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Tribolet L, Brice AM, Fulford TS, Layton DS, Godfrey DI, Bean AGD, Stewart CR. Identification of a novel role for the immunomodulator ILRUN in the development of several T cell subsets in mice. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152380. [PMID: 37031606 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2023.152380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation and lipid regulator with UBA-like and NBR1-like domains (ILRUN) is a protein-encoding gene associated with innate immune signaling, lipid metabolism and cancer. In the context of innate immunity, ILRUN inhibits IRF3-mediated transcription of antimicrobial and proinflammatory cytokines by inducing degradation of the transcriptional coactivators CBP and p300. There remains a paucity of information, however, regarding the innate immune roles of ILRUN beyond in vitro analyses. To address this, we utilize a knockout mouse model to investigate the effect of ILRUN on cytokine expression in splenocytes and on the development of immune cell populations in the spleen and thymus. We show elevated production of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6 cytokines in ILRUN-deficient splenocytes following stimulation with the innate immune ligands polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid or lipopolysaccharide. Differences were also observed in the populations of several T cell subsets, including regulatory, mucosal-associated invariant and natural killer. These data identify novel functions for ILRUN in the development of certain immune cell populations and support previous in vitro findings that ILRUN negatively regulates the synthesis of pathogen-stimulated cytokines. This establishes the ILRUN knockout mouse model as a valuable resource for further study of the functions of ILRUN in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Tribolet
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong 3220, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aaron M Brice
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong 3220, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas S Fulford
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel S Layton
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong 3220, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dale I Godfrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew G D Bean
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong 3220, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cameron R Stewart
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong 3220, Victoria, Australia.
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2
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Tang W, Saret S, Tian R, Wang H, Claudio E, Murphy PM, Siebenlist U. Bcl-3 suppresses differentiation of RORγt + regulatory T cells. Immunol Cell Biol 2021; 99:586-595. [PMID: 33525048 PMCID: PMC11005920 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) exert inhibitory function under various physiological conditions and adopt diverse characteristics following environmental cues. Multiple subsets of Tregs expressing master transcription factors of helper T cells such as RORγt, T-bet, Gata3 and PPARγ have been characterized, but the molecular mechanism governing the differentiation of these subsets remains largely unknown. Here we report that the atypical IκB protein family member Bcl-3 suppresses RORγt+ Treg accumulation. The suppressive effect of Bcl-3 was particularly evident in the mouse immune tolerance model of anti-CD3 therapy. Using conditional knockout mice, we illustrate that loss of Bcl-3 specifically in Tregs was sufficient to boost RORγt+ Treg formation and resistance of mice to dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. We further demonstrate the suppressive effect of Bcl-3 on RORγt+ Treg differentiation in vitro. Our results reveal a novel role of nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathways in Treg subset differentiation that may have clinical implications in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanhu Tang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sun Saret
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ruxiao Tian
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hongshan Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Estefania Claudio
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Philip M. Murphy
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ulrich Siebenlist
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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3
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Fulford TS, Grumont R, Wirasinha RC, Ellis D, Barugahare A, Turner SJ, Naeem H, Powell D, Lyons PA, Smith KGC, Scheer S, Zaph C, Klein U, Daley SR, Gerondakis S. c-Rel employs multiple mechanisms to promote the thymic development and peripheral function of regulatory T cells in mice. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:2006-2026. [PMID: 33960413 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The NF-κB transcription factor c-Rel is a critical regulator of Treg ontogeny, controlling multiple points of the stepwise developmental pathway. Here, we found that the thymic Treg defect in c-Rel-deficient (cRel-/- ) mice is quantitative, not qualitative, based on analyses of TCR repertoire and TCR signaling strength. However, these parameters are altered in the thymic Treg-precursor population, which is also markedly diminished in cRel-/- mice. Moreover, c-Rel governs the transcriptional programme of both thymic and peripheral Tregs, controlling a core of genes involved with immune signaling, and separately in the periphery, cell cycle progression. Last, the immune suppressive function of peripheral cRel-/- tTregs is diminished in a lymphopenic model of T cell proliferation and is associated with decreased stability of Foxp3 expression. Collectively, we show that c-Rel is a transcriptional regulator that controls multiple aspects of Treg development, differentiation, and function via distinct mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas S Fulford
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Raelene Grumont
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rushika C Wirasinha
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Darcy Ellis
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adele Barugahare
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Monash Bioinformatics Platform, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen J Turner
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Haroon Naeem
- Monash Bioinformatics Platform, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Powell
- Monash Bioinformatics Platform, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul A Lyons
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK.,Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - Kenneth G C Smith
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK.,Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - Sebastian Scheer
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Colby Zaph
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ulf Klein
- Division of Haematology & Immunology, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 7TF
| | - Stephen R Daley
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Steve Gerondakis
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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4
