1
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Liu T, Xia S. The Proteostasis of Thymic Stromal Cells in Health and Diseases. Protein J 2024; 43:447-463. [PMID: 38622349 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-024-10197-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is the key immune organ for the development of T cells. Different populations of thymic stromal cells interact with T cells, thereby controlling the dynamic development of T cells through their differentiation and function. Proteostasis represents a balance between protein expression, folding, and modification and protein clearance, and its fluctuation usually depends at least partially on related protein regulatory systems for further survival and effects. However, in terms of the substantial requirement for self-antigens and their processing burden, increasing evidence highlights that protein regulation contributes to the physiological effects of thymic stromal cells. Impaired proteostasis may expedite the progression of thymic involution and dysfunction, accompanied by the development of autoimmune diseases or thymoma. Hence, in this review, we summarize the regulation of proteostasis within different types of thymic stromal cells under physiological and pathological conditions to identify potential targets for thymic regeneration and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301, Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Sheng Xia
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301, Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China.
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2
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Watanuki S, Kobayashi H, Sugiura Y, Yamamoto M, Karigane D, Shiroshita K, Sorimachi Y, Morikawa T, Fujita S, Shide K, Haraguchi M, Tamaki S, Mikawa T, Kondoh H, Nakano H, Sumiyama K, Nagamatsu G, Goda N, Okamoto S, Nakamura-Ishizu A, Shimoda K, Suematsu M, Suda T, Takubo K. SDHAF1 confers metabolic resilience to aging hematopoietic stem cells by promoting mitochondrial ATP production. Cell Stem Cell 2024:S1934-5909(24)00176-0. [PMID: 38772377 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.04.023] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Aging generally predisposes stem cells to functional decline, impairing tissue homeostasis. Here, we report that hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) acquire metabolic resilience that promotes cell survival. High-resolution real-time ATP analysis with glucose tracing and metabolic flux analysis revealed that old HSCs reprogram their metabolism to activate the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), becoming more resistant to oxidative stress and less dependent on glycolytic ATP production at steady state. As a result, old HSCs can survive without glycolysis, adapting to the physiological cytokine environment in bone marrow. Mechanistically, old HSCs enhance mitochondrial complex II metabolism during stress to promote ATP production. Furthermore, increased succinate dehydrogenase assembly factor 1 (SDHAF1) in old HSCs, induced by physiological low-concentration thrombopoietin (TPO) exposure, enables rapid mitochondrial ATP production upon metabolic stress, thereby improving survival. This study provides insight into the acquisition of resilience through metabolic reprogramming in old HSCs and its molecular basis to ameliorate age-related hematopoietic abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shintaro Watanuki
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan; Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kobayashi
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan; Department of Cell Fate Biology and Stem Cell Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Yuki Sugiura
- Department of Biochemistry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and Immunobiology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Masamichi Yamamoto
- Department of Research Promotion and Management, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka 564-8565, Japan
| | - Daiki Karigane
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan; Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kohei Shiroshita
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan; Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yuriko Sorimachi
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan; Department of Life Sciences and Medical BioScience, Waseda University School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Takayuki Morikawa
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Shinya Fujita
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan; Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kotaro Shide
- Division of Hematology, Diabetes, and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Miho Haraguchi
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Shinpei Tamaki
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Takumi Mikawa
- Geriatric Unit, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kondoh
- Geriatric Unit, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Nakano
- Department of Biochemistry, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo 143-8540, Japan
| | - Kenta Sumiyama
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Department of Animal Sciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan; RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Laboratory for Mouse Genetic Engineering, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Go Nagamatsu
- Center for Advanced Assisted Reproductive Technologies, University of Yamanashi, Kofu 400-8501, Japan
| | - Nobuhito Goda
- Department of Life Sciences and Medical BioScience, Waseda University School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Okamoto
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ayako Nakamura-Ishizu
- Department of Microscopic and Developmental Anatomy, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
| | - Kazuya Shimoda
- Division of Hematology, Diabetes, and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Makoto Suematsu
- Department of Biochemistry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Live Imaging Center, Central Institute for Experimental Medicine and Life Science, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Toshio Suda
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore; International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Keiyo Takubo
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan; Department of Cell Fate Biology and Stem Cell Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
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3
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Shirafkan F, Hensel L, Rattay K. Immune tolerance and the prevention of autoimmune diseases essentially depend on thymic tissue homeostasis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1339714. [PMID: 38571951 PMCID: PMC10987875 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1339714] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The intricate balance of immune reactions towards invading pathogens and immune tolerance towards self is pivotal in preventing autoimmune diseases, with the thymus playing a central role in establishing and maintaining this equilibrium. The induction of central immune tolerance in the thymus involves the elimination of self-reactive T cells, a mechanism essential for averting autoimmunity. Disruption of the thymic T cell selection mechanisms can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases. In the dynamic microenvironment of the thymus, T cell migration and interactions with thymic stromal cells are critical for the selection processes that ensure self-tolerance. Thymic epithelial cells are particularly significant in this context, presenting self-antigens and inducing the negative selection of autoreactive T cells. Further, the synergistic roles of thymic fibroblasts, B cells, and dendritic cells in antigen presentation, selection and the development of regulatory T cells are pivotal in maintaining immune responses tightly regulated. This review article collates these insights, offering a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted role of thymic tissue homeostasis in the establishment of immune tolerance and its implications in the prevention of autoimmune diseases. Additionally, the developmental pathways of the thymus are explored, highlighting how genetic aberrations can disrupt thymic architecture and function, leading to autoimmune conditions. The impact of infections on immune tolerance is another critical area, with pathogens potentially triggering autoimmunity by altering thymic homeostasis. Overall, this review underscores the integral role of thymic tissue homeostasis in the prevention of autoimmune diseases, discussing insights into potential therapeutic strategies and examining putative avenues for future research on developing thymic-based therapies in treating and preventing autoimmune conditions.
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4
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Matsuoka S, Facchini R, Luis TC, Carrelha J, Woll PS, Mizukami T, Wu B, Boukarabila H, Buono M, Norfo R, Arai F, Suda T, Mead AJ, Nerlov C, Jacobsen SEW. Loss of endothelial membrane KIT ligand affects systemic KIT ligand levels but not bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells. Blood 2023; 142:1622-1632. [PMID: 37562000 PMCID: PMC10733828 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022019018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A critical regulatory role of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) vascular niches in the bone marrow has been implicated to occur through endothelial niche cell expression of KIT ligand. However, endothelial-derived KIT ligand is expressed in both a soluble and membrane-bound form and not unique to bone marrow niches, and it is also systemically distributed through the circulatory system. Here, we confirm that upon deletion of both the soluble and membrane-bound forms of endothelial-derived KIT ligand, HSCs are reduced in mouse bone marrow. However, the deletion of endothelial-derived KIT ligand was also accompanied by reduced soluble KIT ligand levels in the blood, precluding any conclusion as to whether the reduction in HSC numbers reflects reduced endothelial expression of KIT ligand within HSC niches, elsewhere in the bone marrow, and/or systemic soluble KIT ligand produced by endothelial cells outside of the bone marrow. Notably, endothelial deletion, specifically of the membrane-bound form of KIT ligand, also reduced systemic levels of soluble KIT ligand, although with no effect on stem cell numbers, implicating an HSC regulatory role primarily of soluble rather than membrane KIT ligand expression in endothelial cells. In support of a role of systemic rather than local niche expression of soluble KIT ligand, HSCs were unaffected in KIT ligand deleted bones implanted into mice with normal systemic levels of soluble KIT ligand. Our findings highlight the need for more specific tools to unravel niche-specific roles of regulatory cues expressed in hematopoietic niche cells in the bone marrow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahoko Matsuoka
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Raffaella Facchini
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tiago C. Luis
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joana Carrelha
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Petter S. Woll
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Takuo Mizukami
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Bishan Wu
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hanane Boukarabila
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mario Buono
- Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ruggiero Norfo
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Fumio Arai
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshio Suda
- Cancer Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Adam J. Mead
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Claus Nerlov
- Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sten Eirik W. Jacobsen
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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5
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Zhang S, Pinho S. Untangling the role of KIT ligand in HSC regulation. Blood 2023; 142:1581-1582. [PMID: 37944183 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023022013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
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6
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Peixoto MM, Soares-da-Silva F, Bonnet V, Ronteix G, Santos RF, Mailhe MP, Feng X, Pereira JP, Azzoni E, Anselmi G, de Bruijn M, Baroud CN, Pinto-do-Ó P, Cumano A. Spatiotemporal dynamics of cytokines expression dictate fetal liver hematopoiesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.24.554612. [PMID: 37662317 PMCID: PMC10473721 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.24.554612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
During embryogenesis, yolk-sac and intra-embryonic-derived hematopoietic progenitors, comprising the precursors of adult hematopoietic stem cells, converge into the fetal liver. With a new staining strategy, we defined all non-hematopoietic components of the fetal liver and found that hepatoblasts are the major producers of hematopoietic growth factors. We identified mesothelial cells, a novel component of the stromal compartment, producing Kit ligand, a major hematopoietic cytokine. A high-definition imaging dataset analyzed using a deep-learning based pipeline allowed the unambiguous identification of hematopoietic and stromal populations, and enabled determining a neighboring network composition, at the single cell resolution. Throughout active hematopoiesis, progenitors preferentially associate with hepatoblasts, but not with stellate or endothelial cells. We found that, unlike yolk sac-derived progenitors, intra-embryonic progenitors respond to a chemokine gradient created by CXCL12-producing stellate cells. These results revealed that FL hematopoiesis is a spatiotemporal dynamic process, defined by an environment characterized by low cytokine concentrations.
