1
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Anderson G, Cosway EJ, James KD, Ohigashi I, Takahama Y. Generation and repair of thymic epithelial cells. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20230894. [PMID: 38980292 PMCID: PMC11232892 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20230894] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In the vertebrate immune system, thymus stromal microenvironments support the generation of αβT cells from immature thymocytes. Thymic epithelial cells are of particular importance, and the generation of cortical and medullary epithelial lineages from progenitor stages controls the initiation and maintenance of thymus function. Here, we discuss the developmental pathways that regulate thymic epithelial cell diversity during both the embryonic and postnatal periods. We also examine how thymus microenvironments respond to injury, with particular focus on mechanisms that ensure regeneration of thymic epithelial cells for the restoration of thymus function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Anderson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham , Birmingham, UK
| | - Emilie J Cosway
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham , Birmingham, UK
| | - Kieran D James
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham , Birmingham, UK
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
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2
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Ribeiro C, Ferreirinha P, Landry JJM, Macedo F, Sousa LG, Pinto R, Benes V, Alves NL. Foxo3 regulates cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cell homeostasis with implications in T cell development. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:352. [PMID: 38773063 PMCID: PMC11109193 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06728-0] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Within the thymus, thymic epithelial cells (TECs) create dedicated microenvironments for T cell development and selection. Considering that TECs are sensitive to distinct pathophysiological conditions, uncovering the molecular elements that coordinate their thymopoietic role has important fundamental and clinical implications. Particularly, medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) play a crucial role in central tolerance. Our previous studies, along with others, suggest that mTECs depend on molecular factors linked to genome-protecting pathways, but the precise mechanisms underlying their function remain unknown. These observations led us to examine the role of Foxo3, as it is expressed in TECs and involved in DNA damage response. Our findings show that mice with TEC-specific deletion of Foxo3 (Foxo3cKO) displayed a disrupted mTEC compartment, with a more profound impact on the numbers of CCL21+ and thymic tuft mTEClo subsets. At the molecular level, Foxo3 controls distinct functional modules in the transcriptome of cTECs and mTECs under normal conditions, which includes the regulation of ribosomal biogenesis and DNA damage response, respectively. These changes in the TEC compartment resulted in a reduced total thymocyte cellularity and specific changes in regulatory T cell and iNKT cell development in the Foxo3cKO thymus. Lastly, the thymic defects observed in adulthood correlated with mild signs of altered peripheral immunotolerance in aged Foxo3cKO mice. Moreover, the deficiency in Foxo3 moderately aggravated the autoimmune predisposition observed in Aire-deficient mice. Our findings highlight the importance of Foxo3 in preserving the homeostasis of TECs and in supporting their role in T cell development and tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Ribeiro
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Ferreirinha
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jonathan J M Landry
- Genomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fátima Macedo
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências Médicas, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Laura G Sousa
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rute Pinto
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vladimir Benes
- Genomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nuno L Alves
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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3
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Ushio A, Matsuda-Lennikov M, Kalle-Youngoue F, Shimizu A, Abdelmaksoud A, Kelly MC, Ishimaru N, Takahama Y. Functionally diverse thymic medullary epithelial cells interplay to direct central tolerance. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114072. [PMID: 38581680 PMCID: PMC11079940 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114072] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) are essential for the establishment of self-tolerance in T cells. Promiscuous gene expression by a subpopulation of mTECs regulated by the nuclear protein Aire contributes to the display of self-genomic products to newly generated T cells. Recent reports have highlighted additional self-antigen-displaying mTEC subpopulations, namely Fezf2-expressing mTECs and a mosaic of self-mimetic mTECs including thymic tuft cells. In addition, a functionally different subset of mTECs produces chemokine CCL21, which attracts developing thymocytes to the medullary region. Here, we report that CCL21+ mTECs and Aire+ mTECs non-redundantly cooperate to direct self-tolerance to prevent autoimmune pathology by optimizing the deletion of self-reactive T cells and the generation of regulatory T cells. We also detect cooperation for self-tolerance between Aire and Fezf2, the latter of which unexpectedly regulates thymic tuft cells. Our results indicate an indispensable interplay among functionally diverse mTECs for the establishment of central self-tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Ushio
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Department of Oral Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan
| | - Mami Matsuda-Lennikov
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Felix Kalle-Youngoue
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Akihide Shimizu
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Abdalla Abdelmaksoud
- Center for Cancer Research Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michael C Kelly
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Naozumi Ishimaru
- Department of Oral Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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4
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Ohigashi I, White AJ, Yang MT, Fujimori S, Tanaka Y, Jacques A, Kiyonari H, Matsushita Y, Turan S, Kelly MC, Anderson G, Takahama Y. Developmental conversion of thymocyte-attracting cells into self-antigen-displaying cells in embryonic thymus medulla epithelium. eLife 2024; 12:RP92552. [PMID: 38466627 PMCID: PMC10928509 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymus medulla epithelium establishes immune self-tolerance and comprises diverse cellular subsets. Functionally relevant medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) include a self-antigen-displaying subset that exhibits genome-wide promiscuous gene expression promoted by the nuclear protein Aire and that resembles a mosaic of extrathymic cells including mucosal tuft cells. An additional mTEC subset produces the chemokine CCL21, thereby attracting positively selected thymocytes from the cortex to the medulla. Both self-antigen-displaying and thymocyte-attracting mTEC subsets are essential for self-tolerance. Here, we identify a developmental pathway by which mTECs gain their diversity in functionally distinct subsets. We show that CCL21-expressing mTECs arise early during thymus ontogeny in mice. Fate-mapping analysis reveals that self-antigen-displaying mTECs, including Aire-expressing mTECs and thymic tuft cells, are derived from CCL21-expressing cells. The differentiation capability of CCL21-expressing embryonic mTECs is verified in reaggregate thymus experiments. These results indicate that CCL21-expressing embryonic mTECs carry a developmental potential to give rise to self-antigen-displaying mTECs, revealing that the sequential conversion of thymocyte-attracting subset into self-antigen-displaying subset serves to assemble functional diversity in the thymus medulla epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of TokushimaTokushimaJapan
| | - Andrea J White
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Mei-Ting Yang
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Sayumi Fujimori
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of TokushimaTokushimaJapan
| | - Yu Tanaka
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Alison Jacques
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Hiroshi Kiyonari
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics ResearchHyogoJapan
| | - Yosuke Matsushita
- Division of Genome Medicine, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of TokushimaTokushimaJapan
| | - Sevilay Turan
- Sequencing Facility, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer InstituteFrederickUnited States
| | - Michael C Kelly
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
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5
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James KD, Cosway EJ, Parnell SM, White AJ, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Assembling the thymus medulla: Development and function of epithelial cell heterogeneity. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300165. [PMID: 38161233 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is a unique primary lymphoid organ that supports the production of self-tolerant T-cells essential for adaptive immunity. Intrathymic microenvironments are microanatomically compartmentalised, forming defined cortical, and medullary regions each differentially supporting critical aspects of thymus-dependent T-cell maturation. Importantly, the specific functional properties of thymic cortical and medullary compartments are defined by highly specialised thymic epithelial cells (TEC). For example, in the medulla heterogenous medullary TEC (mTEC) contribute to the enforcement of central tolerance by supporting deletion of autoreactive T-cell clones, thereby counterbalancing the potential for random T-cell receptor generation to contribute to autoimmune disease. Recent advances have further shed light on the pathways and mechanisms that control heterogeneous mTEC development and how differential mTEC functionality contributes to control self-tolerant T-cell development. Here we discuss recent findings in relation to mTEC development and highlight examples of how mTEC diversity contribute to thymus medulla function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran D James
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Emilie J Cosway
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sonia M Parnell
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrea J White
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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6
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Cui G, Abe S, Kato R, Ikuta K. Insights into the heterogeneity of iNKT cells: tissue-resident and circulating subsets shaped by local microenvironmental cues. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1349184. [PMID: 38440725 PMCID: PMC10910067 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1349184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a distinct subpopulation of innate-like T lymphocytes. They are characterized by semi-invariant T cell receptors (TCRs) that recognize both self and foreign lipid antigens presented by CD1d, a non-polymorphic MHC class I-like molecule. iNKT cells play a critical role in stimulating innate and adaptive immune responses, providing an effective defense against infections and cancers, while also contributing to chronic inflammation. The functions of iNKT cells are specific to their location, ranging from lymphoid to non-lymphoid tissues, such as the thymus, lung, liver, intestine, and adipose tissue. This review aims to provide insights into the heterogeneity of development and function in iNKT cells. First, we will review the expression of master transcription factors that define subsets of iNKT cells and their production of effector molecules such as cytokines and granzymes. In this article, we describe the gene expression profiles contributing to the kinetics, distribution, and cytotoxicity of iNKT cells across different tissue types. We also review the impact of cytokine production in distinct immune microenvironments on iNKT cell heterogeneity, highlighting a recently identified circulating iNKT cell subset. Additionally, we explore the potential of exploiting iNKT cell heterogeneity to create potent immunotherapies for human cancers in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangwei Cui
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shinya Abe
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryoma Kato
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koichi Ikuta
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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7
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Ohigashi I, White AJ, Yang MT, Fujimori S, Tanaka Y, Jacques A, Kiyonari H, Matsushita Y, Turan S, Kelly MC, Anderson G, Takahama Y. Developmental conversion of thymocyte-attracting cells into self-antigen-displaying cells in embryonic thymus medulla epithelium. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.03.560657. [PMID: 37873155 PMCID: PMC10592888 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.03.560657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Thymus medulla epithelium establishes immune self-tolerance and comprises diverse cellular subsets. Functionally relevant medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) include a self-antigen-displaying subset that exhibits genome-wide promiscuous gene expression promoted by the nuclear protein Aire and that resembles a mosaic of extrathymic cells including mucosal tuft cells. An additional mTEC subset produces the chemokine CCL21, thereby attracting positively selected thymocytes from the cortex to the medulla. Both self-antigen-displaying and thymocyte-attracting mTEC subsets are essential for self-tolerance. Here we identify a developmental pathway by which mTECs gain their diversity in functionally distinct subsets. We show that CCL21-expressing mTECs arise early during thymus ontogeny. Fate-mapping analysis reveals that self-antigen-displaying mTECs, including Aire-expressing mTECs and thymic tuft cells, are derived from CCL21-expressing cells. The differentiation capability of CCL21-expressing embryonic mTECs is verified in reaggregate thymus experiments. These results indicate that CCL21-expressing embryonic mTECs carry a developmental potential to give rise to self-antigen-displaying mTECs, revealing that the sequential conversion of thymocyte-attracting subset into self-antigen-displaying subset serves to assemble functional diversity in the thymus medulla epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Andrea J. White