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Dong Y, Yang C, Pan F. Post-Translational Regulations of Foxp3 in Treg Cells and Their Therapeutic Applications. Front Immunol 2021; 12:626172. [PMID: 33912156 PMCID: PMC8071870 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.626172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are indispensable for immune homeostasis due to their roles in peripheral tolerance. As the master transcription factor of Treg cells, Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) strongly regulates Treg function and plasticity. Because of this, considerable research efforts have been directed at elucidating the mechanisms controlling Foxp3 and its co-regulators. Such work is not only advancing our understanding on Treg cell biology, but also uncovering novel targets for clinical manipulation in autoimmune diseases, organ transplantation, and tumor therapies. Recently, many studies have explored the post-translational regulation of Foxp3, which have shown that acetylation, phosphorylation, glycosylation, methylation, and ubiquitination are important for determining Foxp3 function and plasticity. Additionally, some of these targets have been implicated to have great therapeutic values. In this review, we will discuss emerging evidence of post-translational regulations on Foxp3 in Treg cells and their exciting therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Dong
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Cuiping Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Pan
- Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shenzhen, China
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5
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Lalle G, Twardowski J, Grinberg-Bleyer Y. NF-κB in Cancer Immunity: Friend or Foe? Cells 2021; 10:355. [PMID: 33572260 PMCID: PMC7914614 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of immunotherapies has definitely proven the tight relationship between malignant and immune cells, its impact on cancer outcome and its therapeutic potential. In this context, it is undoubtedly critical to decipher the transcriptional regulation of these complex interactions. Following early observations demonstrating the roles of NF-κB in cancer initiation and progression, a series of studies converge to establish NF-κB as a master regulator of immune responses to cancer. Importantly, NF-κB is a family of transcriptional activators and repressors that can act at different stages of cancer immunity. In this review, we provide an overview of the selective cell-intrinsic contributions of NF-κB to the distinct cell types that compose the tumor immune environment. We also propose a new view of NF-κB targeting drugs as a new class of immunotherapies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yenkel Grinberg-Bleyer
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France; (G.L.); (J.T.)
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6
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Faustmann G, Tiran B, Trajanoski S, Obermayer-Pietsch B, Gruber HJ, Ribalta J, Roob JM, Winklhofer-Roob BM. Activation of nuclear factor-kappa B subunits c-Rel, p65 and p50 by plasma lipids and fatty acids across the menstrual cycle. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 160:488-500. [PMID: 32846215 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study focused on a comprehensive analysis of the canonical activation pathway of the redox-sensitive transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, addressing c-Rel, p65 and p50 activation in 28 women at early (T1) and late follicular (T2) and mid (T3) and late luteal (T4) phase of the menstrual cycle, and possible relations with fasting plasma lipids and fatty acids. For the first time, strong inverse relations of c-Rel with apolipoprotein B were observed across the cycle, while those with LDL cholesterol, triglycerides as well as saturated (SFA), particularly C14-C22 SFA, monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) clustered at T2. In contrast, p65 was positively related to LDL cholesterol and total n-6 PUFA, while p50 did not show any relations. C-Rel was not directly associated with estradiol and progesterone, but data suggested an indirect C22:5n-3-mediated effect of progesterone. Strong positive relations between estradiol and individual SFA, MUFA and n-3 PUFA at T1 were confined to C18 fatty acids; C18:3n-3 was differentially associated with estradiol (positively) and progesterone (inversely). Given specific roles of c-Rel activation in immune tolerance, inhibition of c-Rel activation by higher plasma apolipoprotein B and individual fatty acid concentrations could have clinical implications for female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gernot Faustmann
- Human Nutrition & Metabolism Research and Training Center, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Clinical Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Beate Tiran
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Slave Trajanoski
- Core Facility Computational Bioanalytics, Center for Medical Research, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Hans-Jürgen Gruber
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Josep Ribalta
- Unitat de Recerca en Lípids i Arteriosclerosi, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili and Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Reus, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Spain
| | - Johannes M Roob
- Clinical Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Brigitte M Winklhofer-Roob
- Human Nutrition & Metabolism Research and Training Center, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
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7
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Wang K, Fu W. Transcriptional regulation of Treg homeostasis and functional specification. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:4269-4287. [PMID: 32350553 PMCID: PMC7606275 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03534-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are key players in keeping excessive inflammation in check. Mounting evidence has shown that Treg cells exert much more diverse functions in both immunological and non-immunological processes. The development, maintenance and functional specification of Treg cells are regulated by multilayered factors, including antigens and TCR signaling, cytokines, epigenetic modifiers and transcription factors (TFs). In the review, we will focus on TFs by summarizing their unique and redundant roles in Treg cells under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. We will also discuss the recent advances of Treg trajectories between lymphoid organs and non-lymphoid tissues. This review will provide an updated view of the newly identified TFs and new functions of known TFs in Treg biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Wenxian Fu
- Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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8
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The many-sided contributions of NF-κB to T-cell biology in health and disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 361:245-300. [PMID: 34074496 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
T cells (or T lymphocytes) exhibit a myriad of functions in immune responses, ranging from pathogen clearance to autoimmunity, cancer and even non-lymphoid tissue homeostasis. Therefore, deciphering the molecular mechanisms orchestrating their specification, function and gene expression pattern is critical not only for our comprehension of fundamental biology, but also for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. Among the master regulators of T-cell identity, the functions of the NF-κB family of transcription factors have been under scrutiny for several decades. However, a more precise understanding of their pleiotropic functions is only just emerging. In this review we will provide a global overview of the roles of NF-κB in the different flavors of mature T cells. We aim at highlighting the complex and sometimes diverging roles of the five NF-κB subunits in health and disease.
