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Baldwin I, Robey EA. Adjusting to self in the thymus: CD4 versus CD8 lineage commitment and regulatory T cell development. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20230896. [PMID: 38980291 PMCID: PMC11232887 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20230896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
During thymic development, thymocytes adjust their TCR response based on the strength of their reactivity to self-peptide MHC complexes. This tuning process allows thymocytes with a range of self-reactivities to survive positive selection and contribute to a diverse T cell pool. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in our understanding of how thymocytes tune their responsiveness during positive selection, and we present a "sequential selection" model to explain how MHC specificity influences lineage choice. We also discuss recent evidence for cell type diversity in the medulla and discuss how this heterogeneity may contribute to medullary niches for negative selection and regulatory T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Baldwin
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Ellen A. Robey
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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2
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Ashby KM, Vobořil M, Salgado OC, Lee ST, Martinez RJ, O'Connor CH, Breed ER, Xuan S, Roll CR, Bachigari S, Heiland H, Stetson DB, Kotenko SV, Hogquist KA. Sterile production of interferons in the thymus affects T cell repertoire selection. Sci Immunol 2024; 9:eadp1139. [PMID: 39058762 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adp1139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Type I and III interferons (IFNs) are robustly induced during infections and protect cells against viral infection. Both type I and III IFNs are also produced at low levels in the thymus at steady state; however, their role in T cell development and immune tolerance is unclear. Here, we found that both type I and III IFNs were constitutively produced by a very small number of AIRE+ murine thymic epithelial cells, independent of microbial stimulation. Antigen-presenting cells were highly responsive to thymic IFNs, and IFNs were required for the activation and maturation of thymic type 1 conventional dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells. Loss of IFN sensing led to reduced regulatory T cell selection, reduced T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire diversity, and enhanced autoreactive T cell responses to self-antigens expressed during peripheral IFN signaling. Thus, constitutive exposure to IFNs in the thymus is required for generating a tolerant and diverse TCR repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Maude Ashby
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Matouš Vobořil
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Oscar C Salgado
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - S Thera Lee
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ryan J Martinez
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Christine H O'Connor
- Research Informatics Solutions, Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Group, Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Elise R Breed
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Shuya Xuan
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Charles R Roll
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Saumith Bachigari
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Hattie Heiland
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Daniel B Stetson
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Sergei V Kotenko
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Kristin A Hogquist
- Center for Immunology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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3
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Smith CT, Wang Z, Lewis JS. Engineering antigen-presenting cells for immunotherapy of autoimmunity. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 210:115329. [PMID: 38729265 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115329] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are burdensome conditions that affect a significant fraction of the global population. The hallmark of autoimmune disease is a host's immune system being licensed to attack its tissues based on specific antigens. There are no cures for autoimmune diseases. The current clinical standard for treating autoimmune diseases is the administration of immunosuppressants, which weaken the immune system and reduce auto-inflammatory responses. However, people living with autoimmune diseases are subject to toxicity, fail to mount a sufficient immune response to protect against pathogens, and are more likely to develop infections. Therefore, there is a concerted effort to develop more effective means of targeting immunomodulatory therapies to antigen-presenting cells, which are involved in modulating the immune responses to specific antigens. In this review, we highlight approaches that are currently in development to target antigen-presenting cells and improve therapeutic outcomes in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton T Smith
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jamal S Lewis
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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4
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Vasconcelos-Fontes L, Vieira RC, He M, Ferreira-Reis R, Jurberg AD, Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz D, Andersson J, Cotta-de-Almeida V, Westerberg LS. Controlled WASp activity regulates the proliferative response for Treg cell differentiation in the thymus. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2350450. [PMID: 38356202 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) regulates actin cytoskeletal dynamics and function of hematopoietic cells. Mutations in the WAS gene lead to two different syndromes; Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) caused by loss-of-function mutations, and X-linked neutropenia (XLN) caused by gain-of-function mutations. We previously showed that WASp-deficient mice have a decreased number of regulatory T (Treg) cells in the thymus and the periphery. We here evaluated the impact of WASp mutations on Treg cells in the thymus of WAS and XLN mouse models. Using in vitro Treg differentiation assays, WAS CD4 single-positive thymocytes have decreased differentiation to Treg cells, despite normal early signaling upon IL-2 and TGF-β stimulation. They failed to proliferate and express CD25 at high levels, leading to poor survival and a lower number of Foxp3+ Treg cells. Conversely, XLN CD4 single-positive thymocytes efficiently differentiate into Foxp3+ Treg cells following a high proliferative response to IL-2 and TGF-β, associated with high CD25 expression when compared with WT cells. Altogether, these results show that specific mutations of WASp affect Treg cell development differently, demonstrating a critical role of WASp activity in supporting Treg cell development and expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Vasconcelos-Fontes
- Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rhaissa C Vieira
- Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Minghui He
- Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rafaella Ferreira-Reis
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Arnon Dias Jurberg
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - John Andersson
- Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Karolinska Institutet, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vinicius Cotta-de-Almeida
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lisa S Westerberg
- Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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5
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Afzali AM, Nirschl L, Sie C, Pfaller M, Ulianov O, Hassler T, Federle C, Petrozziello E, Kalluri SR, Chen HH, Tyystjärvi S, Muschaweckh A, Lammens K, Delbridge C, Büttner A, Steiger K, Seyhan G, Ottersen OP, Öllinger R, Rad R, Jarosch S, Straub A, Mühlbauer A, Grassmann S, Hemmer B, Böttcher JP, Wagner I, Kreutzfeldt M, Merkler D, Pardàs IB, Schmidt Supprian M, Buchholz VR, Heink S, Busch DH, Klein L, Korn T. B cells orchestrate tolerance to the neuromyelitis optica autoantigen AQP4. Nature 2024; 627:407-415. [PMID: 38383779 PMCID: PMC10937377 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07079-8] [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: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica is a paradigmatic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, in which the water-channel protein AQP4 is the target antigen1. The immunopathology in neuromyelitis optica is largely driven by autoantibodies to AQP42. However, the T cell response that is required for the generation of these anti-AQP4 antibodies is not well understood. Here we show that B cells endogenously express AQP4 in response to activation with anti-CD40 and IL-21 and are able to present their endogenous AQP4 to T cells with an AQP4-specific T cell receptor (TCR). A population of thymic B cells emulates a CD40-stimulated B cell transcriptome, including AQP4 (in mice and humans), and efficiently purges the thymic TCR repertoire of AQP4-reactive clones. Genetic ablation of Aqp4 in B cells rescues AQP4-specific TCRs despite sufficient expression of AQP4 in medullary thymic epithelial cells, and B-cell-conditional AQP4-deficient mice are fully competent to raise AQP4-specific antibodies in productive germinal-centre responses. Thus, the negative selection of AQP4-specific thymocytes is dependent on the expression and presentation of AQP4 by thymic B cells. As AQP4 is expressed in B cells in a CD40-dependent (but not AIRE-dependent) manner, we propose that thymic B cells might tolerize against a group of germinal-centre-associated antigens, including disease-relevant autoantigens such as AQP4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Maisam Afzali
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Lucy Nirschl
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Christopher Sie
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Monika Pfaller
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Oleksii Ulianov
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Hassler
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Institute for Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christine Federle
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Institute for Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Elisabetta Petrozziello
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Institute for Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Sudhakar Reddy Kalluri
- Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Hsin Hsiang Chen
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Sofia Tyystjärvi
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Muschaweckh
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Lammens
- Department of Biochemistry at the Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Claire Delbridge
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Büttner
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Gönül Seyhan
- Institute for Experimental Hematology, TranslaTUM Cancer Center, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Ole Petter Ottersen
- Division of Anatomy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rupert Öllinger
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, TranslaTUM Cancer Center, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Roland Rad
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, TranslaTUM Cancer Center, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Jarosch
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Adrian Straub
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Anton Mühlbauer
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Grassmann
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bernhard Hemmer
- Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan P Böttcher
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Ingrid Wagner
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Clinical Pathology, Geneva Faculty of Medicine, Centre Médical Universitaire, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mario Kreutzfeldt
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Clinical Pathology, Geneva Faculty of Medicine, Centre Médical Universitaire, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Doron Merkler
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Clinical Pathology, Geneva Faculty of Medicine, Centre Médical Universitaire, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Marc Schmidt Supprian
- Institute for Experimental Hematology, TranslaTUM Cancer Center, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Veit R Buchholz
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Sylvia Heink
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk H Busch
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ludger Klein
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Institute for Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Thomas Korn
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany.
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Munich, Germany.
