Characterization of human thymic exosomes

PLoS One. 2013 Jul 2;8(7):e67554. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067554. Print 2013.

Abstract

Exosomes are nanosized membrane-bound vesicles that are released by various cell types and are capable of carrying proteins, lipids and RNAs which can be delivered to recipient cells. Exosomes play a role in intercellular communication and have been described to mediate immunologic information. In this article we report the first isolation and characterization of exosomes from human thymic tissue. Using electron microscopy, particle size determination, density gradient measurement, flow cytometry, proteomic analysis and microRNA profiling we describe the morphology, size, density, protein composition and microRNA content of human thymic exosomes. The thymic exosomes share characteristics with previously described exosomes such as antigen presentation molecules, but they also exhibit thymus specific features regarding surface markers, protein content and microRNA profile. Interestingly, thymic exosomes carry proteins that have a tissue restricted expression in the periphery which may suggest a role in T cell selection and the induction of central tolerance. We speculate that thymic exosomes may provide the means for intercellular information exchange necessary for negative selection and regulatory T cell formation of the developing thymocytes within the human thymic medulla.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Cell Communication
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Central Tolerance / genetics
  • Exosomes / chemistry*
  • Exosomes / immunology
  • Gene Expression
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / immunology
  • Molecular Sequence Annotation
  • Organ Specificity
  • Proteome / genetics*
  • Proteome / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / cytology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • Thymocytes / cytology*
  • Thymocytes / immunology
  • Thymus Gland / cytology*
  • Thymus Gland / immunology

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • MicroRNAs
  • Proteome

Grants and funding

This project was supported by the Swedish Research Council (contract 80409601), Region Västra Götaland (ALFGBG-771712), AFA Försäkring (contract 100258), IngaBritt and Arne Lundbergs Research Foundation and The Gothenburg Medical Society (all grants received by OE). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.