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Trotta MC, Esposito D, Carotenuto R, di Fraia R, Selvaggio LD, Allosso F, Russo M, Accardo G, Alfano R, D'Amico M, Pasquali D. Thyroid dysfunction in Hashimoto's thyroiditis: a pilot study on the putative role of miR-29a and TGFβ1. Endocrine 2024:10.1007/s12020-024-03965-3. [PMID: 39023839 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-024-03965-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is one of the most common causes of thyroid dysfunction in iodine sufficient worldwide areas, but its molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. To this regard, this study aimed to assess serum levels of miRNA-29a (miR-29a) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) in HT patients with different patterns of thyroid function. METHODS A total of 29 HT patients, with a median age of 52 years (21-68) were included. Of these, 13 had normal thyroid function (Eu-HT); 8 had non-treated hypothyroidism (Hypo-HT); 8 had hypothyroidism on replacement therapy with LT4 (subst-HT). All patients had serum miR-29a assayed through qRT-PCR and serum TGFβ1 assayed by ELISA. RESULTS Serum miR-29a levels were significantly down-regulated in patients with Hypo-HT compared to Eu-HT patients (P < 0.01) and subst-HT patients (P < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was detected between serum miR-29a levels and TSH levels (r = -0.60, P < 0.01). Serum TGFβ1 levels were significantly higher in Hypo-HT than both Eu-HT (P < 0.01) and subst-HT patients (P < 0.05). A negative correlation was observed between serum miR-29a and TGFβ1 (r = -0.75, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, Hypo-HT patients had lower levels of serum miR-29a and higher levels of TGFβ1 in comparison with Eu-HT patients. Worthy of note, subst-HT patients showed restored serum miR-29a levels compared with Hypo-HT group, associated with lower serum TGFβ1. These novel findings may suggest a possible impact of replacement therapy with levothyroxine on serum miR-29a levels in HT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Esposito
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Raffaela Carotenuto
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania, "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa di Fraia
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania, "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Digitale Selvaggio
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania, "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Allosso
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania, "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Russo
- PhD Course in National Interest in Public Administration and Innovation for Disability and Social Inclusion, Department of Mental, Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- School of Pharmacology and Clinical Toxicology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Alfano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania, "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Michele D'Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Pasquali
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania, "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
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Martínez-Hernández R, Sánchez de la Blanca N, Sacristán-Gómez P, Serrano-Somavilla A, Muñoz De Nova JL, Sánchez Cabo F, Heyn H, Sampedro-Núñez M, Marazuela M. Unraveling the molecular architecture of autoimmune thyroid diseases at spatial resolution. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5895. [PMID: 39003267 PMCID: PMC11246508 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50192-5] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) such as Graves' disease (GD) or Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) are organ-specific diseases that involve complex interactions between distinct components of thyroid tissue. Here, we use spatial transcriptomics to explore the molecular architecture, heterogeneity and location of different cells present in the thyroid tissue, including thyroid follicular cells (TFCs), stromal cells such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and thyroid infiltrating lymphocytes. We identify damaged antigen-presenting TFCs with upregulated CD74 and MIF expression in thyroid samples from AITD patients. Furthermore, we discern two main fibroblast subpopulations in the connective tissue including ADIRF+ myofibroblasts, mainly enriched in GD, and inflammatory fibroblasts, enriched in HT patients. We also demonstrate an increase of fenestrated PLVAP+ vessels in AITD, especially in GD. Our data unveil stromal and thyroid epithelial cell subpopulations that could play a role in the pathogenesis of AITD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Martínez-Hernández
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER GCV14/ER/12), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Nuria Sánchez de la Blanca
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER GCV14/ER/12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Sacristán-Gómez
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER GCV14/ER/12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Serrano-Somavilla
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER GCV14/ER/12), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Muñoz De Nova
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fátima Sánchez Cabo
- Bioinformatics Unit, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Holger Heyn
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Sampedro-Núñez
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER GCV14/ER/12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Marazuela
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER GCV14/ER/12), Madrid, Spain.
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3
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Sacristán-Gómez P, Serrano-Somavilla A, Castro-Espadas L, Sánchez de la Blanca Carrero N, Sampedro-Núñez M, Muñoz-De-Nova JL, Molina-Jiménez F, Rosell A, Marazuela M, Martínez-Hernández R. Evaluation of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Markers in Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3359. [PMID: 36834770 PMCID: PMC9965822 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A state of chronic inflammation is common in organs affected by autoimmune disorders, such as autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). Epithelial cells, such as thyroid follicular cells (TFCs), can experience a total or partial transition to a mesenchymal phenotype under these conditions. One of the major cytokines involved in this phenomenon is transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), which, at the initial stages of autoimmune disorders, plays an immunosuppressive role. However, at chronic stages, TGF- β contributes to fibrosis and/or transition to mesenchymal phenotypes. The importance of primary cilia (PC) has grown in recent decades as they have been shown to play a key role in cell signaling and maintaining cell structure and function as mechanoreceptors. Deficiencies of PC can trigger epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and exacerbate autoimmune diseases. A set of EMT markers (E-cadherin, vimentin, α-SMA, and fibronectin) were evaluated in thyroid tissues from AITD patients and controls through RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blot (WB). We established an in vitro TGF-β-stimulation assay in a human thyroid cell line to assess EMT and PC disruption. EMT markers were evaluated in this model using RT-qPCR and WB, and PC was evaluated with a time-course immunofluorescence assay. We found an increased expression of the mesenchymal markers α-SMA and fibronectin in TFCs in the thyroid glands of AITD patients. Furthermore, E-cadherin expression was maintained in these patients compared to the controls. The TGF-β-stimulation assay showed an increase in EMT markers, including vimentin, α-SMA, and fibronectin in thyroid cells, as well as a disruption of PC. The TFCs from the AITD patients experienced a partial transition to a mesenchymal phenotype, preserving epithelial characteristics associated with a disruption in PC, which might contribute to AITD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Sacristán-Gómez
