Autoimmune regulator initiates the expression of promiscuous genes in thymic epithelial cells.
The expression of peripheral antigens in the thymus, known as promiscuous gene expression, has been implicated in T cell tolerance and autoimmunity. Here we identified thymic epithelial cells (TECs) as the main cell type that expresses a diverse range of tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs). The TECs of a common autoimmune (non-obese diabetic [NOD]) mouse model express much lower levels of an autoimmune regulator (Aire) and TRAs than normal (Balb/c) TECs. Transfection of an Aire plasmid led to increased levels of TRA expression in cultured TECs from Balb/c and NOD mice; an increase that was enhanced by the presence of thymocytes. These data show that Aire initiates promiscuous gene expression in TECs, and that this function might be under thymocyte control.
Chen
Jibing
J
Department of Immunology, Norman Bethune Medical College of JiLin University, Chang Chun, China.
Yang
Wei
W
Yu
Chunlei
C
Li
Yi
Y
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000276:immunology*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D016688:Mice, Inbred NOD; D023421:Models, Animal; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D015533:Transcriptional Activation; D014162:Transfection; D000096927:AIRE Protein
D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides; D014157:Transcription Factors; D000096927:AIRE Protein; C513121:IGF2 protein, mouse