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Wang R, Li T, Pan Z, Chen H, Xu S, Lu X, Shi K, Bian B, Wu G. Effect of Dietary Puerarin Supplementation on Growth Performance, Immune Response, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Morphology in Domestic Pigeons ( Columba livia). J Poult Sci 2024; 61:2024003. [PMID: 38283163 PMCID: PMC10805655 DOI: 10.2141/jpsa.2024003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Puerarin is an isoflavone extracted from Gegen (Pueraria lobata) and has been widely utilized to treat various human diseases; however, information regarding its benefits in animal production is limited. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of dietary puerarin supplementation on growth performance, immune organ index, immunoglobulin profile, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology in pigeons. In total, 375 healthy 28-day-old White King pigeons were randomly divided into five groups, each consisting of five replicates and 15 pigeons per replicate. Each group was administered one of five dietary treatments: the basal diet, or the basal diet supplemented with 40, 80, 120, or 160 mg/kg puerarin. Treatment duration was 30 days following a 7-day acclimation period. Puerarin treatment did not significantly alter the growth performance of pigeons but afforded a significant linear enhancement in the thymus index (P < 0.05). Additionally, puerarin supplementation significantly increased serum immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin M levels in pigeons in a linear manner (P < 0.05). Similarly, puerarin significantly and linearly increased the activities of total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase in the serum and liver, and decreased the malondialdehyde content (P < 0.05). Moreover, the villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), and VH/CD ratio of the small intestine (including the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) increased linearly upon puerarin supplementation (P < 0.05). Collectively, these results indicate that puerarin supplementation could improve the immune response, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology of pigeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runzhi Wang
- Nanjing Institute of Animal Husbandry and Poultry Science,
Nanjing 210036, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences,
Wenzhou 325011, China
| | - Zaixu Pan
- Nanjing Dongchen Pigeon Industry Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210000,
China
| | - Hui Chen
- Nanjing Dongchen Pigeon Industry Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210000,
China
| | - Shanjin Xu
- Nanjing Dongchen Pigeon Industry Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210000,
China
| | - Xixue Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing
Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Kai Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing
Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Bang Bian
- Nanjing Institute of Animal Husbandry and Poultry Science,
Nanjing 210036, China
| | - Guansuo Wu
- Nanjing Institute of Animal Husbandry and Poultry Science,
Nanjing 210036, China
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Chen J, Wu X, Liu Y, Zhang W. Changes and significance of serum AchR-Ab and CAE-Ab in patients with thymoma after thoracoscopic surgery. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2023:1-9. [PMID: 36641594 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2023.2166716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
To probe into the changes and significance of serum acetylcholine receptor antibody (AchR-Ab) and citric acid extractive antibody (CAE-Ab) in patients with thymoma after thoracoscopic surgery (TS). The data of 50 patients with thymoma receiving TS in our hospital from February 2017 to February 2021 were selected for retrospective analysis. Serological testing was performed before and after surgery to determine serum AchR-Ab and CAE-Ab levels, the therapeutic effect was evaluated and the trend of serum AchR-Ab and CAE-Ab changes and their meanings were analyzed. Among 50 patients with thymoma after TS, 15 (30.0%) were in remission, 25 (50.0%) had improvement and 10 (20.0%) had no response to treatment. After treatment, the serum AchR-Ab and CAE-Ab levels of patients, which were remarkably lower than those before treatment (P < 0.001), were remarkably lower in the remission group than in the improvement group (P < 0.001) and remarkably lower in the improvement group than in the ineffective group (P < 0.001). The ordinal logistic regression analysis concluded that the levels of AchR-Ab and CAE-Ab were related to therapeutic effect, i.e. the lower the serum AchR-Ab and CAE-Ab levels, the better the therapeutic effect. TS can reduce the serum AchR-Ab and CAE-Ab levels in patients with thymoma, and serum AchR-Ab and CAE-Ab levels can reflect the therapeutic effect, providing reference value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialing Chen
- Henan Provincial Chest Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoming Wu
- Henan Provincial Chest Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Henan Provincial Chest Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Henan Provincial Chest Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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3