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9
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Grazioli P, Orlando A, Giordano N, Noce C, Peruzzi G, Scafetta G, Screpanti I, Campese AF. NF-κB1 Regulates Immune Environment and Outcome of Notch-Dependent T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Front Immunol 2020; 11:541. [PMID: 32346377 PMCID: PMC7169422 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive pediatric malignancy that arises from the transformation of immature T-cell progenitors and has no definitive cure. Notch signaling governs many steps of T cell development and its dysregulation represents the most common causative event in the pathogenesis of T-ALL. The activation of canonical NF-κB pathway has been described as a critical downstream mediator of Notch oncogenic functions, through the sustaining of tumor cell survival and growth. The potential role of Notch/NF-κB partnership is also emerging in the generation and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the context of cancer. However, little is known about the effects of combined mutations of Notch and NF-κB in regulating immune-environment and progression of T-ALL. To shed light on the topics above we generated double-mutant mice, harboring conventional knock-out mutation of NF-κB1/p50 on the genetic background of a transgenic model of Notch-dependent T-ALL. The immunophenotyping of double-mutant mice demonstrates that NF-κB1 deletion inhibits the progression of T-ALL and strongly modifies immune-environment of the disease. Double-mutant mice display indeed a dramatic reduction of pre-leukemic CD4+CD8+ (DP) T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) and, concurrently, the rising of an aggressive myeloproliferative trait with a massive expansion of CD11b+Gr-1+ cells in the periphery, and an accumulation of the granulocyte/monocyte progenitors in the bone-marrow. Interestingly, double-mutant T cells are able to improve the growth of CD11b+Gr-1+ cells in vitro, and, more importantly, the in vivo depletion of T cells in double-mutant mice significantly reduces the expansion of myeloid compartment. Our results strongly suggest that the myeloproliferative trait observed in double-mutant mice may depend on non-cell-autonomous mechanism/s driven by T cells. Moreover, we demonstrate that the reduction of CD4+CD8+ (DP) T cells and Tregs in double-mutant mice relies on a significant enhancement of their apoptotic rate. In conclusion, double-mutant mice may represent a useful model to deepen the knowledge of the consequences on T-ALL immune-environment of modulating Notch/NF-κB relationships in tumor cells. More importantly, information derived from these studies may help in the refinement of multitarget therapies for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Grazioli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Orlando
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Nike Giordano
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Noce
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Peruzzi
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaia Scafetta
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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10
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Ross JA, Malyshkina A, Otto L, Liu J, Dittmer U. Inhibition of IL-2 or NF- κB Subunit c-Rel-Dependent Signaling Inhibits Expansion of Regulatory T Cells During Acute Friend Retrovirus Infection. Viral Immunol 2020; 33:353-360. [PMID: 32315584 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2019.0192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In retroviral infections, different immunological mechanisms are involved in the development of a chronic infection. In the Friend virus (FV) model, regulatory T cells (Tregs) were found to induce CD8+ T cell dysfunction before viral clearance is achieved and thus contribute to viral chronicity. Although studied for decades, the exact suppressive mechanisms of Tregs in the FV model remain elusive and an unavailable therapeutic target. However, extracellular IL-2 and intracellular NF-κB signaling were shown to be important pathways for Treg expansion and activation. Therefore, we decided to focus on these two pathways to test therapeutic approaches inhibiting Treg activation during FV infection. In this study, we show that the inhibition of either IL-2 or the NF-κB subunit c-Rel, impaired Treg expansion and activation at 2 weeks post-FV infection. Total numbers of Tregs as well as activated Tregs were reduced in FV-infected mice after treatment with anti-IL-2 antibodies or the c-Rel blocking reagent pentoxifylline. Surprisingly, this did not affect the expansion or function of virus-specific CD8+ T cells nor viral loads in the spleen. However, our data suggest that neutralization of IL-2 as well as blocking c-Rel efficiently inhibits virus-induced Treg expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Alexander Ross
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anna Malyshkina
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lucas Otto
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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11
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Tsaouli G, Barbarulo A, Vacca A, Screpanti I, Felli MP. Molecular Mechanisms of Notch Signaling in Lymphoid Cell Lineages Development: NF-κB and Beyond. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1227:145-164. [PMID: 32072504 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-36422-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Notch is a ligand-receptor interaction-triggered signaling cascade highly conserved, that influences multiple lineage decisions within the hematopoietic and the immune system. It is a recognized model of intercellular communication that plays an essential role in embryonic as well as in adult immune cell development and homeostasis. Four members belong to the family of Notch receptors (Notch1-4), and each of them plays nonredundant functions at several developmental stages. Canonical and noncanonical pathways of Notch signaling are multifaceted drivers of immune cells biology. In fact, increasing evidence highlighted Notch as an important modulator of immune responses, also in cancer microenvironment. In these contexts, multiple transduction signals, including canonical and alternative NF-κB pathways, play a relevant role. In this chapter, we will first describe the critical role of Notch and NF-κB signals in lymphoid lineages developing in thymus: natural killer T cells, thymocytes, and thymic T regulatory cells. We will address also the role played by ligand expressing cells. Given the importance of Notch/NF-κB cross talk, its role in T-cell leukemia development and progression will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Tsaouli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Barbarulo