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6
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Abstract
The thymus is an evolutionarily conserved organ that supports the development of T cells. Not only does the thymic environment support the rearrangement and expression of diverse T cell receptors but also provides a unique niche for the selection of appropriate T cell clones. Thymic selection ensures that the repertoire of available T cells is both useful (being MHC-restricted) and safe (being self-tolerant). The unique antigen-presentation features of the thymus ensure that the display of self-antigens is optimal to induce tolerance to all types of self-tissue. MHC class-specific functions of CD4+ T helper cells, CD8+ killer T cells and CD4+ regulatory T cells are also established in the thymus. Finally, the thymus provides signals for the development of several minor T cell subsets that promote immune and tissue homeostasis. This Review provides an introductory-level overview of our current understanding of the sophisticated thymic selection mechanisms that ensure T cells are useful and safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Maude Ashby
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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7
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Guinn MT, Szuter ES, Yokose T, Ge J, Rosales IA, Chetal K, Sadreyev RI, Cuenca AG, Kreisel D, Sage PT, Russell PS, Madsen JC, Colvin RB, Alessandrini A. Intragraft B cell differentiation during the development of tolerance to kidney allografts is associated with a regulatory B cell signature revealed by single cell transcriptomics. Am J Transplant 2023; 23:1319-1330. [PMID: 37295719 PMCID: PMC11232115 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mouse kidney allografts are spontaneously accepted in select, fully mismatched donor-recipient strain combinations, like DBA/2J to C57BL/6 (B6), by natural tolerance. We previously showed accepted renal grafts form aggregates containing various immune cells within 2 weeks posttransplant, referred to as regulatory T cell-rich organized lymphoid structures, which are a novel regulatory tertiary lymphoid organ. To characterize the cells within T cell-rich organized lymphoid structures, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on CD45+ sorted cells from accepted and rejected renal grafts from 1-week to 6-months posttransplant. Analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed a shifting from a T cell-dominant to a B cell-rich population by 6 months with an increased regulatory B cell signature. Furthermore, B cells were a greater proportion of the early infiltrating cells in accepted vs rejecting grafts. Flow cytometry of B cells at 20 weeks posttransplant revealed T cell, immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-1+ B cells, potentially implicating a regulatory role in the maintenance of allograft tolerance. Lastly, B cell trajectory analysis revealed intragraft differentiation from precursor B cells to memory B cells in accepted allografts. In summary, we show a shifting T cell- to B cell-rich environment and a differential cellular pattern among accepted vs rejecting kidney allografts, possibly implicating B cells in the maintenance of kidney allograft acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tyler Guinn
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Edward S Szuter
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Takahiro Yokose
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jifu Ge
- Boston's Children Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ivy A Rosales
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kashish Chetal
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ruslan I Sadreyev
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alex G Cuenca
- Boston's Children Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Kreisel
- Departments of Surgery, Pathology, and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Peter T Sage
- Transplantation Research Center, Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paul S Russell
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joren C Madsen
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Cardiac Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert B Colvin
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alessandro Alessandrini
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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8
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Pioli KT, Lau KH, Pioli PD. Thymus antibody-secreting cells possess an interferon gene signature and are preferentially expanded in young female mice. iScience 2023; 26:106223. [PMID: 36890795 PMCID: PMC9986522 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) are key contributors to humoral immunity through immunoglobulin production and the potential to be long-lived. ASC persistence has been recognized in the autoimmune thymus (THY); however, only recently has this population been appreciated in healthy THY tissue. We showed that the young female THY was skewed toward higher production of ASCs relative to males. However, these differences disappeared with age. In both sexes, THY ASCs included Ki-67+ plasmablasts which required CD154(CD40L) signals for their propagation. Single cell RNA-sequencing revealed that THY ASCs were enriched for an interferon responsive transcriptional signature relative to those from bone marrow and spleen. Flow cytometry confirmed that THY ASCs had increased levels of Toll-like receptor 7 as well as CD69 and major histocompatibility complex class II. Overall, we identified fundamental aspects of THY ASC biology which may be leveraged for future in depth studies of this population in both health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- KimAnh T Pioli
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N5E5, Canada
| | - Kin H Lau
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Peter D Pioli
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N5E5, Canada
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9
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Pioli KT, Pioli PD. Thymus antibody-secreting cells: once forgotten but not lost. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1170438. [PMID: 37122712 PMCID: PMC10130419 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1170438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-secreting cells are essential contributors to the humoral response. This is due to multiple factors which include: 1) the ability to secrete thousands of antibodies per second, 2) the ability to regulate the immune response and 3) the potential to be long-lived. Not surprisingly, these cells can be found in numerous sites within the body which include organs that directly interface with potential pathogens (e.g., gut) and others that provide long-term survival niches (e.g., bone marrow). Even though antibody-secreting cells were first identified in the thymus of both humans and rodents in the 1960s, if not earlier, only recently has this population begun to be extensively investigated. In this article, we provide an update regarding the current breath of knowledge pertaining to thymus antibody-secreting cells and discuss the potential roles of these cells and their impact on health.
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10
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Lu J, Cen Z, Tang Q, Dong J, Qin L, Wu W. The absence of B cells disrupts splenic and myocardial Treg homeostasis in coxsackievirus B3-induced myocarditis. Clin Exp Immunol 2022; 208:1-11. [PMID: 35262174 PMCID: PMC9113299 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Although B cells are essential for humoral immunity and show noteworthy immunomodulatory activity through antibody-independent functions, the role of B cells in regulating Treg cell responses remains controversial. Tregs (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+) are considered to play an immunoprotective role in viral myocarditis (VMC) by controlling autoimmune effector T cells. Here, we proved that B-cell knockout can not only lead to significant reductions in Tregs in the spleen, blood, and heart of VMC mice but also decrease the activation and immune function of splenic Tregs, which was reversed by adoptive transfer of B cells; the transcription levels of TGF-β and Foxp3 in the myocardium were also significantly reduced. B-cell depletion by anti-CD20 impaired the anti-inflammatory function of splenic Tregs and the homeostasis of myocardial Tregs population. Moreover, B cells can convert CD4+CD25- T cells into Foxp3+ and Foxp3-, two functionally suppressive Treg subgroups. Although the reduction in myocardial inflammation in BKO mice indicates that B cells may play a proinflammatory role, the beneficial side of B cells cannot be ignored, that is, to control autoimmunity by maintaining Treg numbers. The results observed in the animal model of VMC highlight the potential harm of rituximab in the nonselective depletion of B cells in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Zhihong Cen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Quan Tang
- Coronary Care Unit, Nanning First People”s Hospital. Qixing Road 89, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Jingwei Dong
- Department of nuclear medicine, Liuzhou People’s Hospital, Wenchang Road 8, Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Lin Qin
- Coronary Care Unit, Nanning First People”s Hospital. Qixing Road 89, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Weifeng Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, Peoples Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Center for Translational Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road 22, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, Peoples Republic of China
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11
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Abstract
A high diversity of αβ T cell receptors (TCRs), capable of recognizing virtually any pathogen but also self-antigens, is generated during T cell development in the thymus. Nevertheless, a strict developmental program supports the selection of a self-tolerant T cell repertoire capable of responding to foreign antigens. The steps of T cell selection are controlled by cortical and medullary stromal niches, mainly composed of thymic epithelial cells and dendritic cells. The integration of important cues provided by these specialized niches, including (a) the TCR signal strength induced by the recognition of self-peptide-MHC complexes, (b) costimulatory signals, and (c) cytokine signals, critically controls T cell repertoire selection. This review discusses our current understanding of the signals that coordinate positive selection, negative selection, and agonist selection of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. It also highlights recent advances that have unraveled the functional diversity of thymic antigen-presenting cell subsets implicated in T cell selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Irla
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), CNRS, INSERM, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France;
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12
