Title
The proprotein convertase furin regulates the development of thymic epithelial cells to ensure central immune tolerance
Authors
Zhanfeng Liang, Zhaoqi Zhang, Qian Zhang, Xue Dong, Xiaofeng Yang, Jiayu Zhang, Tong Lei, John W.M. Creemers, Baojun Zhang, Yong Zhao
Institution
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing
Country
China
Year
2022
Journal
iScience .
Abstract
The generation of mature T cells and establishment of central tolerance is predominantly orchestrated by thymic epithelial cells (TECs). Proprotein convertases are responsible for the proteolysis of proproteins into their mature bioactive counterparts. Here, we found that Furin, a member of the subtilisin/kexin-like PCs family, is highly expressed in TECs compared with other members of this family. TEC-specific deletion of Furin caused severe thymic atrophy and predominantly reduced the number of medullary TECs and thymic tuft cells, and to a less degree, cortical TECs. Furin deletion attenuated the proliferation of TECs, impaired thymopoiesis, and led to autoimmune disorders in mice. Furin promotes the development of TECs via cleavage of proIGF1 receptor and pro-Insulin receptor and the activation of downstream ERK/MAPK and Akt signaling pathways. Thus, this study uncovered the role of furin in TEC development and function and highlighted the importance of post-translational modification of immature proproteins in TEC biology.
Product use
Culture of murine thymic epithelial cells (TEC)
Tissue type
Thymus
Tissue info
thymic epithelical cells
Species
Mouse

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