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Labeur-Iurman L, Harker JA. Mechanisms of antibody mediated immunity - Distinct in early life. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 172:106588. [PMID: 38768890 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106588] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Immune responses in early life are characterized by a failure to robustly generate long-lasting protective responses against many common pathogens or upon vaccination. This is associated with a reduced ability to generate T-cell dependent high affinity antibodies. This review highlights the differences in T-cell dependent antibody responses observed between infants and adults, in particular focussing on the alterations in immune cell function that lead to reduced T follicular helper cell-B cell crosstalk within germinal centres in early life. Understanding the distinct functional characteristics of early life humoral immunity, and how these are regulated, will be critical in guiding age-appropriate immunological interventions in the very young.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Labeur-Iurman
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - James A Harker
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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2
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Hagen RR, Xu C, Koay HF, Konstantinov IE, Berzins SP, Kedzierska K, van de Sandt CE. Methodological optimisation of thymocyte isolation and cryopreservation of human thymus samples. J Immunol Methods 2024; 528:113651. [PMID: 38417671 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2024.113651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Premature lymphocytes develop into non-autoreactive, mature naïve CD4+ or CD8+ T cells in the thymus before entering the circulation. However, in-depth characterization of human thymocyte development remains challenging due to limited availability of human thymus samples and the fragile nature of thymocyte populations. Thymocytes often do not survive cryopreservation and thawing procedures, especially the fragile CD4+CD8+ double positive population. It is generally recommended to use fresh human thymus tissue on the day of excision to avoid any biases in thymocyte composition. This hampers the possibility to perform multiple experiments on the same thymus sample. To establish how the thymocyte viability and composition can be maintained, we compared two thymocyte isolation methods used for human and/or mice thymi, three cryopreservation methods in combination with our most gentle thawing technique. Based on our findings we established that fresh human thymi remain viable in cold storage for up to two days post-surgery without compromising thymocyte composition. Thymocytes can be cryopreserved if required, although the CD4+CD8+ double positive populations may be reduced. Our study provides thoroughly optimized methods to study human thymocyte development over a considerable time-frame post-surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth R Hagen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Calvin Xu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Hui-Fern Koay
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Igor E Konstantinov
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Deparment of Paediatrics, the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Melbourne Centre for Cardiovascular Genomics and Regenerative Medicine, Melbourne, Australia; Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stuart P Berzins
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Australia
| | - Katherine Kedzierska
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Carolien E van de Sandt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
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3
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Wang L, Maharjan CK, Borcherding N, Master RP, Mo J, Tithi TI, Kim MC, Carelock ME, Master AP, Gibson-Corley KN, Kolb RH, Smith KA, Zhang W. Epithelial IL-2 is critical for NK cell-mediated cancer immunosurveillance in mammary glands. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.25.591178. [PMID: 38712046 PMCID: PMC11071474 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.25.591178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is the first identified cytokine and its interaction with receptors has been known to shape the immune responses in many lymphoid or non-lymphoid tissues for more than four decades. Active T cells are the primary cellular source for IL-2 production and epithelial cells have never been considered the major cellular source of IL-2 under physiological conditions. It is, however, tempting to speculate that epithelial cells could potentially express IL-2 that regulates the intricate interactions between epithelial cells and lymphocytes. Datamining our recently published single-cell RNAseq in the mouse mammary gland identified IL-2 expression in mammary epithelial cells, which is induced by prolactin via the STAT5 signaling pathway. Furthermore, epithelial IL-2 plays a crucial role in maintaining the physiological functions of natural killer (NK) cells within the mammary glands. IL-2 deletion in the mammary epithelial cells leads to a significant reduction in the number and function of NK cells, which in turn results in defective immunosurveillance, expansion of luminal epithelial cells, and tumor development. Interestingly, T cells in the mammary glands are not changed, indicating the specific regulation of NK cells by epithelial IL-2 production. In agreement, we also found that human epithelial cells express IL-2 and NK cells express the highest level of IL2RB among all the immune cells. Here, we provide the first evidence that epithelial cells produce IL-2, which is critical for maintaining the physiological functions of NK cells in immunosurveillance.
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4
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Hu Y, Han L, Xu W, Li T, Zhao Q, Lu W, Sun J, Wang Y. CARD11 regulates the thymic Treg development in an NF-κB-independent manner. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1364957. [PMID: 38650932 PMCID: PMC11033321 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1364957] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction CARD11 is a lymphoid lineage-specific scaffold protein regulating the NF-κB activation downstream of the antigen receptor signal pathway. Defective CARD11 function results in abnormal development and differentiation of lymphocytes, especially thymic regulatory T cells (Treg). Method In this study, we used patients' samples together with transgenic mouse models carrying pathogenic CARD11 mutations from patients to explore their effects on Treg development. Immunoblotting and a GFP receptor assay were used to evaluate the activation effect of CARD11 mutants on NF-κB signaling. Then the suppressive function of Tregs carrying distinct CARD11 mutations was measured by in vitro suppression assay. Finally, we applied the retroviral transduced bone marrow chimeras to rescue the Treg development in an NF-κB independent manner. Results and discuss We found CARD11 mutations causing hyper-activated NF-κB signals also gave rise to compromised Treg development in the thymus, similar to the phenotype in Card11 deficient mice. This observation challenges the previous view that CARD11 regulates Treg lineage dependent on the NF-kB activation. Mechanistic investigations reveal that the noncanonical function CARD11, which negatively regulates the AKT/ FOXO1 signal pathway, is responsible for regulating Treg generation. Moreover, primary immunodeficiency patients carrying CARD11 mutation, which autonomously activates NF-κB, also represented the reduced Treg population in their peripheral blood. Our results propose a new regulatory function of CARD11 and illuminate an NF-κB independent pathway for thymic Treg lineage commitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingli Han
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenwen Xu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianci Li
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Qifan Zhao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinqiao Sun
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Ministry of Health, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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5
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Shouse AN, LaPorte KM, Malek TR. Interleukin-2 signaling in the regulation of T cell biology in autoimmunity and cancer. Immunity 2024; 57:414-428. [PMID: 38479359 PMCID: PMC11126276 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.02.001] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a critical cytokine for T cell peripheral tolerance and immunity. Here, we review how IL-2 interaction with the high-affinity IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) supports the development and homeostasis of regulatory T cells and contributes to the differentiation of helper, cytotoxic, and memory T cells. A critical element for each T cell population is the expression of CD25 (Il2rα), which heightens the receptor affinity for IL-2. Signaling through the high-affinity IL-2R also reinvigorates CD8+ exhausted T (Tex) cells in response to checkpoint blockade. We consider the molecular underpinnings reflecting how IL-2R signaling impacts these various T cell subsets and the implications for enhancing IL-2-dependent immunotherapy of autoimmunity, other inflammatory disorders, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Acacia N Shouse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Kathryn M LaPorte
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Thomas R Malek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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6
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Caruso B, Weeder BR, Thompson RF, Moran AE. PD-1 Limits IL-2 Production and Thymic Regulatory T Cell Development. Immunohorizons 2024; 8:281-294. [PMID: 38551395 PMCID: PMC10985057 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2300079] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory proteins, such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), have been studied extensively in peripheral T cell responses to foreign Ags, self-Ags, and neoantigens. Notably, these proteins are first expressed during T cell development in the thymus. Reports suggest that PD-1 limits regulatory T cell (Treg) development, but the mechanism by which PD-1 exerts this function remains unknown. The present study expands the evaluation of murine PD-1 and its ligands in the thymus, demonstrating that some of the highest expressers of PD-1 and programmed death-ligand 1 are agonist selected cells. Surprisingly, we reveal a selective role for PD-1 in regulating the developmental niche only for Tregs because other agonist selected cell populations, such as NK T cells, remain unchanged. We also ruled out PD-1 as a regulator of proliferation or cell death of agonist selected Tregs and further demonstrated that PD-1-deficient Tregs have reduced TCR signaling. Unexpectedly, the data suggest that PD-1-deficient thymocytes produce elevated levels of IL-2, a Treg niche-limiting cytokine. Collectively, these data suggest a novel role for PD-1 in regulating IL-2 production and the concurrent agonist selection of murine thymic Tregs. This observation has implications for the use of checkpoint blockade in the context of cancer and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanna Caruso
- Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Benjamin R. Weeder
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Reid F. Thompson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
- Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland,OR
| | - Amy E. Moran
- Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
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7
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Oftedal BE, Sjøgren T, Wolff ASB. Interferon autoantibodies as signals of a sick thymus. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1327784. [PMID: 38455040 PMCID: PMC10917889 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1327784] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN-I) are key immune messenger molecules that play an important role in viral defense. They act as a bridge between microbe sensing, immune function magnitude, and adaptive immunity to fight infections, and they must therefore be tightly regulated. It has become increasingly evident that thymic irregularities and mutations in immune genes affecting thymic tolerance can lead to the production of IFN-I autoantibodies (autoAbs). Whether these biomarkers affect the immune system or tissue integrity of the host is still controversial, but new data show that IFN-I autoAbs may increase susceptibility to severe disease caused by certain viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, herpes zoster, and varicella pneumonia. In this article, we will elaborate on disorders that have been identified with IFN-I autoAbs, discuss models of how tolerance to IFN-Is is lost, and explain the consequences for the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bergithe E. Oftedal
