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Fu Y, Zhang X, Wu H, Zhang P, Liu S, Guo T, Shan H, Liang Y, Chen H, Xie J, Duan Y. HOXA3 functions as the on-off switch to regulate the development of hESC-derived third pharyngeal pouch endoderm through EPHB2-mediated Wnt pathway. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1258074. [PMID: 38259452 PMCID: PMC10800530 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1258074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Normal commitment of the endoderm of the third pharyngeal pouch (3PP) is essential for the development and differentiation of the thymus. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of transcription factor HOXA3 in the development and differentiation of 3PP endoderm (3PPE) from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Methods The 3PPE was differentiated from hESC-derived definitive endoderm (DE) by mimicking developmental queues with Activin A, WNT3A, retinoic acid and BMP4. The function of 3PPE was assessed by further differentiating into functional thymic epithelial cells (TECs). The effect of HOXA3 inhibition on cells of 3PPE was subsequently investigated. Results A highly efficient approach for differentiating 3PPE cells was developed and these cells expressed 3PPE related genes HOXA3, SIX1, PAX9 as well as EpCAM. 3PPE cells had a strong potential to develop into TECs which expressed both cortical TEC markers K8 and CD205, and medullary TEC markers K5 and AIRE, and also promoted the development and maturation of T cells. More importantly, transcription factor HOXA3 not only regulated the differentiation of 3PPE, but also had a crucial role for the proliferation and migration of 3PPE cells. Our further investigation revealed that HOXA3 controlled the commitment and function of 3PPE through the regulation of Wnt signaling pathway by activating EPHB2. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that HOXA3 functioned as the on-off switch to regulate the development of hESC-derived 3PPE through EPHB2-mediated Wnt pathway, and our findings will provide new insights into studying the development of 3PP and thymic organ in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Fu
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institute for Clinical Medicine, the Second Affiliation Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueyan Zhang
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institute for Clinical Medicine, the Second Affiliation Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haibin Wu
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institute for Clinical Medicine, the Second Affiliation Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pingping Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliation Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shoupei Liu
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institute for Clinical Medicine, the Second Affiliation Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Guo
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institute for Clinical Medicine, the Second Affiliation Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huanhuan Shan
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institute for Clinical Medicine, the Second Affiliation Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institute for Clinical Medicine, the Second Affiliation Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Honglin Chen
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghe Xie
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuyou Duan
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institute for Clinical Medicine, the Second Affiliation Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Silva CS, Reis RL, Martins A, Neves NM. Recapitulation of Thymic Function by Tissue Engineering Strategies. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100773. [PMID: 34197034 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is responsible for the development and selection of T lymphocytes, which in turn also participate in the maturation of thymic epithelial cells. These events occur through the close interactions between hematopoietic stem cells and developing thymocytes with the thymic stromal cells within an intricate 3D network. The complex thymic microenvironment and function, and the current therapies to induce thymic regeneration or to overcome the lack of a functional thymus are herein reviewed. The recapitulation of the thymic function using tissue engineering strategies has been explored as a way to control the body's tolerance to external grafts and to generate ex vivo T cells for transplantation. In this review, the main advances in the thymus tissue engineering field are disclosed, including both scaffold- and cell-based strategies. In light of the current gaps and limitations of the developed systems, the design of novel biomaterials for this purpose with unique features is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina S. Silva
- 3B's Research Group I3Bs – Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory AvePark, Parque da Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra 4805‐017 Barco Guimarães Portugal
| | - Rui L. Reis
- 3B's Research Group I3Bs – Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory AvePark, Parque da Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra 4805‐017 Barco Guimarães Portugal
| | - Albino Martins
- 3B's Research Group I3Bs – Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory AvePark, Parque da Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra 4805‐017 Barco Guimarães Portugal
| | - Nuno M. Neves
- 3B's Research Group I3Bs – Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory AvePark, Parque da Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra 4805‐017 Barco Guimarães Portugal
