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Lim S, J F van Son G, Wisma Eka Yanti NL, Andersson-Rolf A, Willemsen S, Korving J, Lee HG, Begthel H, Clevers H. Derivation of functional thymic epithelial organoid lines from adult murine thymus. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114019. [PMID: 38551965 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) orchestrate T cell development by imposing positive and negative selection on thymocytes. Current studies on TEC biology are hampered by the absence of long-term ex vivo culture platforms, while the cells driving TEC self-renewal remain to be identified. Here, we generate long-term (>2 years) expandable 3D TEC organoids from the adult mouse thymus. For further analysis, we generated single and double FoxN1-P2A-Clover, Aire-P2A-tdTomato, and Cldn4-P2A-tdTomato reporter lines by CRISPR knockin. Single-cell analyses of expanding clonal organoids reveal cells with bipotent stem/progenitor phenotypes. These clonal organoids can be induced to express Foxn1 and to generate functional cortical- and Aire-expressing medullary-like TECs upon RANK ligand + retinoic acid treatment. TEC organoids support T cell development from immature thymocytes in vitro as well as in vivo upon transplantation into athymic nude mice. This organoid-based platform allows in vitro study of TEC biology and offers a potential strategy for ex vivo T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangho Lim
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gijs J F van Son
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands; The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht 3584 CS, the Netherlands
| | - Ni Luh Wisma Eka Yanti
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Amanda Andersson-Rolf
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sam Willemsen
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Korving
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hong-Gyun Lee
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Harry Begthel
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands; The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht 3584 CS, the Netherlands.
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2
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Lee S, Song SG, Chung DH. Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis for Thymic Epithelial Cells of Aged Mice and Humans. Immune Netw 2023; 23:e36. [PMID: 37970235 PMCID: PMC10643332 DOI: 10.4110/in.2023.23.e36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) play a critical role in thymic development and thymopoiesis. As individuals age, TECs undergo various changes that impact their functions, leading to a reduction in cell numbers and impaired thymic selection. These age-related alterations have been observed in both mice and humans. However, the precise mechanisms underlying age-related TEC dysfunction remain unclear. Furthermore, there is a lack of a comprehensive study that connects mouse and human biological processes in this area. To address this gap, we conducted an extensive transcriptome analysis of young and old TECs in mice, complemented by further analysis of publicly available human TEC single-cell RNA sequencing data. Our analysis revealed alterations in both known and unknown pathways that potentially contribute to age-related TEC dysfunction. Specifically, we observed downregulation of pathways related to cell proliferation, T cell development, metabolism, and cytokine signaling in old age TECs. Conversely, TGF-β, BMP, and Wnt signaling pathways were upregulated, which have been known to be associated with age-related TEC dysfunctions or newly discovered in this study. Importantly, we found that these age-related changes in mouse TECs were consistently present in human TECs as well. This cross-species validation further strengthens the significance of our findings. In conclusion, our comprehensive analysis provides valuable insight into the biological and immunological characteristics of aged TECs in both mice and humans. These findings contribute to a better understanding of thymic involution and age-induced immune dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangsin Lee
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Seung Geun Song
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Doo Hyun Chung
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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3
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Sanchez Sanchez G, Tafesse Y, Papadopoulou M, Vermijlen D. Surfing on the waves of the human γδ T cell ontogenic sea. Immunol Rev 2023; 315:89-107. [PMID: 36625367 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
While γδ T cells are present virtually in all vertebrates, there is a remarkable lack of conservation of the TRG and TRD loci underlying the generation of the γδ T cell receptor (TCR), which is associated with the generation of species-specific γδ T cells. A prominent example is the human phosphoantigen-reactive Vγ9Vδ2 T cell subset that is absent in mice. Murine γδ thymocyte cells were among the first immune cells identified to follow a wave-based layered development during embryonic and early life, and since this initial observation, in-depth insight has been obtained in their thymic ontogeny. By contrast, less is known about the development of human γδ T cells, especially regarding the generation of γδ thymocyte waves. Here, after providing an overview of thymic γδ wave generation in several vertebrate classes, we review the evidence for γδ waves in the human fetal thymus, where single-cell technologies have allowed the breakdown of human γδ thymocytes into functional waves with important TCR associations. Finally, we discuss the possible mechanisms contributing to the generation of waves of γδ thymocytes and their possible significance in the periphery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillem Sanchez Sanchez
