Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Lymphoid stromal cell'

Les cellules stromales lymphoïdes (LSCs) sont des cellules non-hématopoïétiques essentielles à l'initiation et au maintien de réponses immunitaires performantes. Caractérisées par l'expression de la podoplanine (gp38), les LSCs sont présentes à l'état basal dans les organes lymphoïdes secondaires et sont induites par l'inflammation dans tous les tissus périphériques. Dans l'intestin, les cellules exprimant gp38 constituent la majorité des cellules non-hématopoïétiques de la lamina propria. Nous avons montré que l'expression de gp38 définit une population très hétérogène de cellules aux fonctions parfois très distinctes des LSCs. Les cellules gp38+CD34- sont des myofibroblastes sous-épithéliaux situés dns les villi et spécialisés dans la différentiation d l'épithélium. Situées dans les cryptes, les cellules gp38+CD34+VCAM+ sont similaires aux LSCs des ganglions lymphatiques : elles se développent peu après le sevrage et promeuvent l'attraction et la survie des lymphocytes. En revanche les cellules gp38+CD34+VCAM- sont programmées lors du développement embryonnaire et jouent un rôle déterminant dans le maintien de l'activité des cellules souches intestinales. Afin d'identifier les précurseurs des LSCs pendant l'inflammation, nous avons développé une souris transgénique permettant de suivre la descendance des cellules exprimant le récepteur à la lymphotoxine-beta (LTβR), une protéine essentielle au développement des ganglions lymphatiques et à la maturation des LSCs. Nous avons montré pour la première fois qu'une sous-popultion de péricytes exprimant LTβR génère des LSCs dans le ganglion pendant l'inflammation
Lymphoid stromal cells (LSCs) are non-hemaopoietic cells pivotal in building and maintaining efficient immune responses. LSCs are described as podoplanin (gp38)- expressing cells and are present in secondary lymphoid organs at steady state. Moreover, LSCs are induced by inflammation and some tumors in the periphery. In the intestinal lamina propria, gp38+LSCs compose the majority of the non-hematopoietic cells at steady state. We showed that gp38+intestinal stromal cells are very heterogeneous and contain cells distinct from LSCs that populate different niches in the lamina propria. Gp38+CD34- stromal cells are subepithelial myofibroblasts located in the upper lamina propria that promote the differentiation of epithelial cells. In the crypts, gp38+CD34+VCAM+ stromal cells are the equivalent of LSCs found in lymphoid organs : they develop around weaning to attract lymphocytes into the lamina propria and promote their survival. However, gp38+CD34+VCAM- stromal cells develop during ontogeny and maintain the activity of intestinal epithelial stem cells in the crypts. In order to identify LSC progenitors during inflammation we developed a transgenic mouse model allowing for the fate-mapping of cells expressing lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTβR), a key protein involved in the development of lymphoid organs and LSC maturation. We showed for the first time that a subset of pericytes expressing LTβR give rise to LSCs during inflammation-induced expansion of the lymph node

Le lymphome folliculaire (FL) est le lymphome non-hodgkinien indolent le plus fréquent qui représente 20 à 25% des cas. Le FL est dans 90% des cas caractérisé par la translocation chromosomique t(14;18) des lymphocytes B, qui entraine la surexpression de BCL-2. Pour se développer, le FL est dépendant de son microenvironnement qui fournit notamment des signaux de survie et de prolifération aux lymphocytes B. Ce microenvironnement est composé en partie de cellules stromales lymphoïdes (LSC), qui, dans un contexte physiologique, structurent l’organe et soutiennent la mise en place de réactions immunitaires dans les centres germinatifs. En revanche, dans un contexte pathologique, ces cellules vont acquérir un phénotype pro-tumoral et sécréter des chimiokines telle que CXCL12, dérégulant l’homéostasie du tissus. Les mécanismes impliqués dans la transition de ces cellules vers un phénotype de type fibroblaste associé au cancer ne sont, à ce jour, pas connus. Au cours de mon projet de thèse, j’ai mis en évidence le rôle de KDM6B, une déméthylase spécifique de la marque H3K27, dans la différenciation des LSC physiologiques et pathologiques. J’ai également identifié une nouvelle voie de signalisation impliquée dans la différenciation pathologique des LSC, impliquant le facteur de transcription STAT1 sous l’influence de l’IL-4 sécrétée par les lymphocytes TFH. L’impact de l’activation de cette voie sur les lymphocytes B de FL reste encore à décrire
Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, accounting for 20-25% of cases. In 90% of cases, FL is characterized by the chromosomal translocation t(14;18) in B lymphocytes, causing BCL-2 overexpression. FL is dependent on its microenvironment, which supplies survival and proliferation signals to the B cells. This microenvironment includes lymphoid stromal cells (LSC), which, in a physiological context, structure the organ and support the development of immune reactions in the germinal centers. However, in a pathological context, these cells acquire a protumoral phenotype and secrete chemokines such as CXCL12, deregulating tissue homeostasis. The exact process through which these cells transform into cancer- associated fibroblasts isn't fully understood. My project has therefore highlighted the role of KDM6B, a specific déméthylase of H3K27, in the differentiation of physiological and pathological LSCs. I also identified a new signaling pathway involved in LSCs pathological differentiation, involving the transcription factor STAT1, under the influence of IL-4 secreted by TFH. It remains to be described how activation of this pathway affects FL B cells