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Tao S, Wang Y, Yu C, Qiu R, Jiang Y, Jia J, Tao Z, Zhang L, Zou B, Tang D. Gut microbiota mediates the inhibition of lymphopoiesis in dietary-restricted mice by suppressing glycolysis. Gut Microbes 2022; 14:2117509. [PMID: 36049025 PMCID: PMC9450896 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2022.2117509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary restriction (DR) is one of the most robust interventions shown to extend health-span and remains on the forefront of anti-aging intervention studies, though conflicting results have been shown on its effect on lifespan both in rodents and primates. The severe inhibitory effects on the lymphoid lineage by DR remains one of its major negative downsides which reduces its overall beneficial effects on organismal health. Yet, the underlying mechanism of how DR suppresses the lymphoid system remains to be explored. Here, we show that antibiotic ablation of gut microbiota significantly rescued the inhibition of lymphopoiesis by DR. Interestingly, glycolysis in lymphocytes was significantly down-regulated in DR mice and pharmacological inhibition of glycolysis reverted this rescue effect of lymphopoiesis in DR mice with ablated gut microbiota. Furthermore, DR remarkably reconstructed gut microbiota with a significant increase in butyrate-producing bacterial taxa and in expression of But, a key gene involved in butyrate synthesis. Moreover, supplemental butyrate feeding in AL mice suppressed glycolysis in lymphoid cells and mimicked the inhibition of lymphopoiesis in AL mice. Together, our study reveals that gut microbiota mediates the inhibition on lymphopoiesis via down-regulation of glycolysis under DR conditions, which is associated with increased butyrate-synthesis. Our study uncovered a candidate that could potentially be targeted for ameliorating the negative effects of DR on lymphopoiesis, and therefore may have important implications for the wider application of DR and promoting healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Tao
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China,Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yiting Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chenghui Yu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Rongrong Qiu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China,Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yanjun Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jie Jia
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China,Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhendong Tao
- Department of Medical Laboratory Medicine, Jiangxi Province Hospital of Integrated Chinese & Western Medicine, Jiangxi, China
| | - Liu Zhang
- Intensive Care Unit, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Zou
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China,Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Duozhuang Tang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China,CONTACT Duozhuang Tang Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Min-De Road. 1, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province330006, China
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Liang Z, Zhang Q, Zhang Z, Sun L, Dong X, Li T, Tan L, Xie X, Sun L, Zhao Y. The Development and Survival of Thymic Epithelial Cells Require TSC1-Dependent Negative Regulation of mTORC1 Activity. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:2039-2050. [PMID: 34535574 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are critical for the development and generation of functionally competent T cells. Until now, the mechanism that regulates the survival of TECs is poorly understood. In the current study, we found that Tsc1 controls the homeostasis of medullary TECs (mTECs) by inhibiting lysosomal-mediated apoptosis pathway in mice. TEC-specific deletion of Tsc1 predominately decreased the cell number of mTECs and, to a lesser content, affected the development cortical TECs. The defect of mTECs caused by Tsc1 deficiency in mice impaired thymocyte development and peripheral T cell homeostasis. Mechanistically, Tsc1 deficiency did not affect the cell proliferation of mTECs but increased the apoptosis of mTECs significantly. RNA-sequencing analysis showed that pathways involved in lysosomal biogenesis, cell metabolism, and apoptosis were remarkably elevated in Tsc1-deficient mTECs compared with their wild-type counterparts. Tsc1-deficient mTECs exhibited overproduction of reactive oxygen species and malfunction of lysosome, with lysosome membrane permeabilization and the release of cathepsin B and cathepsin L to the cytosol, which then lead to Bid cleaved into active truncated Bid and subsequently intrinsic apoptosis. Finally, we showed that the impaired development of mTECs could be partially reversed by decreasing mTORC1 activity via haploinsufficiency of Raptor Thus, Tsc1 is essential for the homeostasis of mTECs by inhibiting lysosomal-mediated apoptosis through mTORC1-dependent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lina Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianxiu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Tan
- Department of Urological Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xubiao Xie
- Department of Urological Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liguang Sun
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China; and .,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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5
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Liang Z, Zhang Q, Dong X, Zhang Z, Wang H, Zhang J, Zhao Y. mTORC2 negatively controls the maturation process of medullary thymic epithelial cells by inhibiting the LTβR/RANK-NF-κB axis. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:4725-4737. [PMID: 33269476 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The differentiation of mature medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) is critical for the induction of central immune tolerance. Although the critical effect of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) in shaping mTEC differentiation has been studied, the regulatory role of mTORC2 in the differentiation and maturation of mTECs is poorly understood. We herein reported that TEC-specific ablation of a rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (RICTOR), a key component of mTORC2, significantly decreased the thymus size and weight, the total cell number of TECs, and the cell number of mTECs with a smaller degree of reduced cortical thymic epithelial cells. Interestingly, RICTOR deficiency significantly accelerated the mTEC maturation process, as indicated by the increased ratios of mature mTECs (MHCIIhi , CD80+ , and Aire+ ) to immature mTECs (MHCIIlo , CD80- , and Aire- ) in Rictor-deficient mice. The RNA-sequencing assays showed that the upregulated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in Rictor-deficient mTECs was one of the obviously altered pathways compared with wild-type mTECs. Our studies further showed that Rictor-deficient mTECs exhibited upregulated expression of receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) and lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR), as well as increased activity of canonical and noncanonical NF-κB signaling pathways as determined by ImageStream and Simple Western. Finally, our results showed that inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathways could partially reverse the accelerated maturation of mTECs in Rictor conditional KO mice. Thus, mTORC2 negatively controls the kinetics of the mTEC maturation process by inhibiting the LTβR/RANK-NF-κB signal axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongxia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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6