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Mei-Ting Yang
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Sayumi Fujimori
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Yu Tanaka
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Alison Jacques
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Hiroshi Kiyonari
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Yosuke Matsushita
- Division of Genome Medicine, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Sevilay Turan
- Sequencing Facility, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Michael C. Kelly
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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8
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Loh L, Carcy S, Krovi HS, Domenico J, Spengler A, Lin Y, Torres J, Palmer W, Norman PJ, Stone M, Brunetti T, Meyer HV, Gapin L. Unraveling the Phenotypic States of Human innate-like T Cells: Comparative Insights with Conventional T Cells and Mouse Models. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.07.570707. [PMID: 38105962 PMCID: PMC10723458 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.07.570707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The "innate-like" T cell compartment, known as Tinn, represents a diverse group of T cells that straddle the boundary between innate and adaptive immunity, having the ability to mount rapid responses following activation. In mice, this ability is acquired during thymic development. We explored the transcriptional landscape of Tinn compared to conventional T cells (Tconv) in the human thymus and blood using single cell RNA sequencing and flow cytometry. We reveal that in human blood, the majority of Tinn cells, including iNKT, MAIT, and Vδ2+Vγ9+ T cells, share an effector program characterized by the expression of unique chemokine and cytokine receptors, and cytotoxic molecules. This program is driven by specific transcription factors, distinct from those governing Tconv cells. Conversely, only a fraction of thymic Tinn cells displays an effector phenotype, while others share transcriptional features with developing Tconv cells, indicating potential divergent developmental pathways. Unlike the mouse, human Tinn cells do not differentiate into multiple effector subsets but develop a mixed type I/type III effector potential. To conduct a comprehensive cross-species analysis, we constructed a murine Tinn developmental atlas and uncovered additional species-specific distinctions, including the absence of type II Tinn cells in humans, which implies distinct immune regulatory mechanisms across species. The study provides insights into the development and functionality of Tinn cells, emphasizing their role in immune responses and their potential as targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyen Loh
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Salomé Carcy
- School of Biological Sciences, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Yong Lin
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Joshua Torres
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - William Palmer
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Paul J. Norman
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | | | - Tonya Brunetti
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Hannah V. Meyer
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Laurent Gapin
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
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9
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Amable L, Ferreira Martins LA, Pierre R, Do Cruseiro M, Chabab G, Sergé A, Kergaravat C, Delord M, Viret C, Jaubert J, Liu C, Karray S, Marie JC, Irla M, Georgiev H, Clave E, Toubert A, Lucas B, Klibi J, Benlagha K. Intrinsic factors and CD1d1 but not CD1d2 expression levels control invariant natural killer T cell subset differentiation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7922. [PMID: 38040679 PMCID: PMC10692182 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43424-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (NKT) cell subsets are defined based on their cytokine-production profiles and transcription factors. Their distribution is different in C57BL/6 (B6) and BALB/c mice, with a bias for NKT1 and NKT2/NKT17 subsets, respectively. Here, we show that the non-classical class I-like major histocompatibility complex CD1 molecules CD1d2, expressed in BALB/c and not in B6 mice, could not account for this difference. We find however that NKT cell subset distribution is intrinsic to bone marrow derived NKT cells, regardless of syngeneic CD1d-ligand recognition, and that multiple intrinsic factors are likely involved. Finally, we find that CD1d expression levels in combination with T cell antigen receptor signal strength could also influence NKT cell distribution and function. Overall, this study indicates that CD1d-mediated TCR signals and other intrinsic signals integrate to influence strain-specific NKT cell differentiation programs and subset distributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludivine Amable
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis (IRSL), EMiLy, Paris, France
| | | | - Remi Pierre
- Plateforme de recombinaison homologue et de cryoconservation (PRHTEC), Institut Cochin, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Marcio Do Cruseiro
- Plateforme de recombinaison homologue et de cryoconservation (PRHTEC), Institut Cochin, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Ghita Chabab
- Tumor Escape Resistance and Immunity department, Cancer Research Center of Lyon INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Arnauld Sergé
- Laboratoire Adhésion Inflammation (LAI), CNRS, INSERM, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Camille Kergaravat
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis (IRSL), EMiLy, Paris, France
| | | | - Christophe Viret
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jean Jaubert
- Mouse Genetics Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Chaohong Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Saoussen Karray
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM U976, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis (IRSL), Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Julien C Marie
- Tumor Escape Resistance and Immunity department, Cancer Research Center of Lyon INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Magali Irla
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), CNRS, INSERM, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Hristo Georgiev
- Institute of immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Emmanuel Clave
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis (IRSL), EMiLy, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Toubert
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis (IRSL), EMiLy, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Lucas
- Institut Cochin, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR8104, INSERM U1016, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Jihene Klibi
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis (IRSL), EMiLy, Paris, France
| | - Kamel Benlagha
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis (IRSL), EMiLy, Paris, France.
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10
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Morgan RC, Frank C, Greger M, Attaway M, Sigvardsson M, Bartom ET, Kee BL. TGF-β Promotes the Postselection Thymic Development and Peripheral Function of IFN-γ-Producing Invariant NKT cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:1376-1384. [PMID: 37702745 PMCID: PMC10592054 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
IFN-γ-producing invariant NKT (iNKT)1 cells are lipid-reactive innate-like lymphocytes that are resident in the thymus and peripheral tissues where they protect against pathogenic infection. The thymic functions of iNKT1 cells are not fully elucidated, but subsets of thymic iNKT cells modulate CD8 T cell, dendritic cell, B cell, and thymic epithelial cell numbers or function. In this study, we show that a subset of murine thymic iNKT1 cells required TGF-β-induced signals for their postselection development, to maintain hallmark TGF-β-induced genes, and for expression of the adhesion receptors CD49a and CD103. However, the residency-associated receptor CD69 was not TGF-β signaling-dependent. Recently described CD244+ c2 thymic iNKT1 cells, which produce IFN-γ without exogenous stimulation and have NK-like characteristics, reside in this TGF-β-responsive population. Liver and spleen iNKT1 cells do not share this TGF-β gene signature, but nonetheless TGF-β impacts liver iNKT1 cell phenotype and function. Our findings provide insight into the heterogeneity of mechanisms guiding iNKT1 cell development in different tissues and suggest a close association between a subset of iNKT1 cells and TGF-β-producing cells in the thymus that support their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxroy C. Morgan
- Committee on Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Cameron Frank
- Dept. of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Munmun Greger
- Dept. of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
- Committees on Cancer Biology and Immunology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Mary Attaway
- Committees on Cancer Biology and Immunology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | | | - Elizabeth T. Bartom
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago IL
| | - Barbara L. Kee
- Committee on Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
- Dept. of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
- Committees on Cancer Biology and Immunology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
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11
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Wang J, Adrianto I, Subedi K, Liu T, Wu X, Yi Q, Loveless I, Yin C, Datta I, Sant'Angelo DB, Kronenberg M, Zhou L, Mi QS. Integrative scATAC-seq and scRNA-seq analyses map thymic iNKT cell development and identify Cbfβ for its commitment. Cell Discov 2023; 9:61. [PMID: 37336875 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00547-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike conventional αβT cells, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells complete their terminal differentiation to functional iNKT1/2/17 cells in the thymus. However, underlying molecular programs that guide iNKT subset differentiation remain unclear. Here, we profiled the transcriptomes of over 17,000 iNKT cells and the chromatin accessibility states of over 39,000 iNKT cells across four thymic iNKT developmental stages using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (scATAC-seq) to define their developmental trajectories. Our study discovered novel features for iNKT precursors and different iNKT subsets and indicated that iNKT2 and iNKT17 lineage commitment may occur as early as stage 0 (ST0) by two distinct programs, while iNKT1 commitments may occur post ST0. Both iNKT1 and iNKT2 cells exhibit extensive phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, while iNKT17 cells are relatively homogenous. Furthermore, we identified that a novel transcription factor, Cbfβ, was highly expressed in iNKT progenitor commitment checkpoint, which showed a similar expression trajectory with other known transcription factors for iNKT cells development, Zbtb16 and Egr2, and could direct iNKT cells fate and drive their effector phenotype differentiation. Conditional deletion of Cbfβ blocked early iNKT cell development and led to severe impairment of iNKT1/2/17 cell differentiation. Overall, our findings uncovered distinct iNKT developmental programs as well as their cellular heterogeneity, and identified a novel transcription factor Cbfβ as a key regulator for early iNKT cell commitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology Research, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA
- Immunology Research Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Indra Adrianto
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology Research, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA
- Immunology Research Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA
- Center for Bioinformatics, Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Kalpana Subedi
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology Research, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA
- Immunology Research Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Tingting Liu
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology Research, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA
- Immunology Research Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Xiaojun Wu
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology Research, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA
- Immunology Research Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Qijun Yi
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology Research, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA
- Immunology Research Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ian Loveless
- Center for Bioinformatics, Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Congcong Yin
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology Research, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA
- Immunology Research Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Indrani Datta
- Center for Bioinformatics, Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Derek B Sant'Angelo
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | - Li Zhou
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology Research, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Immunology Research Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Department of Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Qing-Sheng Mi
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology Research, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Immunology Research Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Department of Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA.