Un microenvironnement riche en IL-4 a été mis en évidence dans le lymphome folliculaire (FL). Cette IL-4 impliquée dans la croissance tumorale a été démontrée comme principalement secrétée par les lymphocytes T follicular helper (Tfh). Dans cette étude, nous étudions l’interaction bidirectionnelle entre les cellules fibroblastiques réticulaires (FRC) dont le réseau est augmenté dans le FL et les lymphocytes Tfh par analyse des profils d’expression génique, et co-culture in vitro des lymphocytes Tfh primaires avec des cellules fibroblastiques humaines de type FRC-like. Nous démontrons que les cellules FRC-like augmentent in vitro la croissance des sous-populations de Tfh. De plus, nous avons mis en évidence une augmentation spécifique de la sécrétion d’IL-4 par les précurseurs Tfh (pre-Tfh) co-cultivés avec les cellules FRC-like, augmentation d’IL-4 impliquant les voies Notch et ICAM1/LFA1. Cette observation est particulièrement intéressante dans le contexte du FL car les lymphocytes pre-Tfh de FL comparés à des lymphocytes pre-Tfh d’amygdales non tumorales sont caractérisés par un profil d’expression génique enrichi en gènes des voies Notch et des intégrines en plus d’une surexpression d’IL-4. En conclusion, notre description de l’interaction entre les cellules stromales et les sous-populations Tfh démontrent une modification du profil cytokinique des Tfh au stade précurseur qui pourrait expliquer le profil cytokinique retrouvé dans le microenvironnement du FL, et apporter de nouveaux éléments pour la mise en évidence de nouvelles cibles thérapeutiques
The enrichment of the microenvironment with tumor-promoting interleukin 4 (IL4) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of follicular lymphoma (FL) and was found to be conferred mainly by T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. In this study, we investigated the bidirectional crosstalk of fibroblastic reticular cells that are expanded in FL and Tfh cells with the analysis of gene expression profiles of the respective, and an in-vitro co-culture model of human induced FRC-like cells. We demonstrated that FRC-like cells enhance the growth of Tfh cell subsets in vitro. Crucially, we uncovered a specific upregulation of IL-4 secretion by precursor Tfh (pre-Tfh) cells co-cultured with FRC-like cells. Additionally, we demonstrated that Notch and ICAM1/LFA1 are two pathways involved in IL-4 secretion following FRClike cell / Tfh cell crosstalk. This observation was particularly interesting in FL context, because FL pre-Tfh cells display an enriched Notch and integrin gene expression profile as well as an overexpression of IL-4, compared to their tonsil counterpart. Altogether, we described new interactions between stromal cells and Tfh subsets and uncovered a specific cytokine profile modification at pre-Tfh stage after contact with FRC-like cells that could explain the high levels of IL-4 in FL and provide a novel target for therapy

Les polynucléaires neutrophiles ont longtemps été considérés comme des cellules n’intervenant que dans la réponse immune innée. Cependant, au cours de ces dernières années, de nombreuses publications suggèrent que ces cellules, retrouvées au sein du microenvironnement de nombreux cancers, pourraient également jouer un rôle dans la tumorigénèse et la progression tumorale. Ces études mettent en évidence leur fréquence comme marqueur pronostique dans différents cancers solides, mais peu de travaux se sont intéressés à la caractérisation fonctionnelle de ces cellules dans la progression tumorale. Dans de nombreux cancers dont les lymphomes B issus du centre germinatif, les cellules tumorales, qui sont incapables de proliférer et de survivre seules, sont dépendantes de leur microenvironnement de soutien. Dans cette étude, nous avons évalué la fonctionnalité des polynucléaires neutrophiles dans la croissance des lymphomes B. Ainsi, nous avons démontré pour la première fois que les polynucléaires neutrophiles soutiennent directement la croissance et la survie des cellules tumorales de lymphomes B. De plus, un dialogue bidirectionnel existe entre les polynucléaires neutrophiles et les cellules stromales. D’une part, les cellules stromales soutiennent la survie des polynucléaires neutrophiles, qui en retour induisent les caractéristiques d’un stroma lymphoïde. L’induction de ce phénotype permet aux cellules stromales d’acquérir de meilleures capacités de soutien envers les cellules tumorales. Cette étude confirme donc que les polynucléaires neutrophiles sont une composante importante du microenvironnement tumoral, et pourraient devenir une nouvelle cible thérapeutique pour le traitement des lymphomes B issus du centre germinatif
For long time, neutrophils have only been considered as cells involved in the innate immune response. More recently, in descriptive publications, neutrophils were found in the microenvironment of many solid cancers, hypothesizing that they could also play a role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. These studies highlighted the prognostic value of their frequency, but few of them focused on the functional characterization of these cells in tumor growth. In many cancers, including germinal centre-derived B-cell lymphomas, tumor cells are dependent on their microenvironment to proliferate and survive. In this study, we focused on the role of neutrophils in the progression of B-cell lymphomas, and for the first time we demonstrated that neutrophils directly support the growth and survival of tumor Bcells. In addition, we highlighted the existence of bidirectional cooperation between neutrophils and stromal cells. In one hand stromal cells support the survival of neutrophils. On the other hand, neutrophils induce a lymphoid stroma phenotype which is well known to enhance their supportive effect on tumor cells. This study demonstrates that neutrophils are a significant component of the tumor microenvironment and may be considered as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of B-cell lymphomas

Tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) are a hallmark of many chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. However, till date the series of events leading to stromal cell activation in TLOs and their role in the inflammatory process remain unclear. Using a model of inducible TLO formation in the salivary glands of mice we explored the role of gp38+LTβR+ lymphoid-like stromal cells (LLSc) during TLO development and show that they acquire the capability to produce lymphoid chemokines (CKs)/cytokine and drive lymphocyte compartmentalization. In this thesis, we provide evidence that stromal cell activation is a multi-step process with three distinct phases mediated by three major cytokines (IL-13, IL-22 and LTβ). We demonstrate that during TLO formation, IL-4Rα engagement via IL-13 on quiescent tissue-resident fibroblasts induces the phenotypic acquisition of lymphoid features by LLSc. IL22 then initiates the proliferation and expansion of the LLSc population, required for the expression of lymphoid CKs/cytokines and ANA autoantibody production. Finally, we show that LTβR ligation is necessary for the establishment of a fully mature TLO structure once IL-22 driven LLSc proliferation has occurred. Based on our findings we have identified three different phases of stromal cell activation in TLOs which are all potentially targets of future therapy.

Le lymphome folliculaire (FL) est le lymphome B indolent le plus fréquent. Outre des altérations géniques récurrentes, le micro-environnement tumoral, et notamment les cellules stromales lymphoides,joue un rôle majeur dans le développement de ce cancer. Cependant, la caractérisation in-situ des cellules stromales lymphoïdes chez l'homme tout comme les facteurs menant à la polarisation du stroma en un stroma protumoral ont été peu étudiés. Dans cette thèse, nous avons montré, que les cellules stromales présentes dans les ganglions et la moelle osseuse envahis des patients atteints de FL surexpriment fortement la chimiokine CXCL12. Nous avons ensuite tenté de comprendre les mécanismes responsables de cette induction. Alors que les cellules B tumorales induisent une surexpression de la chimiokine CCL2 dans les cellules stromales de façon dépendante de leur synthèse de TNF, elles ne contribuent pas à l'induction de CXCL12. A l'inverse, le principal compartiment TCD4 impliqué dans la croissance tumorale du FL, les cellules T follicular helper (TFH), augmentent l'expression de CXCL12 dans les cellules stromales. Le taux d'IL-4, la principale cytokine produite par les TFH de FL, est d'ailleurs corrélé à celui de CXCL12 au sein de ma niche tumorale du FL. De plus, à l’aide d'un modèle de différenciation en stroma lymphoide, nous avons démontré que l’IL4 induit l’expression de CXCL12 par les cellules stromale in vitro. Cette production est augmentée quand les cellules stromales sont déjà engagées vers la voie de différentiation lymphoide par un traitement TNF/LT qui favorise l'activation de STAT6 par l'IL-4. Nous avons validé ces résultats dans un modèle de formation d'organe lymphoide ectopique chez la souris. Enfin, CXCL12 induit la migration et l'adhésion au stroma des B de FL via l'activation de cascades de signalisations qui peuvent être abrogées par l'utilisation d'un inhibiteur de Btk utilisé en clinique, l'Ibrutinib. Ces résultats sont en faveur de l'intérêt de considérer la boucle IL-4/CXCL12 pour développer de nouvelles stratégies thérapeutiques dans cette pathologie constamment fatale
Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most frequent indolent B-cell lymphoma. Beside recurrent genetic alterations, tumor microenvironment, including lymphoid stromal cells, has been shown to play a key role in FL development. However, in situ characterization of lymphoid stromal cells is still lacking in humans and there are very few studies focusing on the factors that could lead to stroma polarization in normal and pathological context. In this thesis, we showed first that in FL, lymph node (LN) and bone marrow (BM) infiltrating stromal cells highly express the chemokine CXCL12. We next focused on the mechanisms underlying this upregulation. Interestingly, whereas malignant FL B cells induced overexpression of CCL2 in stromal cells in a TNF-dependent manner, they did not contribute to CXCL12 induction. Conversely, FL-infiltrating follicular helper T cells (FL-TFH), the key FL-supportive T-cell subset could trigger CXCL12 expression in stromal cells. IL-4 is the main FL-TFH-derived cytokine and showed a positive correlation with CXCL12 expression inside FL cell niches. Moreover, based on our in vitro lymphoid stroma differentiation model, we demonstrated that IL-4 promoted CXCL12 expression in stromal cells, together with a phenotype close to that identified in situ within FL cell niche. Such IL4 dependent CXCL12 regulation is more pronounced in stromal cells already committed towards lymphoid stromal cells by a prestimulation by TNF/LT in association with an increased STAT6 activation. These data were validated in a model of ectopic lymphoid organ formation in mice. Finally, CXCL12 induced FL B-cell migration, and adhesion to stromal cells through the activation of a signaling pathway that could be abrogated by the Btk inhibitor Ibrutinib. These data argue for considering IL-4/CXCL12 axis as a potential therapeutic target to disrupt FL protective cell niche in this still fatal malignancy