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Diego de León 62, 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER GCV14/ER/12), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Serrano-Somavilla
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Diego de León 62, 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER GCV14/ER/12), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lía Castro-Espadas
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Diego de León 62, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Sánchez de la Blanca Carrero
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Diego de León 62, 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER GCV14/ER/12), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Sampedro-Núñez
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Diego de León 62, 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER GCV14/ER/12), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Muñoz-De-Nova
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Diego de León 62, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Molina-Jiménez
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Diego de León 62, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Rosell
- Pathology Unit, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Diego de León 62, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Marazuela
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Diego de León 62, 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER GCV14/ER/12), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Martínez-Hernández
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Diego de León 62, 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER GCV14/ER/12), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad San Pablo CEU, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Alcorcón, 28925 Madrid, Spain
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Kardalas E, Sakkas E, Ruchala M, Macut D, Mastorakos G. The role of transforming growth factor beta in thyroid autoimmunity: current knowledge and future perspectives. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2022; 23:431-447. [PMID: 34529221 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-021-09685-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The complex mechanisms, which are related to the pathophysiology and the development of autoimmune thyroid diseases, involve transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and its interplay with the immune system. The aim of this review is to examine the role of TGF-β regarding thyroid autoimmunity and explore the potent role of this molecule either as a diagnostic or prognostic marker or a therapeutic target regarding autoimmune thyroid diseases. TGF-β is clearly a master regulator of the immune response, exerting either inhibitory or facilitatory effects on cells of the immune system. Thus, this molecule is involved in the pathogenesis and development of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Recent research has revealed the involvement of TGF-β in the pathophysiology of autoimmune thyroid diseases. The role of TGF-β in the development of autoimmune thyroid diseases varies, depending on its concentrations, the type of the activated TGF-β signalling pathway, the genetic predisposition of the patient and the pathophysiologic stage of the disease. TGF-β could emerge as a useful diagnostic or prognostic marker for the evolution of thyroid autoimmunity. Promising perspectives for the effective therapeutic use of TGF-β regarding thyroid autoimmunity exist. The main treatment approaches incorporate either enhancement of the immunosuppressive role of TGF-β or inhibition of its facilitatory role in the autoimmune thyroid diseases. Further research towards deeper understanding of TGF-β physiology and clinical application of its possible therapeutic role regarding thyroid autoimmunity is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstratios Kardalas
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, 'Aretaieion' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vassilissis Sofias Str. 76, Athens, 11528, Greece
| | - Evangelos Sakkas
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, 'Aretaieion' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vassilissis Sofias Str. 76, Athens, 11528, Greece
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Private Practice, Michalakopoulou Str. 169, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Marek Ruchala
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Przybyszewskiego 49, Poznan, 60-355, Poland
| | - Djuro Macut
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Diseases of Metabolism, Univercity Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića Street 8, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - George Mastorakos
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, 'Aretaieion' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vassilissis Sofias Str. 76, Athens, 11528, Greece.
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5
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Kardalas E, Maraka S, Papagianni M, Paltoglou G, Siristatidis C, Mastorakos G. TGF-β Physiology as a Novel Therapeutic Target Regarding Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases: Where Do We Stand and What to Expect. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57060621. [PMID: 34198624 PMCID: PMC8232149 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57060621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), as a master regulator of immune response, is deeply implicated in the complex pathophysiology and development of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Based on the close interplay between thyroid autoimmunity and TGF-β, scientific interest was shifted to the understanding of the possible role of this molecule regarding the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of these diseases. The main aim of this review is to present research data about possible treatment options based on the role of TGF-β in thyroid autoimmunity. Suggested TGF-β-mediated therapeutic strategies regarding autoimmune thyroid diseases include either the enhancement of its immunosuppressive role or inhibition of its facilitatory role in thyroid autoimmunity. For example, the application of hr-TGF-β can be used to bolster the inhibitory role of TGF-β regarding the development of thyroid diseases, whereas anti-TGF-β antibodies and similar molecules could impede its immune-promoting effects by blocking different levels of TGF-β biosynthesis and activation pathways. In conclusion, TGF-β could evolve to a promising, novel therapeutic tool for thyroid autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstratios Kardalas
- Endocrine Unit, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias Str. 76, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.K.); (G.P.)
| | - Spyridoula Maraka
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72501, USA;
| | - Maria Papagianni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki, Konstantinoupoleos Str. 49, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - George Paltoglou
- Endocrine Unit, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias Str. 76, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.K.); (G.P.)
| | - Charalampos Siristatidis
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias Str. 76, 11528 Athens, Greece;
| | - George Mastorakos
- Endocrine Unit, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias Str. 76, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.K.); (G.P.)