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Thea Sjøgren
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anette S. B. Wolff
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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8
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Sprent J, Boyman O. Optimising IL-2 for Cancer Immunotherapy. Immune Netw 2024; 24:e5. [PMID: 38455463 PMCID: PMC10917570 DOI: 10.4110/in.2024.24.e5] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The key role of T cells in cancer immunotherapy is well established and is highlighted by the remarkable capacity of Ab-mediated checkpoint blockade to overcome T-cell exhaustion and amplify anti-tumor responses. However, total or partial tumor remission following checkpoint blockade is still limited to only a few types of tumors. Hence, concerted attempts are being made to devise new methods for improving tumor immunity. Currently, much attention is being focused on therapy with IL-2. This cytokine is a powerful growth factor for T cells and optimises their effector functions. When used at therapeutic doses for cancer treatment, however, IL-2 is highly toxic. Nevertheless, recent work has shown that modifying the structure or presentation of IL-2 can reduce toxicity and lead to effective anti-tumor responses in synergy with checkpoint blockade. Here, we review the complex interaction of IL-2 with T cells: first during normal homeostasis, then during responses to pathogens, and finally in anti-tumor responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Sprent
- Immunology Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney 1466, Australia
- Menzies Institute of Medical Research, Hobart 7000, Australia
| | - Onur Boyman
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Science, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
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9
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Tai X, Singer A. New insights into developmental fate decisions by autoreactive CD4 thymocytes. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1590. [PMID: 38362613 PMCID: PMC10870014 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xuguang Tai
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Alfred Singer
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
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10
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Martinez RJ, Hogquist KA. The role of interferon in the thymus. Curr Opin Immunol 2023; 84:102389. [PMID: 37738858 PMCID: PMC10543640 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102389] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) are a family of proteins that are generated in response to viral infection and induce an antiviral response in many cell types. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed that patients with inborn errors of type-I IFN immunity were more prone to severe infections, but also found that many patients with severe COVID-19 had anti-IFN autoantibodies that led to acquired defects in type-I IFN immunity. These findings revealed the previously unappreciated finding that central immune tolerance to IFN is essential to immune health. Further evidence has also highlighted the importance of IFN within the thymus and its impact on T-cell development. This review will highlight what is known of IFN's role in T-cell development, T-cell central tolerance, and the impact of IFN on the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Martinez
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kristin A Hogquist
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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11
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Gao X, Tang Y, Kong L, Fan Y, Wang C, Wang R. Treg cell: Critical role of regulatory T-cells in depression. Pharmacol Res 2023; 195:106893. [PMID: 37611836 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a highly prevalent disorder of the central nervous system. The neuropsychiatric symptoms of clinical depression are persistent and include fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, altered sleep patterns, hyperalgesia, melancholia, anxiety, and impaired social behaviours. Mounting evidences suggest that neuroinflammation triggers dysregulated cellular immunity and increases susceptibility to psychiatric diseases. Neuroimmune responses have transformed the clinical approach to depression because of their roles in its pathophysiology and their therapeutic potential. In particular, activated regulatory T (Treg) cells play an increasingly evident role in the inflammatory immune response. In this review, we summarized the available data and discussed in depth the fundamental roles of Tregs in the pathogenesis of depression, as well as the clinical therapeutic potential of Tregs. We aimed to provide recent information regarding the potential of Tregs as immune-modulating biologics for the treatment and prevention of long-term neuropsychiatric symptoms of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Gao
- Department of Geriatrics, Qingdao Mental Health Center, 26600 Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yuru Tang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 26600 Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lingli Kong
- Department of Geriatrics, Qingdao Mental Health Center, 26600 Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yong Fan
- Department of Geriatrics, Qingdao Mental Health Center, 26600 Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chunxia Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Qingdao Mental Health Center, 26600 Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Pain Management, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), 26600 Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
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12
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Wang J, Zhao X, Wan YY. Intricacies of TGF-β signaling in Treg and Th17 cell biology. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:1002-1022. [PMID: 37217798 PMCID: PMC10468540 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01036-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Balanced immunity is pivotal for health and homeostasis. CD4+ helper T (Th) cells are central to the balance between immune tolerance and immune rejection. Th cells adopt distinct functions to maintain tolerance and clear pathogens. Dysregulation of Th cell function often leads to maladies, including autoimmunity, inflammatory disease, cancer, and infection. Regulatory T (Treg) and Th17 cells are critical Th cell types involved in immune tolerance, homeostasis, pathogenicity, and pathogen clearance. It is therefore critical to understand how Treg and Th17 cells are regulated in health and disease. Cytokines are instrumental in directing Treg and Th17 cell function. The evolutionarily conserved TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β) cytokine superfamily is of particular interest because it is central to the biology of both Treg cells that are predominantly immunosuppressive and Th17 cells that can be proinflammatory, pathogenic, and immune regulatory. How TGF-β superfamily members and their intricate signaling pathways regulate Treg and Th17 cell function is a question that has been intensely investigated for two decades. Here, we introduce the fundamental biology of TGF-β superfamily signaling, Treg cells, and Th17 cells and discuss in detail how the TGF-β superfamily contributes to Treg and Th17 cell biology through complex yet ordered and cooperative signaling networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junying Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Xingqi Zhao
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Yisong Y Wan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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13
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Li T, Wang X, Niu M, Wang M, Zhou J, Wu K, Yi M. Bispecific antibody targeting TGF-β and PD-L1 for synergistic cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1196970. [PMID: 37520520 PMCID: PMC10373067 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1196970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway plays a crucial role in cancer immune evasion, and the use of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies represents a significant milestone in cancer immunotherapy. However, the low response rate observed in unselected patients and the development of therapeutic resistance remain major obstacles to their clinical application. Accumulating studies showed that overexpressed TGF-β is another immunosuppressive factor apart from traditional immune checkpoints. Actually, the effects of PD-1 and TGF-β pathways are independent and interactive, which work together contributing to the immune evasion of cancer cell. It has been verified that blocking TGF-β and PD-L1 simultaneously could enhance the efficacy of PD-L1 monoclonal antibody and overcome its treatment resistance. Based on the bispecific antibody or fusion protein technology, multiple bispecific and bifunctional antibodies have been developed. In the preclinical and clinical studies, these updated antibodies exhibited potent anti-tumor activity, superior to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapies. In the review, we summarized the advances of bispecific antibodies targeting TGF-β and PD-L1 in cancer immunotherapy. We believe these next-generation immune checkpoint inhibitors would substantially alter the cancer treatment paradigm, especially in anti-PD-1/PD-L1-resistant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinrun Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Mingli Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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14
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Golzari-Sorkheh M, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. Development and function of FOXP3+ regulators of immune responses. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 213:13-22. [PMID: 37085947 PMCID: PMC10324550 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad048] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The Forkhead Box P3 (FOXP3) protein is an essential transcription factor for the development and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs), involved in the maintenance of immunological tolerance. Although extensive research over the last decade has investigated the critical role of FOXP3+ cells in preserving immune homeostasis, our understanding of their specific functions remains limited. Therefore, unveiling the molecular mechanisms underpinning the up- and downstream transcriptional regulation of and by FOXP3 is crucial for developing Treg-targeted therapeutics. Dysfunctions in FOXP3+ Tregs have also been found to be inherent drivers of autoimmune disorders and have been shown to exhibit multifaceted functions in the context of cancer. Recent research suggests that these cells may also be involved in tissue-specific repair and regeneration. Herein, we summarize current understanding of the thymic-transcriptional regulatory landscape of FOXP3+ Tregs, their epigenetic modulators, and associated signaling pathways. Finally, we highlight the contributions of FOXP3 on the functional development of Tregs and reflect on the clinical implications in the context of pathological and physiological immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
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15
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Huang QQ, Hang Y, Doyle R, Mao Q, Fang D, Pope RM. Mechanisms regulating the loss of Tregs in HUPO mice that develop spontaneous inflammatory arthritis. iScience 2023; 26:106734. [PMID: 37216119 PMCID: PMC10193230 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
T regulatory cells (Tregs) are a potential therapeutic target in many autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of Tregs in chronic inflammatory conditions such as RA are poorly understood. We employed our mouse model of RA in which, the following deletion of Flice-like inhibitory protein in CD11c+ cells, CD11c-FLIP-KO (HUPO) mice develop spontaneous, progressive, erosive arthritis, with reduced Tregs, and the adoptive transfer of Tregs ameliorates the arthritis. HUPO thymic Treg development was normal, but peripheral of Treg Foxp3 was diminished mediated by reduction of dendritic cells and interleukin-2 (IL-2). During chronic inflammatory arthritis Tregs fail to maintain Foxp3, leading to non-apoptotic cell death and conversion to CD4+CD25+Foxp3- cells. Treatment with IL-2 increased Tregs and ameliorated the arthritis. In summary, reduced dendritic cells and IL-2 in the milieu of chronic inflammation, contribute to Treg instability, promoting HUPO arthritis progression, and suggesting a therapeutic approach in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Quan Huang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60091, USA