The overall goal of the work, described in this thesis was to investigate the molecular mechanisms that regulate normal pre-B cell proliferation and how these may be altered in transformed pre-B cells. Monoclonal antibodies and molecular biological techniques have allowed a number of stages of pre-B cell differentiation to be defined but little is known about mechanisms controlling their proliferation. Studies of pre-B cell production in animal models and in long-term cultures that support pre-B cell proliferation have suggested that stromal cells play a key role in this regard. As a first step to investigate the mechanisms involved, a number of pre-B cell supportive murine stromal cell lines were isolated and characterized. A number of pre-B cell lines were also isolated, cloned and characterized. From these, spontaneous and Abelson murine leukemia virus transformants were derived. These cell lines were then used in co-culture experiments to demonstrate that stromal cells constitutively secrete a pre-B stimulating factor. Characterization of the pre-B cell stimulating activity produced by one stromal cell line (M2-10B4) showed it to be a 10 Kd molecule sensitive to freezing and different from any cloned hemopoietic growth factor described to date. The possibility that extracellular matrix components might be involved in stromal cell-mediated control of pre-B cell growth was also investigated. It was found that pre-B cells attach specifically to fibronectin and that although fibronectin by itself cannot support pre-B cell proliferation, it contributes to stromal cell stimulation of pre-B cell growth. Both of these mechanisms were found to be affected in malignantly transformed pre-B cell populations irrespective of the mode of transformation. Transformed pre-B cells were found to have acquired the ability to secrete a novel 3 Kd autocrine factor that is also capable of stimulating normal pre-B cells. In addition transformed pre-B cells showed a greatly decreased ability to adhere to fibronectin and had become insensitive to the synergistic stimulating effect of fibronectin. It will be of interest to determine in the future whether these findings have a counterpart in human malignant pre-B cell populations.
Medicine, Faculty of
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of
Graduate

CD248 is a pericyte-associated, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) marker that is highly expressed during embryological life. This expression is down regulated during development, becoming restricted on lymphoid stroma to the capsule, but reappearing during inflammation, as well as in a number of disease states (Lax et al., 2007). CD248 has been shown to play a role in controlling the differentiation ofMSC to osteoblasts, both in vitro and in vivo, achieving this effect by modulating PDGFRsignalling, as treatment with the PDGFRinhibitor imatinib mesylate phenocopies the effects seen in the CD248·;. mouse (Naylor et al., 2012). Here we present evidence that CD248 is involved in the differentiation of MSC, via PDGFRsignalling, into lymphoid stroma progenitors both in vitro and in vivo. In adult mice expression of CD248 is detected on FDCs following immunisation. Using CD248·1- mice, we observe that FDC networks in CD248·1- mice do not form normally and lack the reticular, dendrite-like structure typical ofFDCs. This defect associates with a reduction in the functionality of the germinal centres. Embryonic development of lymph node stroma occurs in a stepwise manner with progressive upregulation of VCAM and ICAM on resident mesenchyme. In the adult stroma, recent work has established links between different stromal cell subtypes; Jarjour eta/. (2014) used a fate mapping technique to discover that marginal reticular cells are able to differentiate to follicular dendritic cells in response to immune challenge. Contrasting evidence shows that FDC in the spleen derive from ubiquitous perivascular precursors, likely to be pericytes (Krautler et al., 2012).