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12
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Lucas B, White AJ, Klein F, Veiga-Villauriz C, Handel A, Bacon A, Cosway EJ, James KD, Parnell SM, Ohigashi I, Takahama Y, Jenkinson WE, Hollander GA, Lu WY, Anderson G. Embryonic keratin19 + progenitors generate multiple functionally distinct progeny to maintain epithelial diversity in the adult thymus medulla. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2066. [PMID: 37045811 PMCID: PMC10097809 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37589-4] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus medulla is a key site for immunoregulation and tolerance, and its functional specialisation is achieved through the complexity of medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC). While the importance of the medulla for thymus function is clear, the production and maintenance of mTEC diversity remains poorly understood. Here, using ontogenetic and inducible fate-mapping approaches, we identify mTEC-restricted progenitors as a cytokeratin19+ (K19+) TEC subset that emerges in the embryonic thymus. Importantly, labelling of a single cohort of K19+ TEC during embryogenesis sustains the production of multiple mTEC subsets into adulthood, including CCL21+ mTEClo, Aire+ mTEChi and thymic tuft cells. We show K19+ progenitors arise prior to the acquisition of multiple mTEC-defining features including RANK and CCL21 and are generated independently of the key mTEC regulator, Relb. In conclusion, we identify and define a multipotent mTEC progenitor that emerges during embryogenesis to support mTEC diversity into adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Lucas
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Andrea J White
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Fabian Klein
- Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Clara Veiga-Villauriz
- Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Adam Handel
- Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrea Bacon
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Emilie J Cosway
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Kieran D James
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Sonia M Parnell
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, NCI/NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Georg A Hollander
- Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Paediatric Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wei-Yu Lu
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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13
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Wang C, Daley SR. How Thymocyte Deletion in the Cortex May Curtail Antigen-Specific T-Regulatory Cell Development in the Medulla. Front Immunol 2022; 13:892498. [PMID: 35693793 PMCID: PMC9176388 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.892498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+ T cell responses to self-antigens are pivotal for immunological self-tolerance. Activation of Foxp3– T-conventional (T-conv) cells can precipitate autoimmune disease, whereas activation of Foxp3+ T-regulatory (T-reg) cells is essential to prevent autoimmune disease. This distinction indicates the importance of the thymus in controlling the differentiation of self-reactive CD4+ T cells. Thymocytes and thymic antigen-presenting cells (APC) depend on each other for normal maturation and differentiation. In this Hypothesis and Theory article, we propose this mutual dependence dictates which self-antigens induce T-reg cell development in the thymic medulla. We postulate self-reactive CD4+ CD8– thymocytes deliver signals that stabilize and amplify the presentation of their cognate self-antigen by APC in the thymic medulla, thereby seeding a niche for the development of T-reg cells specific for the same self-antigen. By limiting the number of antigen-specific CD4+ thymocytes in the medulla, thymocyte deletion in the cortex may impede the formation of medullary T-reg niches containing certain self-antigens. Susceptibility to autoimmune disease may arise from cortical deletion creating a “hole” in the self-antigen repertoire recognized by T-reg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Wang
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephen R Daley
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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14
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Abstract
Since the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), its cognate receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (RANK), and the decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG) were discovered, a number of studies have uncovered the crucial role of the RANKL-RANK-OPG pathway in controlling the key aspect of bone homeostasis, the immune system, inflammation, cancer, and other systems under pathophysiological condition. These findings have expanded the understanding of the multifunctional biology of the RANKL-RANK-OPG pathway and led to the development of therapeutic potential targeting this pathway. The successful development and application of anti-RANKL antibody in treating diseases causing bone loss validates the utility of therapeutic approaches based on the modulation of this pathway. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated the involvement of the RANKL-RANK pathway in osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, shedding light on the RANKL-RANK dual signaling in coupling bone resorption and bone formation. In this review, we will summarize the current understanding of the RANKL-RANK-OPG system in the context of the bone and the immune system as well as the impact of this pathway in disease conditions, including cancer development and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Takegahara
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hyunsoo Kim
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yongwon Choi
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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15
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Baranek T, de Amat Herbozo C, Mallevaey T, Paget C. Deconstructing iNKT cell development at single-cell resolution. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:503-512. [PMID: 35654639 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2022.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are increasingly regarded as disease biomarkers and immunotherapeutic targets. However, a greater understanding of their biology is necessary to effectively target these cells in the clinic. The discovery of iNKT1/2/17 cell effector subsets was a milestone in our understanding of iNKT cell development and function. Recent transcriptomic studies have uncovered an even greater heterogeneity and challenge our understanding of iNKT cell ontogeny and effector differentiation. We propose a refined model whereby iNKT cells differentiate through a dynamic and continuous instructive process that requires the accumulation and integration of various signals within the thymus or peripheral tissues. Within this framework, we question the existence of true iNKT2 cells and discuss the parallels between mouse and human iNKT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Baranek
- Centre d'Étude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité Mixte de Recherche 1100, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Carolina de Amat Herbozo
- Department of Immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Thierry Mallevaey
- Department of Immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Christophe Paget
- Centre d'Étude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité Mixte de Recherche 1100, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Tours, Tours, France.
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16
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Hebbandi Nanjundappa R, Sokke Umeshappa C, Geuking MB. The impact of the gut microbiota on T cell ontogeny in the thymus. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:221. [PMID: 35377005 PMCID: PMC11072498 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04252-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal microbiota is critical for the development of gut-associated lymphoid tissues, including Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes, and is instrumental in educating the local as well as systemic immune system. In addition, it also impacts the development and function of peripheral organs, such as liver, lung, and the brain, in health and disease. However, whether and how the intestinal microbiota has an impact on T cell ontogeny in the hymus remains largely unclear. Recently, the impact of molecules and metabolites derived from the intestinal microbiota on T cell ontogeny in the thymus has been investigated in more detail. In this review, we will discuss the recent findings in the emerging field of the gut-thymus axis and we will highlight the current questions and challenges in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roopa Hebbandi Nanjundappa
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, IWK Research Center, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Channakeshava Sokke Umeshappa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, IWK Research Center, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Markus B Geuking
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
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17
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Johnson DN, Ruan Z, Petley EV, Devi S, Holz LE, Uldrich AP, Mak JYW, Hor JL, Mueller SN, McCluskey J, Fairlie DP, Darcy PK, Beavis PA, Heath WR, Godfrey DI. Differential location of NKT and MAIT cells within lymphoid tissue. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4034. [PMID: 35260653 PMCID: PMC8904549 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07704-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer T (NKT) cells and Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like T cells that express semi-invariant αβ T cell receptors (TCRs) through which they recognise CD1d and MR1 molecules, respectively, in complex with specific ligands. These cells play important roles in health and disease in many organs, but their precise intra-organ location is not well established. Here, using CD1d and MR1 tetramer staining techniques, we describe the precise location of NKT and MAIT cells in lymphoid and peripheral organs. Within the thymus, NKT cells were concentrated in the medullary side of the corticomedullary junction. In spleen and lymph nodes, NKT cells were mainly localised within T cell zones, although following in vivo activation with the potent NKT-cell ligand α-GalCer, they expanded throughout the spleen. MAIT cells were clearly detectable in Vα19 TCR transgenic mice and were rare but detectable in lymphoid tissue of non-transgenic mice. In contrast to NKT cells, MAIT cells were more closely associated with the B cell zone and red pulp of the spleen. Accordingly, we have provided an extensive analysis of the in situ localisation of NKT and MAIT cells and suggest differences between the intra-organ location of these two cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darryl N Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Zheng Ruan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Emma V Petley
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Sapna Devi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Lauren E Holz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Adam P Uldrich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Y W Mak
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jyh Liang Hor
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Scott N Mueller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - James McCluskey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - David P Fairlie
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Phillip K Darcy
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Paul A Beavis
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - William R Heath
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Dale I Godfrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia. .,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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18
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Lopes N, Boucherit N, Santamaria JC, Provin N, Charaix J, Ferrier P, Giraud M, Irla M. Thymocytes trigger self-antigen-controlling pathways in immature medullary thymic epithelial stages. eLife 2022; 11:69982. [PMID: 35188458 PMCID: PMC8860447 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions of developing T cells with Aire+ medullary thymic epithelial cells expressing high levels of MHCII molecules (mTEChi) are critical for the induction of central tolerance in the thymus. In turn, thymocytes regulate the cellularity of Aire+ mTEChi. However, it remains unknown whether thymocytes control the precursors of Aire+ mTEChi that are contained in mTEClo cells or other mTEClo subsets that have recently been delineated by single-cell transcriptomic analyses. Here, using three distinct transgenic mouse models, in which antigen presentation between mTECs and CD4+ thymocytes is perturbed, we show by high-throughput RNA-seq that self-reactive CD4+ thymocytes induce key transcriptional regulators in mTEClo and control the composition of mTEClo subsets, including Aire+ mTEChi precursors, post-Aire and tuft-like mTECs. Furthermore, these interactions upregulate the expression of tissue-restricted self-antigens, cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules important for T-cell development. This gene activation program induced in mTEClo is combined with a global increase of the active H3K4me3 histone mark. Finally, we demonstrate that these self-reactive interactions between CD4+ thymocytes and mTECs critically prevent multiorgan autoimmunity. Our genome-wide study thus reveals that self-reactive CD4+ thymocytes control multiple unsuspected facets from immature stages of mTECs, which determines their heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noella Lopes
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Boucherit
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Jérémy C Santamaria
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Nathan Provin
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Jonathan Charaix
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Ferrier
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Matthieu Giraud
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Magali Irla
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
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19
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Park JY, Won HY, DiPalma DT, Kim HK, Kim TH, Li C, Sato N, Hong C, Abraham N, Gress RE, Park JH. In vivo availability of the cytokine IL-7 constrains the survival and homeostasis of peripheral iNKT cells. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110219. [PMID: 35021100 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the homeostatic mechanism of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells is a critical issue in iNKT cell biology. Because interleukin (IL)-15 is required for the thymic generation of iNKT cells, IL-15 has also been considered necessary for the homeostasis of peripheral iNKT cells. Here, we delineated the in vivo cytokine requirement for iNKT cells, and we came to the surprising conclusion that IL-7, not IL-15, is the homeostatic cytokine for iNKT cells. Employing a series of experimental mouse models where the availability of IL-7 or IL-15 was manipulated in peripheral tissues, either by genetic tools or by adult thymectomy and cytokine pump installation, we demonstrate that the abundance of IL-7, and not IL-15, limits the size of the peripheral iNKT cell pool. These results redefine the cytokine requirement for iNKT cells and indicate competition for IL-7 between iNKT and conventional αβ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Young Park
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Seoul National University Dental Hospital, 101 Daehakno, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, South Korea.