| | - Yiwei Hang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60091, USA
| | - Renee Doyle
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60091, USA
| | - Qinwen Mao
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Deyu Fang
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60091, USA
| | - Richard M. Pope
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60091, USA
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16
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Moustakas AK, Nguyen H, James EA, Papadopoulos GK. Autoimmune susceptible HLA class II motifs facilitate the presentation of modified neoepitopes to potentially autoreactive T cells. Cell Immunol 2023; 390:104729. [PMID: 37301094 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2023.104729] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), type 1 diabetes (T1D), and celiac disease (CD), are strongly associated with susceptible HLA class II haplotypes. The peptide-binding pockets of these molecules are polymorphic, thus each HLA class II protein presents a distinct set of peptides to CD4+ T cells. Peptide diversity is increased through post-translational modifications, generating non-templated sequences that enhance HLA binding and/or T cell recognition. The high-risk HLA-DR alleles that confer susceptibility to RA are notable for their ability to accommodate citrulline, promoting responses to citrullinated self-antigens. Likewise, HLA-DQ alleles associated with T1D and CD favor the binding of deamidated peptides. In this review, we discuss structural features that promote modified self-epitope presentation, provide evidence supporting the relevance of T cell recognition of such antigens in disease processes, and make a case that interrupting the pathways that generate such epitopes and reprogramming neoepitope-specific T cells are key strategies for effective therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonis K Moustakas
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Ionian University, GR26100 Argostoli, Cephalonia, Greece
| | - Hai Nguyen
- Center for Translational Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eddie A James
- Center for Translational Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - George K Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Biochemistry, Bioprocessing and Bioproducts, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Technological Educational Institute of Epirus, GR47100 Arta, Greece
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17
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Tai X, Indart A, Rojano M, Guo J, Apenes N, Kadakia T, Craveiro M, Alag A, Etzensperger R, Badr ME, Zhang F, Zhang Z, Mu J, Guinter T, Crossman A, Granger L, Sharrow S, Zhou X, Singer A. How autoreactive thymocytes differentiate into regulatory versus effector CD4 + T cells after avoiding clonal deletion. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:637-651. [PMID: 36959291 PMCID: PMC10063450 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01469-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Thymocytes bearing autoreactive T cell receptors (TCRs) are agonist-signaled by TCR/co-stimulatory molecules to either undergo clonal deletion or to differentiate into specialized regulatory T (Treg) or effector T (Teff) CD4+ cells. How these different fates are achieved during development remains poorly understood. We now document that deletion and differentiation are agonist-signaled at different times during thymic selection and that Treg and Teff cells both arise after clonal deletion as alternative lineage fates of agonist-signaled CD4+CD25+ precursors. Disruption of agonist signaling induces CD4+CD25+ precursors to initiate Foxp3 expression and become Treg cells, whereas persistent agonist signaling induces CD4+CD25+ precursors to become IL-2+ Teff cells. Notably, we discovered that transforming growth factor-β induces Foxp3 expression and promotes Treg cell development by disrupting weaker agonist signals and that Foxp3 expression is not induced by IL-2 except under non-physiological in vivo conditions. Thus, TCR signaling disruption versus persistence is a general mechanism of lineage fate determination in the thymus that directs development of agonist-signaled autoreactive thymocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuguang Tai
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alyssa Indart
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mirelle Rojano
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jie Guo
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nicolai Apenes
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tejas Kadakia
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marco Craveiro
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amala Alag
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ruth Etzensperger
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mohamed Elsherif Badr
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Flora Zhang
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zhongmei Zhang
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jie Mu
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Terry Guinter
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Assiatu Crossman
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Larry Granger
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Susan Sharrow
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xuyu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Alfred Singer
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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18
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Teghanemt A, Misel-Wuchter K, Heath J, Thurman A, Pulipati P, Dixit G, Geesala R, Meyerholz DK, Maretzky T, Pezzulo A, Issuree PD. DNA demethylation fine-tunes IL-2 production during thymic regulatory T cell differentiation. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e55543. [PMID: 36880575 PMCID: PMC10157375 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202255543] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (T reg) cells developing in the thymus are essential to maintain tolerance and prevent fatal autoimmunity in mice and humans. Expression of the T reg lineage-defining transcription factor FoxP3 is critically dependent upon T cell receptor (TCR) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) signaling. Here, we report that ten-eleven translocation (Tet) enzymes, which are DNA demethylases, are required early during double-positive (DP) thymic T cell differentiation and prior to the upregulation of FoxP3 in CD4 single-positive (SP) thymocytes, to promote Treg differentiation. We show that Tet3 selectively controls the development of CD25- FoxP3lo CD4SP Treg cell precursors in the thymus and is critical for TCR-dependent IL-2 production, which drive chromatin remodeling at the FoxP3 locus as well as other Treg-effector gene loci in an autocrine/paracrine manner. Together, our results demonstrate a novel role for DNA demethylation in regulating the TCR response and promoting Treg cell differentiation. These findings highlight a novel epigenetic pathway to promote the generation of endogenous Treg cells for mitigation of autoimmune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athmane Teghanemt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Inflammation Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kara Misel-Wuchter
- Inflammation Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jace Heath
- Inflammation Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Immunology Graduate Program, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Andrew Thurman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Priyanjali Pulipati
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Inflammation Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Garima Dixit
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Inflammation Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ramasatya Geesala
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Inflammation Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Thorsten Maretzky
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Inflammation Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Alejandro Pezzulo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Priya D Issuree
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Inflammation Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Immunology Graduate Program, Iowa City, IA, USA
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19
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Owen DL, La Rue RS, Munro SA, Farrar MA. Tracking Regulatory T Cell Development in the Thymus Using Single-Cell RNA Sequencing/TCR Sequencing. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:1300-1313. [PMID: 36038290 PMCID: PMC9529998 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that regulatory T cells (Tregs) develop in the thymus via two pathways involving distinct Treg progenitors (TregP): CD25+FOXP3- (CD25+ TregP) and CD25-FOXP3lo (FOXP3lo TregP) Treg progenitors. To examine this process in more detail, we carried out single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) and TCR-Seq on sorted murine CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) thymocytes, CD4+ single-positive (CD4SP) thymocytes, CD25+FOXP3-CD73- TregP, CD25-FOXP3loCD73- TregP, newly generated mature CD25+FOXP3+CD73- Tregs, and FOXP3+CD73+ recirculating/long-term resident Tregs (RT-Tregs). Sorted populations were individually hashtagged and then combined into one scRNA-Seq/TCR-Seq library before sequencing and subsequent analysis. We found that both CD25+ TregP and FOXP3lo TregP arise via an initial agonist-activated state that gives rise to a second transitional stage before differentiating into mature Tregs Using both scRNA-Seq and bulk RNA-Seq on sorted thymocyte subsets, we demonstrate that CD25+ TregP are significantly enriched for Il2 production, suggesting that they are the major source of IL-2 needed to convert TregP into mature Tregs Using TCR-Seq, we found that several TCRs were clearly biased in favor of the conventional or Treg lineages, but that a large fraction of TCRs were found in both these lineages. Finally, we found that RT-Tregs in the thymus are not monomorphic but are composed of multiple distinct subsets and that these RT-Tregs express the most diverse TCR repertoire of all CD4SP thymocytes. Thus, our studies define multiple stages of Treg differentiation within the murine thymus and serve as a resource for future studies on CD4+ thymocyte development and Treg differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Owen
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; and
| | - Rebecca S La Rue
- Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Sarah A Munro
- Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Michael A Farrar
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN;
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; and
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20
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DNA Methylation in Regulatory T Cell Differentiation and Function: Challenges and Opportunities. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091282. [PMID: 36139121 PMCID: PMC9496199 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As a bona fide epigenetic marker, DNA methylation has been linked to the differentiation and function of regulatory T (Treg) cells, a subset of CD4 T cells that play an essential role in maintaining immune homeostasis and suppressing autoimmunity and antitumor immune response. DNA methylation undergoes dynamic regulation involving maintenance of preexisting patterns, passive and active demethylation, and de novo methylation. Scattered evidence suggests that these processes control different stages of Treg cell lifespan ranging from lineage induction to cell fate maintenance, suppression of effector T cells and innate immune cells, and transdifferentiation. Despite significant progress, it remains to be fully explored how differential DNA methylation regulates Treg cell fate and immunological function. Here, we review recent progress and discuss the questions and challenges for further understanding the immunological roles and mechanisms of dynamic DNA methylation in controlling Treg cell differentiation and function. We also explore the opportunities that these processes offer to manipulate Treg cell suppressive function for therapeutic purposes by targeting DNA methylation.