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Srinivasan J, Vasudev A, Shasha C, Selden HJ, Perez E, LaFleur B, Sinari SA, Krueger A, Richie ER, Ehrlich LIR. The initial age-associated decline in early T-cell progenitors reflects fewer pre-thymic progenitors and altered signals in the bone marrow and thymus microenvironments. Aging Cell 2023; 22:e13870. [PMID: 37221658 PMCID: PMC10410006 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related thymus involution results in decreased T-cell production, contributing to increased susceptibility to pathogens and reduced vaccine responsiveness. Elucidating mechanisms underlying thymus involution will inform strategies to restore thymopoiesis with age. The thymus is colonized by circulating bone marrow (BM)-derived thymus seeding progenitors (TSPs) that differentiate into early T-cell progenitors (ETPs). We find that ETP cellularity declines as early as 3 months (3MO) of age in mice. This initial ETP reduction could reflect changes in thymic stromal niches and/or pre-thymic progenitors. Using a multicongenic progenitor transfer approach, we demonstrate that the number of functional TSP/ETP niches does not diminish with age. Instead, the number of pre-thymic lymphoid progenitors in the BM and blood is substantially reduced by 3MO, although their intrinsic ability to seed and differentiate in the thymus is maintained. Additionally, Notch signaling in BM lymphoid progenitors and in ETPs diminishes by 3MO, suggesting reduced niche quality in the BM and thymus contribute to the early decline in ETPs. Together, these findings indicate that diminished BM lymphopoiesis and thymic stromal support contribute to an initial reduction in ETPs in young adulthood, setting the stage for progressive age-associated thymus involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayashree Srinivasan
- Department of Molecular BiosciencesThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUnited States
| | - Anusha Vasudev
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular CarcinogenesisThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUnited States
| | - Carolyn Shasha
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUnited States
| | - Hilary J. Selden
- Department of Molecular BiosciencesThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUnited States
| | - Encarnacion Perez
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular CarcinogenesisThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUnited States
| | - Bonnie LaFleur
- Center for Biomedical Informatics and StatisticsThe University of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUnited States
| | - Shripad A. Sinari
- Center for Biomedical Informatics and StatisticsThe University of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUnited States
| | - Andreas Krueger
- Molecular ImmunologyJustus‐Liebig‐University GiessenGiessenGermany
| | - Ellen R. Richie
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular CarcinogenesisThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUnited States
| | - Lauren I. R. Ehrlich
- Department of Molecular BiosciencesThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUnited States
- Department of OncologyLivestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUnited States
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Reis MDDS, Veneziani LP, Porto FL, Lins MP, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Savino W. Intrathymic somatotropic circuitry: consequences upon thymus involution. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1108630. [PMID: 37426675 PMCID: PMC10323194 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1108630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) is a classic pituitary-derived hormone crucial to body growth and metabolism. In the pituitary gland, GH production is stimulated by GH-releasing hormone and inhibited by somatostatin. GH secretion can also be induced by other peptides, such as ghrelin, which interacts with receptors present in somatotropic cells. It is well established that GH acts directly on target cells or indirectly by stimulating the production of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), particularly IGF-1. Notably, such somatotropic circuitry is also involved in the development and function of immune cells and organs, including the thymus. Interestingly, GH, IGF-1, ghrelin, and somatostatin are expressed in the thymus in the lymphoid and microenvironmental compartments, where they stimulate the secretion of soluble factors and extracellular matrix molecules involved in the general process of intrathymic T-cell development. Clinical trials in which GH was used to treat immunocompromised patients successfully recovered thymic function. Additionally, there is evidence that the reduction in the function of the somatotropic axis is associated with age-related thymus atrophy. Treatment with GH, IGF-1 or ghrelin can restore thymopoiesis of old animals, thus in keeping with a clinical study showing that treatment with GH, associated with metformin and dehydroepiandrosterone, could induce thymus regeneration in healthy aged individuals. In conclusion, the molecules of the somatotrophic axis can be envisioned as potential therapeutic targets for thymus regeneration in age-related or pathological thymus involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Danielma dos Santos Reis
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana Peixoto Veneziani
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Felipe Lima Porto
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marvin Paulo Lins
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wilson Savino
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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9
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Kaltenbach L, Martzloff P, Bambach SK, Aizarani N, Mihlan M, Gavrilov A, Glaser KM, Stecher M, Thünauer R, Thiriot A, Heger K, Kierdorf K, Wienert S, von Andrian UH, Schmidt-Supprian M, Nerlov C, Klauschen F, Roers A, Bajénoff M, Grün D, Lämmermann T. Slow integrin-dependent migration organizes networks of tissue-resident mast cells. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:915-924. [PMID: 37081147 PMCID: PMC10232366 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01493-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Immune cell locomotion is associated with amoeboid migration, a flexible mode of movement, which depends on rapid cycles of actin polymerization and actomyosin contraction1. Many immune cells do not necessarily require integrins, the major family of adhesion receptors in mammals, to move productively through three-dimensional tissue spaces2,3. Instead, they can use alternative strategies to transmit their actin-driven forces to the substrate, explaining their migratory adaptation to changing external environments4-6. However, whether these generalized concepts apply to all immune cells is unclear. Here, we show that the movement of mast cells (immune cells with important roles during allergy and anaphylaxis) differs fundamentally from the widely applied paradigm of interstitial immune cell migration. We identify a crucial role for integrin-dependent adhesion in controlling mast cell movement and localization to anatomical niches rich in KIT ligand, the major mast cell growth and survival factor. Our findings show that substrate-dependent haptokinesis is an important mechanism for the tissue organization of resident immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Kaltenbach
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Immunobiology, Epigenetics and Metabolism (IMPRS-IEM), Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Paloma Martzloff
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Immunobiology, Epigenetics and Metabolism (IMPRS-IEM), Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sarah K Bambach
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Immunobiology, Epigenetics and Metabolism (IMPRS-IEM), Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nadim Aizarani
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Mihlan
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alina Gavrilov
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina M Glaser
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Immunobiology, Epigenetics and Metabolism (IMPRS-IEM), Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Manuel Stecher
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Immunobiology, Epigenetics and Metabolism (IMPRS-IEM), Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roland Thünauer
- Advanced Light and Fluorescence Microscopy Facility, Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) and University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Aude Thiriot
- Department of Immunology and HMS Center for Immune Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Klaus Heger
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Katrin Kierdorf
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS-Center for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Wienert
- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Pathology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich H von Andrian
- Department of Immunology and HMS Center for Immune Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Marc Schmidt-Supprian
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claus Nerlov
- MRC Molecular Hematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Frederick Klauschen
- Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
- Berlin Institute for the Foundation of Learning and Data (BIFOLD) and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Axel Roers
- Institute for Immunology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marc Bajénoff
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Dominic Grün
- Würzburg Institute of Systems Immunology, Max Planck Research Group at the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-Based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tim Lämmermann
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany.
