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Single cell transcriptional analysis of human adenoids identifies molecular features of airway microfold cells

ABSTRACT: The nasal, oropharyngeal, and bronchial mucosa are the initial contact points for airborne pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), SARS-CoV-2, and influenza virus. While mucosal surfaces can function as both entry points and barriers to infection, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT) facilitate early immune responses to mucosal antigens. MALT contains a variety of specialized epithelial cells, including a rare cell type called a microfold cell (M cell) that functions to transport apical antigens to basolateral antigen-presenting cells, a crucial step in the initiation of mucosal immunity. M cells have been extensively characterized in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in murine and human models. However, the precise development and functions of human airway M cells is unknown. Here, using single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), we generated an atlas of cells from the human adenoid and identified 16 unique cell types representing basal, club, hillock, and hematopoietic lineages, defined their developmental trajectories, and determined cell-cell relationships. Using trajectory analysis, we found that human airway M cells develop from progenitor club cells and express a gene signature distinct from intestinal M cells. Surprisingly, we also identified a heretofore unknown epithelial cell type demonstrating a robust interferon-stimulated gene signature. Our analysis of human adenoid cells enhances our understanding of mucosal immune responses and the role of M cells in airway immunity. This work also provides a resource for understanding early interactions of pathogens with airway mucosa and a platform for development of mucosal vaccines.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE279824 | GEO | 2025/11/07

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Scnn1b-Tg mice overexpress the beta subunit of the epithelial sodium channel (Scnn1b) in airway Club cells. The general phenotype of these mice is described in three published manuscripts (Mall et al. 2004, Nature Medicine, 10(5):487-93; Mall et al. 2008, Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 177(7):730-42; Livraghi-Butrico et al. 2012, Physiol. Genomics 44(8):470-84; and Livraghi-Butrico et al. 2012, Mucosal Immunology 5(4):397-408). Briefly, overexpression of the Scnn1b transgene in airway Club cells leads to hyperabsorption of sodium from the airway surface liquid, which causes airway surface liquid and mucus dehydration, resulting in reduced mucus clearance and airway mucus obstruction. The data provided here represents mRNA expression data from disseccted whole lung from male WT and Scnn1b-transgenic littermates (C57Bl/6NTac background) at 4 time points [postnatal days (PND) 0, 3, 10, and 42]. Histologically, PND 0 lungs are normal, at PND 3 the intrapulmonary airways exhibit transient and spotty Club cell necrosis, and by PND 10 airway mucus obstruction is evident in the proximal portion of the intrapulmonary main stem bronchus. At PND 42, Scnn1b-Tg lungs are charactyerized by chronic low level inflammation, with activated macrophages, neutrophilia, eosinophilia and increased incidence of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue. The data from the WT mice provides a global look at mRNA post-natal developmental changes, while the data from the Scnn1b-transgenic line allows differential gene expression due to airway surface liquid dehydration and mucus obstruction to be queried. The data presented for the lung is part of a larger body of work evaluating gene expression in lung (left lobe only), trachea, and purified macrophages (from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid). 24 Total lung (left lobe only) samples were analyzed; three from each timepoint for each genotype (wild type and Scnn1b-transgenic). In our manuscript, we were most interested in changes between WT and Scnn1b-Tg mice, however, the data can also be used to evaluate changes in gene expression across time (PND 0, 3, 10, and 42). We generated the following pairwise comparisons: Scnn1b-Tg vs WT mice for each PND time point; Intra-strain comparison between PND 3, or 10, or 42 vs PND 0.

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Single cell transcriptional analysis of human adenoids identifies molecular features of airway microfold cells

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