- Correspondence:
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Li X, Wang F, Liu Q, Li Q, Qian Z, Zhang X, Li K, Li W, Dong C. Developmental transcriptomics of Chinese cordyceps reveals gene regulatory network and expression profiles of sexual development-related genes. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:337. [PMID: 31054562 PMCID: PMC6500587 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5708-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chinese cordyceps, also known as Chinese caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis, syn. Cordyceps sinensis), is of particular interest for its cryptic life cycle and economic and ecological importance. The large-scale artificial cultivation was succeeded recently after several decades of efforts and attempts. However, the induction of primordium, sexual development of O. sinensis and the molecular basis of its lifestyle still remain cryptic. RESULTS The developmental transcriptomes were analyzed for six stages covering the whole developmental process, including hyphae (HY), sclerotium (ST), primordium (PR), young fruiting body (YF), developed fruiting body (DF) and mature fruiting body (MF), with a focus on the expression of sexual development-related genes. Principal component analysis revealed that the gene expression profiles at the stages of primordium formation and fruiting body development are more similar than those of the undifferentiated HY stage. The PR and MF stages grouped together, suggesting that primordium differentiation and sexual maturation have similar expression patterns. Many more DEGs were identified between the ST and HY stages, covering 47.5% of the O. sinensis genome, followed by the comparisons between the ST and PR stages. Using pairwise comparisons and weighted gene coexpression network analysis, modules of coexpressed genes and candidate hub genes for each developmental stage were identified. The four mating type loci genes expressed during primordium differentiation and sexual maturation; however, spatiotemporal specificity of gene expression indicated that they also expressed during the anamorphic HY stage. The four mating type genes were not coordinately expressed, suggesting they may have divergent roles. The expression of the four mating type genes was highest in the fertile part and lowest in the sclerotium of the MF stage, indicating that there is tissue specificity. Half of genes related to mating signaling showed as the highest expression in the ST stage, indicating fruiting was initiated in the ST stage. CONCLUSIONS These results provide a new perspective to understanding of the key pathways and hub genes, and sexual development-related gene profile in the development of Chinese cordyceps. It will be helpful for underlying sexual reproduction, and add new information to existing models of fruiting body development in edible fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO. 3 Park 1, Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Fen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO. 3 Park 1, Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Qing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO. 3 Park 1, Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Quanping Li
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Lake Pharma Co., LTD, Dongguan, 523850 Guangdong China
| | - Zhengming Qian
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Lake Pharma Co., LTD, Dongguan, 523850 Guangdong China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO. 3 Park 1, Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Kuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO. 3 Park 1, Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Wenjia Li
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Lake Pharma Co., LTD, Dongguan, 523850 Guangdong China
| | - Caihong Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO. 3 Park 1, Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 China
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Ciornei RT, Hong SH, Fang Y, Zhu Z, Braley-Mullen H. Mechanisms and kinetics of proliferation and fibrosis development in a mouse model of thyrocyte hyperplasia. Cell Immunol 2016; 304-305:16-26. [PMID: 27173733 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2016.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
IFN-γ(-/-) NOD.H-2h4 mice develop autoimmune disease with extensive hyperplasia and proliferation of thyroid epithelial cells (TEC H/P) and fibrosis. Splenic T cells from donors with severe TEC H/P transfer TEC H/P to SCID recipients. The goal of this study was to determine what factors control TEC H/P development/progression by examining T cells, markers of apoptosis, senescence and proliferation in thyroids of SCID recipients over time. At 28days, T cell infiltration was maximal, thyrocytes were proliferating, and fibrosis was moderate. At days 60 and 90, thyroids were larger with more fibrosis. T cells, cytokines and thyrocyte proliferation decreased, and cell cycle inhibitor proteins, and anti-apoptotic molecules increased. T cells and thyrocytes had foci of phosphorylated histone protein H2A.X, indicative of cellular senescence, when TEC H/P progressed and thyrocyte proliferation declined. Some thyrocytes were regenerating at day 90, with irregularly shaped empty follicles and ciliated epithelium. Proliferating thyrocytes were thyroid transcription factor (TTF1)-positive, suggesting they derived from epithelial cells and not brachial cleft remnants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radu Tudor Ciornei
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
| | - So-Hee Hong
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
| | - Yujiang Fang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States
| | - Ziwen Zhu
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
| | - Helen Braley-Mullen
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States; Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States.
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Németh T, Mócsai A, Lowell CA. Neutrophils in animal models of autoimmune disease. Semin Immunol 2016; 28:174-86. [PMID: 27067180 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Neutrophils have traditionally been thought to play only a peripheral role in the genesis of many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. However, recent studies in a variety of animal models suggest that these cells are central to the initiation and propagation of autoimmunity. The use of mouse models, which allow either deletion of neutrophils or the targeting of specific neutrophil functions, has revealed the many complex ways these cells contribute to autoimmune/inflammatory processes. This includes generation of self antigens through the process of NETosis, regulation of T-cell and dendritic cell activation, production of cytokines such as BAFF that stimulate self-reactive B-cells, as well as indirect effects on epithelial cell stability. In comparing the many different autoimmune models in which neutrophils have been examined, a number of common underlying themes emerge - such as a role for neutrophils in stimulating vascular permeability in arthritis, encephalitis and colitis. The use of animal models has also stimulated the development of new therapeutics that target neutrophil functions, such as NETosis, that may prove beneficial in human disease. This review will summarize neutrophil contributions in a number of murine autoimmune/inflammatory disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Németh
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, 1094 Budapest, Hungary; MTA-SE "Lendület" Inflammation Physiology Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Mócsai
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, 1094 Budapest, Hungary; MTA-SE "Lendület" Inflammation Physiology Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Clifford A Lowell
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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Braley-Mullen H, Yu S. NOD.H-2h4 mice: an important and underutilized animal model of autoimmune thyroiditis and Sjogren's syndrome. Adv Immunol 2015; 126:1-43. [PMID: 25727287 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
NOD.H-2h4 mice express the K haplotype on the NOD genetic background. They spontaneously develop thyroiditis and Sjogren's syndrome, but they do not develop diabetes. Although autoimmune thyroid diseases and Sjogren's syndrome are highly prevalent autoimmune diseases in humans, there has been relatively little emphasis on the use of animal models of these diseases for understanding basic mechanisms involved in development and therapy of chronic organ-specific autoimmune diseases. The goal of this review is to highlight some of the advantages of NOD.H-2h4 mice for studying basic mechanisms involved in development of autoimmunity. NOD.H-2h4 mice are one of relatively few animal models that develop organ-specific autoimmune diseases spontaneously, i.e., without a requirement for immunization with antigen and adjuvant, and in both sexes in a relatively short period of time. Thyroiditis and Sjogren's syndrome in NOD.H-2h4 mice are chronic autoimmune diseases that develop relatively early in life and persist for the life of the animal. Because the animals do not become clinically ill, the NOD.H-2h4 mouse provides an excellent model to test therapeutic protocols over a long period of time. The availability of several mutant mice on this background provides a means to address the impact of particular cells and molecules on the autoimmune diseases. Moreover, to our knowledge, this is the only animal model in which the presence or absence of a single cytokine, IFN-γ, is sufficient to completely inhibit one autoimmune thyroid disease, with a completely distinct autoimmune thyroid disease developing when it is absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Braley-Mullen
- Departments of Medicine, Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.
