Mouse embryonic stem cell-derived thymic epithelial cell progenitors enhance T-cell reconstitution after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (12) ◽  
pp. 3410-3418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laijun Lai ◽  
Cheng Cui ◽  
Jingjun Jin ◽  
Zhifang Hao ◽  
Qiuhong Zheng ◽  
...  

Abstract We have reported that mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) can be selectively induced in vitro to differentiate into thymic epithelial cell progenitors (TEPs). When placed in vivo, these mESC-derived TEPs differentiate into cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells, reconstitute the normal thymic architecture, and enhance thymocyte regeneration after syngeneic BM transplantation (BMT). Here, we show that transplantation of mESC-derived TEPs results in the efficient establishment of thymocyte chimerism and subsequent generation of naive T cells in both young and old recipients of allo-geneic BM transplant. GVHD was not induced, whereas graft-versus-tumor activity was significantly enhanced. Importantly, the reconstituted immune system was tolerant to host, mESC, and BM transplant donor antigens. Therefore, ESC-derived TEPs may offer a new approach for the rapid and durable correction of T-cell immune deficiency after BMT, and the induction of tolerance to ESC-derived tissue and organ transplants. In addition, ESC-derived TEPs may also have use as a means to reverse age-dependent thymic involution, thereby enhancing immune function and decreasing infection rates in the elderly.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 109 (9) ◽  
pp. 4080-4088 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathias M. Hauri-Hohl ◽  
Marcel P. Keller ◽  
Jason Gill ◽  
Katrin Hafen ◽  
Esther Pachlatko ◽  
...  

Abstract Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) impairs thymus-dependent T-cell regeneration in recipients of allogeneic bone marrow transplants through yet to be defined mechanisms. Here, we demonstrate in mice that MHC-mismatched donor T cells home into the thymus of unconditioned recipients. There, activated donor T cells secrete IFN-γ, which in turn stimulates the programmed cell death of thymic epithelial cells (TECs). Because TECs themselves are competent and sufficient to prime naive allospecific T cells and to elicit their effector function, the elimination of host-type professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) does not prevent donor T-cell activation and TEC apoptosis, thus precluding normal thymopoiesis in transplant recipients. Hence, strategies that protect TECs may be necessary to improve immune reconstitution following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruben G. R. Pinheiro ◽  
Nuno L. Alves

The microenvironments formed by cortical (c) and medullary (m) thymic epithelial cells (TECs) play a non-redundant role in the generation of functionally diverse and self-tolerant T cells. The role of TECs during the first weeks of the murine postnatal life is particularly challenging due to the significant augment in T cell production. Here, we critically review recent studies centered on the timely coordination between the expansion and maturation of TECs during this period and their specialized role in T cell development and selection. We further discuss how aging impacts on the pool of TEC progenitors and maintenance of functionally thymic epithelial microenvironments, and the implications of these chances in the capacity of the thymus to sustain regular thymopoiesis throughout life.


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 3482-3482
Author(s):  
Minghui Li ◽  
Kai Sun ◽  
Mark Hubbard ◽  
Doug Redelman ◽  
Angela Panoskaltsis-Mortari ◽  
...  

Abstract IL-17-producing CD4 T cells (Th17) are a recently identified T helper subset that plays a role in mediating host defense to extracellular bacteria infections and is involved in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases. In vitro induction of IL-17 in murine CD4+ T cells has been shown to be dependent on the presence of the proinflammatory cytokines TGF-β and IL-6 whereas IFNγ can suppress the development of Th17 cells. In the current study, we examined the roles of TNFα and IFNγ on IL-17 production by purified T cells in vitro and in vivo after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). We present findings that expression of TNFα by the T cell itself is necessary for optimal development of Th17 under in vitro polarizing conditions. A novel role for T cell-derived TNFα in Th17 induction was observed when in vitro polarization of Tnf−/−CD4+ T cells resulted in marked reductions in IL-17+CD4+ T cells compared to Tnf+/+CD4+ T cells. In marked contrast, T cell-derived IFNγ markedly inhibited Th17 development as more IL-17+CD4+ T cells were found in Ifnγ−/−CD4+ T cells than in Ifnγ+/+CD4+ T cells, and of particular interest was the dramatic increase in IL-17+CD8+ cells from Ifnγ−/− mice. To determine if T cell-derived TNFα or IFNγ can regulate Th17 development in vivo we examined the differentiation of alloreactive donor T cells following allogeneic BMT. We have found that donor-derived Th17 cells can be found in lymphoid tissues and GVHD-affected organs after allogeneic BMT. However, transfer of Tnf−/− CD4+ T cells after allogeneic BMT resulted in marked reductions in Th17 cells in the spleen (18×103 vs 7×103, P<0.05). In agreement with the in vitro data and in contrast to what was observed with transfer of Tnf−/− CD4+ T cells, transfer of donor Ifnγ−/− T cells resulted in marked increases in not only IL-17+CD4+ but also IL-17+CD8+ T cells infiltrating the liver (7×103 vs 14×103, P<0.05; 4×104 vs 12.5×104, P<0.05). These results suggest that the donor T cell-derived TNFα and IFNγ opposingly regulate IL-17 induction of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in vitro and after allogeneic BMT which correlates with GVHD pathology.