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Thymus Inception: Molecular Network in the Early Stages of Thymus Organogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165765. [PMID: 32796710 PMCID: PMC7460828 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus generates central immune tolerance by producing self-restricted and self-tolerant T-cells as a result of interactions between the developing thymocytes and the stromal microenvironment, mainly formed by the thymic epithelial cells. The thymic epithelium derives from the endoderm of the pharyngeal pouches, embryonic structures that rely on environmental cues from the surrounding mesenchyme for its development. Here, we review the most recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in early thymic organogenesis at stages preceding the expression of the transcription factor Foxn1, the early marker of thymic epithelial cells identity. Foxn1-independent developmental stages, such as the specification of the pharyngeal endoderm, patterning of the pouches, and thymus fate commitment are discussed, with a special focus on epithelial–mesenchymal interactions.
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Luan R, Liang Z, Zhang Q, Sun L, Zhao Y. Molecular regulatory networks of thymic epithelial cell differentiation. Differentiation 2019; 107:42-49. [PMID: 31238242 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Functional mature T cells are generated in the thymus. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) provide the essential microenvironment for T cell development and maturation. According to their function and localization, TECs are roughly divided into cortical TECs (cTECs) and medullary TECs (mTECs), which are responsible for positive and negative selection, respectively. This review summarizes the current understanding of TEC biology, the identification of fetal and adult bipotent TEC progenitors, and the signaling pathways that control the development and maturation of TECs. The understanding of the ontogeny, differentiation, maturation and function of cTECs lags behind that of mTECs. Better understanding TEC biology will provide clues about TEC development and the applications of thymus engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Luan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liguang Sun
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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8
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Beamer CA, Kreitinger JM, Cole SL, Shepherd DM. Targeted deletion of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in dendritic cells prevents thymic atrophy in response to dioxin. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:355-368. [PMID: 30499018 PMCID: PMC6367717 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2366-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In nearly every species examined, administration of the persistent environmental pollutant, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (dioxin, TCDD) causes profound immune suppression and thymic atrophy in an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) dependent manner. Moreover, TCDD alters the development and differentiation of thymocytes, resulting in decreases in the relative proportion and absolute number of double positive (DP, CD4+CD8+) thymocytes, as well as a relative enrichment in the relative proportion and absolute number of double negative (DN, CD4-CD8-) and single-positive (SP) CD4+CD8- and CD4-CD8+ thymocytes. Previous studies suggested that the target for TCDD-induced thymic atrophy resides within the hemopoietic compartment and implicated apoptosis, proliferation arrest of thymic progenitors, and emigration of DN thymocytes to the periphery as potential contributors to TCDD-induced thymic atrophy. However, the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms involved remain largely unknown. Our results show that administration of 10 µg/kg TCDD and 8 mg/kg 2-(1H-indol-3-ylcarbonyl)-4-thiazolecarboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE) induced AhR-dependent thymic atrophy in mice on day 7, whereas 100 mg/kg indole 3-carbinol (I3C) did not. Though our studies demonstrate that TCDD triggers a twofold increase in the frequency of apoptotic thymocytes, TCDD-induced thymic atrophy is not dependent on Fas-FasL interactions, and thus, enhanced apoptosis is unlikely to be a major mechanistic contributor. Finally, our results show that activation of the AhR in CD11c+ dendritic cells is directly responsible for TCDD-induced alterations in the development and differentiation of thymocytes, which results in thymic atrophy. Collectively, these results suggest that CD11c+ dendritic cells play a critical role in mediating TCDD-induced thymic atrophy and disruption of T lymphocyte development and differentiation in the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine A Beamer
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Skaggs Building Room 284, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA
| | | | - Shelby L Cole
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - David M Shepherd
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Skaggs Building Room 284, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA.