| | - Shiguang Yu
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
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10
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Zaletel K, Gaberšček S. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: From Genes to the Disease. Curr Genomics 2011; 12:576-88. [PMID: 22654557 PMCID: PMC3271310 DOI: 10.2174/138920211798120763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Revised: 08/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the most prevalent autoimmune thyroid disorder. Intrathyroidal lymphocytic infiltration is followed by a gradual destruction of the thyroid gland which may lead to subclinical or overt hypothyroidism. Biochemical markers of the disease are thyroid peroxidase and/or thyroglobulin autoantibodies in the serum which are present with a higher prevalence in females than in males and increase with age. Although exact mechanisms of aetiology and pathogenesis of the disorder are not completely understood, a strong genetic susceptibility to the disease has been confirmed predominantly by family and twin studies. Several genes were shown to be associated with the disease occurrence, progression, and severity. Genes for human leukocyte antigen, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4, protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor-type 22, thyroglobulin, vitamin D receptor, and cytokines are considered to be of utmost importance. Amongst endogenous factors for the disease development, the attention is focused predominantly on female sex, pregnancy with postpartum period and fetal microchimerism. Environmental factors influencing HT development are iodine intake, drugs, infections and different chemicals. Disturbed self-tolerance accompanied by the increased antigen presentation is a prerequisite for the HT occurrence, whereas proper interaction of thyroid cells, antigen presenting cells, and T cells are necessary for the initiation of thyroid autoimmunity. Secreted cytokines lead predominantly to T-helper type 1 (Th1) response as well as to Th 17 response which has only recently been implicated. Final outcome of HT is thyroid destruction which is mostly a consequence of the apoptotic processes combined with T-cell mediated cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simona Gaberšček
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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11
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Fang Y, Sharp GC, Braley-Mullen H. Effect of transgenic overexpression of FLIP on lymphocytes on development and resolution of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2011; 179:1211-20. [PMID: 21763264 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.05.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2010] [Revised: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 05/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In our previous studies, resolution of granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (G-EAT) was promoted when thyroid epithelial cells were protected from Fas-mediated apoptosis due to transgenic overexpression of FLIP. We hypothesized that if FLIP were overexpressed on lymphocytes, CD4(+) effector cells would be protected from Fas-mediated apoptosis, and resolution would be delayed. To test this hypothesis, we generated transgenic (Tg) mice overexpressing FLIP under the CD2 promoter. Transgenic FLIP was expressed on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and B cells. Transgenic overexpression of FLIP protected cultured splenocytes from Fas-mediated, but not irradiation-induced, apoptosis in vitro. Unexpectedly, Tg(+) donor cells transferred minimal G-EAT, which was partially overcome by depleting donor CD8(+) T cells. When Tg(+) and Tg(-) donors transferred equivalent disease, G-EAT resolution was delayed in FLIP transgenic mice. However, CD2-FLIP Tg(+) donors often transferred less severe G-EAT, even after depletion of CD8(+) T cells. This influenced the rate of G-EAT resolution, resulting in little difference in G-EAT resolution between groups. Tg(+) mice always had reduced anti-mouse thyroglobulin autoantibody responses, compared with Tg(-) littermates, presumably because of FLIP overexpression on B cells. These results suggest that effects of transgenic FLIP on a particular autoimmune disease vary, depending on what cells express the transgene and whether those cells are effector cells or if they function to modulate disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiang Fang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA.
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12
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Chen CR, Hamidi S, Braley-Mullen H, Nagayama Y, Bresee C, Aliesky HA, Rapoport B, McLachlan SM. Antibodies to thyroid peroxidase arise spontaneously with age in NOD.H-2h4 mice and appear after thyroglobulin antibodies. Endocrinology 2010; 151:4583-93. [PMID: 20573721 PMCID: PMC2940509 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-0321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a common autoimmune disease, is associated with autoantibodies to thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO). TPO, unlike abundant and easily purified Tg, is rarely investigated as an autoantigen in animals. We asked whether antibodies (Abs) develop to both TPO and Tg in thyroiditis that is induced (C57BL/6 and DBA/1 mice) or arises spontaneously (NOD.H-2h4 mice). Screening for TPOAbs was performed by flow cytometry using mouse TPO-expressing eukaryotic cells. Sera were also tested for binding to purified mouse Tg and human TPO. The antibody data were compared with the extent of thyroiditis. Immunization with mouse TPO adenovirus broke self-tolerance to this protein in C57BL/6 mice, but thyroiditis was minimal and TgAbs were absent. In DBA/1 mice with extensive granulomatous thyroiditis induced by Tg immunization, TPOAbs were virtually absent despite high levels of TgAbs. In contrast, antibodies to mouse TPO, with minimal cross-reactivity with human TPO, arose spontaneously in older (7-12 months) NOD.H-2h4 mice. Unexpectedly, TgAbs preceded TPOAbs, a time course paralleled in relatives of probands with juvenile Hashimoto's thyroiditis. These findings demonstrate a novel aspect of murine and human thyroid autoimmunity, namely breaking B cell self-tolerance occurs first for Tg and subsequently for TPO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Rong Chen
- Thyroid Autoimmune Disease Unit, Cedars-Sinai Research Institute and University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA
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13