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21
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Apert C, Galindo-Albarrán AO, Castan S, Detraves C, Michaud H, McJannett N, Haegeman B, Fillatreau S, Malissen B, Holländer G, Žuklys S, Santamaria JC, Joffre OP, Romagnoli P, van Meerwijk JPM. IL-2 and IL-15 drive intrathymic development of distinct periphery-seeding CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T lymphocytes. Front Immunol 2022; 13:965303. [PMID: 36159793 PMCID: PMC9495261 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.965303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of Foxp3-expressing regulatory T-lymphocytes (Treg) in the thymus is controlled by signals delivered in T-cell precursors via the TCR, co-stimulatory receptors, and cytokine receptors. In absence of IL-2, IL-15 or their receptors, fewer Treg apparently develop in the thymus. However, it was recently shown that a substantial part of thymic Treg are cells that had recirculated from the periphery back to the thymus, troubling interpretation of these results. We therefore reassessed the involvement of IL-2 and IL-15 in the development of Treg, taking into account Treg-recirculation. At the age of three weeks, when in wt and IL-15-deficient (but not in IL-2-deficient) mice substantial amounts of recirculating Treg are present in the thymus, we found similarly reduced proportions of newly developed Treg in absence of IL-2 or IL-15, and in absence of both cytokines even less Treg developed. In neonates, when practically no recirculating Treg were found in the thymus, the absence of IL-2 led to substantially more reduced Treg-development than deficiency in IL-15. IL-2 but not IL-15 modulated the CD25, GITR, OX40, and CD73-phenotypes of the thymus-egress-competent and periphery-seeding Treg-population. Interestingly, IL-2 and IL-15 also modulated the TCR-repertoire expressed by developing Treg. Upon transfer into Treg-less Foxp3sf mice, newly developed Treg from IL-2- (and to a much lesser extent IL-15-) deficient mice suppressed immunopathology less efficiently than wt Treg. Taken together, our results firmly establish important non-redundant quantitative and qualitative roles for IL-2 and, to a lesser extent, IL-15 in intrathymic Treg-development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Apert
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291 – CNRS UMR5051 – University Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Ariel O. Galindo-Albarrán
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291 – CNRS UMR5051 – University Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
- Station d’Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, CNRS, Moulis, France
| | - Sarah Castan
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291 – CNRS UMR5051 – University Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Claire Detraves
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291 – CNRS UMR5051 – University Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Héloise Michaud
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291 – CNRS UMR5051 – University Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Nicola McJannett
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291 – CNRS UMR5051 – University Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Bart Haegeman
- Station d’Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, CNRS, Moulis, France
| | - Simon Fillatreau
- Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Inserm U1151, CNRS UMR8253, Paris, France
- Université de Paris Descartes, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Bernard Malissen
- Centre d’Immunophénomique (CIPHE), Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Georg Holländer
- Paediatric Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Children’s Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Paediatrics and the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Saulius Žuklys
- Paediatric Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Children’s Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jérémy C. Santamaria
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291 – CNRS UMR5051 – University Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier P. Joffre
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291 – CNRS UMR5051 – University Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Paola Romagnoli
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291 – CNRS UMR5051 – University Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Joost P. M. van Meerwijk
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291 – CNRS UMR5051 – University Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
- *Correspondence: Joost P. M. van Meerwijk,
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22
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van der Veeken J, Campbell C, Pritykin Y, Schizas M, Verter J, Hu W, Wang ZM, Matheis F, Mucida D, Charbonnier LM, Chatila TA, Rudensky AY. Genetic tracing reveals transcription factor Foxp3-dependent and Foxp3-independent functionality of peripherally induced Treg cells. Immunity 2022; 55:1173-1184.e7. [PMID: 35700740 PMCID: PMC9885886 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells expressing the transcription factor Foxp3 are an essential suppressive T cell lineage of dual origin: Foxp3 induction in thymocytes and mature CD4+ T cells gives rise to thymic (tTreg) and peripheral (pTreg) Treg cells, respectively. While tTreg cells suppress autoimmunity, pTreg cells enforce tolerance to food and commensal microbiota. However, the role of Foxp3 in pTreg cells and the mechanisms supporting their differentiation remain poorly understood. Here, we used genetic tracing to identify microbiota-induced pTreg cells and found that many of their distinguishing features were Foxp3 independent. Lineage-committed, microbiota-dependent pTreg-like cells persisted in the colon in the absence of Foxp3. While Foxp3 was critical for the suppression of a Th17 cell program, colitis, and mastocytosis, pTreg cells suppressed colonic effector T cell expansion in a Foxp3-independent manner. Thus, Foxp3 and the tolerogenic signals that precede and promote its expression independently confer distinct facets of pTreg functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris van der Veeken
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, and Ludwig Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.
| | - Clarissa Campbell
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, and Ludwig Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA,CeMM, Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yuri Pritykin
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics and Computer Science Department, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Michail Schizas
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, and Ludwig Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jacob Verter
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, and Ludwig Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wei Hu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, and Ludwig Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhong-Min Wang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, and Ludwig Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA,Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fanny Matheis
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Mucida
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Louis-Marie Charbonnier
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children’s Hospital; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Talal A Chatila
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children’s Hospital; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Y Rudensky
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, and Ludwig Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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23
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Whyte CE, Singh K, Burton OT, Aloulou M, Kouser L, Veiga RV, Dashwood A, Okkenhaug H, Benadda S, Moudra A, Bricard O, Lienart S, Bielefeld P, Roca CP, Naranjo-Galindo FJ, Lombard-Vadnais F, Junius S, Bending D, Ono M, Hochepied T, Halim TY, Schlenner S, Lesage S, Dooley J, Liston A. Context-dependent effects of IL-2 rewire immunity into distinct cellular circuits. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20212391. [PMID: 35699942 PMCID: PMC9202720 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20212391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is a key homeostatic cytokine, with therapeutic applications in both immunogenic and tolerogenic immune modulation. Clinical use has been hampered by pleiotropic functionality and widespread receptor expression, with unexpected adverse events. Here, we developed a novel mouse strain to divert IL-2 production, allowing identification of contextual outcomes. Network analysis identified priority access for Tregs and a competitive fitness cost of IL-2 production among both Tregs and conventional CD4 T cells. CD8 T and NK cells, by contrast, exhibited a preference for autocrine IL-2 production. IL-2 sourced from dendritic cells amplified Tregs, whereas IL-2 produced by B cells induced two context-dependent circuits: dramatic expansion of CD8+ Tregs and ILC2 cells, the latter driving a downstream, IL-5-mediated, eosinophilic circuit. The source-specific effects demonstrate the contextual influence of IL-2 function and potentially explain adverse effects observed during clinical trials. Targeted IL-2 production therefore has the potential to amplify or quench particular circuits in the IL-2 network, based on clinical desirability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly E. Whyte
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kailash Singh
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Oliver T. Burton
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Meryem Aloulou
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), Centre national de la recherche scientifique U5051, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale U1291, University of Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Lubna Kouser
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Amy Dashwood
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Samira Benadda
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Centre de Recherche Sur L’inflammation, Centre national de la recherche scientifique ERL8252, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale U1149, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alena Moudra
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Orian Bricard
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Carlos P. Roca
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Félix Lombard-Vadnais
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Immunology-Oncology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Steffie Junius
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - David Bending
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Masahiro Ono
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tino Hochepied
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Susan Schlenner
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Lesage
- Centre de Recherche Sur L’inflammation, Centre national de la recherche scientifique ERL8252, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale U1149, Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - James Dooley
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adrian Liston
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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24
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Wang C, Daley SR. How Thymocyte Deletion in the Cortex May Curtail Antigen-Specific T-Regulatory Cell Development in the Medulla. Front Immunol 2022; 13:892498. [PMID: 35693793 PMCID: PMC9176388 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.892498] [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: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+ T cell responses to self-antigens are pivotal for immunological self-tolerance. Activation of Foxp3– T-conventional (T-conv) cells can precipitate autoimmune disease, whereas activation of Foxp3+ T-regulatory (T-reg) cells is essential to prevent autoimmune disease. This distinction indicates the importance of the thymus in controlling the differentiation of self-reactive CD4+ T cells. Thymocytes and thymic antigen-presenting cells (APC) depend on each other for normal maturation and differentiation. In this Hypothesis and Theory article, we propose this mutual dependence dictates which self-antigens induce T-reg cell development in the thymic medulla. We postulate self-reactive CD4+ CD8– thymocytes deliver signals that stabilize and amplify the presentation of their cognate self-antigen by APC in the thymic medulla, thereby seeding a niche for the development of T-reg cells specific for the same self-antigen. By limiting the number of antigen-specific CD4+ thymocytes in the medulla, thymocyte deletion in the cortex may impede the formation of medullary T-reg niches containing certain self-antigens. Susceptibility to autoimmune disease may arise from cortical deletion creating a “hole” in the self-antigen repertoire recognized by T-reg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Wang
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephen R Daley
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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25
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Lancaster JN, Keatinge‐Clay DE, Srinivasan J, Li Y, Selden HJ, Nam S, Richie ER, Ehrlich LIR. Central tolerance is impaired in the middle-aged thymic environment. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13624. [PMID: 35561351 PMCID: PMC9197411 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the earliest hallmarks of immune aging is thymus involution, which not only reduces the number of newly generated and exported T cells, but also alters the composition and organization of the thymus microenvironment. Thymic T‐cell export continues into adulthood, yet the impact of thymus involution on the quality of newly generated T‐cell clones is not well established. Notably, the number and proportion of medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) and expression of tissue‐restricted antigens (TRAs) decline with age, suggesting the involuting thymus may not promote efficient central tolerance. Here, we demonstrate that the middle‐aged thymic environment does not support rapid motility of medullary thymocytes, potentially diminishing their ability to scan antigen presenting cells (APCs) that display the diverse self‐antigens that induce central tolerance. Consistent with this possibility, thymic slice assays reveal that the middle‐aged thymic environment does not support efficient negative selection or regulatory T‐cell (Treg) induction of thymocytes responsive to either TRAs or ubiquitous self‐antigens. This decline in central tolerance is not universal, but instead impacts lower‐avidity self‐antigens that are either less abundant or bind to TCRs with moderate affinities. Additionally, the decline in thymic tolerance by middle age is accompanied by both a reduction in mTECs and hematopoietic APC subsets that cooperate to drive central tolerance. Thus, age‐associated changes in the thymic environment result in impaired central tolerance against moderate‐avidity self‐antigens, potentially resulting in export of increasingly autoreactive naive T cells, with a deficit of Treg counterparts by middle age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N. Lancaster