Les tumeurs sont composées de cellules malignes et d'une grande variété de cellules non-tumorales, en particulier des cellules immunitaires qui forment le micro-environnement tumoral (MET). Il a été démontré que la composition du MET était associée au devenir clinique des patients, en termes de survie et de réponses thérapeutiques. Avec le développement récent des immunothérapies qui ciblent des éléments spécifiques du MET, l'immunité anti-tumorale a soulevé un intérêt majeur. Plusieurs méthodologies ont été mises au point afin d'étudier la composition du MET, avec une précision toujours plus grande. En particulier, des méthodes comme MCP-counter permettent d'exploiter les données transcriptomiques de la tumeur entière afin de quantifier les différentes populations qui composent le MET. Le volet méthodologique de ce travail de thèse a ainsi consisté à proposer une amélioration de MCP-counter, en particulier pour l'analyse de données RNA-Seq. Une adaptation de la méthode pour des données issues de modèles murins (mMCP-counter) est également proposée. MCP-counter permet d'analyser rapidement le MET de larges séries de tumeurs. Un second volet de cette thèse consiste en l'application de cette méthode pour établir une classification immunitaire des sarcomes des tissus mous, un type de cancer rare, hétérogène et agressif. Cette classification immunitaire a permis de mettre en évidence des groupes de tumeurs faiblement ou fortement infiltrés, ainsi qu'un groupe marqué par une forte vascularisation. De manière intéressante, la classification immunitaire permet de prédire la réponse des patients aux immunothérapies. Ce travail a aussi démontré un rôle important des structures lymphoïdes tertiaires (SLT). Les SLT sont des structures de type noeud lymphatique composées de lymphocytes B et T qui se forment dans la tumeur ou à proximité de celle-ci. Au sein des SLT, une réponse immunitaire anti-tumorale peut se former et maturer. L'intérêt porté aux SLT est de plus en plus important pour de nombreux types de cancers. Dans la plupart des types de cancer, une forte infiltration de la tumeur par des lymphocytes T, en particulier CD8+, est associée à une meilleure survie des patients. Cependant, le carcinome rénal à cellules claires et le cancer de la prostate sont des exceptions à cette règle. En effet, dans ces deux cancers urologiques, la présence dans la tumeur de lymphocytes T est associée à une survie plus courte des patients, ainsi qu'à une rechute et une progression plus précoce. Ces exceptions sont détaillées dans une troisième partie de cette thèse, par une description minutieuse du MET, ainsi que par l'analyse de l'implication du système du complément. Dans leur ensemble, les résultats présentés dans cette thèse démontrent qu'en combinant différentes méthodes d'analyse, in silico, in situ et in vivo, il est possible d'obtenir une vision extrêmement complète du MET. La connaissance des types cellulaires présents dans la tumeur ainsi que leur orientation fonctionnelle permet de guider le soin apporté aux patients et d'améliorer leur devenir clinique. La description complète du MET ouvre la voie à une médecine personnalisée pour les patients atteints de cancer
Tumors are composed not only of malignant cells but also contain a vast variety of non-malignant cells, notably immune cells forming the tumor microenvironment (TME). The composition of the TME was shown to be associated with clinical outcome for cancer patients, in terms of survival and therapeutic responses. With the relatively recent development of immunotherapies targeting specific elements of the TME, tumor immunology has risen a strong interest and holds a strong therapeutic potential. Several methodologies have been developed to study the composition of the TME with an increased precision. Notably, some methods such as MCP-counter enable the use of the tumor bulk transcriptome to quantify cell populations composing the TME. The methodological aspect of this PhD project consisted in setting up an enhanced version of MCP-counter that can be readily applied to RNA-Seq data, as well as propose an adaptation of the method for mouse models. Using MCP-counter, the TME of large series of tumors can be easily analyzed. The application part of this PhD work consisted of applying MCP-counter to establish an immune-based classification of soft-tissue sarcoma, a rare, aggressive and heterogeneous cancer type. The immune classification notably allowed to identify immune low and high groups, and a group characterized by a strong vasculature. Interestingly, the classification was notably found to be predictive of the patients' response to immunotherapies. It also highlighted an important role of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS). TLS are lymph-node-like structures composed of T and B cells that form within the tumor or in close proximity. They are a site of formation and maturation of antitumoral immune responses. TLS are raising a growing interest in many malignancies. In most cancer types, a strong infiltration by T cells, in particular CD8+ T cells, is associated with a favorable clinical outcome. However, clear-cell renal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer are exceptions to this general rule. Indeed, in these urological cancers, an increased infiltration by T cells is associated with a decreased patient survival and with earlier relapse and disease progression. In a third part of this thesis, these exceptions are investigated with more details by scrutinizing the TME, and questioning the implication of the complement system. Overall, this thesis presents how the combination of several analysis methods, in silico, in situ and in vivo, can help achieve an extremely precise description of the TME. Knowing accurately what cell populations and what their functional orientation can help guide patients care and improve clinical outcome. Complete description of the TME opens the way towards personalized medicine for cancer patients