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Fang Y, Yu S, Ellis JS, Sharav T, Braley-Mullen H. Comparison of sensitivity of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells to Fas-mediated apoptosis. J Leukoc Biol 2010; 87:1019-28. [PMID: 20179154 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0509352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Following activation through the TCR, CD4+ T cells can differentiate into three major subsets: Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells. IL-17-secreting Th17 cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases and in immune responses to pathogens, but little is known about the regulation of apoptosis in Th17 cells. In this study, the sensitivity of in vitro-polarized Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells to Fas-mediated apoptosis was compared directly by different methods. The order of sensitivity of T cell subsets to Fas-mediated apoptosis is: Th1 > Th17 > Th2. The greater sensitivity of Th17 cells to Fas-mediated apoptosis compared with Th2 cells correlated with their higher expression of FasL and comparable expression of the antiapoptotic molecule FLIP. The decreased sensitivity of Th17 compared with Th1 cells correlated with the higher expression of FLIP by Th17 cells. Transgenic overexpression of FLIP in T cells protected all three subsets from Fas-mediated apoptosis. These findings provide new knowledge for understanding how survival of different subsets of T cells is regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiang Fang
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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14
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Fang Y, Chen K, Jackson DA, Sharp GC, Braley-Mullen H. Eosinophils infiltrate thyroids, but have no apparent role in induction or resolution of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in interferon-gamma(-/-) mice. Immunology 2009; 129:329-37. [PMID: 19845793 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2009.03187.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (G-EAT) is induced by mouse thyroglobulin (MTg)-sensitized splenocytes activated with MTg and interleukin (IL)-12. Our previous studies showed that, when used as donors and recipients, interferon (IFN)-gamma(-/-) and wild-type (WT) DBA/1 mice both develop severe G-EAT. Thyroid lesions in IFN-gamma(-/-) mice have many eosinophils and few neutrophils, while those in WT mice have extensive neutrophil infiltration and few eosinophils. Thyroid lesions in IFN-gamma(-/-) mice consistently resolve by day 40-50, whereas those in WT mice have ongoing inflammation and fibrosis persisting for more than 60 days. To determine if the extensive infiltration of eosinophils in thyroids of IFN-gamma(-/-) mice contributes to thyroid damage and/or early resolution of G-EAT, anti-IL-5 was used to inhibit migration of eosinophils to thyroids. G-EAT severity was compared at day 20 and day 40-50 in IFN-gamma(-/-) recipients given anti-IL-5 or control immunoglobulin G (IgG). Thyroids of anti-IL-5-treated IFN-gamma(-/-) mice had few eosinophils and more neutrophils at day 20, but G-EAT severity scores were comparable to those of control IgG-treated mice at both day 20 and day 40-50. Expression of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) mRNA was higher and that of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 11 (CCL11) mRNA was lower in thyroids of anti-IL-5-treated IFN-gamma(-/-) mice. IL-5 neutralization did not influence mRNA expression of most cytokines in IFN-gamma(-/-) mice. Thus, inhibiting eosinophil migration to thyroids did not affect G-EAT severity or resolution in IFN-gamma(-/-) mice, suggesting that eosinophil infiltration of thyroids occurs as a consequence of IFN-gamma deficiency, but these cells have no apparent pathogenic role in G-EAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiang Fang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA.
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15
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Fang Y, Sharp GC, Yagita H, Braley-Mullen H. A critical role for TRAIL in resolution of granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis. J Pathol 2008; 216:505-13. [PMID: 18810759 DOI: 10.1002/path.2428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (G-EAT) is induced by mouse thyroglobulin (MTG)-sensitized splenocytes activated in vitro with MTG and IL-12. Thyroid lesions reach maximal severity 20 days after cell transfer, and usually resolve or progress to fibrosis by day 60 depending on the extent of thyroid damage at day 20. Our previous studies indicated that neutralization of TNF-alpha or FasL had no effect on G-EAT induction, but neutralization of TNF-alpha promoted, while neutralization of FasL inhibited, G-EAT resolution. TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the TNF superfamily. This study was undertaken to define the role of endogenous TRAIL in G-EAT development and/or resolution. Neutralization of endogenous TRAIL had little effect on G-EAT induction, but significantly inhibited G-EAT resolution and increased thyroid fibrosis. This correlated with higher expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and preferential expression of the pro-apoptotic molecule TRAIL, and anti-apoptotic molecules FLIP and Bcl-xL on inflammatory cells in thyroids of anti-TRAIL-treated recipients. The results suggest that endogenous TRAIL is not required for G-EAT development in recipients, but is critical for G-EAT resolution. Endogenous TRAIL might promote resolution, at least in part, through modulation of the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and the expression pattern of pro- and anti-apoptotic molecules of thyroid epithelial cells (TECs) and inflammatory cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Fang
- Research Service, Harry S Truman Memorial VA Hospital, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
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16
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Fang Y, Sharp GC, Braley-Mullen H. Interleukin-10 promotes resolution of granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2008; 172:1591-602. [PMID: 18467701 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2008.071067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (G-EAT) is induced by mouse thyroglobulin-sensitized splenocytes activated in vitro with mouse thyroglobulin and interleukin (IL)-12. Thyroid lesions reach maximal severity 20 days after cell transfer, and inflammation either resolves or progresses to fibrosis by day 60 depending on the extent of thyroid damage at day 20. Depletion of CD8(+) T cells inhibits G-EAT resolution. Our previous studies indicated that IL-10 was generally higher in G-EAT thyroids that resolved. Using both wild-type and IL-10(-/-) CBA/J mice, this study was undertaken to determine whether G-EAT resolution would be inhibited in the absence of IL-10. The results showed that either depletion of CD8(+) T cells or IL-10 deficiency increased fibrosis and inhibited resolution of inflammation. We also found a correlation between higher expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines and preferential expression levels of proapoptotic molecules, such as FasL and TRAIL, and antiapoptotic molecules, such as FLIP and Bcl-xL, in inflammatory cells from thyroids of both CD8-depleted and IL-10-deficient mice. Furthermore, many of the CD8(+) T cells were also IL-10(+). These results suggest that IL-10 plays an important role in G-EAT resolution and might promote resolution, at least in part, through its production in CD8(+) T cells. Further understanding of the mechanisms that promote the resolution of inflammation will facilitate the development of novel strategies for treating autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiang Fang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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17