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium.,ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
| | - Yohannes Tafesse
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium.,ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
| | - Maria Papadopoulou
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium.,ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
| | - David Vermijlen
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium.,ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
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4
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Lisovska N. Multilevel mechanism of immune checkpoint inhibitor action in solid tumors: History, present issues and future development (Review). Oncol Lett 2022; 23:190. [PMID: 35527781 PMCID: PMC9073577 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors (antibodies that target and block immune checkpoints in the tumor microenvironment) is included in the standard of care for patients with different types of malignancy, such as melanoma, renal cell and urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer etc. The introduction of this new immunotherapy has altered the view on potential targets for treatment of solid tumors from tumor cells themselves to their immune microenvironment; this has led to a reconsideration of the mechanisms of tumor-associated immunity. However, only a subset of patients benefit from immunotherapy and patient response is often unpredictable, even with known initial levels of prognostic markers; the biomarkers for favorable response are still being investigated. Mechanisms of immune checkpoint inhibitors efficiency, as well as the origins of treatment failure, require further investigation. From a clinical standpoint, discrepancies between the theoretical explanation of inhibitors of immune checkpoint actions at the cellular level and their deployment at a tissue/organ level impede the effective clinical implementation of novel immune therapy. The present review assessed existing experimental and clinical data on functional activity of inhibitors of immune checkpoints to provide a more comprehensive picture of their mechanisms of action on a cellular and higher levels of biological organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya Lisovska
- Chemotherapy Department, Center of Oncology, ‘Cyber Clinic of Spizhenko’, Kapitanovka, Kyiv 08112, Ukraine
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5
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Jazbec K, Jež M, Švajger U, Smrekar B, Miceska S, Rajčevič U, Justin M, Završnik J, Malovrh T, Švara T, Gombač M, Ramšak Ž, Rožman P. The Influence of Heterochronic Non-Myeloablative Bone Marrow Transplantation on the Immune System, Frailty, General Health, and Longevity of Aged Murine Recipients. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040595. [PMID: 35454183 PMCID: PMC9028083 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The stem cell theory of aging postulates that stem cells become inefficient at maintaining the original functions of the tissues. We, therefore, hypothesized that transplanting young bone marrow (BM) to old recipients would lead to rejuvenating effects on immunity, followed by improved general health, decreased frailty, and possibly life span extension. We developed a murine model of non-myeloablative heterochronic BM transplantation in which old female BALB/c mice at 14, 16, and 18(19) months of age received altogether 125.1 ± 15.6 million nucleated BM cells from young male donors aged 7–13 weeks. At 21 months, donor chimerism was determined, and the immune system’s innate and adaptive arms were analyzed. Mice were then observed for general health and frailty until spontaneous death, when their lifespan, post-mortem examinations, and histopathological changes were recorded. The results showed that the old mice developed on average 18.7 ± 9.6% donor chimerism in the BM and showed certain improvements in their innate and adaptive arms of the immune system, such as favorable counts of neutrophils in the spleen and BM, central memory Th cells, effector/effector memory Th and Tc cells in the spleen, and B1a and B1b cells in the peritoneal cavity. Borderline enhanced lymphocyte proliferation capacity was also seen. The frailty parameters, pathomorphological results, and life spans did not differ significantly in the transplanted vs. control group of mice. In conclusion, although several favorable effects are obtained in our heterochronic non-myeloablative transplantation model, additional optimization is needed for better rejuvenation effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Jazbec
- Diagnostic Services, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.J.); (U.Š.); (B.S.); (S.M.); (U.R.); (M.J.); (P.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mojca Jež
- Diagnostic Services, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.J.); (U.Š.); (B.S.); (S.M.); (U.R.); (M.J.); (P.R.)
| | - Urban Švajger
- Diagnostic Services, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.J.); (U.Š.); (B.S.); (S.M.); (U.R.); (M.J.); (P.R.)
