Ontogenesis and functional aspects of oxytocin and vasopressin gene expression in the thymus network

Hansenne, Isabelle; Rasier, Grégory; Péqueux, Christel; Brilot, Fabienne; Rénard, C.; Breton, Christophe; Greimers, Roland; Legros, Jean-Jacques; Geenen, Vincent; Martens, Henri

doi:10.1016/j.jneuroim.2004.08.007

Cited by 37 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…T cell development has been shown to be finely regulated by neuropeptides [9] belonging to different families such as the neurohypophysial family (OT and vasopressin) [31,32] or the insulin family (IGF-1, IGF-2 and insulin) [33] . The intrathymic expression of genes encoding OT, IGF-2 and insulin is regulated by Aire [11] .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aire and Foxp3 Expression in a Particular Microenvironment for T Cell Differentiation

Hansenne

Louis

Martens

et al. 2008

Neuroimmunomodulation

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Objective: The thymus is the primary lymphoid organ responsible for T cell development and the establishment of central self-tolerance. Among thymic epithelial cells, thymic nurse cells (TNC) interact closely with immature thymocytes and constitute a special microenvironment for T cell differentiation and selection. In addition, TNC express neuroendocrine self-antigens such as oxytocin and insulin-like growth factor-2, whose intrathymic transcription is regulated by the autoimmune regulator gene/protein (Aire). Both effector and natural regulatory T cell (nTreg) lineages develop in the thymus, but the mechanisms leading to nTreg selection in the thymus are still unclear. Foxp3 is the most specific nTreg marker that is required for nTreg functional activity, but not for engagement into the Treg lineage. Aire has been suggested to be a potential factor implicated in this role. The objective of this study was to characterize Aire and Foxp3 expression in TNC/thymocyte complexes. Methods:Aire and Foxp3 expression was investigated by RT-qPCR in TNC/thymocyte complexes isolated by enzymatic digestion and sedimentation. Aire and Foxp3 proteins were located by confocal microscopy and specific immunocytochemistry. Results: Both Aire and Foxp3 transcripts were detected in TNC/thymocyte complexes. Foxp3 was detected in the nucleus of thymocytes internalized into TNC. Aire was located mainly in TNC cytoplasm and, although to a lower degree, in the nucleus of some TNC-associated thymocytes. Conclusions: Aire and Foxp3 are present in the particular TNC microenvironment which has previously been shown to support thymic selection. The differential localization of these two markers suggests a role for TNC in nTreg development.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aire and Foxp3 Expression in a Particular Microenvironment for T Cell Differentiation

Hansenne

Louis

Martens

et al. 2008

Neuroimmunomodulation

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“…60,70 Neuropeptides Thymus physiology is also influenced by neuropeptides such as oxytocin and vasopressin, which are released by the posterior pituitary lobe (known as the neurohypophysis) in the brain. 71,72 TECs produce both vasopressin and oxytocin, but no vasopressin production has been detected in thymocytes. 12 The G protein-coupled oxytocin receptor has been detected in all thymocyte subsets, whereas the vasopressin V1b receptor was only found in DP and CD8 + SP cells.…”

Section: Prolactinmentioning

confidence: 97%

Hormonal control of T-cell development in health and disease

et al. 2015

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The physiology of the thymus, the primary lymphoid organ in which T cells are generated, is controlled by hormones. Data from animal models indicate that several peptide and nonpeptide hormones act pleiotropically within the thymus to modulate the proliferation, differentiation, migration and death by apoptosis of developing thymocytes. For example, growth hormone and prolactin can enhance thymocyte proliferation and migration, whereas glucocorticoids lead to the apoptosis of these developing cells. The thymus undergoes progressive age-dependent atrophy with a loss of cells being generated and exported, therefore, hormone-based therapies are being developed as an alternative strategy to rejuvenate the organ, as well as to augment thymocyte proliferation and the export of mature T cells to peripheral lymphoid organs. Some hormones (such as growth hormone and progonadoliberin-1) are also being used as therapeutic agents to treat immunodeficiency disorders associated with thymic atrophy, such as HIV infection. In this Review, we discuss the accumulating data that shows the thymus gland is under complex and multifaceted hormonal control that affects the process of T-cell development in health and disease.

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“…Oxytocin has mitogenic and immunomodulatory properties in the thymus [15] and its receptors were detected on thymocytes [16]. These receptors are predominantly expressed by cytotoxic CD8+ lypmphocytes [17], however all T-cell subsets expressed them [18]. Gonadotropins (FSH and LH) have a subset-specifi c effect on T-cell activation [19].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

In vitro effect of hormones on the hormone content of rat peritoneal and thymic cells. Is there an endocrine network inside the immune system?

Csaba

Pállinger

2007

Inflamm. res.

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The results mean that immune cells can be regulated by the neuroendocrine system and could also be able to play a role in endocrine regulation. In addition, taking into account the localization of these cells in the immune organs, there is the possibility of autocrine and paracrine regulation inside the immune system. Considering that the hormones, contained or sensed by the cells of the immune system are influencing each other, the concept of a hormonal network within the immune system can be proposed.

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Ontogenesis and functional aspects of oxytocin and vasopressin gene expression in the thymus network

Cited by 37 publications

References 30 publications

Aire and Foxp3 Expression in a Particular Microenvironment for T Cell Differentiation

Aire and Foxp3 Expression in a Particular Microenvironment for T Cell Differentiation

Hormonal control of T-cell development in health and disease

In vitro effect of hormones on the hormone content of rat peritoneal and thymic cells. Is there an endocrine network inside the immune system?

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