- Department of Molecular Biosciences The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
| | | | - Jayashree Srinivasan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Molecular Biosciences The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
| | - Hilary J. Selden
- Department of Molecular Biosciences The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
| | - Seohee Nam
- Department of Molecular Biosciences The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
| | - Ellen R. Richie
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas USA
| | - Lauren I. R. Ehrlich
- Department of Molecular Biosciences The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
- Department of Oncology Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
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26
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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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27
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Tang M, Jia F, Nan F, Zuo F, Yuan Z, Zhang D. Role of Cytokines in Thymic Regulatory T Cell Generation: Overview and Updates. Front Immunol 2022; 13:883560. [PMID: 35432378 PMCID: PMC9008509 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.883560] [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: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Regulatory (Treg) T cells are mainly generated within the thymus. However, the mechanism of thymic Treg cell (tTreg cell) generation remains to be fully revealed. Although the functions of TCR/CD28 co-stimulation have been widely accepted, the functions of cytokines in the generation of tTreg cells remain highly controversial. In this review, we summarize the existing studies on cytokine regulation of tTreg cell generation. By integrating the key findings of cytokines in tTreg cell generation, we have concluded that four members of γc family cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-7 and IL-15), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and three members of TNF superfamily cytokines (GITRL, OX40L and TNF-α) play vitally important roles in regulating tTreg cell generation. We also point out all disputed points and highlight critical scientific questions that need to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Tang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fuya Jia
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Nan
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fengqiong Zuo
- Department of Immunology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dunfang Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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28
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Frantz C, Cauvet A, Durand A, Gonzalez V, Pierre R, Do Cruzeiro M, Bailly K, Andrieu M, Orvain C, Avouac J, Ottaviani M, Thuillet R, Tu L, Guignabert C, Lucas B, Auffray C, Allanore Y. Driving Role of Interleukin-2-Related Regulatory CD4+ T Cell Deficiency in the Development of Lung Fibrosis and Vascular Remodeling in a Mouse Model of Systemic Sclerosis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2022; 74:1387-1398. [PMID: 35255201 DOI: 10.1002/art.42111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a debilitating autoimmune disease characterized by severe lung outcomes resulting in reduced life expectancy. Fra-2-transgenic mice offer the opportunity to decipher the relationships between the immune system and lung fibrosis. This study was undertaken to investigate whether the Fra-2-transgenic mouse lung phenotype may result from an imbalance between the effector and regulatory arms in the CD4+ T cell compartment. METHODS We first used multicolor flow cytometry to extensively characterize homeostasis and the phenotype of peripheral CD4+ T cells from Fra-2-transgenic mice and control mice. We then tested different treatments for their effectiveness in restoring CD4+ Treg cell homeostasis, including adoptive transfer of Treg cells and treatment with low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2). RESULTS Fra-2-transgenic mice demonstrated a marked decrease in the proportion and absolute number of peripheral Treg cells that preceded accumulation of activated, T helper cell type 2-polarized, CD4+ T cells. This defect in Treg cell homeostasis was derived from a combination of mechanisms including impaired generation of these cells in both the thymus and the periphery. The impaired ability of peripheral conventional CD4+ T cells to produce IL-2 may greatly contribute to Treg cell deficiency in Fra-2-transgenic mice. Notably, adoptive transfer of Treg cells, low-dose IL-2 therapy, or combination therapy changed the phenotype of Fra-2-transgenic mice, resulting in a significant reduction in pulmonary parenchymal fibrosis and vascular remodeling in the lungs. CONCLUSION Immunotherapies for restoring Treg cell homeostasis could be relevant in SSc. An intervention based on low-dose IL-2 injections, as is already proposed in other autoimmune diseases, could be the most suitable treatment modality for restoring Treg cell homeostasis for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camelia Frantz
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, and Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Anne Cauvet
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Durand
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France
| | | | - Rémi Pierre
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France
| | | | - Karine Bailly
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France
| | - Muriel Andrieu
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France
| | - Cindy Orvain
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Avouac
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, and Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Mina Ottaviani
- INSERM UMR S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, and Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Raphaël Thuillet
- INSERM UMR S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, and Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Ly Tu
- INSERM UMR S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, and Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Guignabert
- INSERM UMR S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, and Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Lucas
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France
| | - Cédric Auffray
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France
| | - Yannick Allanore
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, and Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
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29
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Burkhardt NB, Elleder D, Schusser B, Krchlíková V, Göbel TW, Härtle S, Kaspers B. The Discovery of Chicken Foxp3 Demands Redefinition of Avian Regulatory T Cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:1128-1138. [PMID: 35173035 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Since the publication of the first chicken genome sequence, we have encountered genes playing key roles in mammalian immunology, but being seemingly absent in birds. One of those was, until recently, Foxp3, the master transcription factor of regulatory T cells in mammals. Therefore, avian regulatory T cell research is still poorly standardized. In this study we identify a chicken ortholog of Foxp3 We prove sequence homology with known mammalian and sauropsid sequences, but also reveal differences in major domains. Expression profiling shows an association of Foxp3 and CD25 expression levels in CD4+CD25+ peripheral T cells and identifies a CD4-CD25+Foxp3high subset of thymic lymphocytes that likely represents yet undescribed avian regulatory T precursor cells. We conclude that Foxp3 is existent in chickens and that it shares certain functional characteristics with its mammalian ortholog. Nevertheless, pathways for regulatory T cell development and Foxp3 function are likely to differ between mammals and birds. The identification and characterization of chicken Foxp3 will help to define avian regulatory T cells and to analyze their functional properties and thereby advance the field of avian immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina B Burkhardt
- Department for Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Elleder
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic; and
| | - Benjamin Schusser
- Reproductive Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Veronika Krchlíková
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic; and
| | - Thomas W Göbel
- Department for Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sonja Härtle
- Department for Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernd Kaspers
- Department for Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany;
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30
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Rajendeeran A, Tenbrock K. Regulatory T cell function in autoimmune disease. J Transl Autoimmun 2022; 4:100130. [PMID: 35005594 PMCID: PMC8716637 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2021.100130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by a failure of tolerance to own body components resulting in tissue damage. Regulatory T cells are gatekeepers of tolerance. This review focusses on the function and pathophysiology of regulatory T cells in the context of autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid and juvenile idiopathic arthritis as well as systemic lupus erythematosus with an overview over current and future therapeutic options to boost Treg function. Regulatory T cells are critical mediators of immune tolerance and critically depend on external IL-2. Tregs are expanded during inflammation, where the local milieu enhances resistance to suppression in T effector cells. Human Tregs are characterized by different markers, which hampers the comparability of studies in patients with autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anandi Rajendeeran
- RWTH Aachen University, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Rheumatology, Pauwelsstr 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Klaus Tenbrock
- RWTH Aachen University, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Rheumatology, Pauwelsstr 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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31
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Dong M, Chang J, Lebel MÈ, Gervais N, Fournier M, Mallet Gauthier È, Suh WK, Melichar HJ. The ICOS-ICOSL pathway tunes thymic selection. Immunol Cell Biol 2021; 100:205-217. [PMID: 34962663 PMCID: PMC9304562 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Negative selection of developing T cells plays a significant role in T cell tolerance to self-antigen. This process relies on thymic antigen presenting cells which express both self-antigens as well as co-signaling molecules. Inducible T cell costimulator (ICOS) belongs to the CD28 family of co-signaling molecules and binds to ICOS ligand (ICOSL). The ICOS signaling pathway plays important roles in shaping the immune response to infections, but its role in central tolerance is less well understood. Here we show that ICOSL is expressed by subsets of thymic dendritic cells and medullary thymic epithelial cells as well as thymic B cells. ICOS expression is upregulated as T cells mature in the thymus and correlates with T cell receptor signal strength during thymic selection. We also provide evidence of a role for ICOS signaling in mediating negative selection. Our findings suggest that ICOS may fine-tune T cell receptor signals during thymic selection contributing to the generation of a tolerant T cell population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Dong
- Département de microbiologie, Université de Montréal, infectiologie et immunologie, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada.,Immunology-Oncology Unit, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Jinsam Chang
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H2W 1R7, Canada.,Programme de biologie moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Lebel
- Immunology-Oncology Unit, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Noémie Gervais
- Immunology-Oncology Unit, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Marilaine Fournier
- Immunology-Oncology Unit, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Ève Mallet Gauthier
- Département de microbiologie, Université de Montréal, infectiologie et immunologie, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada.,Immunology-Oncology Unit, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Woong-Kyung Suh
- Département de microbiologie, Université de Montréal, infectiologie et immunologie, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada.,Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H2W 1R7, Canada.,Programme de biologie moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Heather J Melichar
- Immunology-Oncology Unit, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, H1T 2M4, Canada.,Département de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada
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32
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Schnell A, Huang L, Singer M, Singaraju A, Barilla RM, Regan BML, Bollhagen A, Thakore PI, Dionne D, Delorey TM, Pawlak M, Meyer Zu Horste G, Rozenblatt-Rosen O, Irizarry RA, Regev A, Kuchroo VK. Stem-like intestinal Th17 cells give rise to pathogenic effector T cells during autoimmunity. Cell 2021; 184:6281-6298.e23. [PMID: 34875227 PMCID: PMC8900676 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