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - A Vacca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - I Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - M P Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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12
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Ferrandino F, Grazioli P, Bellavia D, Campese AF, Screpanti I, Felli MP. Notch and NF-κB: Coach and Players of Regulatory T-Cell Response in Cancer. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2165. [PMID: 30364244 PMCID: PMC6193072 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway plays multiple roles in driving T-cell fate decisions, proliferation, and aberrant growth. NF-κB is a cell-context key player interconnected with Notch signaling either in physiological or in pathological conditions. This review focuses on how the multilayered crosstalk between different Notches and NF-κB subunits may converge on Foxp3 gene regulation and orchestrate CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cell function, particularly in a tumor microenvironment. Notably, Treg cells may play a pivotal role in the inhibition of antitumor immune responses, possibly promoting tumor growth. A future challenge is represented by further dissection of both Notch and NF-κB pathways and consequences of their intersection in tumor-associated Treg biology. This may shed light on the molecular mechanisms regulating Treg cell expansion and migration to peripheral lymphoid organs thought to facilitate tumor development and still to be explored. In so doing, new opportunities for combined and/or more selective therapeutic approaches to improve anticancer immunity may be found.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paola Grazioli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Diana Bellavia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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13
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Grinberg-Bleyer Y, Caron R, Seeley JJ, De Silva NS, Schindler CW, Hayden MS, Klein U, Ghosh S. The Alternative NF-κB Pathway in Regulatory T Cell Homeostasis and Suppressive Function. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 200:2362-2371. [PMID: 29459403 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential regulators of immune responses. Perturbation of Treg homeostasis or function can lead to uncontrolled inflammation and autoimmunity. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in Treg biology remains an active area of investigation. It has been shown previously that the NF-κB family of transcription factors, in particular, the canonical pathway subunits, c-Rel and p65, are crucial for the development, maintenance, and function of Tregs. However, the role of the alternative NF-κB pathway components, p100 and RelB, in Treg biology remains unclear. In this article, we show that conditional deletion of the p100 gene, nfkb2, in Tregs, resulted in massive inflammation because of impaired suppressive function of nfkb2-deficient Tregs. Surprisingly, mice lacking RelB in Tregs did not exhibit the same phenotype. Instead, deletion of both relb and nfkb2 rescued the inflammatory phenotype, demonstrating an essential role for p100 as an inhibitor of RelB in Tregs. Our data therefore illustrate a new role for the alternative NF-κB signaling pathway in Tregs that has implications for the understanding of molecular pathways driving tolerance and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yenkel Grinberg-Bleyer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Rachel Caron
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - John J Seeley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Nilushi S De Silva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032.,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032; and.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Christian W Schindler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Matthew S Hayden
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Ulf Klein
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032.,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032; and.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Sankar Ghosh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032;
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14
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Miraghazadeh B, Cook MC. Nuclear Factor-kappaB in Autoimmunity: Man and Mouse. Front Immunol 2018; 9:613. [PMID: 29686669 PMCID: PMC5900062 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
NF-κB (nuclear factor-kappa B) is a transcription complex crucial for host defense mediated by innate and adaptive immunity, where canonical NF-κB signaling, mediated by nuclear translocation of RelA, c-Rel, and p50, is important for immune cell activation, differentiation, and survival. Non-canonical signaling mediated by nuclear translocation of p52 and RelB contributes to lymphocyte maturation and survival and is also crucial for lymphoid organogenesis. We outline NF-κB signaling and regulation, then summarize important molecular contributions of NF-κB to mechanisms of self-tolerance. We relate these mechanisms to autoimmune phenotypes described in what is now a substantial catalog of immune defects conferred by mutations in NF-κB pathways in mouse models. Finally, we describe Mendelian autoimmune syndromes arising from human NF-κB mutations, and speculate on implications for understanding sporadic autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Miraghazadeh