| | - Hee Yeun Won
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Devon T DiPalma
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hye Kyung Kim
- Experimental Transplantation Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tae-Hyoun Kim
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Can Li
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Noriko Sato
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Changwan Hong
- Department of Anatomy, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, South Korea
| | - Ninan Abraham
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Department of Zoology, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Ronald E Gress
- Experimental Transplantation Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jung-Hyun Park
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10, Room 5B17, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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20
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Dong M, Chang J, Lebel MÈ, Gervais N, Fournier M, Mallet Gauthier È, Suh WK, Melichar HJ. The ICOS-ICOSL pathway tunes thymic selection. Immunol Cell Biol 2021; 100:205-217. [PMID: 34962663 PMCID: PMC9304562 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12520] [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: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Negative selection of developing T cells plays a significant role in T cell tolerance to self-antigen. This process relies on thymic antigen presenting cells which express both self-antigens as well as co-signaling molecules. Inducible T cell costimulator (ICOS) belongs to the CD28 family of co-signaling molecules and binds to ICOS ligand (ICOSL). The ICOS signaling pathway plays important roles in shaping the immune response to infections, but its role in central tolerance is less well understood. Here we show that ICOSL is expressed by subsets of thymic dendritic cells and medullary thymic epithelial cells as well as thymic B cells. ICOS expression is upregulated as T cells mature in the thymus and correlates with T cell receptor signal strength during thymic selection. We also provide evidence of a role for ICOS signaling in mediating negative selection. Our findings suggest that ICOS may fine-tune T cell receptor signals during thymic selection contributing to the generation of a tolerant T cell population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Dong
- Département de microbiologie, Université de Montréal, infectiologie et immunologie, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada.,Immunology-Oncology Unit, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Jinsam Chang
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H2W 1R7, Canada.,Programme de biologie moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Lebel
- Immunology-Oncology Unit, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Noémie Gervais
- Immunology-Oncology Unit, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Marilaine Fournier
- Immunology-Oncology Unit, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Ève Mallet Gauthier
- Département de microbiologie, Université de Montréal, infectiologie et immunologie, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada.,Immunology-Oncology Unit, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Woong-Kyung Suh
- Département de microbiologie, Université de Montréal, infectiologie et immunologie, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada.,Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H2W 1R7, Canada.,Programme de biologie moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Heather J Melichar
- Immunology-Oncology Unit, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, H1T 2M4, Canada.,Département de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada
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21
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Bortoluzzi S, Dashtsoodol N, Engleitner T, Drees C, Helmrath S, Mir J, Toska A, Flossdorf M, Öllinger R, Solovey M, Colomé-Tatché M, Kalfaoglu B, Ono M, Buch T, Ammon T, Rad R, Schmidt-Supprian M. Brief homogeneous TCR signals instruct common iNKT progenitors whose effector diversification is characterized by subsequent cytokine signaling. Immunity 2021; 54:2497-2513.e9. [PMID: 34562377 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Innate-like T cell populations expressing conserved TCRs play critical roles in immunity through diverse developmentally acquired effector functions. Focusing on the prototypical lineage of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, we sought to dissect the mechanisms and timing of fate decisions and functional effector differentiation. Utilizing induced expression of the semi-invariant NKT cell TCR on double positive thymocytes, an initially highly synchronous wave of iNKT cell development was triggered by brief homogeneous TCR signaling. After reaching a uniform progenitor state characterized by IL-4 production potential and proliferation, effector subsets emerged simultaneously, but then diverged toward different fates. While NKT17 specification was quickly completed, NKT1 cells slowly differentiated and expanded. NKT2 cells resembled maturing progenitors, which gradually diminished in numbers. Thus, iNKT subset diversification occurs in dividing progenitor cells without acute TCR input but utilizes multiple active cytokine signaling pathways. These data imply a two-step model of iNKT effector differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Bortoluzzi
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany; Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany
| | - Nyambayar Dashtsoodol
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany; Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany; Department of Immunology, School of Biomedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 14210, Mongolia
| | - Thomas Engleitner
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany; Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Christoph Drees
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany
| | - Sabine Helmrath
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany; Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany
| | - Jonas Mir
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany
| | - Albulena Toska
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany
| | - Michael Flossdorf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany
| | - Rupert Öllinger
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany; Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Maria Solovey
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
| | - Maria Colomé-Tatché
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg 85764, Germany; Biomedical Center (BMC), Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Bahire Kalfaoglu
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Masahiro Ono
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Thorsten Buch
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Zurich, Schlieren 8952, Switzerland
| | - Tim Ammon
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany; Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany
| | - Roland Rad
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany; Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Marc Schmidt-Supprian
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany; Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany.
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22
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Natural Killer T (NKT) Cells and Periodontitis: Potential Regulatory Role of NKT10 Cells. Mediators Inflamm 2021; 2021:5573937. [PMID: 34594157 PMCID: PMC8478603 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5573937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells constitute a unique subset of T lymphocytes characterized by specifically interacting with antigenic glycolipids conjugated to the CD1d receptor on antigen-presenting cells. Functionally, NKT cells are capable of performing either effector or suppressor immune responses, depending on their production of proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokines, respectively. Effector NKT cells are subdivided into three subsets, termed NKT1, NKT2, and NKT17, based on the cytokines they produce and their similarity to the cytokine profile produced by Th1, Th2, and Th17 lymphocytes, respectively. Recently, a new subgroup of NKT cells termed NKT10 has been described, which cooperates and interacts with other immune cells to promote immunoregulatory responses. Although the tissue-specific functions of NKT cells have not been fully elucidated, their activity has been associated with the pathogenesis of different inflammatory diseases with immunopathogenic similarities to periodontitis, including osteolytic pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. In the present review, we revise and discuss the pathogenic characteristics of NKT cells in these diseases and their role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis; particularly, we analyze the potential regulatory role of the IL-10-producing NKT10 cells.