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10
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Kara N, Xue Y, Zhao Z, Murphy MM, Comazzetto S, Lesser A, Du L, Morrison SJ. Endothelial and Leptin Receptor + cells promote the maintenance of stem cells and hematopoiesis in early postnatal murine bone marrow. Dev Cell 2023; 58:348-360.e6. [PMID: 36868235 PMCID: PMC10035381 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) colonize the bone marrow during late fetal development, and this becomes the major site of hematopoiesis after birth. However, little is known about the early postnatal bone marrow niche. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing of mouse bone marrow stromal cells at 4 days, 14 days, and 8 weeks after birth. Leptin-receptor-expressing (LepR+) stromal cells and endothelial cells increased in frequency during this period and changed their properties. At all postnatal stages, LepR+ cells and endothelial cells expressed the highest stem cell factor (Scf) levels in the bone marrow. LepR+ cells expressed the highest Cxcl12 levels. In early postnatal bone marrow, SCF from LepR+/Prx1+ stromal cells promoted myeloid and erythroid progenitor maintenance, while SCF from endothelial cells promoted HSC maintenance. Membrane-bound SCF in endothelial cells contributed to HSC maintenance. LepR+ cells and endothelial cells are thus important niche components in early postnatal bone marrow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nergis Kara
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Xue
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Zhiyu Zhao
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Malea M Murphy
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Stefano Comazzetto
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ashley Lesser
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Liming Du
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sean J Morrison
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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11
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Rouse P, Henderson T, Venkateswaran S, Sweetman J, Duffy C, Bradley M, Blackburn CC. An induced thymic epithelial cell-based high throughput screen for thymus extracellular matrix mimetics. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2249934. [PMID: 36645212 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202249934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are key effectors of the thymic stroma and are critically required for T-cell development. TECs comprise a diverse set of related but functionally distinct cell types that are scarce and difficult to isolate and handle. This has precluded TEC-based screening assays. We previously described induced thymic epithelial cells (iTECs), an artificial cell type produced in vitro by direct reprogramming, raising the possibility that iTECs might provide the basis for functional screens related to TEC biology. Here, we present an iTEC-based three-stage medium/high-throughput in vitro assay for synthetic polymer mimics of thymic extracellular matrix (ECM). Using this assay, we identified, from a complex library, four polymers that bind iTEC as well as or better than gelatin but do not bind mesenchymal cells. We show that these four polymers also bind and maintain native mouse fetal TECs and native human fetal TECs. Finally, we show that the selected polymers do not interfere with iTEC function or T-cell development. Collectively, our data establish that iTECs can be used to screen for TEC-relevant compounds in at least some medium/high-throughput assays and identify synthetic polymer ECM mimics that can replace gelatin or ECM components in TEC culture protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Rouse
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Stem Cell Research, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Timothy Henderson
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Stem Cell Research, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
- Australian National University Medical School, The Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT 2605, Australia
| | | | - Joanna Sweetman
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Stem Cell Research, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Cairnan Duffy
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL, UK
| | - Mark Bradley
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL, UK
| | - C Clare Blackburn
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Stem Cell Research, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
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12
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Shin B, Rothenberg EV. Multi-modular structure of the gene regulatory network for specification and commitment of murine T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1108368. [PMID: 36817475 PMCID: PMC9928580 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1108368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells develop from multipotent progenitors by a gradual process dependent on intrathymic Notch signaling and coupled with extensive proliferation. The stages leading them to T-cell lineage commitment are well characterized by single-cell and bulk RNA analyses of sorted populations and by direct measurements of precursor-product relationships. This process depends not only on Notch signaling but also on multiple transcription factors, some associated with stemness and multipotency, some with alternative lineages, and others associated with T-cell fate. These factors interact in opposing or semi-independent T cell gene regulatory network (GRN) subcircuits that are increasingly well defined. A newly comprehensive picture of this network has emerged. Importantly, because key factors in the GRN can bind to markedly different genomic sites at one stage than they do at other stages, the genes they significantly regulate are also stage-specific. Global transcriptome analyses of perturbations have revealed an underlying modular structure to the T-cell commitment GRN, separating decisions to lose "stem-ness" from decisions to block alternative fates. Finally, the updated network sheds light on the intimate relationship between the T-cell program, which depends on the thymus, and the innate lymphoid cell (ILC) program, which does not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyoung Shin
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Ellen V. Rothenberg
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
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13
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Morales-Sanchez A, Shissler SC, Cowan JE, Bhandoola A. Revelations in Thymic Epithelial Cell Biology and Heterogeneity from Single-Cell RNA Sequencing and Lineage Tracing Methodologies. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2580:25-49. [PMID: 36374449 PMCID: PMC10802793 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2740-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) make up the thymic microenvironments that support the generation of a functionally competent and self-tolerant T-cell repertoire. Cortical (c)TECs, present in the cortex, are essential for early thymocyte development including selection of thymocytes expressing functional TCRs (positive selection). Medullary (m)TECs, located in the medulla, play a key role in late thymocyte development, including depletion of self-reactive T cells (negative selection) and selection of regulatory T cells. In recent years, transcriptomic analysis by single-cell (sc)RNA sequencing (Seq) has revealed TEC heterogeneity previously masked by population-level RNA-Seq or phenotypic studies. We summarize the discoveries made possible by scRNA-Seq, including the identification of novel mTEC subsets, advances in understanding mTEC promiscuous gene expression, and TEC alterations from embryonic to adult stages. Whereas pseudotime analyses of scRNA-Seq data can suggest relationships between TEC subsets, experimental methods such as lineage tracing and reaggregate thymic organ culture (RTOC) are required to test these hypotheses. Lineage tracing - namely, of β5t or Aire expressing cells - has exposed progenitor and parent-daughter cellular relationships within TEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Morales-Sanchez
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Children's Hospital of Mexico Federico Gomez, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Susannah C Shissler
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer E Cowan
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Avinash Bhandoola
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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14
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Sánchez‐Lanzas R, Kalampalika F, Ganuza M. Diversity in the bone marrow niche: Classic and novel strategies to uncover niche composition. Br J Haematol 2022; 199:647-664. [PMID: 35837798 PMCID: PMC9796334 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.18355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Our view on the role and composition of the bone marrow (BM) has dramatically changed over time from a simple nutrient for the bone to a highly complex multicellular tissue that sustains haematopoiesis. Among these cells, multipotent haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are predominantly quiescent, possess unique self-renewal capacity and multilineage differentiation potential and replenish all blood lineages to maintain lifelong haematopoiesis. Adult HSCs reside in specialised BM niches, which support their functions. Much effort has been put into deciphering HSC niches due to their potential clinical relevance. Multiple cell types have been implicated as HSC-niche components including sinusoidal endothelium, perivascular stromal cells, macrophages, megakaryocytes, osteoblasts and sympathetic nerves. In this review we provide a historical perspective on how technical advances, from genetic mouse models to imaging and high-throughput sequencing techniques, are unveiling the plethora of molecular cues and cellular components that shape the niche and regulate HSC functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Sánchez‐Lanzas
- Centre for Haemato‐Oncology, Barts Cancer InstituteQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Foteini Kalampalika
- Centre for Haemato‐Oncology, Barts Cancer InstituteQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Miguel Ganuza
- Centre for Haemato‐Oncology, Barts Cancer InstituteQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
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15