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Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, but not Treatment of Hypothyroidism, Is Associated with Altered TGF-β1 Levels. Arch Med Res 2008; 39:397-401. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2007.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2007] [Accepted: 12/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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18
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Fang Y, DeMarco VG, Sharp GC, Braley-Mullen H. Expression of transgenic FLIP on thyroid epithelial cells inhibits induction and promotes resolution of granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in CBA/J mice. Endocrinology 2007; 148:5734-45. [PMID: 17823262 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-0939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (G-EAT) is induced by transfer of thyroglobulin-primed in vitro activated splenocytes. Thyroid lesions reach maximal severity 20 d later, and inflammation resolves or progresses to fibrosis by d 60, depending on the extent of thyroid damage at d 20. Depletion of CD8+ T cells inhibits G-EAT resolution. We showed that expression of Fas-associated death domain-like IL-1beta-converting enzyme inhibitory protein (FLIP) transgene (Tg) on thyroid epithelial cells (TECs) of DBA/1 mice had no effect on G-EAT induction but promoted earlier resolution of G-EAT. However, when CBA/J wild-type donor cells were transferred to transgenic CBA/J mice expressing FLIP on TECs, they developed less severe G-EAT than FLIP Tg- littermates. Both strains expressed similar levels of the FLIP Tg, but endogenous FLIP was up-regulated to a greater extent on infiltrating T cells during G-EAT development in DBA/1 compared with CBA/J mice. After transient depletion of CD8+ T cells, FLIP Tg+ and Tg- CBA/J recipients both developed severe G-EAT at d 20. Thyroid lesions in CD8-depleted Tg+ recipients were resolving by d 60, whereas lesions in Tg- littermates did not resolve, and most were fibrotic. FLIP Tg+ recipients had increased apoptosis of CD3+ T cells compared with Tg- recipients. The results indicate that transgenic FLIP expressed on TECs in CBA/J mice promotes G-EAT resolution, but induction of G-EAT is inhibited unless CD8+ T cells are transiently depleted.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis/immunology
- Blotting, Western
- CASP8 and FADD-Like Apoptosis Regulating Protein/genetics
- CASP8 and FADD-Like Apoptosis Regulating Protein/immunology
- CASP8 and FADD-Like Apoptosis Regulating Protein/metabolism
- CD3 Complex/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Cytokines/immunology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Epithelial Cells/immunology
- Epithelial Cells/metabolism
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/immunology
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred CBA
- Mice, Transgenic
- Microscopy, Confocal
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Spleen/cytology
- T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Thyroid Gland/cytology
- Thyroiditis, Autoimmune/genetics
- Thyroiditis, Autoimmune/immunology
- Thyroiditis, Autoimmune/metabolism
- Thyroiditis, Subacute/genetics
- Thyroiditis, Subacute/immunology
- Thyroiditis, Subacute/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiang Fang
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, NE307 Medical Sciences, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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19
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Abstract
Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a prototypic proinflammatory cytokine produced by several different cell types, including the Th1 subset of CD4(+) T cells, plays an important role in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. This review focuses on the varied and often contrasting roles of IFN-gamma in three murine models of autoimmune thyroid disease, experimentally induced autoimmune thyroiditis, the model of iodine-induced spontaneous autoimmune thyroiditis in NOD.H-2h4 mice and several different murine models of Graves' disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiang Fang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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20
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Fang Y, Wei Y, Demarco V, Chen K, Sharp GC, Braley-Mullen H. Murine FLIP transgene expressed on thyroid epithelial cells promotes resolution of granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in DBA/1 mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2007; 170:875-87. [PMID: 17322373 PMCID: PMC1864882 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2007.060816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (G-EAT) is induced by mouse thyroglobulin-sensitized splenocytes activated in vitro with mouse thyroglobulin and interleukin-12. In wild-type (WT) DBA/1 recipients of WT donor splenocytes, thyroid lesions reach maximal severity at day 20, with ongoing inflammation and extensive fibrosis at day 60. Our previous studies indicated the site of expression of FLIP and Fas ligand [thyroid epithelial cells (TECs) versus inflammatory cells] differed in mice when lesions would resolve or progress to fibrosis. To test the hypothesis that expression of FLIP by TECs would promote earlier G-EAT resolution in DBA/1 mice, transgenic (Tg) DBA/1 mice expressing FLIP on TECs were generated. In FLIP Tg(+) and Tg(-) littermate recipients of WT donor splenocytes, G-EAT severity was comparable at day 20, but fibrosis was decreased, and many lesions resolved by day 60 in Tg(+) but not Tg(-) recipients. FLIP and Fas ligand were primarily expressed by TECs in Tg(+) recipients and by inflammatory cells in Tg(-) recipients at day 60. Apoptosis of inflammatory cells was greater, and expression of proinflammatory cytokines was decreased in thyroids of Tg(+) compared with Tg(-) recipients. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that transgenic expression of FLIP on thyroid epithelial cells promotes earlier resolution of granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiang Fang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Research Service, Columbia, Missouri 65212, USA
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21
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Choi EW, Shin IS, Bhang DH, Lee DH, Bae BK, Kang MS, Kim DY, Hwang CY, Lee CW, Youn HY. Hormonal change and cytokine mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells during the development of canine autoimmune thyroiditis. Clin Exp Immunol 2006; 146:101-8. [PMID: 16968404 PMCID: PMC1809736 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2006.03187.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