- Centre for Personalised Immunology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
- Translational Research Unit, Canberra Hospital, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Matthew C. Cook
- Centre for Personalised Immunology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
- Translational Research Unit, Canberra Hospital, Acton, ACT, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Canberra Hospital, Acton, ACT, Australia
- *Correspondence: Matthew C. Cook,
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15
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Oh H, Grinberg-Bleyer Y, Liao W, Maloney D, Wang P, Wu Z, Wang J, Bhatt DM, Heise N, Schmid RM, Hayden MS, Klein U, Rabadan R, Ghosh S. An NF-κB Transcription-Factor-Dependent Lineage-Specific Transcriptional Program Promotes Regulatory T Cell Identity and Function. Immunity 2017; 47:450-465.e5. [PMID: 28889947 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2017.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Both conventional T (Tconv) cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells are activated through ligation of the T cell receptor (TCR) complex, leading to the induction of the transcription factor NF-κB. In Tconv cells, NF-κB regulates expression of genes essential for T cell activation, proliferation, and function. However the role of NF-κB in Treg function remains unclear. We conditionally deleted canonical NF-κB members p65 and c-Rel in developing and mature Treg cells and found they have unique but partially redundant roles. c-Rel was critical for thymic Treg development while p65 was essential for mature Treg identity and maintenance of immune tolerance. Transcriptome and NF-κB p65 binding analyses demonstrated a lineage specific, NF-κB-dependent transcriptional program, enabled by enhanced chromatin accessibility. These dual roles of canonical NF-κB in Tconv and Treg cells highlight the functional plasticity of the NF-κB signaling pathway and underscores the need for more selective strategies to therapeutically target NF-κB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunju Oh
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yenkel Grinberg-Bleyer
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Will Liao
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY 10013, USA
| | | | - Pingzhang Wang
- Department of Systems Biology and Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Zikai Wu
- Department of Systems Biology and Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jiguang Wang
- Department of Systems Biology and Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Dev M Bhatt
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Nicole Heise
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Roland M Schmid
- II Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthew S Hayden
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA; Section of Dermatology, Department of Surgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, 03756, USA
| | - Ulf Klein
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Raul Rabadan
- Department of Systems Biology and Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sankar Ghosh
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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16
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Luu M, Jenike E, Vachharajani N, Visekruna A. Transcription factor c-Rel is indispensable for generation of thymic but not of peripheral Foxp3 + regulatory T cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:52678-52689. [PMID: 28881761 PMCID: PMC5581060 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor c-Rel has been shown to be crucial for development of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Recent studies have reported that the expression of transcription factor Helios in Foxp3+ Tregs correlates with thymic origin of these cells (tTregs). Notably, we found that only the Helios+Foxp3+ Treg cell population was substantially reduced in c-Rel deficient mice. In contrast to a defective tTreg development, we observed an expansion of mucosal Tregs during the induction of acute colitis in rel-/- mice. Furthermore, we found a preferential accumulation of Helios-Foxp3+ Tregs in aged c-Rel deficient mice. This unexpected finding, together with the observation that naïve CD4+ T cells convert into Tregs in vitro in the absence of c-Rel and presence of IL-2, provide an evidence that extra-thymic generation of induced and peripheral Tregs (iTregs and pTregs) is independent of c-Rel. Moreover, the treatment with IL-2/anti-IL-2 mAb (JES6-1) resulted in a widespread increase of Helios+Foxp3+ Tregs in both wild-type (WT) and rel-/- mice. These data suggest that exogenous IL-2 administration compensates for defective IL-2 production and reduced tTreg numbers in c-Rel deficient mice. Our findings reveal that c-Rel is essential for the generation of tTregs but not for that of pTregs and iTregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maik Luu
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Elena Jenike
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Niyati Vachharajani
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Visekruna
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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17