2016 ◽  
Vol 113 (4) ◽  
pp. 1026-1031 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun-Hee Youm ◽  
Tamas L. Horvath ◽  
David J. Mangelsdorf ◽  
Steven A. Kliewer ◽  
Vishwa Deep Dixit

Age-related thymic degeneration is associated with loss of naïve T cells, restriction of peripheral T-cell diversity, and reduced healthspan due to lower immune competence. The mechanistic basis of age-related thymic demise is unclear, but prior evidence suggests that caloric restriction (CR) can slow thymic aging by maintaining thymic epithelial cell integrity and reducing the generation of intrathymic lipid. Here we show that the prolongevity ketogenic hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a member of the endocrine FGF subfamily, is expressed in thymic stromal cells along with FGF receptors and its obligate coreceptor, βKlotho. We found that FGF21 expression in thymus declines with age and is induced by CR. Genetic gain of FGF21 function in mice protects against age-related thymic involution with an increase in earliest thymocyte progenitors and cortical thymic epithelial cells. Importantly, FGF21 overexpression reduced intrathymic lipid, increased perithymic brown adipose tissue, and elevated thymic T-cell export and naïve T-cell frequencies in old mice. Conversely, loss of FGF21 function in middle-aged mice accelerated thymic aging, increased lethality, and delayed T-cell reconstitution postirradiation and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Collectively, FGF21 integrates metabolic and immune systems to prevent thymic injury and may aid in the reestablishment of a diverse T-cell repertoire in cancer patients following HSCT.


Blood ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 94 (5) ◽  
pp. 1803-1813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Chafika Hebib ◽  
Olivier Déas ◽  
Matthieu Rouleau ◽  
Antoine Durrbach ◽  
Bernard Charpentier ◽  
...  

Abstract T-cell reconstitution after bone marrow transplant (BMT) is characterized, for at least 1 year, by the expansion of populations of T cells with a primed/memory phenotype and by reverse CD4/CD8 proportions. T lymphocytes from 26 BMT patients (mostly adults) were obtained at various times after transplantation (from 45 to ≥730 days) and were tested for susceptibility to spontaneous apoptosis and anti-Fas triggered apoptosis in vitro. Substantial proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ cells generated during the first year after transplantation, but not by day 730, exhibited in these assays decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (▵Ψm) and apoptotic DNA fragmentation. The apoptotic phenotype tended to disappear late in the follow-up period, when substantial absolute numbers of naive (CD45RA+/CD62-L+) T cells had repopulated the peripheral blood compartment of the BMT patients. The rate of spontaneous cell death in vitro was significantly correlated with lower levels of ex vivo Bcl-2 protein, as assessed by cytofluorometry and Western blot analysis. In contrast, the levels of Bax protein remained unchanged, resulting in dysregulated Bcl-2/Bax ratios. Cell death primarily concerned the expanded CD8+/CD45R0+ subpopulation, although CD45R0− subpopulations were also involved, albeit to a lesser extent. These results show that the T-cell regeneration/expansion occurring after BMT is accompanied by decreased levels of Bcl-2 and susceptibility to apoptosis.