While intestinal Th17 cells are critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis, recent studies have implicated their roles in the development of extra-intestinal autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis. However, the mechanisms by which tissue Th17 cells mediate these dichotomous functions remain unknown. Here, we characterized the heterogeneity, plasticity, and migratory phenotypes of tissue Th17 cells in vivo by combined fate mapping with profiling of the transcriptomes and TCR clonotypes of over 84,000 Th17 cells at homeostasis and during CNS autoimmune inflammation. Inter- and intra-organ single-cell analyses revealed a homeostatic, stem-like TCF1+ IL-17+ SLAMF6+ population that traffics to the intestine where it is maintained by the microbiota, providing a ready reservoir for the IL-23-driven generation of encephalitogenic GM-CSF+ IFN-γ+ CXCR6+ T cells. Our study defines a direct in vivo relationship between IL-17+ non-pathogenic and GM-CSF+ and IFN-γ+ pathogenic Th17 populations and provides a mechanism by which homeostatic intestinal Th17 cells direct extra-intestinal autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Schnell
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Linglin Huang
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Meromit Singer
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anvita Singaraju
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rocky M Barilla
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Brianna M L Regan
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alina Bollhagen
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Pratiksha I Thakore
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Danielle Dionne
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Toni M Delorey
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Mathias Pawlak
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Gerd Meyer Zu Horste
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Orit Rozenblatt-Rosen
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Rafael A Irizarry
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aviv Regev
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Vijay K Kuchroo
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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33
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Pyle CJ, Labeur-Iurman L, Groves HT, Puttur F, Lloyd CM, Tregoning JS, Harker JA. Enhanced IL-2 in early life limits the development of TFH and protective antiviral immunity. J Exp Med 2021; 218:e20201555. [PMID: 34665220 PMCID: PMC8529914 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20201555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
T follicular helper cell (TFH)-dependent antibody responses are critical for long-term immunity. Antibody responses are diminished in early life, limiting long-term protective immunity and allowing prolonged or recurrent infection, which may be important for viral lung infections that are highly prevalent in infancy. In a murine model using respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), we show that TFH and the high-affinity antibody production they promote are vital for preventing disease on RSV reinfection. Following a secondary RSV infection, TFH-deficient mice had significantly exacerbated disease characterized by delayed viral clearance, increased weight loss, and immunopathology. TFH generation in early life was compromised by heightened IL-2 and STAT5 signaling in differentiating naive T cells. Neutralization of IL-2 during early-life RSV infection resulted in a TFH-dependent increase in antibody-mediated immunity and was sufficient to limit disease severity upon reinfection. These data demonstrate the importance of TFH in protection against recurrent RSV infection and highlight a mechanism by which this is suppressed in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe J. Pyle
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
| | - Lucia Labeur-Iurman
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
| | - Helen T. Groves
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, St. Mary’s Campus, London, UK
| | - Franz Puttur
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
| | - Clare M. Lloyd
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
- Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms for Asthma, London, UK
| | - John S. Tregoning
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, St. Mary’s Campus, London, UK
| | - James A. Harker
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
- Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms for Asthma, London, UK
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34
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Hirschhorn D, Betof Warner A, Maniyar R, Chow A, Mangarin LM, Cohen AD, Hamadene L, Rizzuto GA, Budhu S, Suek N, Liu C, Houghton AN, Merghoub T, Wolchok JD. Cyclophosphamide enhances the antitumor potency of GITR engagement by increasing oligoclonal cytotoxic T cell fitness. JCI Insight 2021; 6:151035. [PMID: 34676831 PMCID: PMC8564916 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.151035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Only a subset of cancer patients responds to checkpoint blockade inhibition in the clinic. Strategies to overcome resistance are promising areas of investigation. Targeting glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor-related protein (GITR) has shown efficacy in preclinical models, but GITR engagement is ineffective in controlling advanced, poorly immunogenic tumors, such as B16 melanoma, and has not yielded benefit in clinical trials. The alkylating agent cyclophosphamide (CTX) depletes regulatory T cells (Tregs), expands tumor-specific effector T cells (Teffs) via homeostatic proliferation, and induces immunogenic cell death. GITR agonism has an inhibitory effect on Tregs and activates Teffs. We therefore hypothesized that CTX and GITR agonism would promote effective antitumor immunity. Here we show that the combination of CTX and GITR agonism controlled tumor growth in clinically relevant mouse models. Mechanistically, we show that the combination therapy caused tumor cell death, clonal expansion of highly active CD8+ T cells, and depletion of Tregs by activation-induced cell death. Control of tumor growth was associated with the presence of an expanded population of highly activated, tumor-infiltrating, oligoclonal CD8+ T cells that led to a diminished TCR repertoire. Our studies show that the combination of CTX and GITR agonism is a rational chemoimmunotherapeutic approach that warrants further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hirschhorn
- Swim Across America and Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Immunology Program, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Allison Betof Warner
- Swim Across America and Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Immunology Program, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rachana Maniyar
- Swim Across America and Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Immunology Program, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrew Chow
- Swim Across America and Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Immunology Program, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Levi Mb Mangarin
- Swim Across America and Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Immunology Program, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Adam D Cohen
- Swim Across America and Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Immunology Program, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and
| | - Linda Hamadene
- Swim Across America and Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Immunology Program, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Gabrielle A Rizzuto
- Swim Across America and Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Immunology Program, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and.,Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sadna Budhu
- Swim Across America and Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Immunology Program, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Nathan Suek
- Swim Across America and Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Immunology Program, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Cailian Liu
- Swim Across America and Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Immunology Program, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Alan N Houghton
- Swim Across America and Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Immunology Program, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Taha Merghoub
- Swim Across America and Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Immunology Program, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jedd D Wolchok
- Swim Across America and Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Immunology Program, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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35
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A novel multi-biomarker combination predicting relapse from long-term remission after discontinuation of biological drugs in rheumatoid arthritis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20771. [PMID: 34675298 PMCID: PMC8531387 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00357-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) show dramatic treatment efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Long-term use of bDMARDs, however, has disadvantages such as high costs and infection risk. Therefore, a methodology is needed to predict any future RA relapse. Herein, we report a novel multi-biomarker combination which predicts relapse after bDMARDs-withdrawal in patients in remission. Forty patients with RA in remission for more than 12 months were enrolled. bDMARDs were withdrawn and they were followed monthly for the next 24 months. Fourteen patients (35%) of 40 in the cohort remained in remission at 24 months, whereas 26 (65%) relapsed at various time-points. Serum samples obtained longitudinally from patients in remission were assessed for the relapse-prediction biomarkers and index from 73 cytokines by the exploratory multivariate ROC analysis. The relapse-prediction index calculated from the 5 cytokines, IL-34, CCL1, IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-19, strongly discriminated between patients who relapsed and those who stayed in remission. These findings could contribute to clinical decision-making as to the timing of when to discontinue bDMARDs in RA treatment.
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36
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Sjaastad LE, Owen DL, Tracy SI, Farrar MA. Phenotypic and Functional Diversity in Regulatory T Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:715901. [PMID: 34631704 PMCID: PMC8495164 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.715901] [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: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept that a subset of T cells exists that specifically suppresses immune responses was originally proposed over 50 years ago. It then took the next 30 years to solidify the concept of regulatory T cells (Tregs) into the paradigm we understand today – namely a subset of CD4+ FOXP3+ T-cells that are critical for controlling immune responses to self and commensal or environmental antigens that also play key roles in promoting tissue homeostasis and repair. Expression of the transcription factor FOXP3 is a defining feature of Tregs, while the cytokine IL2 is necessary for robust Treg development and function. While our initial conception of Tregs was as a monomorphic lineage required to suppress all types of immune responses, recent work has demonstrated extensive phenotypic and functional diversity within the Treg population. In this review we address the ontogeny, phenotype, and function of the large number of distinct effector Treg subsets that have been defined over the last 15 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa E Sjaastad
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for Immunology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - David L Owen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for Immunology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Sean I Tracy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for Immunology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Michael A Farrar
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for Immunology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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37
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Zhang X, Liu X, Zhang Y, Yang A, Zhang Y, Tong Z, Wang Y, Qiu Y. Wan-Nian-Qing, a Herbal Composite Prescription, Suppresses the Progression of Liver Cancer in Mice by Regulating Immune Response. Front Oncol 2021; 11:696282. [PMID: 34307161 PMCID: PMC8297951 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.696282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wan-Nian-Qing prescription (WNQP), an herbal composite containing Ornithogalum caudatum, has been used in China for several years for cancer treatment. However, the mechanism of its pharmacological action against liver cancer is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the role of WNQP in inhibiting tumor growth in hepatocellular carcinoma model mice and determine its mechanism of action. We established HepG2- and SMMC-7721-xenografted tumor models in nude mice and BALB/c mice. The mice were administered WNQP for 2 weeks. The bodyweight of each mouse was monitored every day, and the tumor size was measured using vernier caliper before each round of WNQP administration. After the last dose, mice were sacrificed. The tumors were removed, lysed, and subjected to proteome profiling, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blotting. The liver, spleen, and kidney were collected for histopathological examination. The effects of WNQP against liver cancer were first systematically confirmed in HepG2- and SMMC-7721-xenografted nude mice and BALB/c mice models. WNQP inhibited tumor growth, but failed to affect bodyweight and organ structures (liver and spleen), confirming that it was safe to use in mice. In BALB/c mice, WNQP regulated immune function, inferred from the modulation of immune-related cytokines such as interleukins, interferon, tumor necrosis factors, and chemokines. Further results confirmed that this regulation occurred via the regulatory effects of WNQP on Nrf2 signaling. WNQP can inhibit the growth of HepG2- and SMMC-7721-xenografted tumors in nude mice and BALB/c mice. This effect manifests at least partially through immunomodulation mediated apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Anhui Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yongfeng Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhijun Tong
