CD8α expression in peripheral populations of T cells. These data demonstrate a previously unrecognized role for TGF-β in the development of TCRαβ+CD8αα+ IEL and the expression of CD8 in T cells.
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48
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Abstract
Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) provide system level explanations of developmental and physiological functions in the terms of the genomic regulatory code. Depending on their developmental functions, GRNs differ in their degree of hierarchy, and also in the types of modular sub-circuit of which they are composed, although there is a commonly employed sub-circuit repertoire. Mathematical modelling of some types of GRN sub-circuit has deepened biological understanding of the functions they mediate. The structural organization of various kinds of GRN reflects their roles in the life process, and causally illuminates both developmental and evolutionary process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric H Davidson
- Division of Biology 156-29, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA.
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49
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Wong WF, Kohu K, Chiba T, Sato T, Satake M. Interplay of transcription factors in T-cell differentiation and function: the role of Runx. Immunology 2010; 132:157-64. [PMID: 21091910 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2010.03381.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past years, increasing numbers of distinct subsets have been discovered and identified for a T lymphocytes' entity. Differentiation and function of each T cell subset are controlled by a specific master transcription factor. Importantly, Runt-related transcription factors, particularly Runx1 and Runx3, interplay with these master regulators in various aspects of T cells' immunity. In this review article, we first explain roles of Th-Pok and Runx3 in differentiation of CD4 versus CD8 single positive cells, and later focus on cross-regulation of Th-Pok and Runx3 and their relationship with other factors such as TCR strength. Next, we provide evidences for the direct interplay of Runx1/3 with T-bet and GATA3 during Th1 versus Th2 commitment to activate or silence transcription of signature cytokine genes, IFNγ and IL4. Lastly, we explain feed-forward relationship between Runx1 and Foxp3 and discuss roles of Runx1 in regulatory T cells' suppressive activity. This review highlights an essential importance of Runx molecules in controlling various T cell subsets' differentiation and functions through molecular interplay with the master transcription factors in terms of protein-protein interaction as well as regulation of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Fen Wong
- Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Isehara, Japan
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50
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Finlay DK, Kelly AP, Clarke R, Sinclair LV, Deak M, Alessi DR, Cantrell DA. Temporal differences in the dependency on phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 distinguish the development of invariant Valpha14 NKT cells and conventional T cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2010; 185:5973-82. [PMID: 20944007 PMCID: PMC3014570 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1000827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study uses two independent genetic strategies to explore the requirement for phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1) in the development of mature T cell populations from CD4/CD8 double-positive thymocytes. The data show that CD4/CD8 double-positive thymocytes that do not express PDK1 or express a catalytically inactive PDK1 mutant fail to produce mature invariant Vα14 NKT cells but can differentiate to conventional CD4, CD8, or regulatory T cell subsets in the thymus. The PDK1 requirement for Vα14 NKT cell development reflects that these cells require the PDK1 substrate protein kinase B to meet the metabolic demands for proliferative expansion in response to IL-15 or AgR stimulation. There is also constitutive PDK1 signaling in conventional α/β T cells that is not required for lineage commitment of these cells but fine-tunes the expression of coreceptors and adhesion molecules. Also, although PDK1 is dispensable for thymic development of conventional α/β T cells, peripheral cells are reduced substantially. This reflects a PDK1 requirement for lymphopenia-induced proliferation, a process necessary for initial population of the peripheral T cell niche in neonatal mice. PDK1 is thus indispensable for T cell developmental programs, but the timing of the PDK1 requirement is unique to different T cell subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K Finlay
- Division of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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