- Chair of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boštjan Smrekar
- Diagnostic Services, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.J.); (U.Š.); (B.S.); (S.M.); (U.R.); (M.J.); (P.R.)
| | - Simona Miceska
- Diagnostic Services, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.J.); (U.Š.); (B.S.); (S.M.); (U.R.); (M.J.); (P.R.)
| | - Uroš Rajčevič
- Diagnostic Services, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.J.); (U.Š.); (B.S.); (S.M.); (U.R.); (M.J.); (P.R.)
| | - Mojca Justin
- Diagnostic Services, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.J.); (U.Š.); (B.S.); (S.M.); (U.R.); (M.J.); (P.R.)
| | - Janja Završnik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Tadej Malovrh
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Tanja Švara
- Institute of Pathology, Wild Animals, Fish and Bees, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.Š.); (M.G.)
| | - Mitja Gombač
- Institute of Pathology, Wild Animals, Fish and Bees, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.Š.); (M.G.)
| | - Živa Ramšak
- National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Primož Rožman
- Diagnostic Services, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.J.); (U.Š.); (B.S.); (S.M.); (U.R.); (M.J.); (P.R.)
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6
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Deng Y, Chen H, Zeng Y, Wang K, Zhang H, Hu H. Leaving no one behind: tracing every human thymocyte by single-cell RNA-sequencing. Semin Immunopathol 2021; 43:29-43. [PMID: 33449155 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00834-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is the primary organ for T-cell development, providing an essential microenvironment consisting of the appropriate cytokine milieu and specialized stromal cells. Thymus-seeding progenitors from circulation immigrate into the thymus and undergo the stepwise T-cell specification, commitment, and selection processes. The transcriptional factors, epigenetic regulators, and signaling pathways involved in the T-cell development have been intensively studied using mouse models. Despite our growing knowledge of T-cell development, major questions remain unanswered regarding the ontogeny and early events of T-cell development at the fetal stage, especially in humans. The recently developed single-cell RNA-sequencing technique provides an ideal tool to investigate the heterogeneity of T-cell precursors and the molecular mechanisms underlying the divergent fates of certain T-cell precursors at the single-cell level. In this review, we aim to summarize the current progress of the study on human thymus organogenesis and thymocyte and thymic epithelial cell development, which is to shed new lights on developing novel strategies for in vitro T-cell regeneration and thymus rejuvenation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Deng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100071, China.,State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Keyue Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Huiyuan Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China.
| | - Hongbo Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China.
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7
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Wang HX, Pan W, Zheng L, Zhong XP, Tan L, Liang Z, He J, Feng P, Zhao Y, Qiu YR. Thymic Epithelial Cells Contribute to Thymopoiesis and T Cell Development. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3099. [PMID: 32082299 PMCID: PMC7005006 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is the primary lymphoid organ responsible for the generation and maturation of T cells. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) account for the majority of thymic stromal components. They are further divided into cortical and medullary TECs based on their localization within the thymus and are involved in positive and negative selection, respectively. Establishment of self-tolerance in the thymus depends on promiscuous gene expression (pGE) of tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs) by TECs. Such pGE is co-controlled by the autoimmune regulator (Aire) and forebrain embryonic zinc fingerlike protein 2 (Fezf2). Over the past two decades, research has found that TECs contribute greatly to thymopoiesis and T cell development. In turn, signals from T cells regulate the differentiation and maturation of TECs. Several signaling pathways essential for the development and maturation of TECs have been discovered. New technology and animal models have provided important observations on TEC differentiation, development, and thymopoiesis. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in classification, development, and maintenance of TECs and mechanisms that control TEC functions during thymic involution and central tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xia Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenrong Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Taihe Branch of Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Zhong
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Liang Tan
- Department of Urological Organ Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing He
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pingfeng Feng
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Rong Qiu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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8
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Lisovska N, Shanazarov N. Tumor progression mechanisms: Insights from the central immune regulation of tissue homeostasis. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:5311-5318. [PMID: 31186747 PMCID: PMC6507387 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the spread of cancer at the cellular and molecular levels is expanding rapidly. However, the central regulators governing the initiation and the rate of tumor growth remain poorly established. The fundamental principles of innate and adaptive immunity may explain how immune cells generate a specific response to tumor tissue. In the current review, the functional features of the immune system that contribute to the maintenance of normal tissue homeostasis, as well as their disruption in malignant transformations, were analyzed. Experimental and clinical studies previously demonstrated the involvement of regulatory T-cells in the process of tumor metastasis in a tissue-specific manner. An understanding of the cross talk between lymphoid and tumor cells may provide an insight into cancer evolution in terms of the mechanisms of T-cell competency formation. Elucidating the mechanisms of tumor progression via central immune regulation has implications for the development of novel therapeutic agents that target immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya Lisovska