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Wang YM, Shaw K, Zhang GY, Chung EYM, Hu M, Cao Q, Wang Y, Zheng G, Wu H, Chadban SJ, McCarthy HJ, Harris DCH, Mackay F, Grey ST, Alexander SI. Interleukin-33 Exacerbates IgA Glomerulonephritis in Transgenic Mice Overexpressing B Cell Activating Factor. J Am Soc Nephrol 2022; 33:966-984. [PMID: 35387873 PMCID: PMC9063894 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2021081145] [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: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cytokine IL-33 is an activator of innate lymphoid cells 2 (ILC2s) in innate immunity and allergic inflammation. B cell activating factor (BAFF) plays a central role in B cell proliferation and differentiation, and high levels of this protein cause excess antibody production, including IgA. BAFF-transgenic mice overexpress BAFF and spontaneously develop glomerulonephritis that resembles human IgA nephropathy. METHODS We administered IL-33 or PBS to wild-type and BAFF-transgenic mice. After treating Rag1-deficient mice with IL-33, with or without anti-CD90.2 to preferentially deplete ILC2s, we isolated splenocytes, which were adoptively transferred into BAFF-transgenic mice. RESULTS BAFF-transgenic mice treated with IL-33 developed more severe kidney dysfunction and proteinuria, glomerular sclerosis, tubulointerstitial damage, and glomerular deposition of IgA and C3. Compared with wild-type mice, BAFF-transgenic mice exhibited increases of CD19+ B cells in spleen and kidney and ILC2s in kidney and intestine, which were further increased by administration of IL-33. Administering IL-33 to wild-type mice had no effect on kidney function or histology, nor did it alter the number of ILC2s in spleen, kidney, or intestine. To understand the role of ILC2s, splenocytes were transferred from IL-33-treated Rag1-deficient mice into BAFF-transgenic mice. Glomerulonephritis and IgA deposition were exacerbated by transfer of IL-33-stimulated Rag1-deficient splenocytes, but not by ILC2 (anti-CD90.2)-depleted splenocytes. Wild-type mice infused with IL-33-treated Rag1-deficient splenocytes showed no change in kidney function or ILC2 numbers or distribution. CONCLUSIONS IL-33-expanded ILC2s exacerbated IgA glomerulonephritis in a mouse model. These findings indicate that IL-33 and ILC2s warrant evaluation as possible mediators of human IgA nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Min Wang
- Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karli Shaw
- Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Geoff Yu Zhang
- Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Edmund Y M Chung
- Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Min Hu
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, University of Sydney at Westmead Millennium Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Qi Cao
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, University of Sydney at Westmead Millennium Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yiping Wang
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, University of Sydney at Westmead Millennium Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Guoping Zheng
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, University of Sydney at Westmead Millennium Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Huiling Wu
- Kidney Node Laboratory, The Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Steven J Chadban
- Kidney Node Laboratory, The Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hugh J McCarthy
- Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David C H Harris
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, University of Sydney at Westmead Millennium Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fabienne Mackay
- QIMR, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Shane T Grey
- Transplantation Immunology Group, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephen I Alexander
- Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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13
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Greaves RB, Chen D, Green EA. Thymic B Cells as a New Player in the Type 1 Diabetes Response. Front Immunol 2021; 12:772017. [PMID: 34745148 PMCID: PMC8566354 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.772017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1d) results from a sustained autoreactive T and B cell response towards insulin-producing β cells in the islets of Langerhans. The autoreactive nature of the condition has led to many investigations addressing the genetic or cellular changes in primary lymphoid tissues that impairs central tolerance- a key process in the deletion of autoreactive T and B cells during their development. For T cells, these studies have largely focused on medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) critical for the effective negative selection of autoreactive T cells in the thymus. Recently, a new cellular player that impacts positively or negatively on the deletion of autoreactive T cells during their development has come to light, thymic B cells. Normally a small population within the thymus of mouse and man, thymic B cells expand in T1d as well as other autoimmune conditions, reside in thymic ectopic germinal centres and secrete autoantibodies that bind selective mTECs precipitating mTEC death. In this review we will discuss the ontogeny, characteristics and functionality of thymic B cells in healthy and autoimmune settings. Furthermore, we explore how in silico approaches may help decipher the complex cellular interplay of thymic B cells with other cells within the thymic microenvironment leading to new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B Greaves
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Dawei Chen
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - E Allison Green
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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14
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Castañeda J, Hidalgo Y, Sauma D, Rosemblatt M, Bono MR, Núñez S. The Multifaceted Roles of B Cells in the Thymus: From Immune Tolerance to Autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:766698. [PMID: 34790201 PMCID: PMC8591215 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.766698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is home to a significant number of resident B cells which possess several unique characteristics regarding their origin, phenotype and function. Evidence shows that they originate both from precursors that mature intrathymically and as the entry of recirculating mature B cells. Under steady-state conditions they exhibit hallmark signatures of activated B cells, undergo immunoglobulin class-switch, and express the Aire transcription factor. These features are imprinted within the thymus and enable B cells to act as specialized antigen-presenting cells in the thymic medulla that contribute negative selection of self-reactive T cells. Though, most studies have focused on B cells located in the medulla, a second contingent of B cells is also present in non-epithelial perivascular spaces of the thymus. This latter group of B cells, which includes memory B cells and plasma cells, is not readily detected in the thymus of infants or young mice but gradually accumulates during normal aging. Remarkably, in many autoimmune diseases the thymus suffers severe structural atrophy and infiltration of B cells in the perivascular spaces, which organize into follicles similar to those typically found in secondary lymphoid organs. This review provides an overview of the pathways involved in thymic B cell origin and presents an integrated view of both thymic medullary and perivascular B cells and their respective physiological and pathological roles in central tolerance and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Castañeda
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Yessia Hidalgo
- Cells for cells-Consorcio Regenero, Universidad de Los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniela Sauma
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario Rosemblatt
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Fundación Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Rosa Bono
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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15
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Intrathymic differentiation of natural antibody-producing plasma cells in human neonates. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5761. [PMID: 34599177 PMCID: PMC8486820 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26069-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus is a central lymphoid organ primarily responsible for the development of T cells. A small proportion of B cells, however, also reside in the thymus to assist negative selection of self-reactive T cells. Here we show that the thymus of human neonates contains a consistent contingent of CD138+ plasma cells, producing all classes and subclasses of immunoglobulins with the exception of IgD. These antibody-secreting cells are part of a larger subset of B cells that share the expression of signature genes defining mouse B1 cells, yet lack the expression of complement receptors CD21 and CD35. Data from single-cell transcriptomic, clonal correspondence and in vitro differentiation assays support the notion of intrathymic CD138+ plasma cell differentiation, alongside other B cell subsets with distinctive molecular phenotypes. Lastly, neonatal thymic plasma cells also include clones reactive to commensal and pathogenic bacteria that commonly infect children born with antibody deficiency. Thus, our findings point to the thymus as a source of innate humoral immunity in human neonates.
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16
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Wolff ASB, Braun S, Husebye ES, Oftedal BE. B Cells and Autoantibodies in AIRE Deficiency. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1274. [PMID: 34572460 PMCID: PMC8466229 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1) is a rare but severe monogenetic autoimmune endocrine disease caused by failure of the Autoimmune Regulator (AIRE). AIRE regulates the negative selection of T cells in the thymus, and the main pathogenic mechanisms are believed to be T cell-mediated, but little is known about the role of B cells. Here, we give an overview of the role of B cells in thymic and peripheral tolerance in APS-1 patients and different AIRE-deficient mouse models. We also look closely into which autoantibodies have been described for this disorder, and their implications. Based on what is known about B cell therapy in other autoimmune disorders, we outline the potential of B cell therapies in APS-1 and highlight the unresolved research questions to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette S. B. Wolff
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (A.S.B.W.); (S.B.); (E.S.H.)
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- KG Jebsen Center for Autoimmune Disorders, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Sarah Braun
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (A.S.B.W.); (S.B.); (E.S.H.)
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eystein S. Husebye
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (A.S.B.W.); (S.B.); (E.S.H.)
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- KG Jebsen Center for Autoimmune Disorders, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Bergithe E. Oftedal
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (A.S.B.W.); (S.B.); (E.S.H.)
