Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fabian Klein, Clara Veiga-Villauriz, Anastasiya Borsch, Stefano Maio, Sam Palmer, Fatima Dhalla, Adam E. E. Handel, Saulius Zuklys, Irene Calvo-Asensio, Lucas Musette, Mary E. E. Deadman, Andrea J. J. White, Beth Lucas, Graham Anderson, Georg A. A. Hollander
Summary: The network of thymic stromal cells plays a crucial role in T cell development and selection. By employing advanced techniques such as flow cytometry and machine learning, the researchers identified novel subpopulations of thymic epithelial cells and characterized their functions, particularly in perinatal cortical TEC.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Xie Xu, Kai He, Robert D. Hoffman, Yuyuan Ying, Nana Tao, Wenqin Guo, Jiaman Shen, Xi Liu, Meiya Li, Meiqiu Yan, Guiyuan Lv, Jianli Gao
Summary: In this study, the impact of T beta 15 on thymic epithelial cells (TECs) was investigated. It was found that T beta 15 can affect the spatial development of TECs, T cell differentiation, and thymic output. T beta 15 OX inhibits the migration of TECs to the medulla and blocks the positive selection of thymocytes. Knockdown of T beta 15 accelerates TEC differentiation. These findings provide important insights into the development and degeneration of the thymus.
Article
Immunology
Matthew D. D. Taves, Kaitlynn M. M. Donahue, Jing Bian, Margaret C. C. Cam, Jonathan D. D. Ashwell
Summary: TECs produce glucocorticoids to promote T cell repertoire, and the expression of Cyp11b1, an enzyme involved in glucocorticoid production, is dependent on Aire. Aire not only induces tissue-restricted antigen expression, but also promotes glucocorticoid production, expanding and enhancing the T cell receptor repertoire.
SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Catarina S. Silva, Mariana T. Cerqueira, Rui L. Reis, Albino Martins, Nuno M. Neves
Summary: The presence of laminin-2 positively affects the cell viability and proliferation of cTECs, while the density of laminin-2 influences the expression of cTECs genes. Higher concentrations of laminin-2 lead to an increased percentage of adherent CD4-CD8- thymocytes and a decreased percentage of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
J. Luke Postoak, Wenqiang Song, Guan Yang, Xingyi Guo, Shiyun Xiao, Cherie E. Saffold, Jianhua Zhang, Sebastian Joyce, Nancy R. Manley, Lan Wu, Luc Van Kaer
Summary: This study reveals the important role of lipid kinase Vps34 in the development and selection of CD4 T cells during antigen processing and presentation.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lei Xu, Chuan Wei, Ying Chen, Yue Wu, Xiaoli Shou, Wenjie Chen, Di Lu, Haoran Sun, Wei Li, Beibei Yu, Xiaowei Wang, Xiaojun Zhang, Yanxiong Yu, Zhigang Lei, Rui Tang, Jifeng Zhu, Yalin Li, Linrong Lu, Hong Zhou, Sha Zhou, Chuan Su, Xiaojun Chen
Summary: Severe infection commonly leads to immunosuppression, impairing pathogen clearance and increasing susceptibility to secondary infection. This study uncovers the role of IL-33 in immunosuppression by inducing thymic involution-associated naive T cell dysfunction and disrupting T cell aging. The findings suggest that targeting IL-33 or ST2 may be a promising strategy to rejuvenate T cell immunity and better control severe infection.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jiangyuan Han, Yanlin Ma, Wei Lv, Juan Wang, Yu Wu, Hongxia Niu, Youjun Mi, Fei Li, Bingdong Zhu
Summary: IL-7 promotes the development of thymic double negative (DN) T cells during beta-selection, which might contribute to the remission of aging-associated thymic involution. Methylation levels of CpG sites is correlated with aging and modulates the development. Treatment with rAAV2-IL-7 in aged mice increased the number of DN3 thymocytes during beta-selection by reducing the methylation levels of Bcl2 and c-Myc genes, leading to the upregulation of Bcl2 and c-Myc and a larger increase in DN3 cells in the thymus.
MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Zhanfeng Liang, Qian Zhang, Zhaoqi Zhang, Lina Sun, Xue Dong, Tianxiu Li, Liang Tan, Xubiao Xie, Liguang Sun, Yong Zhao
Summary: Tsc1 regulates the homeostasis of thymic medullary epithelial cells by inhibiting lysosomal-mediated apoptosis pathway. Deficiency of Tsc1 leads to developmental defects in mTECs and disrupts T cell homeostasis. The dysfunction of mTECs in Tsc1-deficient mice is associated with increased lysosomal biogenesis, cell metabolism, and apoptosis pathways, leading to reactive oxygen species overproduction and lysosome malfunction.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Hee Yeun Won, Hye Kyung Kim, Assiatu Crossman, Parirokh Awasthi, Ronald E. Gress, Jung-Hyun Park
Summary: Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are thymus-generated innate-like T cells comprised of three subsets, whose differentiation is controlled by cytokine receptor expression. IL-2R beta plays a critical role in the development and differentiation of thymic iNKT cells, with its timing and abundance of expression determining iNKT lineage fate and development.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thomas Barthlott, Adam E. Handel, Hong Ying Teh, Rushika C. Wirasinha, Katrin Hafen, Saulius Zuklys, Benoit Roch, Stuart H. Orkin, Jean-Pierre de Villartay, Stephen R. Daley, Georg A. Hollaender
Summary: Thymic T cell development and T cell receptor repertoire selection rely on molecular signals from thymic epithelial cells (TEC), whose development and function are epigenetically regulated. Disruption of PRC2 activity alters H3K27me3 configuration, impairs TEC functions, and affects T cell development.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jason A. Carter, Leonie Stroemich, Matthew Peacey, Sarah R. Chapin, Lars Velten, Lars M. Steinmetz, Benedikt Brors, Sheena Pinto, Hannah Meyer
Summary: This study reveals the transcriptomic diversity of mTECs in the thymus and establishes a web portal for querying their transcriptome, which may aid in identifying the drivers of autoimmune diseases.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christos Masaoutis, Kostas Palamaris, Stefania Kokkali, Georgia Levidou, Stamatios Theocharis
Summary: Thymic Epithelial Tumors (TETs) are rare tumors originating from the epithelial component of the thymus gland and characterized by a heterogenous immune cellular composition. The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in the immune response of TETs and can be targeted by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of PD-L1 inhibitors in specific subtypes of TETs, although further studies with larger sample sizes are needed for more reliable conclusions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Anca Apavaloaei, Jean-Philippe Laverdure, Claude Perreault
Summary: PSMB11 proteasomal subunit expressed exclusively in cortical thymic epithelial cells (cTECs) is crucial for the development of functional CD8(+) T cells. PSMB11 regulates gene expression in cTECs through proteolysis of transcription factors, maintaining their distinctness from medullary TECs (mTECs) and promoting migration of developing thymocytes from cortex to medulla. Ohigashi and colleagues' data challenging these conclusions was reanalyzed and confirmed, supporting the original findings.
Review
Immunology
Tatsuya Ishikawa, Nobuko Akiyama, Taishin Akiyama
Summary: Peripheral T cells are crucial components of the adaptive immune system, capable of distinguishing between self and non-self antigens. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) play a key role in orchestrating the development and selection of self-tolerant T cells. Recent studies have uncovered the heterogeneity of TECs, but the identity of adult thymic TEC progenitors remains unclear.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dion Kaiserman, Peishen Zhao, Caitlin Lorraine Rowe, Andrea Leong, Nicholas Barlow, Lars Thomas Joeckel, Corinne Hitchen, Sarah Elizabeth Stewart, Morley D. Hollenberg, Nigel Bunnett, Andreas Suhrbier, Phillip Ian Bird