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Zhang M, Lin X, Yang Z, Li X, Zhou Z, Love PE, Huang J, Zhao B. Metabolic regulation of T cell development. Front Immunol 2022; 13:946119. [PMID: 35958585 PMCID: PMC9357944 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.946119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell development in the thymus is tightly controlled by complex regulatory mechanisms at multiple checkpoints. Currently, many studies have focused on the transcriptional and posttranslational control of the intrathymic journey of T-cell precursors. However, over the last few years, compelling evidence has highlighted cell metabolism as a critical regulator in this process. Different thymocyte subsets are directed by distinct metabolic pathways and signaling networks to match the specific functional requirements of the stage. Here, we epitomize these metabolic alterations during the development of a T cell and review several recent works that provide insights into equilibrating metabolic quiescence and activation programs. Ultimately, understanding the interplay between cellular metabolism and T cell developmental programs may offer an opportunity to selectively regulate T cell subset functions and to provide potential novel therapeutic approaches to modulate autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoxi Lin
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhou Yang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xia Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiguang Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Paul E. Love
- Section on Hematopoiesis and Lymphocyte Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Zhao, ; ; Jiaqi Huang, ;;
| | - Bin Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Zhao, ; ; Jiaqi Huang, ;;
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16
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Gao H, Cao M, Deng K, Yang Y, Song J, Ni M, Xie C, Fan W, Ou C, Huang D, Lin L, Liu L, Li Y, Sun H, Cheng X, Wu J, Xia C, Deng X, Mou L, Chen P. The Lineage Differentiation and Dynamic Heterogeneity of Thymic Epithelial Cells During Thymus Organogenesis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:805451. [PMID: 35273595 PMCID: PMC8901506 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.805451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although much progress has been made recently in revealing the heterogeneity of the thymic stromal components, the molecular programs of cell lineage divergency and temporal dynamics of thymic epithelial cell (TEC) development are largely elusive. Here, we constructed a single-cell transcriptional landscape of non-hematopoietic cells from mouse thymus spanning embryonic to adult stages, producing transcriptomes of 30,959 TECs. We resolved the transcriptional heterogeneity of developing TECs and highlighted the molecular nature of early TEC lineage determination and cortico-medullary thymic epithelial cell lineage divergency. We further characterized the differentiation dynamics of TECs by clarification of molecularly distinct cell states in the thymus developing trajectory. We also identified a population of Bpifa1+ Plet1+ mTECs that was preserved during thymus organogenesis and highly expressed tissue-resident adult stem cell markers. Finally, we highlighted the expression of Aire-dependent tissue-restricted antigens mainly in Aire+ Csn2+ mTECs and Spink5+ Dmkn+ mTECs in postnatal thymus. Overall, our data provided a comprehensive characterization of cell lineage differentiation, maturation, and temporal dynamics of thymic epithelial cells during thymus organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanchao Gao
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mengtao Cao
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kai Deng
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinqi Song
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ming Ni
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chuntao Xie
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenna Fan
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunpei Ou
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dinggen Huang
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lizhong Lin
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lixia Liu
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yangyang Li
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huimin Sun
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinyu Cheng
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinmei Wu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cuilan Xia
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuefeng Deng
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lisha Mou
- Shenzhen Xenotransplantation Medical Engineering Research and Development Center, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pengfei Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
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17
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Abstract
A high diversity of αβ T cell receptors (TCRs), capable of recognizing virtually any pathogen but also self-antigens, is generated during T cell development in the thymus. Nevertheless, a strict developmental program supports the selection of a self-tolerant T cell repertoire capable of responding to foreign antigens. The steps of T cell selection are controlled by cortical and medullary stromal niches, mainly composed of thymic epithelial cells and dendritic cells. The integration of important cues provided by these specialized niches, including (a) the TCR signal strength induced by the recognition of self-peptide-MHC complexes, (b) costimulatory signals, and (c) cytokine signals, critically controls T cell repertoire selection. This review discusses our current understanding of the signals that coordinate positive selection, negative selection, and agonist selection of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. It also highlights recent advances that have unraveled the functional diversity of thymic antigen-presenting cell subsets implicated in T cell selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Irla
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), CNRS, INSERM, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France;
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18
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Mann Z, Sengar M, Verma YK, Rajalingam R, Raghav PK. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Factors: Their Functional Role in Self-Renewal and Clinical Aspects. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:664261. [PMID: 35399522 PMCID: PMC8987924 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.664261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) possess two important properties such as self-renewal and differentiation. These properties of HSCs are maintained through hematopoiesis. This process gives rise to two subpopulations, long-term and short-term HSCs, which have become a popular convention for treating various hematological disorders. The clinical application of HSCs is bone marrow transplant in patients with aplastic anemia, congenital neutropenia, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, or replacement of damaged bone marrow in case of chemotherapy. The self-renewal attribute of HSCs ensures long-term hematopoiesis post-transplantation. However, HSCs need to be infused in large numbers to reach their target site and meet the demands since they lose their self-renewal capacity after a few passages. Therefore, a more in-depth understanding of ex vivo HSCs expansion needs to be developed to delineate ways to enhance the self-renewability of isolated HSCs. The multifaceted self-renewal process is regulated by factors, including transcription factors, miRNAs, and the bone marrow niche. A developed classical hierarchical model that outlines the hematopoiesis in a lineage-specific manner through in vivo fate mapping, barcoding, and determination of self-renewal regulatory factors are still to be explored in more detail. Thus, an in-depth study of the self-renewal property of HSCs is essentially required to be utilized for ex vivo expansion. This review primarily focuses on the Hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal pathway and evaluates the regulatory molecular factors involved in considering a targeted clinical approach in numerous malignancies and outlining gaps in the current knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoya Mann
- Independent Researcher, New Delhi, India
| | - Manisha Sengar
- Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Yogesh Kumar Verma
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Research Group, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi, India
| | - Raja Rajalingam
- Immunogenetics and Transplantation Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Pawan Kumar Raghav
- Immunogenetics and Transplantation Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Pawan Kumar Raghav, ,
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19
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Cell-Extrinsic Differentiation Block Mediated by EphA3 in Pre-Leukaemic Thymus Contributes to Disease Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153858. [PMID: 34359759 PMCID: PMC8345401 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153858] [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: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The NUP98-HOXD13 (NHD13) mouse is a model of T-cell leukaemia (T-ALL) featuring a pre-leukemic phase, in which T-cell progenitors from the thymus of an NHD13 mouse can engraft into the thymus of a recipient mouse—an ability that normal T-cell progenitors do not possess. However, loss of this engraftment ability (by deletion of the Lyl1 gene) did not result in any loss of leukemogenesis activity, indicating the activity of redundant oncogenic pathways in this model. Having observed an overexpression of the EphA3 protein in the NHD13 thymocytes, we hypothesized that this gene might be involved in a redundant leukaemogenic pathway. Deletion of EphA3 did not affect the engraftment ability of the thymocytes, but did reduce the incidence of T-ALL. We thus uncovered a distinct mechanism of leukaemogenesis, which we believe operates in parallel to that mediated by Lyl1. Abstract We recently characterised the NUP98-HOXD13 (NHD13) mouse as a model of T-cell pre-leukaemia, featuring thymocytes that can engraft in recipient animals and progress to T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL). However, loss of this engraftment ability by deletion of Lyl1 did not result in any loss of leukemogenesis activity. In the present study, we observe that NHD13 thymocytes overexpress EPHA3, and we characterise thymocyte behaviour in NHD13 mice with deletion of EphA3, which show a markedly reduced incidence of T-ALL. Deletion of EphA3 from the NHD13 mice does not prevent the abnormal accumulation or transplantation ability of these thymocytes. However, upon transplantation, these cells are unable to block the normal progression of recipient wild type (WT) progenitor cells through the normal developmental pathway. This is in contrast to the EphA3+/+ NHD13 thymocytes, which block the progression of incoming WT progenitors past the DN1 stage. Therefore, EphA3 is not critical for classical self-renewal, but is essential for mediating an interaction between the abnormally self-renewing cells and healthy progenitors—an interaction that results in a failure of the healthy cells to differentiate normally. We speculate that this may orchestrate a loss of healthy cell competition, which in itself has been demonstrated to be oncogenic, and that this may explain the decrease in T-ALL incidence in the absence of EphA3. We suggest that pre-leukaemic self-renewal in this model is a complex interplay of cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors, and that multiple redundant pathways to leukaemogenesis are active.