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Liang Z, Zhang L, Su H, Luan R, Na N, Sun L, Zhao Y, Zhang X, Zhang Q, Li J, Zhang L, Zhao Y. MTOR signaling is essential for the development of thymic epithelial cells and the induction of central immune tolerance. Autophagy 2018; 14:505-517. [PMID: 29099279 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2017.1376161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are critical for the establishment and maintenance of appropriate microenvironment for the positive and negative selection of thymocytes and the induction of central immune tolerance. Yet, little about the molecular regulatory network on TEC development and function is understood. Here, we demonstrate that MTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin [serine/threonine kinase]) is essential for proper development and functional maturation of TECs. Pharmacological inhibition of MTOR activity by rapamycin (RPM) causes severe thymic atrophy and reduction of TECs. TEC-specific deletion of Mtor causes the severe reduction of mTECs, the blockage of thymocyte differentiation and output, the reduced generation of thymic regulatory T (Treg) cells and the impaired expression of tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs) including Fabp2, Ins1, Tff3 and Chrna1 molecules. Importantly, specific deletion of Mtor in TECs causes autoimmune diseases characterized by enhanced tissue immune cell infiltration and the presence of autoreactive antibodies. Mechanistically, Mtor deletion causes overdegradation of CTNNB1/Beta-Catenin due to excessive autophagy and the attenuation of WNT (wingless-type MMTV integration site family) signaling in TECs. Selective inhibition of autophagy significantly rescued the poor mTEC development caused by Mtor deficiency. Altogether, MTOR is essential for TEC development and maturation by regulating proliferation and WNT signaling activity through autophagy. The present study also implies that long-term usage of RPM might increase the risk of autoimmunity by impairing TEC maturation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanfeng Liang
- a State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China.,b College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Lianjun Zhang
- a State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Huiting Su
- a State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China.,b College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Rong Luan
- a State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Ning Na
- c Department of Kidney Transplantation , The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Lina Sun
- a State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Yang Zhao
- a State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China.,b College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- d Department of Urology , Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University , Chaoyang District, Beijing , China
| | - Qian Zhang
- a State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China.,b College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Juan Li
- a State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China.,b College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Lianfeng Zhang
- e Key Laboratory of Human Diseases Comparative Medicine, Ministry of Health; Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College , Beijing , China
| | - Yong Zhao
- a State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China.,b College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
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Vaidya HJ, Briones Leon A, Blackburn CC. FOXN1 in thymus organogenesis and development. Eur J Immunol 2016; 46:1826-37. [PMID: 27378598 PMCID: PMC4988515 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201545814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Development of the primary T-cell repertoire takes place in the thymus. The linked processes of T-cell differentiation and T-cell repertoire selection each depend on interactions between thymocytes and thymic stromal cells; in particular, with the epithelial cells of the cortical and medullary thymic compartments (cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells; cTECs and mTECs, respectively). The importance of the thymic epithelial cell lineage in these processes was revealed in part through analysis of nude (nu/nu) mice, which are congenitally hairless and athymic. The nude phenotype results from null mutation of the forkhead transcription factor FOXN1, which has emerged as a pivotal regulator both of thymus development and homeostasis. FOXN1 has been shown to play critical roles in thymus development, function, maintenance, and even regeneration, which positions it as a master regulator of thymic epithelial cell (TEC) differentiation. In this review, we discuss current understanding of the regulation and functions of FOXN1 throughout thymus ontogeny, from the earliest stages of organogenesis through homeostasis to age-related involution, contextualising its significance through reference to other members of the wider Forkhead family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Jayesh Vaidya