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Schuster M, Plaza-Sirvent C, Matthies AM, Heise U, Jeron A, Bruder D, Visekruna A, Huehn J, Schmitz I. c-REL and IκB NS Govern Common and Independent Steps of Regulatory T Cell Development from Novel CD122-Expressing Pre-Precursors. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 199:920-930. [PMID: 28652399 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1600877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential regulators of immune homeostasis and, thus, are prime targets for therapeutic interventions of diseases such as cancer and autoimmunity. c-REL and IκBNS are important regulators of Foxp3 induction in Treg precursors upon γ-chain cytokine stimulation. In c-REL/IκBNS double-deficient mice, Treg numbers were dramatically reduced, indicating that together, c-REL and IκBNS are pivotal for Treg development. However, despite the highly reduced Treg compartment, double-deficient mice did not develop autoimmunity even when aged to more than 1 y, suggesting that c-REL and IκBNS are required for T cell effector function as well. Analyzing Treg development in more detail, we identified a CD122+ subset within the CD25-Foxp3- precursor population, which gave rise to classical CD25+Foxp3- Treg precursors. Importantly, c-REL, but not IκBNS, controlled the generation of classical CD25+Foxp3- precursors via direct binding to the Cd25 locus. Thus, we propose that CD4+GITR+CD122+CD25-Foxp3- cells represent a Treg pre-precursor population, whose transition into Treg precursors is mediated via c-REL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Schuster
- Systems-Oriented Immunology and Inflammation Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany.,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Carlos Plaza-Sirvent
- Systems-Oriented Immunology and Inflammation Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany.,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anne-Marie Matthies
- Systems-Oriented Immunology and Inflammation Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany.,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Heise
- Mouse Pathology Platform, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Andreas Jeron
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.,Immune Regulation Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dunja Bruder
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.,Immune Regulation Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Alexander Visekruna
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Phillips-University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; and
| | - Jochen Huehn
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ingo Schmitz
- Systems-Oriented Immunology and Inflammation Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; .,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
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18
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Scheer S, Zaph C. The Lysine Methyltransferase G9a in Immune Cell Differentiation and Function. Front Immunol 2017; 8:429. [PMID: 28443098 PMCID: PMC5387087 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
G9a (KMT1C, EHMT2) is a lysine methyltransferase (KMT) whose primary function is to di-methylate lysine 9 of histone H3 (H3K9me2). G9a-dependent H3K9me2 is associated with gene silencing and acts primarily through the recruitment of H3K9me2-binding proteins that prevent transcriptional activation. Gene repression via G9a-dependent H3K9me2 is critically required in embryonic stem (ES) cells for the development of cellular lineages by repressing expression of pluripotency factors. In the immune system, lymphoid cells such as T cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) can differentiate from a naïve state into one of several effector lineages that require both activating and repressive mechanisms to maintain the correct gene expression program. Furthermore, the long-term immunity to re-infection is mediated by memory T cells, which also require specific gene expression and repression to maintain a quiescent state. In this review, we examine the molecular machinery of G9a-dependent functions, address the role of G9a in lymphoid cell differentiation and function, and identify potential functions of T cells and ILCs that may be controlled by G9a. Together, this review will highlight the dynamic nature of G9a-dependent H3K9me2 in the immune system and shed light on the nature of repressive epigenetic modifications in cellular lineage choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Scheer
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Colby Zaph
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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19
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Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are crucial enforcers of immune homeostasis. Their characteristic suppressive function largely arises from an equally unique pattern of gene expression. A complex network of factors and processes contribute to this 'signature' Treg gene expression landscape. Many of these alter the level and activity of the Treg-defining transcription factor Foxp3. As stable expression of Foxp3 is important for the ability of Treg cells to successfully prevent excessive or inappropriate immune activation, uncovering the mechanisms regulating Foxp3 level is required for the understanding and therapeutic exploitation of Tregs. While transcriptional regulation of the Foxp3 gene has been studied in depth, additional regulatory layers exist controlling the expression and activity of this key transcription factor. These include less-defined mechanisms active at the post-translational level. These pathways are just beginning to be elucidated. Here, we summarize emerging evidence for distinct, post-translationally active, ubiquitin-dependent pathways capable of controlling the activation and expression of Foxp3 and the function of Tregs. These pathways offer untapped opportunities for therapeutic fine-tuning of Tregs and their all-important restraint of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Barbi
- Immunology and Hematopoiesis Division, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Drew M Pardoll
- Immunology and Hematopoiesis Division, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fan Pan
- Immunology and Hematopoiesis Division, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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20