To elucidate the hormonal change and alteration in cytokine expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) during the early stage of autoimmune thyroiditis, we have developed a canine model of this disease, in which normal dogs were immunized with bovine thyroglobulin (Tg) and/or canine thyroid extract. Serum samples were collected weekly, anti-canine Tg antibody was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and total T4 levels by radioimmunoassay. We also assayed T lymphocyte proliferation in response to Tg, as well as measuring cytokine mRNA by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). All six dogs immunized with bovine Tg had both canine Tg autoantibody and anti-T4 antibody. When the sample from the highest TgAA titre time-point was compared with baseline the expression of mRNA encoding the Th1-type cytokine such as interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-15 was increased during the development of autoimmune thyroiditis. Expression of the Th2-type cytokine, IL-6 showed minimal change and IL-4 expression was not detected in any of the samples. Expression of the T suppressive cytokine, IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta was increased in the presence of antigen stimulation. These findings suggest that, although autoimmune thyroiditis is an organ-specific autoimmune disease, systemic cytokine mRNA expression is also changed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E-W Choi
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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22
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Chen K, Wei Y, Sharp GC, Braley-Mullen H. Decreasing TNF-alpha results in less fibrosis and earlier resolution of granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis. J Leukoc Biol 2006; 81:306-14. [PMID: 17046971 PMCID: PMC1748426 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0606402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (G-EAT) is induced in DBA/1 mice by adoptive transfer of mouse thyroglobulin (MTg)-primed spleen cells. TNF-alpha is an important proinflammatory cytokine and apoptotic molecule involved in many autoimmune diseases. To study its role in G-EAT, anti-TNF-alpha mAb was given to recipient mice. Disease severity was comparable between mice with or without anti-TNF-alpha treatment at days 19-21, the time of maximal severity of G-EAT, suggesting TNF-alpha is not essential for development of thyroid inflammation. However, thyroid lesions resolved at day 48 in anti-TNF-alpha-treated mice, while thyroids of rat Ig-treated controls had fibrosis. These results suggested that reducing TNF-alpha contributed to resolution of inflammation and inhibited fibrosis. Gene and protein expression of inflammatory molecules was examined by RT-PCR and immunostaining, and apoptosis was detected using TUNEL staining and an apoptosis kit. Thyroids of anti-TNF-alpha-treated controls had reduced proinflammatory and profibrotic molecules, e.g., IFN-gamma, IL-1beta, IL-17, inducible NOS and MCP-1, at day 19 compared with thyroids of rat Ig-treated mice. There were more apoptotic thyrocytes in rat Ig-treated controls than in anti-TNF-alpha-treated mice. The site of expression of the anti-apoptotic molecule FLIP also differed between rat Ig-treated and anti-TNF-alpha-treated mice. FLIP was predominantly expressed by inflammatory cells of rat Ig-treated mice and by thyrocytes of anti-TNF-alpha-treated mice. These results suggest that anti-TNF-alpha may regulate expression of proinflammatory cytokines and apoptosis in thyroids, resulting in less inflammation, earlier resolution, and reduced fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Helen Braley-Mullen
- Departments of Internal Medicine
- Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, and
- VA Research Service, Columbia, MO 65212
- Corresponding Author: Helen Braley-Mullen, or Kemin Chen, Division of Immunology & Rheumatology, Dept. of Medicine, University of Missouri, M306 Medical Sciences, One Hospital Dr., Columbia, MO 65212. Tel: 573-882-4325, Fax: 573-882-1380. , or
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Caillou B. Ductal Metaplasia in Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis as a Manifestation of Phylogenic Regression to an Exocrine Structure. Am J Surg Pathol 2006; 30:774-81. [PMID: 16723858 DOI: 10.1097/00000478-200606000-00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
From a morphologic and functional point of view the thyroid can be considered as both an exocrine and endocrine organ. Firstly, thyroglobulin is secreted at the apical pole of the thyrocyte. Secondly, after endocytosis thyroglobulin is lysed and T3 and T4 are secreted at the basal pole into the bloodstream. However, usually exocrine glands are constituted of 2 well separate components: an acinus/alveolar component and an exocrine duct component. Under particular conditions such as chronic injury the acinus/alveolar component is rapidly destroyed, whereas the ductal component seems to be far more resistant and can proliferate giving rise to a tubular network described as "ductulus reaction" or "ductal metaplasia." Normal exocrine ducts and metaplastic ducts exhibit common genetic and phenotypic features directly related to their tubular morphology. In this study, we describe in lymphocytic autoimmune thyroiditis the appearance of ductal-like structures which displayed the features of ductal metaplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Caillou
- Department of Pathology, Institut Gustave-Roussy, 39 rue Camille Desmoulins, 94805 Villejuif Cedex, France.
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24
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Walter U, Santamaria P. CD8+ T cells in autoimmunity. Curr Opin Immunol 2005; 17:624-31. [PMID: 16226438 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2005.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2005] [Accepted: 09/20/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Mounting evidence shows that CD8(+) T cells contribute to the initiation, progression and regulation of several pathogenic autoimmune responses in which these cells were not previously thought to play a major role. CD8(+) T cells can kill target cells directly, by recognizing peptide-MHC complexes on target cells, or indirectly, by secreting cytokines capable of signaling through death receptors expressed on the target cell surface. Autoreactive CD8(+) T cells can also contribute to autoimmunity by releasing cytokines capable of increasing the susceptibility of target cells to cytotoxicity, or by secreting chemokines that attract other immune cells to the site of autoimmunity. Autoreactive CD8(+) T cells can also downregulate autoimmune responses. Recent important advances include a mechanistic understanding of events leading to the activation and recruitment of autoreactive CD8(+) T cells in certain autoimmune responses and a greater appreciation of the diverse roles that these T cells play in autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Walter
- Julia McFarlane Diabetes Research Centre and Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
