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Evaluation of T Follicular Helper Cells and Germinal Center Response During Influenza A Virus Infection in Mice
Published on: June 27, 2020
Fgf21 regulates T-cell development in the neonatal and juvenile thymus
Yoshiaki Nakayama1, Yuki Masuda1, Hiroya Ohta1,2
1Department of Microbial Chemistry, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Japan.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) plays a crucial role in juvenile thymus development. FGF21 enhances T cell selection by promoting apoptosis of immature thymocytes, acting independently of β-Klotho.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is expressed in the thymus and liver.
- Previous studies indicated FGF21 protects against age-related thymic senescence by improving thymic epithelial cell (TEC) function.
- The role of FGF21 in the juvenile thymus was previously unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological roles of FGF21 in the juvenile thymus.
- To determine the mechanism by which FGF21 influences thymocyte development.
- To ascertain whether FGF21 acts in a β-Klotho-dependent or independent manner in the juvenile thymus.
Main Methods:
- Generation and analysis of young Fgf21 knockout mice and β-Klotho knockout mice.
- Treatment of fetal thymus organ cultures (FTOC) with recombinant FGF21 protein.
- Flow cytometry analysis of thymocyte populations (CD4+, CD8+).
- Annexin V staining to assess apoptosis.
Main Results:
- Young Fgf21 knockout mice exhibited a significant reduction in CD4+ and CD8+ single-positive thymocytes.
- TEC function remained unaltered in Fgf21 knockout mice.
- Recombinant FGF21 protein rescued thymocyte development impairment in FTOC from Fgf21 knockout mice.
- FGF21 enhanced apoptosis of immature thymocytes during selection in FTOC.
- Endocrine FGF21 from the liver did not impact juvenile thymocyte development.
Conclusions:
- FGF21 acts as an intrathymic cytokine in the neonatal and juvenile thymus.
- FGF21 facilitates T cell selection by promoting apoptosis of immature thymocytes.
- FGF21 functions in thymocyte development in a β-Klotho-independent manner.
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