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20
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Nitta T, Ota A, Iguchi T, Muro R, Takayanagi H. The fibroblast: An emerging key player in thymic T cell selection. Immunol Rev 2021; 302:68-85. [PMID: 34096078 PMCID: PMC8362222 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts have recently attracted attention as a key stromal component that controls the immune responses in lymphoid tissues. The thymus has a unique microenvironment comprised of a variety of stromal cells, including fibroblasts and thymic epithelial cells (TECs), the latter of which is known to be important for T cell development because of their ability to express self‐antigens. Thymic fibroblasts contribute to thymus organogenesis during embryogenesis and form the capsule and medullary reticular network in the adult thymus. However, the immunological significance of thymic fibroblasts has thus far only been poorly elucidated. In this review, we will summarize the current views on the development and functions of thymic fibroblasts as revealed by new technologies such as multicolor flow cytometry and single cell–based transcriptome profiling. Furthermore, the recently discovered role of medullary fibroblasts in the establishment of T cell tolerance by producing a unique set of self‐antigens will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Nitta
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayami Ota
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Iguchi
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryunosuke Muro
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takayanagi
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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21
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Han J, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. A 2020 View of Thymus Stromal Cells in T Cell Development. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 206:249-256. [PMID: 33397738 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is an intricate primary lymphoid organ, wherein bone marrow-derived lymphoid progenitor cells are induced to develop into functionally competent T cells that express a diverse TCR repertoire, which is selected to allow for the recognition of foreign Ags while avoiding self-reactivity or autoimmunity. Thymus stromal cells, which can include all non-T lineage cells, such as thymic epithelial cells, endothelial cells, mesenchymal/fibroblast cells, dendritic cells, and B cells, provide signals that are essential for thymocyte development as well as for the homeostasis of the thymic stroma itself. In this brief review, we focus on the key roles played by thymic stromal cells during early stages of T cell development, such as promoting the homing of thymic-seeding progenitors, inducing T lineage differentiation, and supporting thymocyte survival and proliferation. We also discuss recent advances on the transcriptional regulation that govern thymic epithelial cell function as well as the cellular and molecular changes that are associated with thymic involution and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxun Han
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada; and
| | - Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada; and.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
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22
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Romero-Wolf M, Shin B, Zhou W, Koizumi M, Rothenberg EV, Hosokawa H. Notch2 complements Notch1 to mediate inductive signaling that initiates early T cell development. J Cell Biol 2021; 219:152003. [PMID: 32756905 PMCID: PMC7659720 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202005093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling is the dominant intercellular signaling input during the earliest stages of T cell development in the thymus. Although Notch1 is known to be indispensable, we show that it does not mediate all Notch signaling in precommitment stages: Notch2 initially works in parallel to promote early murine T cell development and antagonize other fates. Notch-regulated target genes before and after T lineage commitment change dynamically, and we show that this partially reflects shifts in genome-wide DNA binding by RBPJ, the transcription factor activated by complex formation with the Notch intracellular domain. Although Notch signaling and transcription factor PU.1 can activate some common targets in precommitment T progenitors, Notch signaling and PU.1 activity have functionally antagonistic effects on multiple targets, delineating separation of pro-T cells from alternative PU.1-dependent fates. These results define a distinct mechanism of Notch signal response that distinguishes the initial stages of murine T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maile Romero-Wolf
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA
| | - Boyoung Shin
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA
| | - Wen Zhou
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA
| | - Maria Koizumi
- Department of Immunology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ellen V Rothenberg
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA
| | - Hiroyuki Hosokawa
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA.,Department of Immunology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
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23
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Hosokawa H, Rothenberg EV. How transcription factors drive choice of the T cell fate. Nat Rev Immunol 2021; 21:162-176. [PMID: 32918063 PMCID: PMC7933071 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-020-00426-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence has elucidated how multipotent blood progenitors transform their identities in the thymus and undergo commitment to become T cells. Together with environmental signals, a core group of transcription factors have essential roles in this process by directly activating and repressing specific genes. Many of these transcription factors also function in later T cell development, but control different genes. Here, we review how these transcription factors work to change the activities of specific genomic loci during early intrathymic development to establish T cell lineage identity. We introduce the key regulators and highlight newly emergent insights into the rules that govern their actions. Whole-genome deep sequencing-based analysis has revealed unexpectedly rich relationships between inherited epigenetic states, transcription factor-DNA binding affinity thresholds and influences of given transcription factors on the activities of other factors in the same cells. Together, these mechanisms determine T cell identity and make the lineage choice irreversible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Hosokawa
- Department of Immunology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Ellen V Rothenberg
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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24
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James KD, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Non-Epithelial Stromal Cells in Thymus Development and Function. Front Immunol 2021; 12:634367. [PMID: 33717173 PMCID: PMC7946857 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.634367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus supports T-cell development via specialized microenvironments that ensure a diverse, functional and self-tolerant T-cell population. These microenvironments are classically defined as distinct cortex and medulla regions that each contain specialized subsets of stromal cells. Extensive research on thymic epithelial cells (TEC) within the cortex and medulla has defined their essential roles during T-cell development. Significantly, there are additional non-epithelial stromal cells (NES) that exist alongside TEC within thymic microenvironments, including multiple subsets of mesenchymal and endothelial cells. In contrast to our current understanding of TEC biology, the developmental origins, lineage relationships, and functional properties, of NES remain poorly understood. However, experimental evidence suggests these cells are important for thymus function by either directly influencing T-cell development, or by indirectly regulating TEC development and/or function. Here, we focus attention on the contribution of NES to thymic microenvironments, including their phenotypic identification and functional classification, and explore their impact on thymus function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran D James
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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25
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Alawam AS, Anderson G, Lucas B. Generation and Regeneration of Thymic Epithelial Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 11:858. [PMID: 32457758 PMCID: PMC7221188 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus is unique in its ability to support the maturation of phenotypically and functionally distinct T cell sub-lineages. Through its combined production of MHC-restricted conventional CD4+ and CD8+, and Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, as well as non-conventional CD1d-restricted iNKT cells and invariant γδT cells, the thymus represents an important orchestrator of immune system development and control. It is now clear that thymus function is largely determined by the availability of stromal microenvironments. These specialized areas emerge during thymus organogenesis and are maintained throughout life. They are formed from both epithelial and mesenchymal components, and collectively they support a stepwise program of thymocyte development. Of these stromal cells, cortical, and medullary thymic epithelial cells represent functional components of thymic microenvironments in both the cortex and medulla. Importantly, a key feature of thymus function is that levels of T cell production are not constant throughout life. Here, multiple physiological factors including aging, stress and pregnancy can have either short- or long-term detrimental impact on rates of thymus function. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the development and function of thymic epithelial cells, and relate this to strategies to protect and/or restore thymic epithelial cell function for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah S Alawam
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Beth Lucas
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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26
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Dumont-Lagacé M, Daouda T, Depoërs L, Zumer J, Benslimane Y, Brochu S, Harrington L, Lemieux S, Perreault C. Qualitative Changes in Cortical Thymic Epithelial Cells Drive Postpartum Thymic Regeneration. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3118. [PMID: 32010151 PMCID: PMC6974522 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03118] [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: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
