title: Autoimmune regulator initiates the expression of promiscuous genes in thymic epithelial cells.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Norman Bethune Medical College of JiLin University, Chang Chun, China.
authors.forename: Jibing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Chunlei
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Yi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides; D014157:Transcription Factors; D000096927:AIRE Protein; C513121:IGF2 protein, mouse