A large body of evidence supports the role of activated stromal cells in the persistence of inflammation. The switch from resting to pathogenic stroma appears to be associated with the development of tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) within sites of chronic inflammation. However little is known about the immunological function of the stromal component. We utilised a murine model of inducible TLO formation in inflamed salivary glands to investigate the role of activated stromal cells characterised by the expression of gp38 and FAP during TLO development. We demonstrated that during inflammation, stroma-derived ICOSL engages ICOS on T cells, necessary for the release of lymphotoxin α and consequent TLO formation. Whilst dissecting the role of stromal cells in this context, we demonstrate that gp38 expression is required for the upregulation of adhesion molecules involved in cell clustering. Depletion of gp38+FAP+ stromal cells led to a significant reduction in lymphoid chemokine production, a decreased number of infiltrating lymphocytes and severely compromised TLO formation. Collectively, we provide evidence that activated stromal cells express FAP, provide co-stimulatory signals, and are necessary for the establishment of viral-induced TLOs, highlighting a potential novel therapeutic target in TLO-associated autoimmune diseases.

Au-delà de leurs rôles de sentinelles, de reconnaissance du danger et d’initiation des réponses protectrices, les signaux et le mécanisme qui gouvernent la formation des macrophages CD169 + sinusoïdaux ganglionnaires sont mal connus. Au cours de ma thèse, j’ai montré que la cytokine Receptor Activator of NF-kB Ligand (RANKL) est requise pour la formation de ces macrophages dès l’embryogenèse jusqu’aux quatre semaines après la naissance. Celle-ci est contrôlée par les cellules endothéliales lymphatiques (LECs) activées par RANKL produite par les cellules mésenchymateuses. Chez l’adulte, les LECs activées par RANKL sont encore nécessaires pour la reconstitution des populations de ces macrophages en cas de déplétion transitoire induite par un stimulus inflammatoire. En complément à cela, j’ai aussi démontré l’importance générale du double signal RANKL & lymphotoxine LTα1β2 dans la formation des macrophages non-ostéoclastiques de la rate et de la moelle osseuse
Lymph node CD169 + sinusoidal macrophages are sentinel cells that recognize the danger signals and initiate the protective immune responses. However, the signals and the mechanism underlying their formation are not well known. During my thesis, I have shown that the cytokine Receptor Activator of NF-kB Ligand (RANKL) is required for their differentiation, starting from the embryogenesis up to four weeks after birth. The lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) activated by RANKL expressed by mesenchymal cells form the niches for the primary differentiation of these macrophages. Yet, in adults, RANKL-activated LECs are required for their niche replenishment after transient depletion induced by an inflammatory stimulus. Beyond lymph node, my research has revealed a general requirement of the double signal RANKL & lymphotoxin LTα1β2 for the differentiation of non-osteoclastic CD169 + macrophages of spleen and bone marrow

RANKL (ligand du récepteur activateur de NF-KB) est un membre de la famille des TNF dont la signalisation passe par RANK et qui joue un rôle important dans la régulation immunitaire. Chez l'adulte, RANKL est exprimé constitutivement par des cellules réticulaires marginales (MRC) des ganglions lymphatiques. Comme les MRCs sont physiquement proches des lymphocytes B (LB) et ont été proposé d’être des précurseurs de cellules dendritiques folliculaires (FDC), RANKL pourrait jouer un rôle dans la différenciation du stroma associé aux LB et dans la réponse humorale. Afin de mieux comprendre la fonction de RANKL exprimé par les MRC, nous avons généré des souris déficitaires pour RANKL dans les cellules stromales. Nous avons constaté que la formation du follicule B était perturbée ainsi que le réseau FDC. Bien que RANKL ne soit pas requis pour la formation des MRC, il est nécessaire pour l'expression de la chimiokine CXCL13 par ces mêmes cellules. Parmi les TNFRSF dont la signalisation est requise pour l’expression de CXCL13 et la différenciation des FDC, le TNFR1 était significativement réduit dans les cellules stromales des souris dépourvues de RANKL stromal. Ainsi, RANKL pourrait constituer une nouvelle cible thérapeutique contre les immunopathologies des LB en agissant sur son stroma
RANKL (receptor activator of NF-κB ligand), a member of the TNF family that signals via RANK, plays an important role for immune regulation. In the adult, RANKL is constitutively expressed by marginal reticular cells (MRCs) of the lymph nodes. Because MRCs are positioned in close vicinity to B cells and may be precursors of follicular dendritic cells (FDCs), RANKL could play a role in the differentiation of B cell-associated stroma and the humoral immune response. In order to better understand the role of RANKL expressed by the MRCs, we generated mice with conditional RANKL deficiency in the stromal compartment. We found that the B cell follicle structure was disrupted and FDC network formation was reduced. Although RANKL was not required for MRC formation, it was necessary for the expression of B cell attracting chemokine CXCL13. Among the TNFRSF members known to control CXCL13 expression and FDC formation, we found that TNFR1 was significantly reduced in the RANKL cKO mice. Thus, RANKL may present a novel therapeutic strategy against B cell-mediated immunopathologies by acting on its stroma