During gestation, sex hormones cause a significant thymic involution which enhances fertility. This thymic involution is rapidly corrected following parturition. As thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are responsible for the regulation of thymopoiesis, we analyzed the sequential phenotypic and transcriptomic changes in TECs during the postpartum period in order to identify mechanisms triggering postpartum thymic regeneration. In particular, we performed flow cytometry analyses and deep RNA-sequencing on purified TEC subsets at several time points before and after parturition. We report that pregnancy-induced involution is not caused by loss of TECs since their number does not change during or after pregnancy. However, during pregnancy, we observed a significant depletion of all thymocyte subsets downstream of the double-negative 1 (DN1) differentiation stage. Variations in thymocyte numbers correlated with conspicuous changes in the transcriptome of cortical TECs (cTECs). The transcriptomic changes affected predominantly cTEC expression of Foxn1, its targets and several genes that are essential for thymopoiesis. By contrast, medullary TECs (mTECs) showed very little transcriptomic changes in the early postpartum regenerative phase, but seemed to respond to the expansion of single-positive (SP) thymocytes in the late phase of regeneration. Together, these results show that postpartum thymic regeneration is orchestrated by variations in expression of a well-defined subset of cTEC genes, that occur very early after parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maude Dumont-Lagacé
- Immunobiology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Tariq Daouda
- Immunobiology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Functional and Structural Bioinformatics Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Lucyle Depoërs
- Immunobiology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jérémie Zumer
- Functional and Structural Bioinformatics Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Yahya Benslimane
- Telomere Length Homeostasis and Genomic Instability Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Brochu
- Immunobiology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Lea Harrington
- Telomere Length Homeostasis and Genomic Instability Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sébastien Lemieux
- Functional and Structural Bioinformatics Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Claude Perreault
- Immunobiology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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27
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Logical modeling of cell fate specification—Application to T cell commitment. Curr Top Dev Biol 2020; 139:205-238. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2020.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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28
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Abstract
In this review, Rothenburg discusses the gene regulatory network and chromatin-based kinetic constraints that determine activities of transcription factors in the primary establishment of T-cell identity. T-cell development in mammals is a model for lineage choice and differentiation from multipotent stem cells. Although T-cell fate choice is promoted by signaling in the thymus through one dominant pathway, the Notch pathway, it entails a complex set of gene regulatory network and chromatin state changes even before the cells begin to express their signature feature, the clonal-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) for antigen. This review distinguishes three developmental modules for T-cell development, which correspond to cell type specification, TCR expression and selection, and the assignment of cells to different effector types. The first is based on transcriptional regulatory network events, the second is dominated by somatic gene rearrangement and mutation and cell selection, and the third corresponds to establishing a poised state of latent regulator priming through an unknown mechanism. Interestingly, in different lineages, the third module can be deployed at variable times relative to the completion of the first two modules. This review focuses on the gene regulatory network and chromatin-based kinetic constraints that determine activities of transcription factors TCF1, GATA3, PU.1, Bcl11b, Runx1, and E proteins in the primary establishment of T-cell identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen V Rothenberg
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA
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29
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Rothenberg EV, Hosokawa H, Ungerbäck J. Mechanisms of Action of Hematopoietic Transcription Factor PU.1 in Initiation of T-Cell Development. Front Immunol 2019; 10:228. [PMID: 30842770 PMCID: PMC6391351 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PU.1 is an ETS-family transcription factor that plays a broad range of roles in hematopoiesis. A direct regulator of myeloid, dendritic-cell, and B cell functional programs, and a well-known antagonist of terminal erythroid cell differentiation, it is also expressed in the earliest stages of T-cell development of each cohort of intrathymic pro-T cells. Its expression in this context appears to give T-cell precursors initial, transient access to myeloid and dendritic cell developmental competence and therefore to represent a source of antagonism or delay of T-cell lineage commitment. However, it has remained uncertain until recently why T-cell development is also intensely dependent upon PU.1. Here, we review recent work that sheds light on the molecular biology of PU.1 action across the genome in pro-T cells and identifies the genes that depend on PU.1 for their correct regulation. This work indicates modes of chromatin engagement, pioneering, and cofactor recruitment (“coregulator theft”) by PU.1 as well as gene network interactions that not only affect specific target genes but also have system-wide regulatory consequences, amplifying the impact of PU.1 beyond its own direct binding targets. The genes directly regulated by PU.1 also suggest a far-reaching transformation of cell biology and signaling potential between the early stages of T-cell development when PU.1 is expressed and when it is silenced. These cell-biological functions can be important to distinguish fetal from adult T-cell development and have the potential to illuminate aspects of thymic function that have so far remained the most mysterious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen V Rothenberg
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Hiroyuki Hosokawa
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Jonas Ungerbäck
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
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30
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Bi-directional signaling by membrane-bound KitL induces proliferation and coordinates thymic endothelial cell and thymocyte expansion. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4685. [PMID: 30410062 PMCID: PMC6224562 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07024-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The ligand for the c-Kit receptor, KitL, exists as a membrane-associated (mKitL) and a soluble form (sKitL). KitL functions outside c-Kit activation have not been identified. We show that co-culture of c-Kit– and mKitL–expressing NIH3T3 cells results in signaling through mKitL: c-Kit–bound mKitL recruits calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand (CAML) to selectively activate Akt, leading to CREB phosphorylation, mTOR pathway activation, and increased cell proliferation. Activation of mKitL in thymic vascular endothelial cells (VECs) induces mKitL- and Akt-dependent proliferation, and genetic ablation of mKitL in thymic VECs blocks their c-Kit responsiveness and proliferation during neonatal thymic expansion. Therefore, mKitL–c-Kit form a bi-directional signaling complex that acts in the developing thymus to coordinate thymic VEC and early thymic progenitor (ETP) expansion by simultaneously promoting ETP survival and VEC proliferation. This mechanism may be relevant to both normal tissues and malignant tumors that depend on KitL–c-Kit signaling for their proliferation. c-Kit receptor–Kit ligand complex signaling is known to activate c-Kit and is essential for tissue development. Here, Buono et al. show that membrane-bound KitL signaling induces proliferation via CAML-Akt-CREB pathway activation, establishing a role for bidirectional signaling in tissue expansion.
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31
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Azzoni E, Frontera V, McGrath KE, Harman J, Carrelha J, Nerlov C, Palis J, Jacobsen SEW, de Bruijn MF. Kit ligand has a critical role in mouse yolk sac and aorta-gonad-mesonephros hematopoiesis. EMBO Rep 2018; 19:e45477. [PMID: 30166337 PMCID: PMC6172468 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201745477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Few studies report on the in vivo requirement for hematopoietic niche factors in the mammalian embryo. Here, we comprehensively analyze the requirement for Kit ligand (Kitl) in the yolk sac and aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) niche. In-depth analysis of loss-of-function and transgenic reporter mouse models show that Kitl-deficient embryos harbor decreased numbers of yolk sac erythro-myeloid progenitor (EMP) cells, resulting from a proliferation defect following their initial emergence. This EMP defect causes a dramatic decrease in fetal liver erythroid cells prior to the onset of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-derived erythropoiesis, and a reduction in tissue-resident macrophages. Pre-HSCs in the AGM require Kitl for survival and maturation, but not proliferation. Although Kitl is expressed widely in all embryonic hematopoietic niches, conditional deletion in endothelial cells recapitulates germline loss-of-function phenotypes in AGM and yolk sac, with phenotypic HSCs but not EMPs remaining dependent on endothelial Kitl upon migration to the fetal liver. In conclusion, our data establish Kitl as a critical regulator in the in vivoAGM and yolk sac endothelial niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Azzoni
- MRC Molecular Hematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Vincent Frontera
- MRC Molecular Hematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kathleen E McGrath
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Pediatric Biomedical Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Joe Harman
- MRC Molecular Hematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joana Carrelha
- MRC Molecular Hematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Claus Nerlov
- MRC Molecular Hematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - James Palis
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Pediatric Biomedical Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Sten Eirik W Jacobsen
- MRC Molecular Hematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Wallenberg Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Department of Medicine, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marella Ftr de Bruijn
- MRC Molecular Hematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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32
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Niches for hematopoietic stem cells and immune cell progenitors. Int Immunol 2018; 31:5-11. [DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxy058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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33