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- KG Jebsen Center for Autoimmune Disorders, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
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17
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Shelyakin PV, Lupyr KR, Egorov ES, Kofiadi IA, Staroverov DB, Kasatskaya SA, Kriukova VV, Shagina IA, Merzlyak EM, Nakonechnaya TO, Latysheva EA, Manto IA, Khaitov MR, Lukyanov SA, Chudakov DM, Britanova OV. Naïve Regulatory T Cell Subset Is Altered in X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia. Front Immunol 2021; 12:697307. [PMID: 34489944 PMCID: PMC8417104 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.697307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The interplay between T- and B-cell compartments during naïve, effector and memory T cell maturation is critical for a balanced immune response. Primary B-cell immunodeficiency arising from X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) offers a model to explore B cell impact on T cell subsets, starting from the thymic selection. Here we investigated characteristics of naïve and effector T cell subsets in XLA patients, revealing prominent alterations in the corresponding T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoires. We observed immunosenescence in terms of decreased diversity of naïve CD4+ and CD8+ TCR repertoires in XLA donors. The most substantial alterations were found within naïve CD4+ subsets, and we have investigated these in greater detail. In particular, increased clonality and convergence, along with shorter CDR3 regions, suggested narrower focused antigen-specific maturation of thymus-derived naïve Treg (CD4+CD45RA+CD27+CD25+) in the absence of B cells - normally presenting diverse self and commensal antigens. The naïve Treg proportion among naïve CD4 T cells was decreased in XLA patients, supporting the concept of impaired thymic naïve Treg selection. Furthermore, the naïve Treg subset showed prominent differences at the transcriptome level, including increased expression of genes specific for antigen-presenting and myeloid cells. Altogether, our findings suggest active B cell involvement in CD4 T cell subsets maturation, including B cell-dependent expansion of the naïve Treg TCR repertoire that enables better control of self-reactive T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel V Shelyakin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ksenia R Lupyr
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Evgeny S Egorov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya A Kofiadi
- FSBI "NRC Institute of Immunology" FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitriy B Staroverov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sofya A Kasatskaya
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valeriia V Kriukova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina A Shagina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina M Merzlyak
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana O Nakonechnaya
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Irina A Manto
- FSBI "NRC Institute of Immunology" FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Musa R Khaitov
- FSBI "NRC Institute of Immunology" FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey A Lukyanov
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitriy M Chudakov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga V Britanova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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18
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Srinivasan J, Lancaster JN, Singarapu N, Hale LP, Ehrlich LIR, Richie ER. Age-Related Changes in Thymic Central Tolerance. Front Immunol 2021; 12:676236. [PMID: 33968086 PMCID: PMC8100025 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.676236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and hematopoietic antigen presenting cells (HAPCs) in the thymus microenvironment provide essential signals to self-reactive thymocytes that induce either negative selection or generation of regulatory T cells (Treg), both of which are required to establish and maintain central tolerance throughout life. HAPCs and TECs are comprised of multiple subsets that play distinct and overlapping roles in central tolerance. Changes that occur in the composition and function of TEC and HAPC subsets across the lifespan have potential consequences for central tolerance. In keeping with this possibility, there are age-associated changes in the cellular composition and function of T cells and Treg. This review summarizes changes in T cell and Treg function during the perinatal to adult transition and in the course of normal aging, and relates these changes to age-associated alterations in thymic HAPC and TEC subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayashree Srinivasan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | | | - Nandini Singarapu
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX, United States
| | - Laura P Hale
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Lauren I R Ehrlich
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States.,Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Ellen R Richie
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX, United States
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19
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Haase S, Linker RA. Inflammation in multiple sclerosis. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2021; 14:17562864211007687. [PMID: 33948118 PMCID: PMC8053832 DOI: 10.1177/17562864211007687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that is characterised pathologically by demyelination, gliosis, neuro-axonal damage and inflammation. Despite intense research, the underlying pathomechanisms driving inflammatory demyelination in MS still remain incompletely understood. It is thought to be caused by an autoimmune response towards CNS self-antigens in genetically susceptible individuals, assuming autoreactive T cells as disease-initiating immune cells. Yet, B cells were recognized as crucial immune cells in disease pathology, including antibody-dependent and independent effects. Moreover, myeloid cells are important contributors to MS pathology, and it is becoming increasingly evident that different cell types act in concert during MS immunopathology. This is supported by the finding that the beneficial effects of actual existing disease-modifying therapies cannot be attributed to one single immune cell-type, but rather involve immunological cooperation. The current strategy of MS therapies thus aims to shift the immune cell repertoire from a pro-inflammatory towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype, involving regulatory T and B cells and anti-inflammatory macrophages. Although no existing therapy actually exists that directly induces an enhanced regulatory immune cell pool, numerous studies identified potential net effects on these cell types. This review gives a conceptual overview on T cells, B cells and myeloid cells in the immunopathology of relapsing-remitting MS and discusses potential contributions of actual disease-modifying therapies on these immune cell phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Haase
- Neuroimmunologie, Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinik Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss Allee, Regensburg, 93053, Germany
| | - Ralf A Linker
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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20
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Yamakawa K, Tajima G, Keegan JW, Nakahori Y, Guo F, Seshadri AJ, Cahill LA, Lederer JA. Trauma induces expansion and activation of a memory-like Treg population. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 109:645-656. [PMID: 32531832 PMCID: PMC10228755 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.4a0520-122r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are acutely activated by traumatic injury, which suggests that they may react to injury with similar kinetics as memory T cells. Here, we used a mouse burn trauma model to screen for memory-like T cell responses to injury by transferring T cells from sham or burn CD45.1 mice into CD45.2 mice and performing secondary injuries in recipient mice. Among all T cell subsets that were measured, only Tregs expanded in response to secondary injury. The expanded Tregs were a CD44high /CD62Llow subpopulation, markers indicative of memory T cells. CyTOF (cytometry by time-of-flight) mass cytometry was used to demonstrate that injury-expanded Tregs expressed higher levels of CD44, CTLA-4, ICOS, GITR, and Helios than Tregs from noninjured mice. Next, we tested whether a similar population of Tregs might react acutely to burn trauma. We observed that Tregs with a phenotype that matched the injury-expanded Tregs were activated by 6 h after injury. To test if Treg activation by trauma requires functional MHC class II, we measured trauma-induced Treg activation in MHC class II gene deficient (MHCII-/- ) mice or in mice that were given Fab fragment of anti-MHC class II antibody to block TCR activation. Injury-induced Treg activation occurred in normal mice but only partial activation was detected in MHCII-/- mice or in mice that were given Fab anti-MHCII antibody. These findings demonstrate that trauma activates a memory-like Treg subpopulation and that Treg activation by injury is partially dependent on TCR signaling by an MHC class II dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuma Yamakawa
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Osaka General Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Goro Tajima
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Unit of Clinical Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Joshua W. Keegan
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yasutaka Nakahori
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Osaka General Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Fei Guo
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anupamaa J. Seshadri
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laura A. Cahill
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James A. Lederer
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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21
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Marx A, Yamada Y, Simon-Keller K, Schalke B, Willcox N, Ströbel P, Weis CA. Thymus and autoimmunity. Semin Immunopathol 2021; 43:45-64. [PMID: 33537838 PMCID: PMC7925479 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-021-00842-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The thymus prevents autoimmune diseases through mechanisms that operate in the cortex and medulla, comprising positive and negative selection and the generation of regulatory T-cells (Tregs). Egress from the thymus through the perivascular space (PVS) to the blood is another possible checkpoint, as shown by some autoimmune/immunodeficiency syndromes. In polygenic autoimmune diseases, subtle thymic dysfunctions may compound genetic, hormonal and environmental cues. Here, we cover (a) tolerance-inducing cell types, whether thymic epithelial or tuft cells, or dendritic, B- or thymic myoid cells; (b) tolerance-inducing mechanisms and their failure in relation to thymic anatomic compartments, and with special emphasis on human monogenic and polygenic autoimmune diseases and the related thymic pathologies, if known; (c) polymorphisms and mutations of tolerance-related genes with an impact on positive selection (e.g. the gene encoding the thymoproteasome-specific subunit, PSMB11), promiscuous gene expression (e.g. AIRE, PRKDC, FEZF2, CHD4), Treg development (e.g. SATB1, FOXP3), T-cell migration (e.g. TAGAP) and egress from the thymus (e.g. MTS1, CORO1A); (d) myasthenia gravis as the prototypic outcome of an inflamed or disordered neoplastic ‘sick thymus’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Marx
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Yosuke Yamada
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Katja Simon-Keller
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Berthold Schalke
- Department of Neurology, Bezirkskrankenhaus, University of Regensburg, 93042, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nick Willcox
- Neurosciences Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurology, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Philipp Ströbel
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttigen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Cleo-Aron Weis
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
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The contribution of thymic tolerance to central nervous system autoimmunity. Semin Immunopathol 2020; 43:135-157. [PMID: 33108502 PMCID: PMC7925481 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00822-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) are associated with high levels of morbidity and economic cost. Research efforts have previously focused on the contribution of the peripheral adaptive and innate immune systems to CNS autoimmunity. However, a failure of thymic negative selection is a necessary step in CNS-reactive T cells escaping into the periphery. Even with defective thymic or peripheral tolerance, the development of CNS inflammation is rare. The reasons underlying this are currently poorly understood. In this review, we examine evidence implicating thymic selection in the pathogenesis of CNS autoimmunity. Animal models suggest that thymic negative selection is an important factor in determining susceptibility to and severity of CNS inflammation. There are indirect clinical data that suggest thymic function is also important in human CNS autoimmune diseases. Specifically, the association between thymoma and paraneoplastic encephalitis and changes in T cell receptor excision circles in multiple sclerosis implicate thymic tolerance in these diseases. We identify potential associations between CNS autoimmunity susceptibility factors and thymic tolerance. The therapeutic manipulation of thymopoiesis has the potential to open up new treatment modalities, but a better understanding of thymic tolerance in CNS autoimmunity is required before this can be realised.