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23
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Won HY, Kim HK, Crossman A, Awasthi P, Gress RE, Park JH. The Timing and Abundance of IL-2Rβ (CD122) Expression Control Thymic iNKT Cell Generation and NKT1 Subset Differentiation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:642856. [PMID: 34054809 PMCID: PMC8161506 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.642856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are thymus-generated innate-like T cells, comprised of three distinct subsets with divergent effector functions. The molecular mechanism that drives the lineage trifurcation of immature iNKT cells into the NKT1, NKT2, and NKT17 subsets remains a controversial issue that remains to be resolved. Because cytokine receptor signaling is necessary for iNKT cell generation, cytokines are proposed to contribute to iNKT subset differentiation also. However, the precise roles and requirements of cytokines in these processes are not fully understood. Here, we show that IL-2Rβ, a nonredundant component of the IL-15 receptor complex, plays a critical role in both the development and differentiation of thymic iNKT cells. While the induction of IL-2Rβ expression on postselection thymocytes is necessary to drive the generation of iNKT cells, surprisingly, premature IL-2Rβ expression on immature iNKT cells was detrimental to their development. Moreover, while IL-2Rβ is necessary for NKT1 generation, paradoxically, we found that the increased abundance of IL-2Rβ suppressed NKT1 generation without affecting NKT2 and NKT17 cell differentiation. Thus, the timing and abundance of IL-2Rβ expression control iNKT lineage fate and development, thereby establishing cytokine receptor expression as a critical regulator of thymic iNKT cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Yeun Won
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Hye Kyung Kim
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunotherapy Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Assiatu Crossman
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Parirokh Awasthi
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Ronald E Gress
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunotherapy Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jung-Hyun Park
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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24
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Tao H, Li L, Liao NS, Schluns KS, Luckhart S, Sleasman JW, Zhong XP. Thymic Epithelial Cell-Derived IL-15 and IL-15 Receptor α Chain Foster Local Environment for Type 1 Innate Like T Cell Development. Front Immunol 2021; 12:623280. [PMID: 33732245 PMCID: PMC7957058 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.623280] [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: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs) in thymic epithelial cells (TECs) ensures negative selection of highly self-reactive T cells to establish central tolerance. Whether some of these TRAs could exert their canonical biological functions to shape thymic environment to regulate T cell development is unclear. Analyses of publicly available databases have revealed expression of transcripts at various levels of many cytokines and cytokine receptors such as IL-15, IL-15Rα, IL-13, and IL-23a in both human and mouse TECs. Ablation of either IL-15 or IL-15Rα in TECs selectively impairs type 1 innate like T cell, such as iNKT1 and γδT1 cell, development in the thymus, indicating that TECs not only serve as an important source of IL-15 but also trans-present IL-15 to ensure type 1 innate like T cell development. Because type 1 innate like T cells are proinflammatory, our data suggest the possibility that TEC may intrinsically control thymic inflammatory innate like T cells to influence thymic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huishan Tao
- Department of Pediatrics-Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Pediatrics-Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Nan-Shih Liao
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kimberly S Schluns
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shirley Luckhart
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - John W Sleasman
- Department of Pediatrics-Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Xiao-Ping Zhong
- Department of Pediatrics-Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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25
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Santamaria JC, Borelli A, Irla M. Regulatory T Cell Heterogeneity in the Thymus: Impact on Their Functional Activities. Front Immunol 2021; 12:643153. [PMID: 33643324 PMCID: PMC7904894 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.643153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) maintain the integrity of the organism by preventing excessive immune responses. These cells protect against autoimmune diseases but are also important regulators of other immune responses including inflammation, allergy, infection, and tumors. Furthermore, they exert non-immune functions such as tissue repair and regeneration. In the periphery, Foxp3+ Treg have emerged as a highly heterogeneous cell population with distinct molecular and functional properties. Foxp3+ Treg mainly develop within the thymus where they receive instructive signals for their differentiation. Recent studies have revealed that thymic Treg are also heterogeneous with two distinct precursors that give rise to mature Foxp3+ Treg exhibiting non-overlapping regulatory activities characterized by a differential ability to control different types of autoimmune reactions. Furthermore, the thymic Treg cell pool is not only composed of newly developing Treg, but also contain a large fraction of recirculating peripheral cells. Here, we review the two pathways of thymic Treg cell differentiation and their potential impact on Treg activity in the periphery. We also summarize our current knowledge on recirculating peripheral Treg in the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy C Santamaria
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Alexia Borelli
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Magali Irla
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
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26
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Irla M. RANK Signaling in the Differentiation and Regeneration of Thymic Epithelial Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 11:623265. [PMID: 33552088 PMCID: PMC7862717 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.623265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) provide essential clues for the proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation of thymocytes. Recent advances in mouse and human have revealed that TECs constitute a highly heterogeneous cell population with distinct functional properties. Importantly, TECs are sensitive to thymic damages engendered by myeloablative conditioning regimen used for bone marrow transplantation. These detrimental effects on TECs delay de novo T-cell production, which can increase the risk of morbidity and mortality in many patients. Alike that TECs guide the development of thymocytes, reciprocally thymocytes control the differentiation and organization of TECs. These bidirectional interactions are referred to as thymic crosstalk. The tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) member, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) and its cognate ligand RANKL have emerged as key players of the crosstalk between TECs and thymocytes. RANKL, mainly provided by positively selected CD4+ thymocytes and a subset of group 3 innate lymphoid cells, controls mTEC proliferation/differentiation and TEC regeneration. In this review, I discuss recent advances that have unraveled the high heterogeneity of TECs and the implication of the RANK-RANKL signaling axis in TEC differentiation and regeneration. Targeting this cell-signaling pathway opens novel therapeutic perspectives to recover TEC function and T-cell production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Irla
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
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27
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Joyce S, Okoye GD, Van Kaer L. Natural Killer T Lymphocytes Integrate Innate Sensory Information and Relay Context to Effector Immune Responses. Crit Rev Immunol 2021; 41:55-88. [PMID: 35381143 PMCID: PMC11078124 DOI: 10.1615/critrevimmunol.2021040076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
It is now appreciated that a group of lymphoid lineage cells, collectively called innate-like effector lymphocytes, have evolved to integrate information relayed by the innate sensory immune system about the state of the local tissue environment and to pass on this context to downstream effector innate and adaptive immune responses. Thereby, innate functions engrained into such innate-like lymphoid lineage cells during development can control the quality and magnitude of an immune response to a tissue-altering pathogen and facilitate the formation of memory engrams within the immune system. These goals are accomplished by the innate lymphoid cells that lack antigen-specific receptors, γδ T cell receptor (TCR)-expressing T cells, and several αβ TCR-expressing T cell subsets-such as natural killer T cells, mucosal-associated invariant T cells, et cetera. Whilst we briefly consider the commonalities in the origins and functions of these diverse lymphoid subsets to provide context, the primary topic of this review is to discuss how the semi-invariant natural killer T cells got this way in evolution through lineage commitment and onward ontogeny. What emerges from this discourse is the question: Has a "limbic immune system" emerged (screaming quietly in plain sight!) out of what has been dubbed "in-betweeners"?
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Joyce
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Gosife Donald Okoye
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Luc Van Kaer
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
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28
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Cosway EJ, James KD, Lucas B, Anderson G, White AJ. The thymus medulla and its control of αβT cell development. Semin Immunopathol 2020; 43:15-27. [PMID: 33306154 PMCID: PMC7925449 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00830-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
αβT cells are an essential component of effective immune responses. The heterogeneity that lies within them includes subsets that express diverse self-MHC-restricted αβT cell receptors, which can be further subdivided into CD4+ helper, CD8+ cytotoxic, and Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. In addition, αβT cells also include invariant natural killer T cells that are very limited in αβT cell receptor repertoire diversity and recognise non-polymorphic CD1d molecules that present lipid antigens. Importantly, all αβT cell sublineages are dependent upon the thymus as a shared site of their development. Ongoing research has examined how the thymus balances the intrathymic production of multiple αβT cell subsets to ensure correct formation and functioning of the peripheral immune system. Experiments in both wild-type and genetically modified mice have been essential in revealing complex cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate thymus function. In particular, studies have demonstrated the diverse and critical role that the thymus medulla plays in shaping the peripheral T cell pool. In this review, we summarise current knowledge on functional properties of the thymus medulla that enable the thymus to support the production of diverse αβT cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie J Cosway
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Floor 4 Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Kieran D James
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Floor 4 Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Beth Lucas
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Floor 4 Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Floor 4 Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Andrea J White
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Floor 4 Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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29
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Papadogianni G, Ravens I, Dittrich-Breiholz O, Bernhardt G, Georgiev H. Impact of Aging on the Phenotype of Invariant Natural Killer T Cells in Mouse Thymus. Front Immunol 2020; 11:575764. [PMID: 33193368 PMCID: PMC7662090 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.575764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells represent a subclass of T cells possessing a restricted repertoire of T cell receptors enabling them to recognize lipid derived ligands. iNKT cells are continuously generated in thymus and differentiate into three main subpopulations: iNKT1, iNKT2, and iNKT17 cells. We investigated the transcriptomes of these subsets comparing cells isolated from young adult (6–10 weeks old) and aged BALB/c mice (25–30 weeks of age) in order to identify genes subject to an age-related regulation of expression. These time points were selected to take into consideration the consequences of thymic involution that radically alter the existing micro-milieu. Significant differences were detected in the expression of histone genes affecting all iNKT subsets. Also the proliferative capacity of iNKT cells decreased substantially upon aging. Several genes were identified as possible candidates causing significant age-dependent changes in iNKT cell generation and/or function such as genes coding for granzyme A, ZO-1, EZH2, SOX4, IGF1 receptor, FLT4, and CD25. Moreover, we provide evidence that IL2 differentially affects homeostasis of iNKT subsets with iNKT17 cells engaging a unique mechanism to respond to IL2 by initiating a slow rate of proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inga Ravens
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Günter Bernhardt
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hristo Georgiev
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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30