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Neo WH, Booth CAG, Azzoni E, Chi L, Delgado-Olguín P, de Bruijn MF, Jacobsen SEW, Mead AJ. Cell-extrinsic hematopoietic impact of Ezh2 inactivation in fetal liver endothelial cells. Blood 2018; 131:2223-2234. [PMID: 29555646 PMCID: PMC5960588 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-10-811455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the well-established cell-intrinsic role of epigenetic factors in normal and malignant hematopoiesis, their cell-extrinsic role remains largely unexplored. Herein we investigated the hematopoietic impact of inactivating Ezh2, a key component of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), in the fetal liver (FL) vascular niche. Hematopoietic specific (Vav-iCre) Ezh2 inactivation enhanced FL hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) expansion with normal FL erythropoiesis. In contrast, endothelium (Tie2-Cre) targeted Ezh2 inactivation resulted in embryonic lethality with severe anemia at embryonic day 13.5 despite normal emergence of functional HSCs. Ezh2-deficient FL endothelium overexpressed Mmp9, which cell-extrinsically depleted the membrane-bound form of Kit ligand (mKitL), an essential hematopoietic cytokine, in FL. Furthermore, Mmp9 inhibition in vitro restored mKitL expression along with the erythropoiesis supporting capacity of FL endothelial cells. These data establish that Ezh2 is intrinsically dispensable for FL HSCs and provides proof of principle that modulation of epigenetic regulators in niche components can exert a marked cell-extrinsic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Hao Neo
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher A. G. Booth
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Emanuele Azzoni
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Lijun Chi
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Paul Delgado-Olguín
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Marella F.T.R. de Bruijn
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Sten Eirik W. Jacobsen
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, and Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Adam J. Mead
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
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34
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Hosokawa H, Rothenberg EV. Cytokines, Transcription Factors, and the Initiation of T-Cell Development. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2018; 10:cshperspect.a028621. [PMID: 28716889 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a028621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Multipotent blood progenitor cells migrate into the thymus and initiate the T-cell differentiation program. T-cell progenitor cells gradually acquire T-cell characteristics while shedding their multipotentiality for alternative fates. This process is supported by extracellular signaling molecules, including Notch ligands and cytokines, provided by the thymic microenvironment. T-cell development is associated with dynamic change of gene regulatory networks of transcription factors, which interact with these environmental signals. Together with Notch or pre-T-cell-receptor (TCR) signaling, cytokines always control proliferation, survival, and differentiation of early T cells, but little is known regarding their cross talk with transcription factors. However, recent results suggest ways that cytokines expressed in distinct intrathymic niches can specifically modulate key transcription factors. This review discusses how stage-specific roles of cytokines and transcription factors can jointly guide development of early T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Hosokawa
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125
| | - Ellen V Rothenberg
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125
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35
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Wertheimer T, Velardi E, Tsai J, Cooper K, Xiao S, Kloss CC, Ottmüller KJ, Mokhtari Z, Brede C, deRoos P, Kinsella S, Palikuqi B, Ginsberg M, Young LF, Kreines F, Lieberman SR, Lazrak A, Guo P, Malard F, Smith OM, Shono Y, Jenq RR, Hanash AM, Nolan DJ, Butler JM, Beilhack A, Manley NR, Rafii S, Dudakov JA, van den Brink MRM. Production of BMP4 by endothelial cells is crucial for endogenous thymic regeneration. Sci Immunol 2018; 3:eaal2736. [PMID: 29330161 PMCID: PMC5795617 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.aal2736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is not only extremely sensitive to damage but also has a remarkable ability to repair itself. However, the mechanisms underlying this endogenous regeneration remain poorly understood, and this capacity diminishes considerably with age. We show that thymic endothelial cells (ECs) comprise a critical pathway of regeneration via their production of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) ECs increased their production of BMP4 after thymic damage, and abrogating BMP4 signaling or production by either pharmacologic or genetic inhibition impaired thymic repair. EC-derived BMP4 acted on thymic epithelial cells (TECs) to increase their expression of Foxn1, a key transcription factor involved in TEC development, maintenance, and regeneration, and its downstream targets such as Dll4, a key mediator of thymocyte development and regeneration. These studies demonstrate the importance of the BMP4 pathway in endogenous tissue regeneration and offer a potential clinical approach to enhance T cell immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Wertheimer
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Freiburg University Medical Center, Albert-Ludwigs-University, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Enrico Velardi
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jennifer Tsai
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, and Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Kirsten Cooper
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, and Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Shiyun Xiao
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Christopher C Kloss
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Katja J Ottmüller
- Department of Medicine II, Würzburg University Hospital, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), and Graduate School of Life Sciences, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Zeinab Mokhtari
- Department of Medicine II, Würzburg University Hospital, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), and Graduate School of Life Sciences, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Brede
- Department of Medicine II, Würzburg University Hospital, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), and Graduate School of Life Sciences, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Paul deRoos
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, and Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Sinéad Kinsella
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, and Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Brisa Palikuqi
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | | | - Lauren F Young
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Fabiana Kreines
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sophia R Lieberman
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Amina Lazrak
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Peipei Guo
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Florent Malard
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Odette M Smith
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yusuke Shono
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Robert R Jenq
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Alan M Hanash
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Jason M Butler
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Andreas Beilhack
- Department of Medicine II, Würzburg University Hospital, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), and Graduate School of Life Sciences, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nancy R Manley
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jarrod A Dudakov
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, and Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Marcel R M van den Brink
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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36
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Krueger A. Thymus Colonization: Who, How, How Many? Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2017; 66:81-88. [PMID: 29288431 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-017-0503-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
De novo generation of T cells depends on continual colonization of the thymus by bone marrow-derived progenitors. Thymus seeding progenitors (TSPs) constitute a heterogeneous population comprising multipotent and lineage-restricted cell types. Entry into the thymic microenvironment is tightly controlled and recent quantitative studies have revealed that the adult murine thymus only contains approximately 160 niches to accommodate TSPs. Of these niches only about 6% are open for seeding on average at steady-state. Here, I review the state of understanding of colonization of the adult murine thymus with a particular focus on past and current controversies in the field. Improving thymus colonization and/or maintaining intact TSP niches during the course of pre-conditioning regimens are likely to be critical for efficient T-cell regeneration after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Krueger
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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37
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Lancaster JN, Li Y, Ehrlich LIR. Chemokine-Mediated Choreography of Thymocyte Development and Selection. Trends Immunol 2017; 39:86-98. [PMID: 29162323 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
As they differentiate, thymocytes encounter spatially restricted cues critical for differentiation and selection of a functional, self-tolerant T cell repertoire. Sequential migration of developing T cells through distinct thymic microenvironments is enforced by the ordered expression of chemokine receptors. Herein, we provide an updated perspective on T cell differentiation through the lens of recent advances that illuminate the dynamics of chemokine-driven thymocyte migration, localization, and interactions with stromal cells. We consider these findings in the context of earlier groundwork exploring the contribution of chemokines to T cell development, recent advances regarding the specificity of chemokine signaling, and novel techniques for evaluating the T cell repertoire. We suggest future research should amalgamate visualization of localized cellular interactions with downstream molecular signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N Lancaster
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Lauren I R Ehrlich
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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38
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) possess two fundamental characteristics, the capacity for self-renewal and the sustained production of all blood cell lineages. The fine balance between HSC expansion and lineage specification is dynamically regulated by the interplay between external and internal stimuli. This review introduces recent advances in the roles played by the stem cell niche, regulatory transcriptional networks, and metabolic pathways in governing HSC self-renewal, commitment, and lineage differentiation. We will further focus on discoveries made by studying hematopoiesis at single-cell resolution. RECENT FINDINGS HSCs require the support of an interactive milieu with their physical position within the perivascular niche dynamically regulating HSC behavior. In these microenvironments, transcription factor networks and nutrient-mediated regulation of energy resources, signaling pathways, and epigenetic status govern HSC quiescence and differentiation. Once HSCs begin their lineage specification, single-cell analyses show that they do not become oligopotent but rather, differentiate directly into committed unipotent progenitors. SUMMARY The diversity of transcriptional networks and metabolic pathways in HSCs and their downstream progeny allows a high level of plasticity in blood differentiation. The intricate interactions between these pathways, within the perivascular niche, broaden the specification of HSCs in pathological and stressed conditions.
