Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
08:20
In Vitro Differentiation of Human CD4+FOXP3+ Induced Regulatory T Cells (iTregs) from Naïve CD4+ T Cells Using a TGF-β-containing Protocol
Published on: December 30, 2016
Aire and Foxp3 expression in a particular microenvironment for T cell differentiation
Isabelle Hansenne1, Céline Louis, Henri Martens
1Center of Immunology, Institute of Pathology, Liege-Sart Tilman, Belgium.
Neuroimmunomodulation
|December 17, 2008
Summary
The autoimmune regulator (Aire) and Foxp3 proteins are found within thymic nurse cells (TNCs), suggesting TNCs play a role in natural regulatory T cell (nTreg) development. This study investigated their expression and localization in TNC/thymocyte complexes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The thymus is crucial for T cell development and self-tolerance.
- Thymic nurse cells (TNCs) provide a unique microenvironment for T cell differentiation.
- The autoimmune regulator (Aire) influences self-antigen expression in the thymus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and localization of Aire and Foxp3 within TNC/thymocyte complexes.
- To explore the potential role of TNCs in natural regulatory T cell (nTreg) development.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect Aire and Foxp3 transcripts in isolated TNC/thymocyte complexes.
- Confocal microscopy and immunocytochemistry were employed to determine the protein localization of Aire and Foxp3.
Main Results:
- Both Aire and Foxp3 transcripts were detected in TNC/thymocyte complexes.
- Foxp3 protein was localized to the nucleus of thymocytes within TNCs.
- Aire protein was primarily found in the cytoplasm of TNCs, with some nuclear presence in associated thymocytes.
Conclusions:
- Aire and Foxp3 are present in the TNC microenvironment, which supports thymic selection.
- The distinct cellular localization of Aire and Foxp3 suggests a role for TNCs in nTreg development.
Related Concept Videos
02:23Master Transcription Regulators
Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
01:30General Transcription Factors
Tissue-specific transcription factors contribute to diverse cellular functions in mammals. For example, the gene for beta globin, a major component of hemoglobin, is present in all cells of the body. However, it is only expressed in red blood cells because the transcription factors that can bind to the promoter sequences of the beta globin gene are only expressed in these cells. Tissue-specific transcription factors also ensure that mutations in these factors may impair only the function of...