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Chen K, Wei Y, Alter A, Sharp GC, Braley-Mullen H. Chemokine expression during development of fibrosis versus resolution in a murine model of granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis. J Leukoc Biol 2005; 78:716-24. [PMID: 15961577 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0205102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (G-EAT) in DBA/1 or CBA/J wild type (WT) mice at day 19 progresses to fibrosis by day 35, but severe G-EAT in DBA/1 interferon (IFN)-gamma-/- mice or less-severe G-EAT at day 19 in WT mice resolves by day 35. To study the role of chemokines in autoimmune diseases and fibrosis, profiles of chemokines and chemokine receptors were analyzed in DBA/1 WT versus IFN-gamma-/- and CBA/J thyroids, which have distinct outcomes of autoimmune inflammation. Gene expression of CXC chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) and CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) paralleled neutrophil infiltration and thyrocyte destruction in DBA/1 WT or CBA/J thyroids, and gene expression of CC chemokine ligand 11 (CCL11), CCL8, and CC chemokine receptor 3 paralleled eosinophil infiltration in IFN-gamma-/- thyroids. Gene and protein expression of CXCL10, CXCL9, and CXCR3 was significantly lower in IFN-gamma-/- compared with DBA/1 WT thyroids. Moreover, immunostaining showed that CXCL10 was expressed by thyrocytes and inflammatory cells, and strong expression of CXCL10 by thyrocytes was as early as day 7. High expression of CCL2 was only observed in severely destroyed DBA/1 WT or CBA/J thyroids, which would develop fibrosis. Thus, the differential expression of chemokines may direct distinct cellular populations in DBA/1 WT versus IFN-gamma-/- thyroids. Up-regulation of CXCL10 by thyrocytes suggests its role in regulating the recruitment of specific subsets of activated lymphocytes to the thyroid during autoimmune inflammation. The early expression of CXCL1, CXCL10, and CCL2 may suggest their involvement in the initiation and perpetuation of disease in severe G-EAT thyroids, which progress to fibrosis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Chemokines/genetics
- Chemokines/immunology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Progression
- Fibrosis/immunology
- Fibrosis/pathology
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Interferon-gamma/deficiency
- Interferon-gamma/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred CBA
- Mice, Inbred DBA
- Mice, Knockout
- Thyroid Gland/immunology
- Thyroid Gland/metabolism
- Thyroid Gland/pathology
- Thyroiditis, Autoimmune/genetics
- Thyroiditis, Autoimmune/immunology
- Thyroiditis, Autoimmune/pathology
- Thyroiditis, Subacute/genetics
- Thyroiditis, Subacute/immunology
- Thyroiditis, Subacute/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemin Chen
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, M306 Medical Sciences, One Hospital Dr., Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
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Chen K, Wei Y, Sharp GC, Braley-Mullen H. Balance of proliferation and cell death between thyrocytes and myofibroblasts regulates thyroid fibrosis in granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (G-EAT). J Leukoc Biol 2004; 77:166-72. [PMID: 15536125 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0904538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (G-EAT), which progresses to fibrosis, is induced in DBA/1 mice by adoptive transfer of mouse thyroglobulin-primed and -activated spleen cells. There is extensive destruction of thyrocytes and inflammatory cell infiltration including T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and myofibroblasts (myofbs). Suppression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and deficiency of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) inhibit fibrosis, and inflammation eventually resolves. Thyrocyte destruction in wild-type (WT) mice was a result of apoptosis, as many deoxynucleotide triphosphate nick-end labeling + apoptotic thyrocytes were present in these thyroids. The balance of apoptosis and proliferation between thyrocytes and myofbs may be important factors determining the outcome of inflammation to fibrosis versus resolution. Apoptosis and proliferation in thyrocytes versus myofbs were evaluated by dual-staining of cell-proliferating marker (Ki-67) or in situ cell death and cytokeratin or alpha-smooth muscle actin and were analyzed by confocal microscopy. Apoptotic and antiapoptotic molecules in G-EAT thyroids were detected by immunostaining. In WT thyroids, which develop fibrosis, only a few myofbs were apoptotic, and many myofbs were Ki-67+, Fas-associated death domain protein-like interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme-like inhibitory protein (FLIP)+, and Bcl-XL+. In contrast, proliferation was predominant on thyrocytes of IFN-gamma-/- mice or anti-TGF-beta-treated WT mice. These results indicate that apoptosis of inflammatory cells and regeneration of thyrocytes in IFN-gamma-/- mice and anti-TGF-beta-treated WT mice may limit development of fibrosis, whereas excessive proliferation of myofbs and loss of thyrocytes in WT mice may contribute to fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemin Chen
- Dept. of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, M306 Medical Sciences, One Hospital Dr., Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
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Quaratino S, Badami E, Pang YY, Bartok I, Dyson J, Kioussis D, Londei M, Maiuri L. Degenerate self-reactive human T-cell receptor causes spontaneous autoimmune disease in mice. Nat Med 2004; 10:920-6. [PMID: 15311276 DOI: 10.1038/nm1092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2004] [Accepted: 07/22/2004] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid autoimmune disorders comprise more than 30% of all organ-specific autoimmune diseases and are characterized by autoantibodies and infiltrating T cells. The pathologic role of infiltrating T cells is not well defined. To address this issue, we generated transgenic mice expressing a human T-cell receptor derived from the thyroid-infiltrating T cell of a patient with thyroiditis and specific for a cryptic thyroid-peroxidase epitope. Here we show that mouse major histocompatibility complex molecules sustain selection and activation of the transgenic T cells, as coexpression of histocompatibility leukocyte antigen molecules was not needed. Furthermore, the transgenic T cells had an activated phenotype in vivo, and mice spontaneously developed destructive thyroiditis with histological, clinical and hormonal signs comparable with human autoimmune hypothyroidism. These results highlight the pathogenic role of human T cells specific for cryptic self epitopes. This new 'humanized' model will provide a unique tool to investigate how human pathogenic self-reactive T cells initiate autoimmune diseases and to determine how autoimmunity can be modulated in vivo.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Autoantibodies/immunology
- Chromium Radioisotopes
- DNA Fragmentation
- Epitopes
- Flow Cytometry
- Humans
- In Situ Nick-End Labeling
- Iodide Peroxidase/metabolism
- Major Histocompatibility Complex/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Models, Immunological
- Models, Molecular
- Radioimmunoassay
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Statistics, Nonparametric
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Thyroiditis, Autoimmune/etiology
- Thyroiditis, Autoimmune/physiopathology
- Thyrotropin/metabolism
- Thyroxine/blood
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Quaratino
- Cancer Research UK Oncology Unit, Cancer Sciences Division, University of Southampton, MP824, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
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