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Klibi J, Benlagha K. Cortical Thymocytes Along With Their Selecting Ligands Are Required for the Further Thymic Maturation of NKT Cells in Mice. Front Immunol 2020; 11:815. [PMID: 32457751 PMCID: PMC7221135 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Following positive selection, NKT cell precursors enter an “NK-like” program and progress from an NK– to an NK+ maturational stage to give rise to NKT1 cells. Maturation takes place in the thymus or after emigration of NK– NKT cells to the periphery. In this study, we followed the fate of injected NKT cells at the NK– stage of their development in the thymus of a series of mice with differential CD1d expression. Our results indicate that CD1d-expressing cortical thymocytes, and not epithelial cells, macrophages, or dendritic cells, are necessary and sufficient to promote the maturation of thymic NKT1 cells. Migration out of the thymus of NK– NKT cells occurred in the absence of CD1d expression, however, CD1d expression is required for maturation in peripheral organs. We also found that the natural ligand Isoglobotriosylceramide (iGb3), and the cysteine protease Cathepsin L, both localizing with CD1d in the endosomal compartment and crucial for NKT cell positive selection, are also required for NK– to NK+ NKT cell transition. Overall, our study indicates that the maturational transition of NKT cells require continuous TCR/CD1d interactions and suggest that these interactions occur in the thymic cortex where DP cortical thymocytes are located. We thus concluded that key components necessary for positive selection of NKT cells are also required for subsequent maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihene Klibi
- Université de Paris Diderot, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), Inserm U1160, Paris, France
| | - Kamel Benlagha
- Université de Paris Diderot, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), Inserm U1160, Paris, France
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31
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Alawam AS, Anderson G, Lucas B. Generation and Regeneration of Thymic Epithelial Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 11:858. [PMID: 32457758 PMCID: PMC7221188 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus is unique in its ability to support the maturation of phenotypically and functionally distinct T cell sub-lineages. Through its combined production of MHC-restricted conventional CD4+ and CD8+, and Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, as well as non-conventional CD1d-restricted iNKT cells and invariant γδT cells, the thymus represents an important orchestrator of immune system development and control. It is now clear that thymus function is largely determined by the availability of stromal microenvironments. These specialized areas emerge during thymus organogenesis and are maintained throughout life. They are formed from both epithelial and mesenchymal components, and collectively they support a stepwise program of thymocyte development. Of these stromal cells, cortical, and medullary thymic epithelial cells represent functional components of thymic microenvironments in both the cortex and medulla. Importantly, a key feature of thymus function is that levels of T cell production are not constant throughout life. Here, multiple physiological factors including aging, stress and pregnancy can have either short- or long-term detrimental impact on rates of thymus function. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the development and function of thymic epithelial cells, and relate this to strategies to protect and/or restore thymic epithelial cell function for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah S Alawam
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Beth Lucas
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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32
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Lucas B, White AJ, Cosway EJ, Parnell SM, James KD, Jones ND, Ohigashi I, Takahama Y, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Diversity in medullary thymic epithelial cells controls the activity and availability of iNKT cells. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2198. [PMID: 32366944 PMCID: PMC7198500 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16041-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus supports multiple αβ T cell lineages that are functionally distinct, but mechanisms that control this multifaceted development are poorly understood. Here we examine medullary thymic epithelial cell (mTEC) heterogeneity and its influence on CD1d-restricted iNKT cells. We find three distinct mTEClow subsets distinguished by surface, intracellular and secreted molecules, and identify LTβR as a cell-autonomous controller of their development. Importantly, this mTEC heterogeneity enables the thymus to differentially control iNKT sublineages possessing distinct effector properties. mTEC expression of LTβR is essential for the development thymic tuft cells which regulate NKT2 via IL-25, while LTβR controls CD104+CCL21+ mTEClow that are capable of IL-15-transpresentation for regulating NKT1 and NKT17. Finally, mTECs regulate both iNKT-mediated activation of thymic dendritic cells, and iNKT availability in extrathymic sites. In conclusion, mTEC specialization controls intrathymic iNKT cell development and function, and determines iNKT pool size in peripheral tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Lucas
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Andrea J White
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Emilie J Cosway
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Sonia M Parnell
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Kieran D James
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Nick D Jones
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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33
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Klibi J, Amable L, Benlagha K. A focus on natural killer T-cell subset characterization and developmental stages. Immunol Cell Biol 2020; 98:358-368. [PMID: 32187747 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Almost 20 years ago, CD1d tetramers were developed to track invariant natural killer T (NKT) cells based on their specificity, and to define developmental steps during which differentiation markers and functional features are progressively acquired from early NKT cell precursor to fully mature NKT cell subsets. Based on these findings, a linear developmental model was proposed and subsequently used by all studies investigating the specific role of factors that control NKT cell development. More recently, based on intracellular staining patterns of lineage-specific transcription factors such as T-bet, GATA-3, promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger and RORγt, a lineage differentiation model was proposed for NKT cell development. Currently, studies on NKT cells development present lineage differentiation model data in addition to the linear maturation model. In the perspective presented here, we discuss current knowledge relating to NKT cell developmental models and particularly focus on the approaches and strategies, some of which appear nebulous, used to define NKT cell developmental stages and subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihene Klibi
- INSERM, UMR-1160, Institut de Recherche St-Louis (IRSL), Paris, France.,Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Ludivine Amable
- INSERM, UMR-1160, Institut de Recherche St-Louis (IRSL), Paris, France.,Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Kamel Benlagha
- INSERM, UMR-1160, Institut de Recherche St-Louis (IRSL), Paris, France.,Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
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34
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Ono T, Hayashi M, Sasaki F, Nakashima T. RANKL biology: bone metabolism, the immune system, and beyond. Inflamm Regen 2020; 40:2. [PMID: 32047573 PMCID: PMC7006158 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-019-0111-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) ligand (RANKL) induces the differentiation of monocyte/macrophage-lineage cells into the bone-resorbing cells called osteoclasts. Because abnormalities in RANKL, its signaling receptor RANK, or decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG) lead to bone diseases such as osteopetrosis, the RANKL/RANK/OPG system is essential for bone resorption. RANKL was first discovered as a T cell-derived activator of dendritic cells (DCs) and has many functions in the immune system, including organogenesis, cellular development. The essentiality of RANKL in the bone and the immune systems lies at the root of the field of "osteoimmunology." Furthermore, this cytokine functions beyond the domains of bone metabolism and the immune system, e.g., mammary gland and hair follicle formation, body temperature regulation, muscle metabolism, and tumor development. In this review, we will summarize the current understanding of the functions of the RANKL/RANK/OPG system in biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehito Ono
- Department of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima 1-5-45, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8549 Japan
- Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Yushima 1-5-45, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8549 Japan
| | - Mikihito Hayashi
- Department of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima 1-5-45, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8549 Japan
- Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Yushima 1-5-45, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8549 Japan
| | - Fumiyuki Sasaki
- Department of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima 1-5-45, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8549 Japan
- Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Yushima 1-5-45, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8549 Japan
| | - Tomoki Nakashima
- Department of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima 1-5-45, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8549 Japan
- Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Yushima 1-5-45, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8549 Japan
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35
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Fujii SI, Shimizu K. Immune Networks and Therapeutic Targeting of iNKT Cells in Cancer. Trends Immunol 2019; 40:984-997. [PMID: 31676264 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2019.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
One of the primary goals in tumor immunotherapy is to reset the immune system from tolerogenic to immunogenic - a process in which invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are implicated. iNKT cells develop in the thymus and perform immunosurveillance against tumor cells peripherally. When optimally stimulated, iNKT cells differentiate and display more efficient immune functions. Some cells survive and act as effector memory cells. We discuss the putative roles of iNKT cells in antitumor immunity, and posit that it may be possible to develop novel therapeutic strategies to treat cancers using iNKT cells. In particular, we highlight the challenge of uniquely energizing iNKT cell-licensed dendritic cells to serve as effective immunoadjuvants for both arms of the immune system, thus coupling immunological networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ichiro Fujii
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Kanako Shimizu
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
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36
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Myeloid cells activate iNKT cells to produce IL-4 in the thymic medulla. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:22262-22268. [PMID: 31611396 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1910412116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is produced by a unique subset of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells (NKT2) in the thymus in the steady state, where it conditions CD8+ T cells to become "memory-like" among other effects. However, the signals that cause NKT2 cells to constitutively produce IL-4 remain poorly defined. Using histocytometry, we observed IL-4-producing NKT2 cells localized to the thymic medulla, suggesting that medullary signals might instruct NKT2 cells to produce IL-4. Moreover, NKT2 cells receive and require T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation for continuous IL-4 production in the steady state, since NKT2 cells lost IL-4 production when intrathymically transferred into CD1d-deficient recipients. In bone marrow chimeric recipients, only hematopoietic, not stromal, antigen-presenting cells (APCs), provided such stimulation. Furthermore, using different Cre-recombinase transgenic mouse strains to specifically target CD1d deficiency to various APCs, together with the use of diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR) transgenic mouse strains to deplete various APCs, we found that macrophages were the predominant cell to stimulate NKT2 IL-4 production. Thus, NKT2 cells appear to encounter and require different activating ligands for selection in the cortex and activation in the medulla.
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37
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TRAF3IP3 at the trans-Golgi network regulates NKT2 maturation via the MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Cell Mol Immunol 2019; 17:395-406. [PMID: 31076725 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-019-0234-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic natural killer T (NKT)2 cells are a subset of invariant NKT cells with PLZFhiGATA3hiIL-4+. The differentiation of NKT2 cells is not fully understood. In the present study, we report an important role of TRAF3-interacting protein 3 (TRAF3IP3) in the functional maturation and expansion of committed NKT2s in thymic medulla. Mice with T-cell-specific deletion of TRAF3IP3 had decreased thymic NKT2 cells, decreased IL-4-producing peripheral iNKTs, and defects in response to α-galactosylceramide. Positive selection and high PLZF expression in CD24+CD44- and CCR7+CD44- immature iNKTs were not affected. Only CD44hiNK1.1- iNKTs in Traf3ip3-/- mice showed reduced expression of Egr2, PLZF, and IL-17RB, decreased proliferation, and reduced IL-4 production upon stimulation. This Egr2 and IL-4 expression was augmented by MEK1/ERK activation in iNKTs, and TRAF3IP3 at the trans-Golgi network recruited MEK1 and facilitated ERK phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. LTβR-regulated bone marrow-derived nonlymphoid cells in the medullary thymic microenvironment were required for MEK/ERK activation and NKT2 maturation. These data demonstrate an important functional maturation process in NKT2 differentiation that is regulated by MEK/ERK signaling at the trans-Golgi network.