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineInstitute for Stem Cell ResearchSchool of Biological SciencesEdinburghUK
| | - Alberto Briones Leon
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineInstitute for Stem Cell ResearchSchool of Biological SciencesEdinburghUK
| | - C. Clare Blackburn
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineInstitute for Stem Cell ResearchSchool of Biological SciencesEdinburghUK
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Long-term persistence of functional thymic epithelial progenitor cells in vivo under conditions of low FOXN1 expression. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114842. [PMID: 25531271 PMCID: PMC4273964 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Normal thymus function reflects interactions between developing T-cells and several thymic stroma cell types. Within the stroma, key functions reside in the distinct cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cell (TEC) types. It has been demonstrated that, during organogenesis, all TECs can be derived from a common thymic epithelial progenitor cell (TEPC). The properties of this common progenitor are thus of interest. Differentiation of both cTEC and mTEC depends on the epithelial-specific transcription factor FOXN1, although formation of the common TEPC from which the TEC lineage originates does not require FOXN1. Here, we have used a revertible severely hypomorphic allele of Foxn1, Foxn1R, to test the stability of the common TEPC in vivo. By reactivating Foxn1 expression postnatally in Foxn1R/− mice we demonstrate that functional TEPCs can persist in the thymic rudiment until at least 6 months of age, and retain the potential to give rise to both cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells (cTECs and mTECs). These data demonstrate that the TEPC-state is remarkably stable in vivo under conditions of low Foxn1 expression, suggesting that manipulation of FOXN1 activity may prove a valuable method for long term maintenance of TEPC in vitro.
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Hirayama T, Asano Y, Iida H, Watanabe T, Nakamura T, Goitsuka R. Meis1 is required for the maintenance of postnatal thymic epithelial cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89885. [PMID: 24594519 PMCID: PMC3942356 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Most epithelial tissues retain stem/progenitor cells to maintain homeostasis of the adult tissues; however, the existence of a thymic epithelial cell (TEC) progenitor capable of maintaining homeostasis of the postnatal thymus remains unclear. Here, we show that a cell population expressing high levels of Meis1, a homeodomain transcription factor, is enriched in TECs with an immature cellular phenotype. These TECs selectively express genes involved in embryonic thymic organogenesis and epithelial stem cell maintenance, and also have the potential to proliferate and differentiate into mature TEC populations. Furthermore, postnatal inactivation of Meis1 in TECs caused disorganization of the thymic architecture, which ultimately leads to premature disappearance of the thymus. There was an age-associated reduction in the proportion of the TEC population expressing high levels of Meis1, which may also be related to thymic involution. These findings indicate that Meis1 is potentially involved in the maintenance of postnatal TECs with progenitor activity that is required for homeostasis of the postnatal thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Hirayama
- Division of Development and Aging, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yusuke Asano
- Division of Development and Aging, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hajime Iida
- Division of Development and Aging, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takeshi Watanabe
- Center for Innovation in Immunoregulative Technology and Therapeutics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takuro Nakamura
- Department of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Goitsuka
- Division of Development and Aging, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Sun X, Xu J, Lu H, Liu W, Miao Z, Sui X, Liu H, Su L, Du W, He Q, Chen F, Shi Y, Deng H. Directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into thymic epithelial progenitor-like cells reconstitutes the thymic microenvironment in vivo. Cell Stem Cell 2014; 13:230-6. [PMID: 23910085 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2013.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Thymus transplantation has great clinical potential for treating immunological disorders, but the shortage of transplant donors limits the progress of this therapy. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are promising cell sources for generating thymic epithelial cells. Here, we report a stepwise protocol to direct the differentiation of hESCs into thymic epithelial progenitor-like cells (TEPLCs) by mimicking thymus organogenesis with sequential regulation of Activin, retinoic acid, BMP, and WNT signals. The hESC-derived TEPLCs expressed the key thymic marker gene FOXN1 and could further develop in vivo into thymic epithelium expressing the functional thymic markers MHC II and AIRE upon transplantation. Moreover, the TEPLC-derived thymic epithelium could support mouse thymopoiesis in T-cell-deficient mice and promote human T cell generation in NOD/SCID mice engrafted with human hematopoietic stem cells (hHSCs). These findings could facilitate hESC-based replacement therapy and provide a valuable in vitro platform for studying human thymus organogenesis and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoning Sun
