Expression of Ly6C/6G defines a novel Aire-dependent subset of medullary thymic epithelial cells with tolerogenic function

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26460577
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Immunology
• Research Institution: The University of Tokushima
• Principal Investigator: MORIMOTO Junko 徳島大学, 先端酵素学研究所(次世代), 助教 (20451396)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 自己免疫疾患

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) are a heterogeneous population in terms of the spectrum of tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs) expressed from each cell for ensuring the elimination of autoreactive T-cells. Because of these heterogeneities, it is unclear whether mTECs are composed of any particular subsets possessing unique properties for their developmental pathway and/or immunological function. Here, we report a distinct mTEC subset characterized by expression of Ly6 family protein. Ly6C/6G+ mTECs, constituting 5-15% of mature mTECs, were preferentially localized at the cortico-medullary junction, and expressed high levels of TRAs. Remarkably, Ly6C/6G+ mTECs were absent in Aire-deficient mice, suggesting that this subset requires Aire and/or Aire+ mTECs for its production. We suggest that Ly6C/6G+ mTECs serve as an important source of TRAs for efficient cross-presentation during establishment of self-tolerance.

Free Research Field

免疫学