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38
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White AJ, Lucas B, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Invariant NKT Cells and Control of the Thymus Medulla. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 200:3333-3339. [PMID: 29735644 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Most αβ T cells that form in the thymus are generated during mainstream conventional thymocyte development and involve the generation and selection of a diverse αβ TCR repertoire that recognizes self-peptide/MHC complexes. Additionally, the thymus also supports the production of T cell subsets that express αβ TCRs but display unique developmental and functional features distinct from conventional αβ T cells. These include multiple lineages of CD1d-restricted invariant NKT (iNKT) cells that express an invariant αβ TCR, branch off from mainstream thymocytes at the CD4+CD8+ stage, and are potent producers of polarizing cytokines. Importantly, and despite their differences, iNKT cells and conventional αβ T cells share common requirements for thymic epithelial microenvironments during their development. Moreover, emerging evidence suggests that constitutive cytokine production by iNKT cells influences both conventional thymocyte development and the intrathymic formation of additional innate CD8+ αβ T cells with memory-like properties. In this article, we review evidence for an intrathymic innate lymphocyte network in which iNKT cells play key roles in multiple aspects of thymus function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J White
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Beth Lucas
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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39
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Abstract
Bone is a crucial element of the skeletal-locomotor system, but also functions as an immunological organ that harbors hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and immune progenitor cells. Additionally, the skeletal and immune systems share a number of regulatory molecules, including cytokines and signaling molecules. Osteoimmunology was created as an interdisciplinary field to explore the shared molecules and interactions between the skeletal and immune systems. In particular, the importance of an inseparable link between the two systems has been highlighted by studies on the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in which pathogenic helper T cells induce the progressive destruction of multiple joints through aberrant expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-κB ligand (RANKL). The conceptual bridge of osteoimmunology provides not only a novel framework for understanding these biological systems but also a molecular basis for the development of therapeutic approaches for diseases of bone and/or the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Okamoto
- Department of Osteoimmunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takayanagi
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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40
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Shissler SC, Webb TJ. The ins and outs of type I iNKT cell development. Mol Immunol 2018; 105:116-130. [PMID: 30502719 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are innate-like lymphocytes that bridge the gap between the innate and adaptive immune responses. Like innate immune cells, they have a mature, effector phenotype that allows them to rapidly respond to threats, compared to adaptive cells. NKT cells express T cell receptors (TCRs) like conventional T cells, but instead of responding to peptide antigen presented by MHC class I or II, NKT cell TCRs recognize glycolipid antigen in the context of CD1d. NKT cells are subdivided into classes based on their TCR and antigen reactivity. This review will focus on type I iNKT cells that express a semi invariant Vα14Jα18 TCR and respond to the canonical glycolipid antigen, α-galactosylceramide. The innate-like effector functions of these cells combined with their T cell identity make their developmental path quite unique. In addition to the extrinsic factors that affect iNKT cell development such as lipid:CD1d complexes, co-stimulation, and cytokines, this review will provide a comprehensive delineation of the cell intrinsic factors that impact iNKT cell development, differentiation, and effector functions - including TCR rearrangement, survival and metabolism signaling, transcription factor expression, and gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susannah C Shissler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore St. HSF-1 Room 380, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Tonya J Webb
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore St. HSF-1 Room 380, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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41
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Wang H, Hogquist KA. CCR7 defines a precursor for murine iNKT cells in thymus and periphery. eLife 2018; 7:e34793. [PMID: 30102153 PMCID: PMC6115192 DOI: 10.7554/elife.34793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise steps of iNKT subset differentiation in the thymus and periphery have been controversial. We demonstrate here that the small proportion of thymic iNKT and mucosal associated invariant T cells that express CCR7 represent a multi-potent progenitor pool that gives rise to effector subsets within the thymus. Using intra-thymic labeling, we also showed that CCR7+ iNKT cells emigrate from the thymus in a Klf2 dependent manner, and undergo further maturation after reaching the periphery. Ccr7 deficiency impaired differentiation of iNKT effector subsets and localization to the medulla. Parabiosis and intra-thymic transfer showed that thymic NKT1 and NKT17 were resident-they were not derived from and did not contribute to the peripheral pool. Finally, each thymic iNKT effector subset produces distinct factors that influence T cell development. Our findings demonstrate how the thymus is both a source of iNKT progenitors and a unique site of tissue dependent effector cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiguang Wang
- The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for ImmunologyUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisUnited States
| | - Kristin A Hogquist
- The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for ImmunologyUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisUnited States
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42
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Tuttle KD, Krovi SH, Zhang J, Bedel R, Harmacek L, Peterson LK, Dragone LL, Lefferts A, Halluszczak C, Riemondy K, Hesselberth JR, Rao A, O'Connor BP, Marrack P, Scott-Browne J, Gapin L. TCR signal strength controls thymic differentiation of iNKT cell subsets. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2650. [PMID: 29985393 PMCID: PMC6037704 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05026-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During development in the thymus, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells commit to one of three major functionally different subsets, iNKT1, iNKT2, and iNKT17. Here, we show that T cell antigen receptor (TCR) signal strength governs the development of iNKT cell subsets, with strong signaling promoting iNKT2 and iNKT17 development. Altering TCR diversity or signaling diminishes iNKT2 and iNKT17 cell subset development in a cell-intrinsic manner. Decreased TCR signaling affects the persistence of Egr2 expression and the upregulation of PLZF. By genome-wide comparison of chromatin accessibility, we identify a subset of iNKT2-specific regulatory elements containing NFAT and Egr binding motifs that is less accessible in iNKT2 cells that develop from reduced TCR signaling. These data suggest that variable TCR signaling modulates regulatory element activity at NFAT and Egr binding sites exerting a determinative influence on the dynamics of gene enhancer accessibility and the developmental fate of iNKT cells. Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells can be subsetted by their cytokine profiles, but how they develop in the thymus is unclear. Here the authors show, by analysing mice carrying mutant Zap70 genes, that T cell receptor signaling strength induces epigenetic changes of genes to modulate iNKT lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn D Tuttle
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO, 80206, USA
| | - S Harsha Krovi
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO, 80206, USA
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO, 80206, USA
| | - Romain Bedel
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO, 80206, USA.,Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Chemin des Boveresses 155, Epalinges, 1066, Switzerland
| | - Laura Harmacek
- Center for Genes, Environment, and Health, Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO, 80206, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, 80206, CO, USA
| | - Lisa K Peterson
- Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, 80206, CO, USA.,ARUP Laboratories, Institute of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, 500 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, 84108, UT, Switzerland.,Department of Pathology, University of Utah, 30N 1900E, Salt Lake City, 84132, UT, USA
| | - Leonard L Dragone
- Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, 80206, CO, USA.,Merck Research Laboratories, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Adam Lefferts
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO, 80206, USA
| | - Catherine Halluszczak
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO, 80206, USA
| | - Kent Riemondy
- RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12800 E. 19th Ave, Aurora, 80045, CO, USA
| | - Jay R Hesselberth
- RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12800 E. 19th Ave, Aurora, 80045, CO, USA.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12800 E. 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Anjana Rao
- La Jolla Institute, 9420 Athena Cir, La Jolla, 92037, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.,University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Brian P O'Connor
- Center for Genes, Environment, and Health, Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO, 80206, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, 80206, CO, USA
| | - Philippa Marrack
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO, 80206, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - James Scott-Browne
- La Jolla Institute, 9420 Athena Cir, La Jolla, 92037, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Laurent Gapin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO, 80206, USA.