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Sharma H, Moroni L. Recent Advancements in Regenerative Approaches for Thymus Rejuvenation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2100543. [PMID: 34306981 PMCID: PMC8292900 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The thymus plays a key role in adaptive immunity by generating a diverse population of T cells that defend the body against pathogens. Various factors from disease and toxic insults contribute to the degeneration of the thymus resulting in a fewer output of T cells. Consequently, the body is prone to a wide host of diseases and infections. In this review, first, the relevance of the thymus is discussed, followed by thymic embryological organogenesis and anatomy as well as the development and functionality of T cells. Attempts to regenerate the thymus include in vitro methods, such as forming thymic organoids aided by biofabrication techniques that are transplantable. Ex vivo methods that have shown promise in enhancing thymic regeneration are also discussed. Current regenerative technologies have not yet matched the complexity and functionality of the thymus. Therefore, emerging techniques that have shown promise and the challenges that lie ahead are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himal Sharma
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment of Complex Tissue RegenerationMaastricht UniversityMaastricht6229 ERNetherlands
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment of Complex Tissue RegenerationMaastricht UniversityMaastricht6229 ERNetherlands
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4
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Hong C, Jin R, Dai X, Gao X. Functional Contributions of Antigen Presenting Cells in Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 12:614183. [PMID: 33717098 PMCID: PMC7943746 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.614183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is one of the most common reasons of late non-relapse morbidity and mortality of patients with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). While acute GVHD is considered driven by a pathogenic T cell dominant mechanism, the pathogenesis of cGVHD is much complicated and involves participation of a variety of immune cells other than pathogenic T cells. Existing studies have revealed that antigen presenting cells (APCs) play crucial roles in the pathophysiology of cGVHD. APCs could not only present auto- and alloantigens to prime and activate pathogenic T cells, but also directly mediate the pathogenesis of cGVHD via multiple mechanisms including infiltration into tissues/organs, production of inflammatory cytokines as well as auto- and alloantibodies. The studies of this field have led to several therapies targeting different APCs with promising results. This review will focus on the important roles of APCs and their contributions in the pathophysiology of cGVHD after allo-HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Hong
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Rong Jin
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Dai
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaoming Gao
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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5
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Zhao J, Su M, Lin Y, Liu H, He Z, Lai L. Administration of Amyloid Precursor Protein Gene Deleted Mouse ESC-Derived Thymic Epithelial Progenitors Attenuates Alzheimer's Pathology. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1781. [PMID: 32849642 PMCID: PMC7431620 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01781] [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: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. Although amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque deposition and chronic neuroinflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) contribute to AD pathology, neither Aβ plaque removal nor anti-inflammatory therapy has shown much clinical success, suggesting that the combinational therapies for the disease-causative factors may be needed for amelioration. Recent data also suggest that systemic immunity in AD should be boosted, rather than suppressed, to drive an immune-dependent cascade needed for Aβ clearance and brain repair. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) not only play a critical role in supporting T cell development but also mediate the deletion of autoreactive T cells by expressing autoantigens. We have reported that embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can be selectively induced to differentiate into thymic epithelial progenitors (TEPs) in vitro that further develop into TECs in vivo to support T cell development. We show here that transplantation of mouse ESC (mESC)-TEPs into AD mice reduced cerebral Aβ plaque load and improved cognitive performance, in correlation with an increased number of T cells, enhanced choroid plexus (CP) gateway activity, and increased number of macrophages in the brain. Furthermore, transplantation of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene deleted mESC-TEPs (APP-/-) results in more effective reduction of AD pathology as compared to wild-type (APP+/+) mESC-TEPs. This is associated with the generation of Aβ-specific T cells, which leads to an increase of anti-Aβ antibody (Ab)-producing B cells in the spleen and enhanced levels of anti-Aβ antibodies in the serum, as well as an increase of Aβ phagocytosing macrophages in the CNS. Our results suggest that transplantation of APP-/- human ESC- or induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived TEPs may provide a new tool to mitigate AD in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhao
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell Translational Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guiyang, China
| | - Min Su
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Yujun Lin
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Zhixu He
- Key Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell Translational Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guiyang, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Laijun Lai
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States.,University of Connecticut Stem Cell Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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6