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Cuvelier GDE, Li A, Drissler S, Kariminia A, Abdossamadi S, Rozmus J, Chanoine JP, Ng B, Mostafavi S, Brinkman RR, Schultz KR. "Age Related Differences in the Biology of Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation". Front Immunol 2020; 11:571884. [PMID: 33193355 PMCID: PMC7641628 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.571884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It is established that pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients have a lower rate of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) compared to adults. Our group has previously published immune profiles changes associated with cGvHD of clinically well-defined adult and pediatric HSCT cohorts. Since all analyses were performed by the same research group and analyzed using identical methodology, we first compared our previous immune profile analyses between adults and children. We then performed additional analyses comparing the T cell populations across age groups, and a sub-analysis of the impact of the estimated pubertal status at time of HSCT in our pediatric cohort. In all analyses, we corrected for clinical covariates including total body irradiation and time of onset of cGvHD. Three consistent findings were seen in both children and adults, including elevations of ST2 and naive helper T (Th) cells and depression of NKreg cells. However, significant differences exist between children and adults in certain cytokines, B cell, and Treg populations. In children, we saw a broad suppression of newly formed B (NF-B) cells, whereas adults exhibited an increase in T1-CD21lo B cells and a decrease in T1-CD24hiCD38hi B cells. Prepubertal children had elevations of aminopeptidase N (sCD13) and ICAM-1. Treg abnormalities in children appeared to be primarily in memory Treg cells, whereas in adults the abnormalities were in naïve Treg cells. In adults, the loss of PD1 expression in naïve Treg and naïve Th cells was associated with cGvHD. We discuss the possible mechanisms for these age-related differences, and how they might theoretically impact on different therapeutic approaches to cGvHD between children and adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoff D. E. Cuvelier
- Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Amanda Li
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sibyl Drissler
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Department of Medical Genetics UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Amina Kariminia
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sayeh Abdossamadi
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jacob Rozmus
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Chanoine
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Bernard Ng
- Department of Statistics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sara Mostafavi
- Department of Statistics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ryan R. Brinkman
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Department of Medical Genetics UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kirk R. Schultz
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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The Potential of IgG to Induce Murine and Human Thymic Maturation of IL-10+ B Cells (B10) Revealed in a Pilot Study. Cells 2020; 9:cells9102239. [PMID: 33027887 PMCID: PMC7600151 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory B (B10) cells can control several inflammatory diseases, including allergies; however, the origin of peripheral B10 cells is not fully understood, and the involvement of primary lymphoid organs (PLOs) as a primary site of maturation is not known. Here, using a murine model of allergy inhibition mediated by maternal immunization with ovalbumin (OVA), we aimed to evaluate whether B10 cells can mature in the thymus and whether IgG can mediate this process. Female mice were immunized with OVA, and offspring thymus, bone marrow, spleen, lung, and serum samples were evaluated at different times and after passive transfer of purified IgG or thymocytes. A translational approach was implemented using human nonatopic thymus samples, nonatopic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and IgG from atopic or nonatopic individuals. Based on the expression of CD1d on B cells during maturation stages, we suggest that B10 cells can also mature in the murine thymus. Murine thymic B10 cells can be induced in vitro and in vivo by IgG and be detected in the spleen and lungs in response to an allergen challenge. Like IgG from atopic individuals, human IgG from nonatopic individuals can induce B10 cells in the infant thymus and adult PBMCs. Our observations suggest that B10 cells may mature in the thymus and that this mechanism may be mediated by IgG in both humans and mice. These observations may support the future development of IgG-based immunoregulatory therapeutic strategies.
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Stohl W, Yu N. Promotion of T Regulatory Cells in Mice by B Cells and BAFF. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 204:2416-2428. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Nikolouli E, Elfaki Y, Herppich S, Schelmbauer C, Delacher M, Falk C, Mufazalov IA, Waisman A, Feuerer M, Huehn J. Recirculating IL-1R2 + Tregs fine-tune intrathymic Treg development under inflammatory conditions. Cell Mol Immunol 2020; 18:182-193. [PMID: 31988493 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-019-0352-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are generated in the thymus, and several factors, such as cytokines and unique thymic antigen-presenting cells, are known to contribute to the development of these thymus-derived Tregs (tTregs). Here, we report the existence of a specific subset of Foxp3+ Tregs within the thymus that is characterized by the expression of IL-1R2, which is a decoy receptor for the inflammatory cytokine IL-1. Detailed flow cytometric analysis of the thymocytes from Foxp3hCD2xRAG1GFP reporter mice revealed that the IL-1R2+ Tregs are mainly RAG1GFP- and CCR6+CCR7-, demonstrating that these Tregs are recirculating cells entering the thymus from the periphery and that they have an activated phenotype. In the spleen, the majority of IL-1R2+ Tregs express neuropilin-1 (Nrp-1) and Helios, suggesting a thymic origin for these Tregs. Interestingly, among all tissues studied, the highest frequency of IL-1R2+ Tregs was observed in the thymus, indicating preferential recruitment of this Treg subset by the thymus. Using fetal thymic organ cultures (FTOCs), we demonstrated that increased concentrations of exogenous IL-1β blocked intrathymic Treg development, resulting in a decreased frequency of CD25+Foxp3+ tTregs and an accumulation of CD25+Foxp3- Treg precursors. Interestingly, the addition of IL-1R2+ Tregs, but not IL-1R2- Tregs, to reaggregated thymic organ cultures (RTOCs) abrogated the IL-1β-mediated blockade, demonstrating that these recirculating IL-1R2+ Tregs can quench IL-1 signaling in the thymus and thereby maintain thymic Treg development even under inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Nikolouli
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Yassin Elfaki
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Susanne Herppich
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Carsten Schelmbauer
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Delacher
- Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology (RCI), Chair for Immunology, University Regensburg and University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christine Falk
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ilgiz A Mufazalov
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ari Waisman
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus Feuerer
- Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology (RCI), Chair for Immunology, University Regensburg and University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Huehn
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany. .,Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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27
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Rodriguez M, Porada CD, Almeida-Porada G. Mechanistic Insights into Factor VIII Immune Tolerance Induction via Prenatal Cell Therapy in Hemophilia A. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2019; 5:145-161. [PMID: 32351874 DOI: 10.1007/s40778-019-00165-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Prenatal stem cell and gene therapy approaches are amongst the few therapies that can promise the birth of a healthy infant with specific known genetic diseases. This review describes fetal immune cell signaling and its potential influence on donor cell engraftment, and summarizes mechanisms of central T cell tolerance to peripherally-acquired antigen in the context of prenatal therapies for Hemophilia A. Recent Findings During early gestation, different subsets of antigen presenting cells take up peripherally-acquired, non-inherited antigens and induce the deletion of antigen-reactive T-cell precursors in the thymus, demonstrating the potential for using prenatal cell and gene therapies to induce central tolerance to FVIII in the context of prenatal diagnosis/therapy of Hemophilia A. Summary Prenatal cell and gene therapies are promising approaches to treat several genetic disorders including Hemophilia A and B. Understanding the mechanisms of how FVIII-specific tolerance is achieved during ontogeny could help develop novel therapies for HA and better approaches to overcome FVIII inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Rodriguez
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Christopher D Porada
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Graҫa Almeida-Porada
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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28
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Owen DL, Sjaastad LE, Farrar MA. Regulatory T Cell Development in the Thymus. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2019; 203:2031-2041. [PMID: 31591259 PMCID: PMC6910132 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Development of a comprehensive regulatory T (Treg) cell compartment in the thymus is required to maintain immune homeostasis and prevent autoimmunity. In this study, we review cellular and molecular determinants of Treg cell development in the thymus. We focus on the evidence for a self-antigen-focused Treg cell repertoire as well as the APCs responsible for presenting self-antigens to developing thymocytes. We also cover the contribution of different cytokines to thymic Treg development and the cellular populations that produce these cytokines. Finally, we update the originally proposed "two-step" model of thymic Treg differentiation by incorporating new evidence demonstrating that Treg cells develop from two Treg progenitor populations and discuss the functional importance of Treg cells generated via either progenitor pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Owen
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455; and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Louisa E Sjaastad
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455; and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Michael A Farrar
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455; and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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29
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Singh B, Summers KL, Kerfoot SM. Novel regulatory Th17 cells and regulatory B cells in modulating autoimmune diseases. Cell Immunol 2019; 339:29-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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30