- R&D Department, Jilin Tianlitai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Baishan, China
| | - Yingwu Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ye Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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38
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Brown CC, Gottschalk RA. Volume control: Turning the dial on regulatory T cells. Cell 2021; 184:3847-3849. [PMID: 34297928 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Treg-mediated immunosuppression must be tightly regulated to support immunity while limiting tissue damage. In this issue of Cell, Wong et al. and Marangoni et al. use high-resolution imaging to define feedback circuits that quantitatively control local Treg expansion and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysothemis C Brown
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Rachel A Gottschalk
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Systems Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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39
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Won HY, Kim HK, Crossman A, Awasthi P, Gress RE, Park JH. The Timing and Abundance of IL-2Rβ (CD122) Expression Control Thymic iNKT Cell Generation and NKT1 Subset Differentiation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:642856. [PMID: 34054809 PMCID: PMC8161506 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.642856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are thymus-generated innate-like T cells, comprised of three distinct subsets with divergent effector functions. The molecular mechanism that drives the lineage trifurcation of immature iNKT cells into the NKT1, NKT2, and NKT17 subsets remains a controversial issue that remains to be resolved. Because cytokine receptor signaling is necessary for iNKT cell generation, cytokines are proposed to contribute to iNKT subset differentiation also. However, the precise roles and requirements of cytokines in these processes are not fully understood. Here, we show that IL-2Rβ, a nonredundant component of the IL-15 receptor complex, plays a critical role in both the development and differentiation of thymic iNKT cells. While the induction of IL-2Rβ expression on postselection thymocytes is necessary to drive the generation of iNKT cells, surprisingly, premature IL-2Rβ expression on immature iNKT cells was detrimental to their development. Moreover, while IL-2Rβ is necessary for NKT1 generation, paradoxically, we found that the increased abundance of IL-2Rβ suppressed NKT1 generation without affecting NKT2 and NKT17 cell differentiation. Thus, the timing and abundance of IL-2Rβ expression control iNKT lineage fate and development, thereby establishing cytokine receptor expression as a critical regulator of thymic iNKT cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Yeun Won
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Hye Kyung Kim
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunotherapy Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Assiatu Crossman
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Parirokh Awasthi
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Ronald E Gress
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunotherapy Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jung-Hyun Park
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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40
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Dikiy S, Li J, Bai L, Jiang M, Janke L, Zong X, Hao X, Hoyos B, Wang ZM, Xu B, Fan Y, Rudensky AY, Feng Y. A distal Foxp3 enhancer enables interleukin-2 dependent thymic Treg cell lineage commitment for robust immune tolerance. Immunity 2021; 54:931-946.e11. [PMID: 33838102 PMCID: PMC8317508 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2021.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Activation of the STAT5 transcription factor downstream of the Interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) induces expression of Foxp3, a critical step in the differentiation of regulatory T (Treg) cells. Due to the pleiotropic effects of IL-2R signaling, it is unclear how STAT5 acts directly on the Foxp3 locus to promote its expression. Here, we report that IL-2 - STAT5 signaling converged on an enhancer (CNS0) during Foxp3 induction. CNS0 facilitated the IL-2 dependent CD25+Foxp3- precursor to Treg cell transition in the thymus. Its deficiency resulted in impaired Treg cell generation in neonates, which was partially mitigated with age. While the thymic Treg cell paucity caused by CNS0 deficiency did not result in autoimmunity on its own, it exacerbated autoimmune manifestations caused by disruption of the Aire gene. Thus, CNS0 enhancer activity ensures robust Treg cell differentiation early in postnatal life and cooperatively with other tolerance mechanisms minimizes autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Dikiy
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Immunology Program, Ludwig Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Lu Bai
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Menglin Jiang
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Laura Janke
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Xinying Zong
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Xiaolei Hao
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Beatrice Hoyos
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Immunology Program, Ludwig Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Zhong-Min Wang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Immunology Program, Ludwig Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Beisi Xu
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Yiping Fan
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Alexander Y Rudensky
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Immunology Program, Ludwig Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Yongqiang Feng
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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41
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Glasner A, Plitas G. Tumor resident regulatory T cells. Semin Immunol 2021; 52:101476. [PMID: 33906820 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2021.101476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The immune system mediates powerful effector mechanisms to protect against a diversity of pathogens and equally as important regulatory functions, to limit collateral damage of inflammation, prevent misguided immune responses to "self", and promote tissue repair. Inadequate regulatory control can lead to a variety of inflammatory disorders including autoimmunity, metabolic syndrome, allergies, and progression of malignancies. Cancers evolve complex mechanisms to thwart immune eradication including coopting normal host regulatory processes. This is most evident in the analysis of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), where a preponderance of immunosuppressive immune cells, such as regulatory T (Treg) cells are found. Treg cells express the X-chromosome linked transcription factor Foxp3 and play a crucial role in maintaining immune homeostasis by suppressing inflammatory responses in diverse biological settings. Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment promote tumor development and progression by dampening anti-tumor immune responses, directly supporting the survival of transformed cells through elaboration of growth factors, and interacting with accessory cells in tumors such as fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Current insights into the phenotype and function of tumor associated Treg cells have opened up opportunities for their selective targeting in cancer with the goal of alleviating their suppression of anti-tumor immune responses while maintaining overall immune homeostasis. Here, we review Treg cell biology in the context of the tumor microenvironment (TME), and the important role they play in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariella Glasner
- Immunology Program and Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - George Plitas
- Immunology Program and Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA; Breast Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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42
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Datta SK. Harnessing Tolerogenic Histone Peptide Epitopes From Nucleosomes for Selective Down-Regulation of Pathogenic Autoimmune Response in Lupus (Past, Present, and Future). Front Immunol 2021; 12:629807. [PMID: 33936042 PMCID: PMC8080879 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.629807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoantigen-directed tolerance can be induced by certain nucleosomal histone peptide epitope/s in nanomolar dosage leading to sustained remission of disease in mice with spontaneous SLE. By contrast, lupus is accelerated by administration of intact (whole) histones, or whole nucleosomes in microparticles from apoptotic cells, or by post-translationally acetylated histone-peptides. Low-dose therapy with the histone-peptide epitopes simultaneously induces TGFβ and inhibits IL-6 production by DC in vivo, especially pDC, which then induce CD4+CD25+ Treg and CD8+ Treg cells that suppress pathogenic autoimmune response. Both types of induced Treg cells are FoxP3+ and act by producing TGFβ at close cell-to-cell range. No anaphylactic adverse reactions, or generalized immunosuppression have been detected in mice injected with the peptides, because the epitopes are derived from evolutionarily conserved histones in the chromatin; and the peptides are expressed in the thymus during ontogeny, and their native sequences have not been altered. The peptide-induced Treg cells can block severe lupus on adoptive transfer reducing inflammatory cell reaction and infiltration in the kidney. In Humans, similar potent Treg cells are generated by the histone peptide epitopes in vitro in lupus patients’ PBMC, inhibiting anti-dsDNA autoantibody and interferon production. Furthermore, the same types of Treg cells are generated in lupus patients who are in very long-term remission (2-8 years) after undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. These Treg cells are not found in lupus patients treated conventionally into clinical remission (SLEDAI of 0); and consequently they still harbor pathogenic autoimmune cells, causing subclinical damage. Although antigen-specific therapy with pinpoint accuracy is suitable for straight-forward organ-specific autoimmune diseases, Systemic Lupus is much more complex. The histone peptide epitopes have unique tolerogenic properties for inhibiting Innate immune cells (DC), T cells and B cell populations that are both antigen-specifically and cross-reactively involved in the pathogenic autoimmune response in lupus. The histone peptide tolerance is a natural and non-toxic therapy suitable for treating early lupus, and also maintaining lupus patients after toxic drug therapy. The experimental steps, challenges and possible solutions for successful therapy with these peptide epitopes are discussed in this highly focused review on Systemic Lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syamal K Datta
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
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43
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Ma J, Yang Y, Wang L, Jia X, Lu T, Zeng Y, Liu L, Gao Y. Follistatin-like 1 deficiency impairs T cell development to promote lung metastasis of triple negative breast cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:7211-7227. [PMID: 33639614 PMCID: PMC7993667 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Our study aims to detect the underlying mechanism of the suppressive effect of Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) on lung metastasis of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). We found that FSTL1 had no effect on the proliferation and metastasis of 4T1 cells in vitro, while in the tumor-bearing Fstl1 heterozygous (Fstl1+/-) mice, the number of anti-tumor T lymphocytes in the lung was significantly reduced with the increase in lung metastasis. Impaired development of T cells can cause dysfunction of adaptive immune system, which promotes cancer metastasis. Therefore the effect of FSTL1 on T cell development was further investigated. Lower population of T cells in periphery and decreased proliferation of CD4- CD8- double negative (DN) thymocytes and impairment development of T cells were found in Fstl1+/- mice. Furthermore, high expression of FSTL1 in medullary thymus epithelial (mTEC) cells and decreased mRNA expression of inducible costimulator on activated T-cell ligand (Icosl) in mTECsh Fstl1 were detected. Combining other studies that the generation of ICOSL by mTEC cells promotes CD4+ single positive (SP) thymocytes to produce IL-2, which promotes T cell development. Our results indicate FSTL1 deficiency in mTEC cells impairs T cell development to promote the lung metastasis of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ma
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Jia
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Lu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiyan Zeng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Experimental Center for Basic Medical Teaching, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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44
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Santamaria JC, Borelli A, Irla M. Regulatory T Cell Heterogeneity in the Thymus: Impact on Their Functional Activities. Front Immunol 2021; 12:643153. [PMID: 33643324 PMCID: PMC7904894 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.643153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) maintain the integrity of the organism by preventing excessive immune responses. These cells protect against autoimmune diseases but are also important regulators of other immune responses including inflammation, allergy, infection, and tumors. Furthermore, they exert non-immune functions such as tissue repair and regeneration. In the periphery, Foxp3+ Treg have emerged as a highly heterogeneous cell population with distinct molecular and functional properties. Foxp3+ Treg mainly develop within the thymus where they receive instructive signals for their differentiation. Recent studies have revealed that thymic Treg are also heterogeneous with two distinct precursors that give rise to mature Foxp3+ Treg exhibiting non-overlapping regulatory activities characterized by a differential ability to control different types of autoimmune reactions. Furthermore, the thymic Treg cell pool is not only composed of newly developing Treg, but also contain a large fraction of recirculating peripheral cells. Here, we review the two pathways of thymic Treg cell differentiation and their potential impact on Treg activity in the periphery. We also summarize our current knowledge on recirculating peripheral Treg in the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy C Santamaria