Summary: GzmK and GzmA can activate PAR1 and PAR2, influencing cell signaling cascades and leading to the release of inflammatory cytokines. This suggests that GzmK acts as a pro-inflammatory regulator during immune responses.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ching-Yu Lai, Hsuan Liu, Kai Xuan Tin, Yi Huang, Kun-Hai Yeh, Hubert W. Peng, Huan-Da Chen, Jun-Yu He, Yun-Jung Chiang, Chun-Shan Liu, Shih-Yen Weng, Mi-Hua Tao, Jeffrey Jong-Young Yen, Hsin-Fang Yang-Yen
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yun-Jung Chiang, Wei-Ting Liao, Kun-Chin Ho, Shih-Hao Wang, Yu-Guang Chen, Ching-Liang Ho, Shiu-Feng Huang, Lee-Yung Shih, Hsin-Fang Yang-Yen, Jeffrey Jong-Young Yen
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chyuan-Chuan Wu, Jason L. J. Lin, Hsin-Fang Yang-Yen, Hanna S. Yuan
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2019)
Article
Dermatology
Li-Ying Chen, Kuo-Ray Lin, Yi-Ju Chen, Yun-Jung Chiang, Kun-Chin Ho, Li-Fen Shen, I-Wen Song, Kai-Ming Liu, Hsin-Fang Yang-Yen, Yu-Ju Chen, Yuan-Tsong Chen, Fu-Tong Liu, Jeffrey J. Y. Yen
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biology
Ryan K. Alexander, Yae-Huei Liou, Nelson H. Knudsen, Kyle A. Starost, Chuanrui Xu, Alexander L. Hyde, Sihao Liu, David Jacobi, Nan-Shih Liao, Chih-Hao Lee
Article
Immunology
Gilbert Aaron Lee, Nan-Shih Liao
Summary: The homeostasis of CD8+CD122+ T cells requires varying levels of IL-15 trans-presentation to support their stability.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Gilbert Aaron Lee, Ching-Mao Chang, Ying Chieh Wu, Ruo-yu Ma, Cheng-Yu Chen, Yin-Tzu Hsue, Nan-Shih Liao, Hen-Hong Chang
Summary: The study found that SS-1 can inhibit the activation of T cells and reduce the levels of different cytokines, which helps improve the symptoms of patients with SS.
JOURNAL OF THE FORMOSAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Huishan Tao, Lei Li, Nan-Shih Liao, Kimberly S. Schluns, Shirley Luckhart, John W. Sleasman, Xiao-Ping Zhong
Summary: Expression of cytokines and receptors in thymic epithelial cells may impact T cell development. IL-15 and IL-15Rα play a crucial role in the development of type 1 innate-like T cells, and TECs may influence thymic inflammatory innate-like T cells by trans-presenting IL-15.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Allergy
Teng-Li Lin, Chun-Ying Wu, Jeffrey J-Y Yen, Chao-Kuei Juan, Yi-Ling Chang, Hsiu J. Ho, Yi-Ju Chen
Summary: A nationwide study in Taiwan using the National Health Insurance Research Database from 1997 to 2013 found that patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have a higher risk of fractures, especially in severe cases of AD. Additionally, patients exposed to topical or systemic corticosteroids have an increased risk of fractures, while the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and phototherapy is associated with a lower risk of fractures.
ANNALS OF ALLERGY ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Wei-Ling Tu, Yu-Chan Chih, Ya-Tung Shih, Yi-Ru Yu, Li-Ru You, Chun-Ming Chen
Summary: Diphthamide biosynthesis protein 1 (DPH1) is involved in the biosynthesis of diphthamide and plays a role in the development of ovarian cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Decreased levels of DPH1 are associated with advanced stages and poor survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Mouse models with Dph1 deficiency demonstrate its effects on hepatocyte translation elongation rate and liver damage.
JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hubert Peng, Tzu-Yuan Chiu, Yu-Jen Liang, Chia-Jen Lee, Chih-Syuan Liu, Ching-Shu Suen, Jeffrey J-Y Yen, Hung-Ta Chen, Ming-Jing Hwang, M. Mahmood Hussain, Hsin-Chou Yang, Hsin-Fang Yang-Yen
Summary: MTTP is essential for assembling and secreting triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, and a newly identified protein PRAP1 plays a key role in MTTP-mediated lipid transport. PRAP1 binds to triglycerides and facilitates lipid transfer alongside MTTP. Deficiency or mutation of PRAP1 leads to challenges in lipid absorption, but reduces body weight and fat mass on high-fat diets.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chun-Hao Hung, Keh-Yang Wang, Yae-Huei Liou, Jing-Ping Wang, Anna Yu-Szu Huang, Tung-Liang Lee, Si-Tse Jiang, Nah-Shih Liao, Yu-Chiau Shyu, Che-Kun James Shen
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2020)