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Li R, Bar-Or A. The Multiple Roles of B Cells in Multiple Sclerosis and Their Implications in Multiple Sclerosis Therapies. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2019; 9:cshperspect.a029108. [PMID: 29661809 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a029108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has suggested that both antibody-dependent and antibody-independent functions of B cells are involved in multiple sclerosis (MS). The contrasting results of distinct B-cell targeting therapies in MS patients underscores the importance of elucidating these multiple B-cell functions. In this review, we discuss the generation of autoreactive B cells, migration of B cells into the central nervous system (CNS), and how different functions of B cells may contribute to MS disease activity and potentially mitigation in both the periphery and CNS compartments. In addition, we propose several future therapeutic strategies that may better target/shape B-cell responses for long-term treatment of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Amit Bar-Or
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
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31
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Santamaria J, Darrigues J, van Meerwijk JP, Romagnoli P. Antigen-presenting cells and T-lymphocytes homing to the thymus shape T cell development. Immunol Lett 2018; 204:9-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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32
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Wilson CS, Chhabra P, Marshall AF, Morr CV, Stocks BT, Hoopes EM, Bonami RH, Poffenberger G, Brayman KL, Moore DJ. Healthy Donor Polyclonal IgMs Diminish B-Lymphocyte Autoreactivity, Enhance Regulatory T-Cell Generation, and Reverse Type 1 Diabetes in NOD Mice. Diabetes 2018; 67:2349-2360. [PMID: 30131391 PMCID: PMC6198348 DOI: 10.2337/db18-0456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes (T1D) arise from unrestrained activation of effector lymphocytes that destroy target tissues. Many efforts have been made to eliminate these effector lymphocytes, but none has produced a long-term cure. An alternative to depletion therapy is to enhance endogenous immune regulation. Among these endogenous alternatives, naturally occurring Igs have been applied for inflammatory disorders but have lacked potency in antigen-specific autoimmunity. We hypothesized that naturally occurring polyclonal IgMs, which represent the majority of circulating, noninduced antibodies but are present only in low levels in therapeutic Ig preparations, possess the most potent capacity to restore immune homeostasis. Treatment of diabetes-prone NOD mice with purified IgM isolated from Swiss Webster (SW) mice (nIgMSW) reversed new-onset diabetes, eliminated autoreactive B lymphocytes, and enhanced regulatory T-cell (Treg) numbers both centrally and peripherally. Conversely, IgM from prediabetic NOD mice could not restore this endogenous regulation, which represents an unrecognized component of T1D pathogenesis. Of note, IgM derived from healthy human donors was similarly able to expand human CD4 Tregs in humanized mice and produced permanent diabetes protection in treated NOD mice. Overall, these studies demonstrate that a potent, endogenous regulatory mechanism, nIgM, is a promising option for reversing autoimmune T1D in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S Wilson
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Preeti Chhabra
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Andrew F Marshall
- Department of Pediatrics, Ian Burr Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Caleigh V Morr
- Department of Pediatrics, Ian Burr Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Blair T Stocks
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Emilee M Hoopes
- Department of Pediatrics, Ian Burr Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Rachel H Bonami
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Greg Poffenberger
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | | | - Daniel J Moore
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Pediatrics, Ian Burr Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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33
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Metlas R, Srdic-Rajic T, Kohler H. Cooperation of intrathymic T15 idiotype-bearing B and complementary T cells in ontogeny of natural Treg cells involved in establishment of T15 clonal dominance. Immunol Lett 2018; 200:52-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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34
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Dai X, Hua L, Chen Y, Wang J, Li J, Wu F, Zhang Y, Su J, Wu Z, Liang C. Mechanisms in hypertension and target organ damage: Is the role of the thymus key? (Review). Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:3-12. [PMID: 29620247 PMCID: PMC5979885 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of cells and cytokines have been shown to be involved in the whole process of hypertension. Data from experimental and clinical studies on hypertension have confirmed the key roles of immune cells and inflammation in the process. Dysfunction of the thymus, which modulates the development and maturation of lymphocytes, has been shown to be associated with the severity of hypertension. Furthermore, gradual atrophy, functional decline or loss of the thymus has been revealed to be associated with aging. The restoration or enhancement of thymus function via upregulation in the expression of thymus transcription factors forkhead box N1 or thymus transplantation may provide an option to halt or reverse the pathological process of hypertension. Therefore, the thymus may be key in hypertension and associated target organ damage, and may provide a novel treatment strategy for the clinical management of patients with hypertension in addition to different commercial drugs. The purpose of this review is to summarize and discuss the advances in our understanding of the impact of thymus function on hypertension from data from animal and human studies, and the potential mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jiamei Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Jingyi Li
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Feng Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Yanda Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Jiyuan Su
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Zonggui Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Chun Liang
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
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35
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Li R, Patterson KR, Bar-Or A. Reassessing B cell contributions in multiple sclerosis. Nat Immunol 2018; 19:696-707. [PMID: 29925992 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-018-0135-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There is growing recognition that B cell contributions to normal immune responses extend well beyond their potential to become antibody-producing cells, including roles at the innate-adaptive interface and their potential to modulate the responses of other immune cells such as T cells and myeloid cells. These B cell functions can have both pathogenic and protective effects in the context of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. Here, we review recent advances in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS), which has traditionally been viewed as primarily a T cell-mediated disease, and we consider antibody-dependent and, particularly, emerging antibody-independent functions of B cells that may be relevant in both the peripheral and CNS disease compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Center for Neuroinflammation and Experimental Therapeutics (CNET) and Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kristina R Patterson
- Center for Neuroinflammation and Experimental Therapeutics (CNET) and Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amit Bar-Or
- Center for Neuroinflammation and Experimental Therapeutics (CNET) and Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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36
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Cepeda S, Cantu C, Orozco S, Xiao Y, Brown Z, Semwal MK, Venables T, Anderson MS, Griffith AV. Age-Associated Decline in Thymic B Cell Expression of Aire and Aire-Dependent Self-Antigens. Cell Rep 2018; 22:1276-1287. [PMID: 29386114 PMCID: PMC5813500 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although autoimmune disorders are a significant source of morbidity and mortality in older individuals, the mechanisms governing age-associated increases in susceptibility remain incompletely understood. Central T cell tolerance is mediated through presentation of self-antigens by cells constituting the thymic microenvironment, including epithelial cells, dendritic cells, and B cells. Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) and B cells express distinct cohorts of self-antigens, including tissue-restricted self-antigens (TRAs), such that developing T cells are tolerized to antigens from peripheral tissues. We find that expression of the TRA transcriptional regulator Aire, as well as Aire-dependent genes, declines with age in thymic B cells in mice and humans and that cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic mechanisms contribute to the diminished capacity of peripheral B cells to express Aire within the thymus. Our findings indicate that aging may diminish the ability of thymic B cells to tolerize T cells, revealing a potential mechanistic link between aging and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Cepeda
- Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Carolina Cantu
- Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Stephanie Orozco
- Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Yangming Xiao
- Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Zoe Brown
- Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Manpreet K Semwal
- Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Thomas Venables
- Immunology and Microbial Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Mark S Anderson
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Ann V Griffith
- Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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37
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Dai X, Zhang D, Wang C, Wu Z, Liang C. The Pivotal Role of Thymus in Atherosclerosis Mediated by Immune and Inflammatory Response. Int J Med Sci 2018; 15:1555-1563. [PMID: 30443178 PMCID: PMC6216065 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.27238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is one kind of chronic inflammatory disease, in which multiple types of immune cells or factors are involved. Data from experimental and clinical studies on atherosclerosis have confirmed the key roles of immune cells and inflammation in such process. The thymus as a key organ in T lymphocyte ontogenesis has an important role in optimizing immune system function throughout the life, and dysfunction of thymus has been proved to be associated with severity of atherosclerosis. Based on previous research, we begin with the hypothesis that low density lipoprotein or cholesterol reduces the expression of the thymus transcription factor Foxn1 via low density lipoprotein receptors on the membrane surface and low density lipoprotein receptor related proteins on the cell surface, which cause the thymus function decline or degradation. The imbalance of T cell subgroups and the decrease of naive T cells due to thymus dysfunction cause the increase or decrease in the secretion of various inflammatory factors, which in turn aggravates or inhibits atherosclerosis progression and cardiovascular events. Hence, thymus may be the pivotal role in coronary heart disease mediated by atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events and it can imply a novel treatment strategy for the clinical management of patients with atherosclerosis in addition to different commercial drugs. Modulation of immune system by inducing thymus function may be a therapeutic approach for the prevention of atherosclerosis. Purpose of this review is to summarize and discuss the recent advances about the impact of thymus function on atherosclerosis by the data from animal or human studies and the potential mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianliang Dai