1994 ◽  
Vol 179 (2) ◽  
pp. 721-725 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Golunski ◽  
R Palacios

We show here that cell sorter purified JORO 75+ lymphocyte progenitors from fetal liver or bone marrow of adult mice give rise in vitro to CD4+8- T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3- early thymocytes and CD4+8- TCR/CD3+ thymocyte subsets after coculture with the EH6 subcapsular thymic epithelial cell line, recombinant interleukin 7 (rIL-7) and F (supernatants from the FLS4.1 fetal liver stromal cell line). We find that in cultures that had additionally received rIL-2, CD4-8+ TCR/CD3+ cells were also generated. The results strongly suggest that fetal liver and marrow JORO 75+ lymphocyte progenitors are precursors to the early CD4+8- TCR/CD3- intrathymic population previously identified in the adult mouse. The EH6 subcapsular thymic epithelial cell line should facilitate the study of the molecular events responsible for very early stages of T cell development including T lymphocyte-lineage commitment.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 1466-1466
Author(s):  
Dapeng Wang ◽  
Fengdong Cheng ◽  
Yu Yu ◽  
Kenrick Semple ◽  
Lirong Peng ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 1466 Background: Histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases (HDAC) regulate gene expression through acetylation-deacetylation of histones. HDACs are the target of a family of compounds known as HDAC inhibitors, which have been shown to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) while preserving the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in mice. However, the role of individual HDAC members in the development of GVHD is not clear. Recently, HDAC11, the newest member of the HDAC family has emerged as an important transcriptional regulator of inflammatory responses in antigen-presenting cells (APCs)1. Here, we evaluated the role of HDAC11 on APCs and T cells in the allogeneic BMT setting in mice with genetic disruption of HDAC11. Method: Proliferation of wild-type (WT) and HDAC11 knock-out (KO) T cells in response to allogeneic antigens was compared by [H3] thymidine incorporation assay. Using the same method, we also tested the antigen presentation ability of WT and HDAC11 KO APCs. For in vivo studies, we used a clinical relevant mouse model of BMT: C57BL/6 (B6) ® BALB/c. To evaluate the role of HDAC11 in the function of T cells and APCs, WT and KO mice on B6 background were used as donors and recipients, respectively. Recipient survival was monitored daily and GVHD symptom was evaluated at least twice a week. HDAC11 KO mice were supplied by Merck and Co., Inc. Results: In vitro, HDAC11 KO T cells proliferated stronger than WT T cells under the stimulation of allogeneic APCs. Recipients of HDAC11 KO T cells lost significantly more body weight (p < 0.05), and died significantly sooner than those of WT T cells (p < 0.01). The pathologic score of KO recipients was higher than that of WT recipients in each of GVHD target organs including lung, liver, small intestine and colon. Mechanistically, we found that there were significantly more total and IFNγ-producing donor T cells in the recipients of KO cells than those of WT cells (p < 0.05). Collectively, HDAC11 KO T cells have higher activity in response to alloantigens in vitro and induced more severe GVHD in vivo compared to WT T cells. In contrast, KO and WT APCs had a similar ability to stimulate allogeneic T cells in vitro, and no significant difference in GVHD development was observed in WT or KO recipients after allogeneic BMT. Conclusion: HDAC11 negatively regulates T-cell function, but has no significant effect on APC function. This finding provides a rationale to promote T-cell immunity or tolerance by inhibiting or enhancing HDAC11, respectively. 1 Villagra et al. Nature Immunology, 10:92-100, 2009. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 94 (5) ◽  
pp. 1803-1813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Chafika Hebib ◽  
Olivier Déas ◽  
Matthieu Rouleau ◽  
Antoine Durrbach ◽  
Bernard Charpentier ◽  
...  

T-cell reconstitution after bone marrow transplant (BMT) is characterized, for at least 1 year, by the expansion of populations of T cells with a primed/memory phenotype and by reverse CD4/CD8 proportions. T lymphocytes from 26 BMT patients (mostly adults) were obtained at various times after transplantation (from 45 to ≥730 days) and were tested for susceptibility to spontaneous apoptosis and anti-Fas triggered apoptosis in vitro. Substantial proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ cells generated during the first year after transplantation, but not by day 730, exhibited in these assays decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (▵Ψm) and apoptotic DNA fragmentation. The apoptotic phenotype tended to disappear late in the follow-up period, when substantial absolute numbers of naive (CD45RA+/CD62-L+) T cells had repopulated the peripheral blood compartment of the BMT patients. The rate of spontaneous cell death in vitro was significantly correlated with lower levels of ex vivo Bcl-2 protein, as assessed by cytofluorometry and Western blot analysis. In contrast, the levels of Bax protein remained unchanged, resulting in dysregulated Bcl-2/Bax ratios. Cell death primarily concerned the expanded CD8+/CD45R0+ subpopulation, although CD45R0− subpopulations were also involved, albeit to a lesser extent. These results show that the T-cell regeneration/expansion occurring after BMT is accompanied by decreased levels of Bcl-2 and susceptibility to apoptosis.


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