- Department of Chemotherapy, Center of Oncology, Cyber Clinic of Spizhenko, Kyiv 08112, Ukraine, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Nasrulla Shanazarov
- Department of General Surgery, Medical Center Hospital of The President's Affairs Administration of The Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan
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9
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Abstract
About two decades ago, cloning of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene materialized one of the most important actors on the scene of self-tolerance. Thymic transcription of genes encoding tissue-specific antigens (ts-ags) is activated by AIRE protein and embodies the essence of thymic self-representation. Pathogenic AIRE variants cause the autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1, which is a rare and complex disease that is gaining attention in research on autoimmunity. The animal models of disease, although not identically reproducing the human picture, supply fundamental information on mechanisms and extent of AIRE action: thanks to its multidomain structure, AIRE localizes to chromatin enclosing the target genes, binds to histones, and offers an anchorage to multimolecular complexes involved in initiation and post-initiation events of gene transcription. In addition, AIRE enhances mRNA diversity by favoring alternative mRNA splicing. Once synthesized, ts-ags are presented to, and cause deletion of the self-reactive thymocyte clones. However, AIRE function is not restricted to the activation of gene transcription. AIRE would control presentation and transfer of self-antigens for thymic cellular interplay: such mechanism is aimed at increasing the likelihood of engagement of the thymocytes that carry the corresponding T-cell receptors. Another fundamental role of AIRE in promoting self-tolerance is related to the development of thymocyte anergy, as thymic self-representation shapes at the same time the repertoire of regulatory T cells. Finally, AIRE seems to replicate its action in the secondary lymphoid organs, albeit the cell lineage detaining such property has not been fully characterized. Delineation of AIRE functions adds interesting data to the knowledge of the mechanisms of self-tolerance and introduces exciting perspectives of therapeutic interventions against the related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Perniola
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care, Vito Fazzi Regional Hospital, Lecce, Italy
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10
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Su M, Hu R, Song Y, Liu Y, Lai L. Targeted deletion of c-Met in thymic epithelial cells leads to an autoimmune phenotype. Immunol Cell Biol 2017; 96:229-235. [PMID: 29363160 PMCID: PMC5825253 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.1026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c-Met signaling have been implicated in regulating various types of cells including epithelial cells. We have previously reported that c-Met is expressed by thymic epithelial cells (TECs), and that in vivo administration of hybrid cytokines containing IL-7 and the beta- or alpha-chain of HGF significantly increase the number of TECs. In order to study the role of c-Met signaling in TECs, we generated conditional knockout (cKO) mice in which c-Met was specifically deleted in TECs using a Foxn1-Cre transgene. We show here that c-Met deficiency in TECs results in age-progressive reduction in TEC number and reduced number of regulatory T cells. Consequently, c-Met TEC cKO mice displayed an autoimmune phenotype. Thus, c-Met signaling in TECs is important for the maintenance of TECs and immune self-tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Su
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.,Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Rong Hu
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Yinhong Song
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.,Medical college, Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yalan Liu
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - 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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11
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Sheridan JM, Keown A, Policheni A, Roesley SN, Rivlin N, Kadouri N, Ritchie ME, Jain R, Abramson J, Heng TS, Gray DH. Thymospheres Are Formed by Mesenchymal Cells with the Potential to Generate Adipocytes, but Not Epithelial Cells. Cell Rep 2017; 21:934-942. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.09.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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12
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Takahama Y, Ohigashi I, Baik S, Anderson G. Generation of diversity in thymic epithelial cells. Nat Rev Immunol 2017; 17:295-305. [PMID: 28317923 DOI: 10.1038/nri.2017.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the thymus, diverse populations of thymic epithelial cells (TECs), including cortical and medullary TECs and their subpopulations, have distinct roles in coordinating the development and repertoire selection of functionally competent and self-tolerant T cells. Here, we review the expanding diversity in TEC subpopulations in relation to their functions in T cell development and selection as well as their origins and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousuke Takahama
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Song Baik
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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