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.,Department of Cardiology, 101 Hospital of PLA, Wuxi, Jiangsu province 214041, China
| | - Danfeng Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Chaoqun Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.,Department of Endocrinology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Zonggui Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Chun Liang
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
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38
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Chien CH, Chiang BL. Regulatory T cells induced by B cells: a novel subpopulation of regulatory T cells. J Biomed Sci 2017; 24:86. [PMID: 29151021 PMCID: PMC5694621 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-017-0391-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells play a crucial role in the homeostasis of the immune response. In addition to CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, several subsets of Foxp3- regulatory T cells, such as T helper 3 (Th3) cells and type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells, have been described in mice and human. Accumulating evidence shows that naïve B cells contribute to tolerance and are able to promote regulatory T cell differentiation. Naïve B cells can convert CD4+CD25- T cells into CD25+Foxp3- regulatory T cells, named Treg-of-B cells by our group. Treg-of-B cells express LAG3, ICOS, GITR, OX40, PD1, and CTLA4 and secrete IL-10. Intriguingly, B-T cell-cell contact but not IL-10 is essential for Treg-of-B cells induction. Moreover, Treg-of-B cells possess both IL-10-dependent and IL-10-independent inhibitory functions. Treg-of-B cells exert suppressive activities in antigen-specific and non-antigen-specific manners in vitro and in vivo. Here, we review the phenotype and function of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, Th3 cells, Tr1 cells, and Treg-of-B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Hui Chien
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, 10048, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Bor-Luen Chiang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, 10048, Taiwan, Republic of China. .,Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, 10002, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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39
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Gies V, Guffroy A, Korganow AS. [Thymic B cells: not simple bystanders of T cell lymphopoiesis]. Med Sci (Paris) 2017; 33:771-778. [PMID: 28945568 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20173308023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is the central site for the differentiation and selection of T cells. It has been known for decades that B lymphocytes reside in the thymus, but little attention has been paid to this unique population. Thymic B cells are mainly located in the medulla and at the cortico-medullary junction. They develop intrathymically, do not recirculate and harbor a distinct phenotype in comparison to peripheral B cells. Furthermore, because of their activated phenotype and their precise histological localization, they have been suspected to play a role in the selection of self-reactive T cells. But it is only during this last decade that murine and human studies have highlighted their functions, such as antigen-presenting cells shaping the T cell repertoire. These works have demonstrated the major role of thymic B cells in the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Gies
- CNRS UPR 3572, Immunopathologie et chimie thérapeutique, Laboratoire d'Excellence Médalis, Institut de biologie moléculaire et cellulaire (IBMC), 67000 Strasbourg, France. Service d'immunologie clinique et de médecine interne, Centre national de référence des maladies auto-immunes rares, Hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Aurélien Guffroy
- CNRS UPR 3572, Immunopathologie et chimie thérapeutique, Laboratoire d'Excellence Médalis, Institut de biologie moléculaire et cellulaire (IBMC), 67000 Strasbourg, France. Service d'immunologie clinique et de médecine interne, Centre national de référence des maladies auto-immunes rares, Hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Korganow
- CNRS UPR 3572, Immunopathologie et chimie thérapeutique, Laboratoire d'Excellence Médalis, Institut de biologie moléculaire et cellulaire (IBMC), 67000 Strasbourg, France. Service d'immunologie clinique et de médecine interne, Centre national de référence des maladies auto-immunes rares, Hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France
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40
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Breed ER, Lee ST, Hogquist KA. Directing T cell fate: How thymic antigen presenting cells coordinate thymocyte selection. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 84:2-10. [PMID: 28800929 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The development of a self-tolerant and effective T cell receptor repertoire is dependent on interactions coordinated by various antigen presenting cells (APC) within the thymus. T cell receptor-self-peptide-MHC interactions are essential for determining T cell fate, however different cytokine and co-stimulatory signals provided by the diverse APCs within the thymus are also critical. Here, we outline the different localization and functional capabilities of thymic APCs. We also discuss how these distinct APCs work collectively to facilitate the establishment of a diverse T cell receptor repertoire that is tolerant to an array of different self-antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise R Breed
- The Center for Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - S Thera Lee
- The Center for Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kristin A Hogquist
- The Center for Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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41
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Mohammed Ali HH, Drela N. Role of thymic B cells in the development of thymus-derived regulatory T cell in vitro. Immunol Lett 2017; 185:56-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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42
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Chien CH, Yu HC, Chen SY, Chiang BL. Characterization of c-Maf +Foxp3 - Regulatory T Cells Induced by Repeated Stimulation of Antigen-Presenting B Cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46348. [PMID: 28402334 PMCID: PMC5389357 DOI: 10.1038/srep46348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of B cells in the development of CD4+ regulatory T cells has been emphasized recently. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the antigen-presenting splenic B cells converted naïve CD4+CD25− T cells into CD4+CD25+Foxp3− T cells without additional cytokines or chemicals with regulatory activity and that referred to as Treg-of-B cells. The present study further showed that Treg-of-B cells increased the IL-10-producing population, and the expression of c-Maf, inducible T-cell co-stimulator (ICOS) as well as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4) after repeated stimulation of B cells in a cell-cell contact-dependent manner. Long-term cultured Treg-of-B cells exerted IL-10 and CTLA4-mediated antigen-specific suppressive activity; moreover, the single antigen-specific Treg-of-B cells inhibited in a non-antigen-specific fashion. In conclusion, these results suggest that repeated stimulation of B cells induced IL-10-producing CD4+Foxp3− regulatory T cells in a contact-dependent manner and these Treg-of-B cells possess IL-10 and CTLA4-dependent suppressive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Hui Chien
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, 10048, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - Hui-Chieh Yu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, 10048, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - Szu-Ying Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, 10048, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - Bor-Luen Chiang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, 10048, Taiwan R.O.C.,Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, 10002, Taiwan R.O.C
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43
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Dai X, Huang S, He Z, Wu F, Ding R, Chen Y, Liang C, Wu Z. Dysfunction of the thymus in mice with hypertension. Exp Ther Med 2017; 13:1386-1392. [PMID: 28413482 PMCID: PMC5377285 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate thymus function in mice with hypertension. A total of 60 C57BL/6J mice were randomized into control, sham surgery and two-kidney, one-clip groups (n=20 in each). At 4 or 8 weeks after surgery, mice were sacrificed, and blood, spleens, kidneys and thymuses were harvested. The results of reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the mRNA levels of Forkhead box protein N1 (Foxn1) and autoimmune regulator (AIRE) in the thymus tissue of mice from the HTN group were significantly lower than those from the control group at 4 and 8 weeks (P<0.05). Foxn1 and AIRE expression was also reduced in the sham surgery group at 4 weeks after surgery, but had recovered 4 weeks later. Similar results were observed for the expression of signal-joint T cell receptor excision circles and the percentages of T cell subsets. The present study indicates that impaired thymus function is associated with hypertension in mice, which suggests that thymus function may be a novel target for the treatment of patients with hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianliang Dai
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Shuaibo Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Zhiqing He
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Feng Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Ru Ding
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Yihong Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Chun Liang
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Zonggui Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
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44
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Ellis JS, Braley-Mullen H. Mechanisms by Which B Cells and Regulatory T Cells Influence Development of Murine Organ-Specific Autoimmune Diseases. J Clin Med 2017; 6:jcm6020013. [PMID: 28134752 PMCID: PMC5332917 DOI: 10.3390/jcm6020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Experiments with B cell-deficient (B−/−) mice indicate that a number of autoimmune diseases require B cells in addition to T cells for their development. Using B−/− Non-obese diabetic (NOD) and NOD.H-2h4 mice, we demonstrated that development of spontaneous autoimmune thyroiditis (SAT), Sjogren’s syndrome and diabetes do not develop in B−/− mice, whereas all three diseases develop in B cell-positive wild-type (WT) mice. B cells are required early in life, since reconstitution of adult mice with B cells or autoantibodies did not restore their ability to develop disease. B cells function as important antigen presenting cells (APC) to initiate activation of autoreactive CD4+ effector T cells. If B cells are absent or greatly reduced in number, other APC will present the antigen, such that Treg are preferentially activated and effector T cells are not activated. In these situations, B−/− or B cell-depleted mice develop the autoimmune disease when T regulatory cells (Treg) are transiently depleted. This review focuses on how B cells influence Treg activation and function, and briefly considers factors that influence the effectiveness of B cell depletion for treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason S Ellis