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Liu X, Berry CT, Ruthel G, Madara JJ, MacGillivray K, Gray CM, Madge LA, McCorkell KA, Beiting DP, Hershberg U, May MJ, Freedman BD. T Cell Receptor-induced Nuclear Factor κB (NF-κB) Signaling and Transcriptional Activation Are Regulated by STIM1- and Orai1-mediated Calcium Entry. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:8440-52. [PMID: 26826124 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.713008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell activation following antigen binding to the T cell receptor (TCR) involves the mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+) to activate the key transcription factors nuclear factor of activated T lymphocytes (NFAT) and NF-κB. The mechanism of NFAT activation by Ca(2+) has been determined. However, the role of Ca(2+) in controlling NF-κB signaling is poorly understood, and the source of Ca(2+) required for NF-κB activation is unknown. We demonstrate that TCR- but not TNF-induced NF-κB signaling upstream of IκB kinase activation absolutely requires the influx of extracellular Ca(2+) via STIM1-dependent Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+)/Orai channels. We further show that Ca(2+) influx controls phosphorylation of the NF-κB protein p65 on Ser-536 and that this posttranslational modification controls its nuclear localization and transcriptional activation. Notably, our data reveal that this role for Ca(2+) is entirely separate from its upstream control of IκBα degradation, thereby identifying a novel Ca(2+)-dependent distal step in TCR-induced NF-κB activation. Finally, we demonstrate that this control of distal signaling occurs via Ca(2+)-dependent PKCα-mediated phosphorylation of p65. Thus, we establish the source of Ca(2+) required for TCR-induced NF-κB activation and define a new distal Ca(2+)-dependent checkpoint in TCR-induced NF-κB signaling that has broad implications for the control of immune cell development and T cell functional specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Corbett T Berry
- From the Departments of Pathobiology and the School of Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | | | | | | | - Carolyn M Gray
- Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 and
| | - Lisa A Madge
- Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 and
| | - Kelly A McCorkell
- Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 and
| | | | - Uri Hershberg
- the School of Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Michael J May
- Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 and
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21
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Bornancin F, Renner F, Touil R, Sic H, Kolb Y, Touil-Allaoui I, Rush JS, Smith PA, Bigaud M, Junker-Walker U, Burkhart C, Dawson J, Niwa S, Katopodis A, Nuesslein-Hildesheim B, Weckbecker G, Zenke G, Kinzel B, Traggiai E, Brenner D, Brüstle A, St. Paul M, Zamurovic N, McCoy KD, Rolink A, Régnier CH, Mak TW, Ohashi PS, Patel DD, Calzascia T. Deficiency of MALT1 Paracaspase Activity Results in Unbalanced Regulatory and Effector T and B Cell Responses Leading to Multiorgan Inflammation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 194:3723-34. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1402254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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22
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Understanding the Roles of the NF-κB Pathway in Regulatory T Cell Development, Differentiation and Function. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 136:57-67. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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23
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Jaworski M, Marsland BJ, Gehrig J, Held W, Favre S, Luther SA, Perroud M, Golshayan D, Gaide O, Thome M. Malt1 protease inactivation efficiently dampens immune responses but causes spontaneous autoimmunity. EMBO J 2014; 33:2765-81. [PMID: 25319413 PMCID: PMC4282555 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201488987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The protease activity of the paracaspase Malt1 has recently gained interest as a drug target for immunomodulation and the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. To address the consequences of Malt1 protease inactivation on the immune response in vivo, we generated knock-in mice expressing a catalytically inactive C472A mutant of Malt1 that conserves its scaffold function. Like Malt1-deficient mice, knock-in mice had strong defects in the activation of lymphocytes, NK and dendritic cells, and the development of B1 and marginal zone B cells and were completely protected against the induction of autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Malt1 inactivation also protected the mice from experimental induction of colitis. However, Malt1 knock-in mice but not Malt1-deficient mice spontaneously developed signs of autoimmune gastritis that correlated with an absence of Treg cells, an accumulation of T cells with an activated phenotype and high serum levels of IgE and IgG1. Thus, removal of the enzymatic activity of Malt1 efficiently dampens the immune response, but favors autoimmunity through impaired Treg development, which could be relevant for therapeutic Malt1-targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike Jaworski
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Immunity and Infection, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Ben J Marsland
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service de Pneumologie, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jasmine Gehrig
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Werner Held
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Stéphanie Favre
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Immunity and Infection, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Sanjiv A Luther
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Immunity and Infection, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Mai Perroud
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Immunity and Infection, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Déla Golshayan
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Transplantation Centre, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Gaide
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service de Dermatologie et Vénéréologie, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Margot Thome