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Transplantation of MHC-mismatched mouse embryonic stem cell-derived thymic epithelial progenitors and MHC-matched bone marrow prevents autoimmune diabetes. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:239. [PMID: 31387620 PMCID: PMC6685174 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1347-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease resulting from the destruction of insulin-secreting islet β cells by autoreactive T cells. Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice are the widely used animal model for human T1D. Autoimmunity in NOD mice is associated with particular major histocompatibility complex (MHC) loci and impaired islet autoantigen expression and/or presentation in the thymus, which results in defects in both central and peripheral tolerance. It has been reported that induction of mixed chimerism with MHC-mismatched, but not MHC-matched donor bone marrow (BM) transplants prevents the development T1D in NOD mice. We have reported that mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) can be selectively induced in vitro to generate thymic epithelial progenitors (TEPs) that further develop into thymic epithelial cells (TECs) in vivo to support T cell development. Methods To determine whether transplantation of MHC-mismatched mESC-TEPs could prevent the development of insulitis and T1D, NOD mice were conditioned and injected with MHC-mismatched B6 mESC-TEPs and MHC-matched BM from H-2g7 B6 mice. The mice were monitored for T1D development. The pancreas, spleen, BM, and thymus were then harvested from the mice for evaluation of T1D, insulitis, chimerism levels, and T cells. Results Transplantation of MHC-mismatched mESC-TEPs and MHC-matched donor BM prevented insulitis and T1D development in NOD mice. This was associated with higher expression of proinsulin 2, a key islet autoantigen in the mESC-TECs, and an increased number of regulatory T cells. Conclusions Our results suggest that embryonic stem cell-derived TEPs may offer a new approach to control T1D. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-019-1347-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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7
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Moutuou MM, Pagé G, Zaid I, Lesage S, Guimond M. Restoring T Cell Homeostasis After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation; Principal Limitations and Future Challenges. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1237. [PMID: 29967605 PMCID: PMC6015883 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
For several leukemia patients, allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allogeneic-SCT) is the unique therapeutic modality that could potentially cure their disease. Despite significant progress made in clinical management of allogeneic-SCT, acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) and infectious complications remain the second and third cause of death after disease recurrence. Clinical options to restore immunocompetence after allogeneic-SCT are very limited as studies have raised awareness about the safety with regards to graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Preclinical works are now focusing on strategies to improve thymic functions and to restore the peripheral niche that have been damaged by alloreactive T cells. In this mini review, we will provide a brief overview about the adverse effects of GVHD on the thymus and the peripheral niche and the resulting negative outcome on peripheral T cell homeostasis. Finally, we will discuss the potential relevance of coordinating our studies on thymic rejuvenation and improvement of the peripheral lymphoid niche to achieve optimal T cell regeneration in GVHD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moutuaata M Moutuou
- Division d'Hématologie-Oncologie, Centre de Recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Gabriel Pagé
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Intesar Zaid
- Division d'Hématologie-Oncologie, Centre de Recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Lesage
- Division d'Hématologie-Oncologie, Centre de Recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Martin Guimond
- Division d'Hématologie-Oncologie, Centre de Recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Su M, Lin Y, Cui C, Tian X, Lu X, He Z, Lai L. ESC-derived thymic epithelial cells expressing MOG prevents EAE by central and peripheral tolerance mechanisms. Cell Immunol 2017; 322:84-91. [PMID: 29074250 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS), and is induced by immunization with disease-causative self-antigens such as myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). We have previously reported that transplantation of MOG expressing thymic epithelial progenitors (TEPs) derived from 129S6SvEv Tac mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) prevented the development of EAE. In this study, we expand our previous studies to show that transplantation of MOG expressing mESC-TEPs derived from C57BL/6 mice also prevents EAE development. Furthermore, by using a MOG-specific T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mouse model, we demonstrate that both central and peripheral tolerances are involved in the prevention of EAE induced by MOG expressing mESC-TEPs. Our results suggest that transplantation of human ESC-TEPs expressing MOG may provide an effective approach for the induction of MOG-specific immune tolerance, thereby the prevention and treatment of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Su
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Yujun Lin
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Cheng Cui
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Xiaohong Tian
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Xiuling Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Zhixu He
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China; Pediatric Department of the Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.
| | - Laijun Lai
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; University of Connecticut Stem Cell Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
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