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
| | - Helen Braley-Mullen
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
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45
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Nuñez S, Moore C, Gao B, Rogers K, Hidalgo Y, Del Nido PJ, Restaino S, Naka Y, Bhagat G, Madsen JC, Bono MR, Zorn E. The human thymus perivascular space is a functional niche for viral-specific plasma cells. Sci Immunol 2016; 1. [PMID: 28459117 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.aah4447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The human thymus is susceptible to viral infections that can severely alter thymopoiesis and compromise the mechanisms of acquired tolerance to self-antigens. In humans, plasma cells residing primarily in the bone marrow confer long-lasting protection to common viruses by secreting antigen-specific antibodies. Since the thymus also houses B cells, we examined the phenotypic complexity of these thymic resident cells and their possible protective role against viral infections. Using tissue specimens collected from subjects ranging in age from 5 days to 71 years, we found that starting during the first year of life, CD138+ plasma cells (PC) begin accumulating in the thymic perivascular space (PVS) where they constitutively produce IgG without the need for additional stimulation. These, thymic PC secrete almost exclusively IgG1 and IgG3, the two main complement-fixing effector IgG subclasses. Moreover, using antigen-specific ELISpot assays, we demonstrated that thymic PC include a high frequency of cells reactive to common viral proteins. Our study reveals an unrecognized role of the PVS as a functional niche for viral-specific PCs. The PVS is located between the thymic epithelial areas and the circulation. PCs located in this compartment may therefore provide internal protection against pathogen infections and preserve the integrity and function of the organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nuñez
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina Moore
- MGH Transplant Center and Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Baoshan Gao
- MGH Transplant Center and Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kortney Rogers
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yessia Hidalgo
- Department of Biology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pedro J Del Nido
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan Restaino
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yoshifumi Naka
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Govind Bhagat
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joren C Madsen
- MGH Transplant Center and Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Emmanuel Zorn
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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46
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Enlarged colitogenic T cell population paradoxically supports colitis prevention through the B-lymphocyte-dependent peripheral generation of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) Treg cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28573. [PMID: 27353032 PMCID: PMC4926115 DOI: 10.1038/srep28573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal inflammation can be induced by the reconstitution of T/B cell-deficient mice with low numbers of CD4+ T lymphocytes depleted of CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg). Using RAG-knockout mice as recipients of either splenocytes exclusively depleted of CD25+ cells or FACS-purified CD4+CD25−Foxp3− T cells, we found that the augmentation of potentially colitogenic naïve T cell numbers in the inoculum was unexpectedly beneficial for the suppression of colon disease and maintenance of immune homeostasis. Protection against T cell-mediated colitis correlated with a significant increment in the frequency of peripherally-induced CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T (pTreg) cells, especially in the mesenteric lymph nodes, an effect that required the presence of B cells and CD4+CD25−Foxp3+ cells in physiological proportions. Our findings support a model whereby the interplay between B lymphocytes and a diversified naïve T cell repertoire is critical for the generation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ pTreg cells and colitis suppression.
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47
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Perry JSA, Hsieh CS. Development of T-cell tolerance utilizes both cell-autonomous and cooperative presentation of self-antigen. Immunol Rev 2016; 271:141-55. [PMID: 27088912 PMCID: PMC4837647 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The development of T-cell self-tolerance in the thymus is important for establishing immune homeostasis and preventing autoimmunity. Here, we review the components of T-cell tolerance, which includes T-cell receptor (TCR) self-reactivity, costimulation, cytokines, and antigen presentation by a variety of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) subsets. We discuss the current evidence on the process of regulatory T (Treg) cell and negative selection and the importance of TCR signaling. We then examine recent evidence showing unique roles for bone marrow (BM)-derived APCs and medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) on the conventional and Treg TCR repertoire, as well as emerging data on the role of B cells in tolerance. Finally, we review the accumulating data that suggest that cooperative antigen presentation is a prominent component of T -ell tolerance. With the development of tools to interrogate the function of individual APC subsets in the medulla, we have gained greater understanding of the complex cellular and molecular events that determine T-cell tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin S A Perry
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Chyi-Song Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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48
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McCarthy NI, Cowan JE, Nakamura K, Bacon A, Baik S, White AJ, Parnell SM, Jenkinson EJ, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Osteoprotegerin-Mediated Homeostasis of Rank+ Thymic Epithelial Cells Does Not Limit Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cell Development. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2015; 195:2675-82. [PMID: 26254339 PMCID: PMC4560491 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In the thymus, medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC) regulate T cell tolerance via negative selection and Foxp3(+) regulatory T cell (Treg) development, and alterations in the mTEC compartment can lead to tolerance breakdown and autoimmunity. Both the receptor activator for NF-κB (RANK)/RANK ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) axis and expression of the transcriptional regulator Aire are involved in the regulation of thymus medullary microenvironments. However, their impact on the mechanisms controlling mTEC homeostasis is poorly understood, as are the processes that enable the thymus medulla to support the balanced production of mTEC-dependent Foxp3(+) Treg. In this study, we have investigated the control of mTEC homeostasis and examined how this process impacts the efficacy of Foxp3(+) Treg development. Using newly generated RANK Venus reporter mice, we identify distinct RANK(+) subsets that reside within both the mTEC(hi) and mTEC(lo) compartments and that represent direct targets of OPG-mediated control. Moreover, by mapping OPG expression to a subset of Aire(+) mTEC, our data show how cis- and trans-acting mechanisms are able to control the thymus medulla by operating on multiple mTEC targets. Finally, we show that whereas the increase in mTEC availability in OPG-deficient (Tnfrsf11b(-/-)) mice impacts the intrathymic Foxp3(+) Treg pool by enhancing peripheral Treg recirculation back to the thymus, it does not alter the number of de novo Rag2pGFP(+)Foxp3(+) Treg that are generated. Collectively, our study defines patterns of RANK expression within the thymus medulla, and it shows that mTEC homeostasis is not a rate-limiting step in intrathymic Foxp3(+) Treg production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas I McCarthy
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer E Cowan
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Kyoko Nakamura
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Bacon
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Song Baik
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea J White
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Sonia M Parnell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Eric J Jenkinson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Anderson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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49
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Treg Cell Differentiation: From Thymus to Peripheral Tissue. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 136:175-205. [PMID: 26615097 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are crucial mediators of self-tolerance in the periphery. They differentiate in the thymus, where interactions with thymus-resident antigen-presenting cells, an instructive cytokine milieu, and stimulation of the T cell receptor lead to the selection into the Treg lineage and the induction of Foxp3 gene expression. Once mature, Treg cells leave the thymus and migrate into either the secondary lymphoid tissues, e.g., lymph nodes and spleen, or peripheral nonlymphoid tissues. There is growing evidence that Treg cells go beyond the classical modulation of immune responses and also play important functional roles in nonlymphoid peripheral tissues. In this review, we summarize recent findings about the thymic Treg lineage differentiation as well as the further specialization of Treg cells in the secondary lymphoid and in the peripheral nonlymphoid organs.
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Caramalho Í, Nunes-Cabaço H, Foxall RB, Sousa AE. Regulatory T-Cell Development in the Human Thymus. Front Immunol 2015; 6:395. [PMID: 26284077 PMCID: PMC4522873 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus generates a lineage-committed subset of regulatory T-cells (Tregs), best identified by the expression of the transcription factor FOXP3. The development of thymus-derived Tregs is known to require high-avidity interaction with MHC-self peptides leading to the generation of self-reactive Tregs fundamental for the maintenance of self-tolerance. Notwithstanding their crucial role in the control of immune responses, human thymic Treg differentiation remains poorly understood. In this mini-review, we will focus on the developmental stages at which Treg lineage commitment occurs, and their spatial localization in the human thymus, reviewing the molecular requirements, including T-cell receptor and cytokine signaling, as well as the cellular interactions involved. An overview of the impact of described thymic defects on the Treg compartment will be provided, illustrating the importance of these in vivo models to investigate human Treg development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Íris Caramalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Helena Nunes-Cabaço
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Russell B Foxall
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Ana E Sousa
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
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