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
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Solano ME, Jago C, Pincus MK, Arck PC. Highway to health; or How prenatal factors determine disease risks in the later life of the offspring. J Reprod Immunol 2011; 90:3-8. [PMID: 21641655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2011.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2010] [Revised: 01/24/2011] [Accepted: 01/27/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Fetal development is largely dependent on the mother. However, pregnancy maintenance and consequently fetal development are highly vulnerable and sensitive to disruption, triggered by, for example, prenatal stress challenge. Such prenatal stress challenge modulates the maternal endocrine and immune responses during pregnancy e.g. by decreasing levels of progesterone. Prenatal stress also has negative repercussions for the child's health later in life. It has been reported that prenatal stress increases the risk of the child to develop chronic immune diseases such as allergies and asthma. We therefore propose that prenatal stress challenge - associated with a decrease in maternal progesterone - impairs fetal immune development (immune ontogeny). Such impaired immune ontogeny carries over into postnatal life, rendering the child more prone to developing chronic immune diseases. This purported association urgently requires a fresh evaluation in order to identify biomarkers and cascades of events. In the present review, we outline candidate biomarkers involved in fetal immune ontogeny, which may be targets of prenatal stress challenge and subsequently determine offspring disease risk. Identification of these stress-sensitive biomarkers may allow detection of pregnant women at risk to deliver chronic immune disease-prone offspring. The creation of therapeutic interventions designed to prevent negative consequences of prenatal stress would then be within reach.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Emilia Solano
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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SOX2 gene expression in normal human thymus and thymoma. Clin Exp Med 2010; 11:251-4. [PMID: 21190055 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-010-0127-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2010] [Accepted: 12/09/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The SOX gene family encodes a large group of transcription factors that are strongly involved in the normal human development and malignancies. Human tumors, like small cell lung carcinoma, meningioma, gastric, and pancreatic cancer, have been found to be immunogenic for SOX2 protein. In this study, we have investigated for the first time the expression and distribution of SOX2 immunoreactive cells in five normal human thymuses (2 fetal and 3 adult) and 10 thymomas bioptic specimens. Results demonstrated the presence of few positive cells in the fetal and postnatal normal human thymus with a specific distribution within thymus parenchyma compartments. On the contrary, in thymoma immunoreactivity to SOX2 increased parallel to pathological stage, and a peculiar distribution was observed in type B3 thymoma with a positive reaction in both tumor and endothelial cells.
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Gómez-Aristizábal A, Keating A, Davies JE. Mesenchymal stromal cells as supportive cells for hepatocytes. Mol Ther 2009; 17:1504-8. [PMID: 19584815 PMCID: PMC2835270 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2009.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2009] [Accepted: 06/16/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocytes and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) appear to share many of the same requirements for their survival, functionality, and proliferation. This may be due to a shared location during fetal development. Moreover, hepatocytes and HSCs are unable to function, or even survive, without stromal cell support. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) support the proliferation and functionality, not only of HSCs, but also of hepatocytes. Although knowledge of the mechanisms underlying HSCs' support is far more advanced than for hepatocytes, data suggest that many agents important for HSCs also maintain the normal hepatocyte phenotype in vitro. Thus, it is possible that new techniques for the maintenance and expansion of HSCs may also be useful for hepatocytes. Bone marrow-derived MSCs are easily cultured and expanded in vitro, and some data suggest that they are immunoregulatory as well as relatively nonimmunogenic. These observations suggest that allogeneic MSCs may be useful not only in supporting hepatocyte growth and proliferation but also in modulating immune responses such as stellate cell activation.
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