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Alexia Borelli
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Magali Irla
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
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45
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Bergantini L, Cameli P, d'Alessandro M, Vietri L, Perruzza M, Pieroni M, Lanzarone N, Refini RM, Fossi A, Bargagli E. Regulatory T Cells in Severe Persistent Asthma in the Era of Monoclonal Antibodies Target Therapies. Inflammation 2021; 43:393-400. [PMID: 31853715 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-019-01157-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is an immunoinflammatory disease characterized by bronchial hyper-reactivity to different external stimuli. New monoclonal target treatments have been developed, but few studies have investigated the role of regulatory T cells in severe asthma and the modulatory effect of biological therapy on regulatory T cell functions. Their dysfunction may contribute to the development and exacerbation of asthma. Here we review the recent literature on the potential immunological role of regulatory T cells in the pathogenesis of severe asthma. The analysis of the role of regulatory T cells was performed in terms of functions and their possible interactions with mechanisms of action of the novel treatment for severe asthma. In an era of biological therapies for severe asthma, little data is available on the potential effects of what could be a new therapy: monoclonal antibody targeting of regulatory T cell numbers and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bergantini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Section, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, 1, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - P Cameli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Section, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - M d'Alessandro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Section, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - L Vietri
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Section, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - M Perruzza
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Section, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - M Pieroni
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Section, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - N Lanzarone
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Section, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - R M Refini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Section, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - A Fossi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Section, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - E Bargagli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Section, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
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46
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Thymic origins of autoimmunity-lessons from inborn errors of immunity. Semin Immunopathol 2021; 43:65-83. [PMID: 33532929 PMCID: PMC7925499 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00835-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
During their intrathymic development, nascent T cells are empowered to protect against pathogens and to be operative for a life-long acceptance of self. While autoreactive effector T (Teff) cell progenitors are eliminated by clonal deletion, the intrathymic mechanisms by which thymic regulatory T cell (tTreg) progenitors maintain specificity for self-antigens but escape deletion to exert their regulatory functions are less well understood. Both tTreg and Teff development and selection result from finely coordinated interactions between their clonotypic T cell receptors (TCR) and peptide/MHC complexes expressed by antigen-presenting cells, such as thymic epithelial cells and thymic dendritic cells. tTreg function is dependent on expression of the FOXP3 transcription factor, and induction of FOXP3 gene expression by tTreg occurs during their thymic development, particularly within the thymic medulla. While initial expression of FOXP3 is downstream of TCR activation, constitutive expression is fixed by interactions with various transcription factors that are regulated by other extracellular signals like TCR and cytokines, leading to epigenetic modification of the FOXP3 gene. Most of the understanding of the molecular events underlying tTreg generation is based on studies of murine models, whereas gaining similar insight in the human system has been very challenging. In this review, we will elucidate how inborn errors of immunity illuminate the critical non-redundant roles of certain molecules during tTreg development, shedding light on how their abnormal development and function cause well-defined diseases that manifest with autoimmunity alone or are associated with states of immune deficiency and autoinflammation.
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47
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Efficient IL-2R signaling differentially affects the stability, function, and composition of the regulatory T-cell pool. Cell Mol Immunol 2021; 18:398-414. [PMID: 33408345 PMCID: PMC8027001 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-00599-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Signaling via interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) is a requisite for regulatory T (Treg) cell identity and function. However, it is not completely understood to what degree IL-2R signaling is required for Treg cell homeostasis, lineage stability and function in both resting and inflammatory conditions. Here, we characterized a spontaneous mutant mouse strain endowed with a hypomorphic Tyr129His variant of CD25, the α-chain of IL-2R, which resulted in diminished receptor expression and reduced IL-2R signaling. Under noninflammatory conditions, Cd25Y129H mice harbored substantially lower numbers of peripheral Treg cells with stable Foxp3 expression that prevented the development of spontaneous autoimmune disease. In contrast, Cd25Y129H Treg cells failed to efficiently induce immune suppression and lost lineage commitment in a T-cell transfer colitis model, indicating that unimpaired IL-2R signaling is critical for Treg cell function in inflammatory environments. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing of Treg cells revealed that impaired IL-2R signaling profoundly affected the balance of central and effector Treg cell subsets. Thus, partial loss of IL-2R signaling differentially interferes with the maintenance, heterogeneity, and suppressive function of the Treg cell pool.
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48
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Chopp LB, Gopalan V, Ciucci T, Ruchinskas A, Rae Z, Lagarde M, Gao Y, Li C, Bosticardo M, Pala F, Livak F, Kelly MC, Hannenhalli S, Bosselut R. An Integrated Epigenomic and Transcriptomic Map of Mouse and Human αβ T Cell Development. Immunity 2020; 53:1182-1201.e8. [PMID: 33242395 PMCID: PMC8641659 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2020.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
αβ lineage T cells, most of which are CD4+ or CD8+ and recognize MHC I- or MHC II-presented antigens, are essential for immune responses and develop from CD4+CD8+ thymocytes. The absence of in vitro models and the heterogeneity of αβ thymocytes have hampered analyses of their intrathymic differentiation. Here, combining single-cell RNA and ATAC (chromatin accessibility) sequencing, we identified mouse and human αβ thymocyte developmental trajectories. We demonstrated asymmetric emergence of CD4+ and CD8+ lineages, matched differentiation programs of agonist-signaled cells to their MHC specificity, and identified correspondences between mouse and human transcriptomic and epigenomic patterns. Through computational analysis of single-cell data and binding sites for the CD4+-lineage transcription factor Thpok, we inferred transcriptional networks associated with CD4+- or CD8+-lineage differentiation, and with expression of Thpok or of the CD8+-lineage factor Runx3. Our findings provide insight into the mechanisms of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell differentiation and a foundation for mechanistic investigations of αβ T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B Chopp
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Immunology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vishaka Gopalan
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas Ciucci
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Allison Ruchinskas
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Single Cell Analysis Facility, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zachary Rae
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Single Cell Analysis Facility, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Manon Lagarde
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yayi Gao
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Caiyi Li
- Laboratory of Genomic Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marita Bosticardo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Francesca Pala
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ferenc Livak
- Laboratory of Genomic Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michael C Kelly
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Single Cell Analysis Facility, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sridhar Hannenhalli
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rémy Bosselut
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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49
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Cosway EJ, James KD, Lucas B, Anderson G, White AJ. The thymus medulla and its control of αβT cell development. Semin Immunopathol 2020; 43:15-27. [PMID: 33306154 PMCID: PMC7925449 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00830-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
αβT cells are an essential component of effective immune responses. The heterogeneity that lies within them includes subsets that express diverse self-MHC-restricted αβT cell receptors, which can be further subdivided into CD4+ helper, CD8+ cytotoxic, and Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. In addition, αβT cells also include invariant natural killer T cells that are very limited in αβT cell receptor repertoire diversity and recognise non-polymorphic CD1d molecules that present lipid antigens. Importantly, all αβT cell sublineages are dependent upon the thymus as a shared site of their development. Ongoing research has examined how the thymus balances the intrathymic production of multiple αβT cell subsets to ensure correct formation and functioning of the peripheral immune system. Experiments in both wild-type and genetically modified mice have been essential in revealing complex cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate thymus function. In particular, studies have demonstrated the diverse and critical role that the thymus medulla plays in shaping the peripheral T cell pool. In this review, we summarise current knowledge on functional properties of the thymus medulla that enable the thymus to support the production of diverse αβT cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie J Cosway
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Floor 4 Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Kieran D James
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Floor 4 Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Beth Lucas
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Floor 4 Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Floor 4 Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Andrea J White
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Floor 4 Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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50
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Papadogianni G, Ravens I, Dittrich-Breiholz O, Bernhardt G, Georgiev H. Impact of Aging on the Phenotype of Invariant Natural Killer T Cells in Mouse Thymus. Front Immunol 2020; 11:575764. [PMID: 33193368 PMCID: PMC7662090 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.575764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells represent a subclass of T cells possessing a restricted repertoire of T cell receptors enabling them to recognize lipid derived ligands. iNKT cells are continuously generated in thymus and differentiate into three main subpopulations: iNKT1, iNKT2, and iNKT17 cells. We investigated the transcriptomes of these subsets comparing cells isolated from young adult (6–10 weeks old) and aged BALB/c mice (25–30 weeks of age) in order to identify genes subject to an age-related regulation of expression. These time points were selected to take into consideration the consequences of thymic involution that radically alter the existing micro-milieu. Significant differences were detected in the expression of histone genes affecting all iNKT subsets. Also the proliferative capacity of iNKT cells decreased substantially upon aging. Several genes were identified as possible candidates causing significant age-dependent changes in iNKT cell generation and/or function such as genes coding for granzyme A, ZO-1, EZH2, SOX4, IGF1 receptor, FLT4, and CD25. Moreover, we provide evidence that IL2 differentially affects homeostasis of iNKT subsets with iNKT17 cells engaging a unique mechanism to respond to IL2 by initiating a slow rate of proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inga Ravens
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Günter Bernhardt
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hristo Georgiev
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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