PURPOSE. Conventional 2D culture systems do not consider the importance of tissue architecture that is particularly relevant since tissue microenvironment deeply contribute to determine the outcome of anti-cancer treatments. In this study we aimed to set up and use an in vitro 3D models for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) to evaluate the activity of specific ADAM10 inhibitors LT4 and MN8, alone or in combination with the anti-CD30 ADC brentuximab-vedotin (Bre-Ved). METHODS. Three different 3D culture models were set up: mixed spheroids made of HL lymph node (LN) mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and Reed Sternberg/Hodgkin lymphoma cells (HL cells), LN-derived de-cellularized matrices and collagen sponges repopulated with both LN-MSC and HL cells. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. In these 3D systems LT4 and MN8 reduced the size of mixed spheroids and intracellular ATP content. In addition, sCD30 and TNFα shedding was limited by LT4 and MN8 that not only interfered with HL cell growth, but also enhanced the anti-lymphoma effect of Bre-Ved. This effect was evident at low and ineffective doses of Bre-Ved as well, indicating a possible synergistic scheme to potentiate ADC-based lymphoma therapy. CONCLUSIONS. Both direct and combined anti-lymphoma effect of ADAM10 inhibitors with Bre-Ved can be studied in in vitro 3D model recapitulating features of LN microenvironment and leading to ADC effects improvement. For this reason, scaffolds may represent a new promising tool to reproduce LN architecture and useful for the study of pharmacological response.

Orientadores: Liana Maria Cardoso Verinaud, Wilson Savino
Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia
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Resumo: O timo é o órgão linfoide primário responsável pela geração de linfócitos T maduros. Para que isso ocorra, células precursoras de linfócitos T, provenientes da medula óssea, entram no timo e migram constantemente através do microambiente tímico ¿ o qual é composto por componentes linfoides e não linfoides. Esta migração intratímica é fundamental para que os precursores das células T encontrem os sinais necessários para sobrevivência, proliferação, diferenciação e geração de diversidade de repertório. Assim como os outros órgãos linfoides, o timo está sujeito a um rígido controle neuroendócrino, o qual impõe consequências diretas sobre o funcionamento do sistema imunológico através de neurotransmissores, hormônios e citocinas. Entretanto, ainda é pouco o que se sabe sobre as interações entre os componentes do timo e hormônios do eixo HPA. Neste trabalho, foram avaliados os compartimentos linfoide e estromal na atrofia tímica observada no modelo experimental da diabetes tipo I. Nesse estudo foi observado que camundongos diabéticos apresentaram redução nos níveis séricos e intratímicos de leptina e elevados níveis séricos e intratímicos de corticosteroide, acompanhando a queda dos níveis séricos de insulina. Diante das alterações hormonais, nós observamos: modificações nos componentes linfoides e estromais do timo, caracterizadas por redução no número de timócitos, aumento na secreção de elementos de matriz extracelular, contração da porção cortical do timo acompanhada por acúmulo de linfócitos no estágio pré - seleção positiva, aumento da apoptose de células epiteliais tímicas e timócitos e aumento na exportação de células T imaturas para os órgãos linfoides secundários. Sucintamente, após o estabelecimento da hiperglicemia e ausência de insulina circulante, o timo de animais diabéticos apresentou alterações morfológicas e em todos os tipos celulares e fatores solúveis que compõe o estroma tímico, culminando em alterações nas células presentes na periferia do sistema imune. Acreditamos que os dados gerados nesse estudo contribuem, s.m.j., para um melhor entendimento da deficiência na resposta imune em indivíduos diabéticos e do desenvolvimento do linfócito T na ausência de insulina
Abstract: Thymus is the primary lymphoid organ responsible for the generation of T lymphocytes. For this to occur, precursor cells of T lymphocytes from bone marrow enter the thymus and migrate continuously through the thymic microenvironment - which consists of lymphoid and non-lymphoid components. This intrathymic migration is essential for T cell precursors get contact with signs that promote survival, proliferation, differentiation and generation of diversity of repertoire. Like other lymphoid organs, the thymus is subject to a rigid neuro-endocrine control, which requires direct consequences on the functioning of the immune system through neurotransmitters, hormones and cytokines. However, it is still little known about the interactions between the components of thymus hormones and the HPA axis. In this study, we evaluated the alterations in lymphoid and stromal thymic compartiments in thymic atrophy during experimental model of diabetes type I. Here in, we found that diabetic mice exhibit a reduction in serum aand intrathymic levels of leptin yet, intrathymic and serum corticosteroid levels were high, followed by a drop in serum insulin levels. Given the hormonal changes, we observed: changes in lymphoid and non-lymphoid component of the thymus, characterized by reduction in the number of thymocytes, increased secretion of extracellular matrix elements, contraction of the cortical portion of the thymus accompanied by accumulation of lymphocytes in the pre stage - positive selection, increased apoptosis of thymic epithelial cells and thymocytes and increase in export of immature T cells to secondary lymphoid organs. Briefly, after the onset of hyperglycemia and lack of circulating insulin, thymus in diabetic animals showed alterations in all cell types that comprise the thymic microenvironment, resulting in abnormal cells present in the periphery of the immune system. We believe that the data generated in this study will contribute to a better understanding of the immune deficiency in diabetic individuals and the development of T lymphocytes in the absence of insulin response
Doutorado
Imunologia
Doutora em Genética e Biologia Molecular

