Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 12, 2025
15:33
Adenoviral Transduction of Naive CD4 T Cells to Study Treg Differentiation
Published on: August 13, 2013
16.2K
Adiponectin-expressing Treg facilitate T lymphocyte development in thymic nurse cell complexes
Yiwei Zhang1,2, Handi Cao1,2, Jie Chen1,2,3
1The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Communications Biology
|March 17, 2021
Summary
Adiponectin, an insulin-sensitizing molecule, is produced by regulatory T-cells (Treg) in the thymus. These cells show potential for immunotherapy against obesity, metabolic disorders, and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Adiponectin is recognized for its insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- It holds therapeutic potential for cardiovascular, metabolic, and cancer diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of adiponectin expression in regulatory T-cells (Treg) within thymic nurse cell (TNC) complexes.
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of adiponectin-expressing Treg precursors in preclinical models.
Main Methods:
- Adiponectin expression was identified in Treg within TNC complexes.
- Adoptive transfer of adiponectin-expressing Treg precursors was performed in mice models.
- Effects on obesity, glucose/insulin tolerance, fatty liver, and breast cancer were assessed.
- The interaction between adiponectin and CD100 within TNC complexes was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Adoptive transfer of adiponectin-expressing Treg precursors ameliorated obesity, improved glucose and insulin tolerance, and prevented fatty liver in mice on a high-fat diet.
- These Treg precursors significantly inhibited breast cancer development in MMTV-PyVT transgenic mice.
- Adiponectin within TNC complexes regulated CD100 expression and distribution, modulating lymphoepithelial interactions for T-cell development.
Conclusions:
- Adiponectin plays a crucial role in T-lymphocyte selection and maturation within thymic nurse cell complexes.
- Adiponectin-expressing Treg are a promising candidate for adoptive cell immunotherapy against metabolic diseases and cancer.
Related Concept Videos
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
1.7K
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...
1.7K
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
14.0K
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...
14.0K
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
7.3K
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
7.3K
01:16Primary Lymphoid Organs
13.5K
Primary lymphoid organs are pivotal in the formation, development, and maturation of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that serve as the backbone of our immune system. This crucial function underscores their fundamental role in maintaining our overall health and immunity. The two primary lymphoid organs of prime importance are the red bone marrow and the thymus.
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
13.5K
01:20Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
1.7K
The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
1.7K