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43
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Wang H, Hogquist KA. How Lipid-Specific T Cells Become Effectors: The Differentiation of iNKT Subsets. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1450. [PMID: 29997620 PMCID: PMC6028555 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to peptide-recognizing T cells, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells express a semi-invariant T cell receptor that specifically recognizes self- or foreign-lipids presented by CD1d molecules. There are three major functionally distinct effector states for iNKT cells. Owning to these innate-like effector states, iNKT cells have been implicated in early protective immunity against pathogens. Yet, growing evidence suggests that iNKT cells play a role in tissue homeostasis as well. In this review, we discuss current knowledge about the underlying mechanisms that regulate the effector states of iNKT subsets, with a highlight on the roles of a variety of transcription factors and describe how each subset influences different facets of thymus homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiguang Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Kristin A Hogquist
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Krovi SH, Gapin L. Invariant Natural Killer T Cell Subsets-More Than Just Developmental Intermediates. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1393. [PMID: 29973936 PMCID: PMC6019445 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a CD1d-restricted T cell population that can respond to lipid antigenic stimulation within minutes by secreting a wide variety of cytokines. This broad functional scope has placed iNKT cells at the frontlines of many kinds of immune responses. Although the diverse functional capacities of iNKT cells have long been acknowledged, only recently have distinct iNKT cell subsets, each with a marked functional predisposition, been appreciated. Furthermore, the subsets can frequently occupy distinct niches in different tissues and sometimes establish long-term tissue residency where they can impact homeostasis and respond quickly when they sense perturbations. In this review, we discuss the developmental origins of the iNKT cell subsets, their localization patterns, and detail what is known about how different subsets specifically influence their surroundings in conditions of steady and diseased states.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Harsha Krovi
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Laurent Gapin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, United States
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Cowan JE, Baik S, McCarthy NI, Parnell SM, White AJ, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Aire controls the recirculation of murine Foxp3 + regulatory T-cells back to the thymus. Eur J Immunol 2018; 48:844-854. [PMID: 29285761 PMCID: PMC6001551 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201747375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In the thymus, medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC) determine the fate of newly selected CD4+ and CD8+ single positive (SP) thymocytes. For example, mTEC expression of Aire controls intrathymic self-antigen availability for negative selection. Interestingly, alterations in both Foxp3+ Regulatory T-cells (T-Reg) and conventional SP thymocytes in Aire-/- mice suggest additional, yet poorly understood, roles for Aire during intrathymic T-cell development. To examine this, we analysed thymocytes from Aire-/- mice using Rag2GFP and Foxp3 expression, and a recently described CD69/MHCI subset definition of post-selection CD4+ conventional thymocytes. We show that while Aire is dispensable for de novo generation of conventional αβT-cells, it plays a key role in controlling the intrathymic T-Reg pool. Surprisingly, a decline in intrathymic T-Reg in Aire-/- mice maps to a reduction in mature recirculating Rag2GFP- T-Reg that express CCR6 and re-enter the thymus from the periphery. Furthermore, we show mTEC expression of the CCR6 ligand CCL20 is reduced in Aire-/- mice, and that CCR6 is required for T-Reg recirculation back to the thymus. Collectively, our study re-defines requirements for late stage intrathymic αβT-cell development, and demonstrates that Aire controls a CCR6-CCL20 axis that determines the developmental makeup of the intrathymic T-Reg pool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E. Cowan
- Institute of Immunology and ImmunotherapyCollege of Medical and Dental SciencesMedical SchoolUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamUK
| | - Song Baik
- Institute of Immunology and ImmunotherapyCollege of Medical and Dental SciencesMedical SchoolUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamUK
| | - Nicholas I. McCarthy
- Institute of Immunology and ImmunotherapyCollege of Medical and Dental SciencesMedical SchoolUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamUK
| | - Sonia M. Parnell
- Institute of Immunology and ImmunotherapyCollege of Medical and Dental SciencesMedical SchoolUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamUK
| | - Andrea J. White
- Institute of Immunology and ImmunotherapyCollege of Medical and Dental SciencesMedical SchoolUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamUK
| | - William E. Jenkinson
- Institute of Immunology and ImmunotherapyCollege of Medical and Dental SciencesMedical SchoolUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamUK
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute of Immunology and ImmunotherapyCollege of Medical and Dental SciencesMedical SchoolUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamUK
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46
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RelB intrinsically regulates the development and function of medullary thymic epithelial cells. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2018; 61:1039-1048. [PMID: 29730722 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-017-9298-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) act as one of the major stromal components in the thymus for selection and maturation of both conventional T cells and non-conventional T cells. Extensive efforts have been spent to understand how mTEC development and function are regulated. Although RelB has been well accepted to be a critical transcriptional factor for mTEC development, the underlying mechanisms still remain largely unclear. In this study, by generating thymic epithelial cell specific RelB deficient mice, we found that epithelial intrinsic RelB is required for mTEC homeostatic proliferation. Mechanistically, RelB regulates the expression of genes involved in cell cycle. Functionally, lack of intrinsic RelB in thymic epithelial cells results in dramatically reduced population of mTECs and impaired development of thymic invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells and intraepithelial lymphocyte precursors (IELPs). This study thus reveals an epithelial intrinsic role of RelB on mTEC development and function.
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Park JY, Ligons DL, Park JH. Out-sourcing for Trans-presentation: Assessing T Cell Intrinsic and Extrinsic IL-15 Expression with Il15 Gene Reporter Mice. Immune Netw 2018; 18:e13. [PMID: 29503743 PMCID: PMC5833120 DOI: 10.4110/in.2018.18.e13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-15 is a cytokine of the common γ-chain family that is critical for natural killer (NK), invariant natural killer T (iNKT), and CD8 memory T cell development and homeostasis. The role of IL-15 in regulating effector T cell subsets, however, remains incompletely understood. IL-15 is mostly expressed by stromal cells, myeloid cells, and dendritic cells (DCs). Whether T cells themselves can express IL-15, and if so, whether such T cell-derived IL-15 could play an autocrine role in T cells are interesting questions that were previously addressed but answered with mixed results. Recently, three independent studies described the generation of IL-15 reporter mice which facilitated the identification of IL-15-producing cells and helped to clarify the role of IL-15 both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we review the findings of these studies and place them in context of recent reports that examined T cell-intrinsic IL-15 expression during CD4 effector T cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Young Park
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Davinna L Ligons
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jung-Hyun Park
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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48
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Abstract
About two decades ago, cloning of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene materialized one of the most important actors on the scene of self-tolerance. Thymic transcription of genes encoding tissue-specific antigens (ts-ags) is activated by AIRE protein and embodies the essence of thymic self-representation. Pathogenic AIRE variants cause the autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1, which is a rare and complex disease that is gaining attention in research on autoimmunity. The animal models of disease, although not identically reproducing the human picture, supply fundamental information on mechanisms and extent of AIRE action: thanks to its multidomain structure, AIRE localizes to chromatin enclosing the target genes, binds to histones, and offers an anchorage to multimolecular complexes involved in initiation and post-initiation events of gene transcription. In addition, AIRE enhances mRNA diversity by favoring alternative mRNA splicing. Once synthesized, ts-ags are presented to, and cause deletion of the self-reactive thymocyte clones. However, AIRE function is not restricted to the activation of gene transcription. AIRE would control presentation and transfer of self-antigens for thymic cellular interplay: such mechanism is aimed at increasing the likelihood of engagement of the thymocytes that carry the corresponding T-cell receptors. Another fundamental role of AIRE in promoting self-tolerance is related to the development of thymocyte anergy, as thymic self-representation shapes at the same time the repertoire of regulatory T cells. Finally, AIRE seems to replicate its action in the secondary lymphoid organs, albeit the cell lineage detaining such property has not been fully characterized. Delineation of AIRE functions adds interesting data to the knowledge of the mechanisms of self-tolerance and introduces exciting perspectives of therapeutic interventions against the related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Perniola
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care, Vito Fazzi Regional Hospital, Lecce, Italy
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Cosway EJ, Lucas B, James KD, Parnell SM, Carvalho-Gaspar M, White AJ, Tumanov AV, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Redefining thymus medulla specialization for central tolerance. J Exp Med 2017; 214:3183-3195. [PMID: 28830910 PMCID: PMC5679166 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20171000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
During αβT cell development, the thymus medulla represents an essential microenvironment for T cell tolerance. This functional specialization is attributed to its typical organized topology consisting of a branching structure that contains medullary thymic epithelial cell (mTEC) networks to support negative selection and Foxp3+ T-regulatory cell (T-reg) development. Here, by performing TEC-specific deletion of the thymus medulla regulator lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR), we show that thymic tolerance mechanisms operate independently of LTβR-mediated mTEC development and organization. Consistent with this, mTECs continue to express Fezf2 and Aire, regulators of intrathymic self-antigens, and support T-reg development despite loss of LTβR-mediated medulla organogenesis. Moreover, we demonstrate that LTβR controls thymic tolerance by regulating the frequency and makeup of intrathymic dendritic cells (DCs) required for effective thymocyte negative selection. In all, our study demonstrates that thymus medulla specialization for thymic tolerance segregates from medulla organogenesis and instead involves LTβR-mediated regulation of the thymic DC pool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie J Cosway
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England, UK
| | - Beth Lucas
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England, UK
| | - Kieran D James
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England, UK
| | - Sonia M Parnell
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England, UK
| | - Manuela Carvalho-Gaspar
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England, UK
| | - Andrea J White
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England, UK
| | - Alexei V Tumanov
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England, UK
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England, UK
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50
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Okamoto K, Nakashima T, Shinohara M, Negishi-Koga T, Komatsu N, Terashima A, Sawa S, Nitta T, Takayanagi H. Osteoimmunology: The Conceptual Framework Unifying the Immune and Skeletal Systems. Physiol Rev 2017; 97:1295-1349. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00036.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune and skeletal systems share a variety of molecules, including cytokines, chemokines, hormones, receptors, and transcription factors. Bone cells interact with immune cells under physiological and pathological conditions. Osteoimmunology was created as a new interdisciplinary field in large part to highlight the shared molecules and reciprocal interactions between the two systems in both heath and disease. Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) plays an essential role not only in the development of immune organs and bones, but also in autoimmune diseases affecting bone, thus effectively comprising the molecule that links the two systems. Here we review the function, gene regulation, and signal transduction of osteoimmune molecules, including RANKL, in the context of osteoclastogenesis as well as multiple other regulatory functions. Osteoimmunology has become indispensable for understanding the pathogenesis of a number of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We review the various osteoimmune pathologies, including the bone destruction in RA, in which pathogenic helper T cell subsets [such as IL-17-expressing helper T (Th17) cells] induce bone erosion through aberrant RANKL expression. We also focus on cellular interactions and the identification of the communication factors in the bone marrow, discussing the contribution of bone cells to the maintenance and regulation of hematopoietic stem and progenitors cells. Thus the time has come for a basic reappraisal of the framework for understanding both the immune and bone systems. The concept of a unified osteoimmune system will be absolutely indispensable for basic and translational approaches to diseases related to bone and/or the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Okamoto
- Department of Osteoimmunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Tokyo, Japan; Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoki Nakashima
- Department of Osteoimmunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Tokyo, Japan; Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shinohara
- Department of Osteoimmunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Tokyo, Japan; Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takako Negishi-Koga
- Department of Osteoimmunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Tokyo, Japan; Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriko Komatsu
- Department of Osteoimmunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Tokyo, Japan; Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Asuka Terashima
- Department of Osteoimmunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Tokyo, Japan; Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Sawa
- Department of Osteoimmunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Tokyo, Japan; Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nitta
- Department of Osteoimmunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Tokyo, Japan; Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takayanagi
- Department of Osteoimmunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Tokyo, Japan; Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Tokyo, Japan
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