Die Expression homöostatischer Chemokinrezeptoren auf hämatopoetischen Neoplasien wird zunehmend mit tumorpathogenen Funktionen in Zusammenhang gebracht. In der Arbeit wurden Funktionen der Rezeptoren CXCR7 und CCR7 in der Pathogenese lymphatischer Erkrankungen anhand von Mausmodellen charakterisiert. Für CXCR7 konnte in der normalen Differenzierung von T-Zellen eine schwache Expression in murinen Thymozyten, dagegen eine verstärkte, vor allem intrazellulär lokalisierte Expression in peripheren aktivierten T-Zellen identifiziert werden. Eine aberrante Überexpression lag in humanen Zelllinien, aber auch in primären Fällen von T-ALL und klassischen Hodgkin-Lymphomen vor. Die Analyse eines retroviralen Überexpressionsmodells ergab für CXCR7 die Funktion als anti-apoptotischer Kostimulator während der thymischen beta-Selektion. Im Signaltransduktionskomplex mit CXCR4 und dem präTCR vermittelte CXCR7 einen effizienteren DN3-zu-DN4 Übergang. Unreife Thymozyten waren durch eine verstärkte Apoptoseresistenz und Expression von anti-apoptotischen Bcl2-Molekülen charakterisiert. Dies könnte CXCR7 überexprimierende Thymozyten putativ empfänglicher für die Entwicklung von T-ALLs machen. Für CCR7 konnten in der Arbeit bedeutende Funktionen in der organspezifischen Dissemination von B-Zelllymphomen identifiziert werden. Unter Verwendung des Eµ-Myc-Mausmodells wurde gezeigt, dass Eµ-Myc Lymphomzellen CCR7-abhängig in die T-Zellzone von Milz und Lymphknoten einwandern und dort durch reziproke Interaktionen mit gp38+ FRCs und DCs entscheidende Überlebenfaktoren, darunter Ihh, Igf-1 und VCAM-1, erhalten. Die Lymphomzellen vermittelten darüber hinaus eine aktive Veränderung der Stromazellzusammensetzung, welche durch ein expandiertes FRC-Netzwerk, durch die Induktion putativ immunsupprimierender DCs und durch ein inflammatorisches Milieu charakterisiert war. Eine Inhibition der Lymphom-Stroma-Interaktionen könnte daher eine neue Strategie der Lymphomtherapie darstellen.
In recent years the expression of homeostatic chemokine receptors on hematological tumors was increasingly associated with tumor pathogenic functions. Within this thesis, functions of the chemokine receptors CXCR7 und CCR7 in the pathogenesis of lymphoid diseases were characterized using different mouse models. For CXCR7, low expression levels were detected in murine thymocytes during normal T cell development. Enhanced expression was found mainly intracellularly in peripheral activated T cells. An aberrant overexpression was identified in human cell lines and primary cases of T-ALL and classical Hodgkin lymphoma. The analysis of a retroviral overexpression model suggested a function of CXCR7 as an anti-apoptotic costimulator during thymic beta-selection. In a functional complex with CXCR4 and the preTCR CXCR7 mediated a more efficient DN3-to-DN4 transition. CXCR7 expressing thymocytes were characterized by enhanced apoptosis resistance and expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl2-family genes. Thus, CXCR7 could putatively make immature thymocytes more susceptible to develop T-ALL. In addition, new insights into the function of CCR7 in the context B cell lymphoma dissemination were gained within this thesis. Applying the Eµ-Myc mouse model, CCR7 was shown to mediate the specific homing of Eµ-Myc lymphoma cells into the T cell zone of spleen and lymph nodes. Here, lymphoma cells received pivotal survival signals following reciprocal interactions with gp38+ FRCs and DCs, amongst them Ihh, Igf-1 and VCAM-1. Moreover, the lymphoma cells induced a survival promoting active remodelling of the T cell zone stroma, which was characterized by the expansion of the FRC network, by the induction of putatively immune suppressive DCs and by the induction of a pro-inflammatory milieu. Therefore, an inhibition of lymphoma-stroma interactions could provide a new strategy in lymphoma therapy.