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39
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Lucas B, White AJ, Parnell SM, Henley PM, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Progressive Changes in CXCR4 Expression That Define Thymocyte Positive Selection Are Dispensable For Both Innate and Conventional αβT-cell Development. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5068. [PMID: 28698642 PMCID: PMC5505955 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05182-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The ordered migration of immature thymocytes through thymic microenvironments generates both adaptive MHC restricted αβT-cells and innate CD1d-restricted iNKT-cells. While several chemokine receptors and ligands control multiple stages of this process, their involvement during early thymocyte development often precludes direct analysis of potential roles during later developmental stages. For example, because of early lethality of CXCR4-/- mice, and stage-specific requirements for CXCR4 in thymus colonisation and pre-TCR mediated selection, its role in thymic positive selection is unclear. Here we have examined CXCR4-CXCL12 interactions during the maturation of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes, including downstream stages of iNKT and αβT-cell development. We show CXCL12 expression is a common feature of cortical thymic epithelial cells, indicating widespread availability throughout the cortex. Moreover, CXCR4 expression by CD4+CD8+ pre-selection thymocytes is progressively downregulated following both MHC and CD1d-restricted thymic selection events. However, using CD4Cre-mediated deletion to bypass its involvement in CD4-CD8- thymocyte development, we show CXCR4 is dispensable for the maintenance and intrathymic positioning of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes, and their ability to generate mature αβT-cells and CD1d-restricted iNKT-cells. Collectively, our data define dynamic changes in CXCR4 expression as a marker for intrathymic selection events, and show its role in T-cell development is restricted to pre-CD4+CD8+ stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Lucas
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, England
| | - Andrea J White
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, England
| | - Sonia M Parnell
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, England
| | - Peter M Henley
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, England
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, England
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, England.
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40
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Umemoto T, Matsuzaki Y, Shiratsuchi Y, Hashimoto M, Yoshimoto T, Nakamura-Ishizu A, Petrich B, Yamato M, Suda T. Integrin αvβ3 enhances the suppressive effect of interferon-γ on hematopoietic stem cells. EMBO J 2017; 36:2390-2403. [PMID: 28673932 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201796771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic homeostasis depends on the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are regulated within a specialized bone marrow (BM) niche. When HSC sense external stimuli, their adhesion status may be critical for determining HSC cell fate. The cell surface molecule, integrin αvβ3, is activated through HSC adhesion to extracellular matrix and niche cells. Integrin β3 signaling maintains HSCs within the niche. Here, we showed the synergistic negative regulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon-γ (IFNγ) and β3 integrin signaling in murine HSC function by a novel definitive phenotyping of HSCs. Integrin αvβ3 suppressed HSC function in the presence of IFNγ and impaired integrin β3 signaling mitigated IFNγ-dependent negative action on HSCs. During IFNγ stimulation, integrin β3 signaling enhanced STAT1-mediated gene expression via serine phosphorylation. These findings show that integrin β3 signaling intensifies the suppressive effect of IFNγ on HSCs, which indicates that cell adhesion via integrin αvβ3 within the BM niche acts as a context-dependent signal modulator to regulate the HSC function under both steady-state and inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terumasa Umemoto
- International Research Center for Medical Science, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yu Matsuzaki
- International Research Center for Medical Science, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Shiratsuchi
- Institute of Advanced Medical Bioscience and Engineering, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michihiro Hashimoto
- International Research Center for Medical Science, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takayuki Yoshimoto
- Department of Immunoregulation, Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayako Nakamura-Ishizu
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Brian Petrich
- Department of Pediatrics and Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Masayuki Yamato
- Institute of Advanced Medical Bioscience and Engineering, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshio Suda
- International Research Center for Medical Science, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan .,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
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41
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Abstract
Intrathymic T cell development is a complex process that depends upon continuous guidance from thymus stromal cell microenvironments. The thymic epithelium within the thymic stroma comprises highly specialized cells with a high degree of anatomic, phenotypic, and functional heterogeneity. These properties are collectively required to bias thymocyte development toward production of self-tolerant and functionally competent T cells. The importance of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) is evidenced by clear links between their dysfunction and multiple diseases where autoimmunity and immunodeficiency are major components. Consequently, TECs are an attractive target for cell therapies to restore effective immune system function. The pathways and molecular regulators that control TEC development are becoming clearer, as are their influences on particular stages of T cell development. Here, we review both historical and the most recent advances in our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling TEC development, function, dysfunction, and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Abramson
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel;
| | - Graham Anderson
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom;
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42
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Krueger A, Ziętara N, Łyszkiewicz M. T Cell Development by the Numbers. Trends Immunol 2016; 38:128-139. [PMID: 27842955 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
T cells are continually generated in the thymus in a highly dynamic process comprising discrete steps of lineage commitment, T cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement, and selection. These steps are linked to distinct rates of proliferation, survival, and cell death, but a quantitative picture of T cell development is only beginning to emerge. Here we summarize recent technical advances, including genetic fate mapping, barcoding, and molecular timers, that have allowed the implementation of computational models to quantify developmental dynamics in the thymus. Coupling new techniques with mathematical models has recently resulted in the emergence of new paradigms in early hematopoiesis and might similarly open new perspectives on T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Krueger
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Natalia Ziętara
- Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Marcin Łyszkiewicz
- Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, 80337 Munich, Germany
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43
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Lucas B, James KD, Cosway EJ, Parnell SM, Tumanov AV, Ware CF, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Lymphotoxin β Receptor Controls T Cell Progenitor Entry to the Thymus. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2016; 197:2665-72. [PMID: 27549174 PMCID: PMC5026032 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1601189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The recruitment of lymphoid progenitors to the thymus is essential to sustain T cell production throughout life. Importantly, it also limits T lineage regeneration following bone marrow transplantation, and so contributes to the secondary immunodeficiency that is caused by delayed immune reconstitution. Despite this significance, the mechanisms that control thymus colonization are poorly understood. In this study, we show that in both the steady-state and after bone marrow transplant, lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR) controls entry of T cell progenitors to the thymus. We show that this requirement maps to thymic stroma, further underlining the key importance of this TNFR superfamily member in regulation of thymic microenvironments. Importantly, analysis of the requirement for LTβR in relationship to known regulators of thymus seeding suggests that it acts independently of its regulation of thymus-homing chemokines. Rather, we show that LTβR differentially regulates intrathymic expression of adhesion molecules known to play a role in T cell progenitor entry to the thymus. Finally, Ab-mediated in vivo LTβR stimulation following bone marrow transplant enhances initial thymus recovery and boosts donor-derived T cell numbers, which correlates with increased adhesion molecule expression by thymic stroma. Collectively, we reveal a novel link between LTβR and thymic stromal cells in thymus colonization, and highlight its potential as an immunotherapeutic target to boost T cell reconstitution after transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Lucas
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Kieran D James
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Emilie J Cosway
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Sonia M Parnell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | | | - Carl F Ware
- Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases Research Center, Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Anderson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom;
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44
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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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45
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tfec controls the hematopoietic stem cell vascular niche during zebrafish embryogenesis. Blood 2016; 128:1336-45. [PMID: 27402973 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-04-710137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, embryonic hematopoiesis occurs in successive waves, culminating with the emergence of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the aorta. HSCs first migrate to the fetal liver (FL), where they expand, before they seed the bone marrow niche, where they will sustain hematopoiesis throughout adulthood. In zebrafish, HSCs emerge from the dorsal aorta and colonize the caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT). Recent studies showed that they interact with endothelial cells (ECs), where they expand, before they reach their ultimate niche, the kidney marrow. We identified tfec, a transcription factor from the mitf family, which is highly enriched in caudal endothelial cells (cECs) at the time of HSC colonization in the CHT. Gain-of-function assays indicate that tfec is capable of expanding HSC-derived hematopoiesis in a non-cell-autonomous fashion. Furthermore, tfec mutants (generated by CRISPR/Cas9) showed reduced hematopoiesis in the CHT, leading to anemia. Tfec mediates these changes by increasing the expression of several cytokines in cECs from the CHT niche. Among these, we found kitlgb, which could rescue the loss of HSCs observed in tfec mutants. We conclude that tfec plays an important role in the niche to expand hematopoietic progenitors through the modulation of several cytokines. The full comprehension of the mechanisms induced by tfec will represent an important milestone toward the expansion of HSCs for regenerative purposes.
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