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Immunity and Infection, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
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24
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Soboleva AG, Mesentsev AV, Bruskin SA. Genetically modified animals as models of the pathological processes in psoriasis. Mol Biol 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893314040153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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25
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Mahmud SA, Manlove LS, Farrar MA. Interleukin-2 and STAT5 in regulatory T cell development and function. JAKSTAT 2014; 2:e23154. [PMID: 24058794 PMCID: PMC3670270 DOI: 10.4161/jkst.23154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Revised: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 12/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-2 and its downstream target STAT5 have effects on many aspects of immune function. This has been perhaps best documented in regulatory T cells. In this review we summarize the initial findings supporting a role for IL2 and STAT5 in regulatory T cell development and outline more recent studies describing how this critical signaling pathway entrains regulatory T cell differentiation and affects regulatory T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn A Mahmud
- Center for Immunology; Masonic Cancer Center; and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology; University of Minnesota; Minneapolis, MN USA
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26
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Mahmud SA, Manlove LS, Schmitz HM, Xing Y, Wang Y, Owen DL, Schenkel JM, Boomer JS, Green JM, Yagita H, Chi H, Hogquist KA, Farrar MA. Costimulation via the tumor-necrosis factor receptor superfamily couples TCR signal strength to the thymic differentiation of regulatory T cells. Nat Immunol 2014; 15:473-81. [PMID: 24633226 PMCID: PMC4000541 DOI: 10.1038/ni.2849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) express members of the tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily (TNFRSF), but the role of those receptors in the thymic development of Treg cells is undefined. We found here that Treg cell progenitors had high expression of the TNFRSF members GITR, OX40 and TNFR2. Expression of those receptors correlated directly with the signal strength of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) and required the coreceptor CD28 and the kinase TAK1. The neutralization of ligands that are members of the TNF superfamily (TNFSF) diminished the development of Treg cells. Conversely, TNFRSF agonists enhanced the differentiation of Treg cell progenitors by augmenting responsiveness of the interleukin 2 receptor (IL-2R) and transcription factor STAT5. Costimulation with the ligand of GITR elicited dose-dependent enrichment for cells of lower TCR affinity in the Treg cell repertoire. In vivo, combined inhibition of GITR, OX40 and TNFR2 abrogated the development of Treg cells. Thus, expression of members of the TNFRSF on Treg cell progenitors translated strong TCR signals into molecular parameters that specifically promoted the development of Treg cells and shaped the Treg cell repertoire.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- CD28 Antigens/genetics
- CD28 Antigens/metabolism
- Cell Differentiation/genetics
- Cells, Cultured
- Glucocorticoid-Induced TNFR-Related Protein/genetics
- Glucocorticoid-Induced TNFR-Related Protein/metabolism
- MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases/genetics
- MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Receptor Cross-Talk/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/agonists
- Receptors, OX40/genetics
- Receptors, OX40/metabolism
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II/metabolism
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/pharmacology
- STAT5 Transcription Factor/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- Thymus Gland/immunology
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Peptides and Proteins/genetics
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Peptides and Proteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn A Mahmud
- Center for Immunology, Masonic Cancer Center, and the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Luke S Manlove
- Center for Immunology, Masonic Cancer Center, and the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Heather M Schmitz
- Center for Immunology, Masonic Cancer Center, and the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Yan Xing
- Center for Immunology, Masonic Cancer Center, and the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - David L Owen
- Center for Immunology, Masonic Cancer Center, and the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jason M Schenkel
- Department of Microbiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jonathan S Boomer
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jonathan M Green
- 1] Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. [2] Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Hideo Yagita
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hongbo Chi
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kristin A Hogquist
- Center for Immunology, Masonic Cancer Center, and the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michael A Farrar
- Center for Immunology, Masonic Cancer Center, and the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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27
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Pan F, Barbi J. Ubiquitous points of control over regulatory T cells. J Mol Med (Berl) 2014; 92:555-69. [PMID: 24777637 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-014-1156-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Posttranslational modification by ubiquitin tagging is crucial for regulating the stability, activity and cellular localization of many target proteins involved in processes including DNA repair, cell cycle progression, protein quality control, and signal transduction. It has long been appreciated that ubiquitin-mediated events are important for certain signaling pathways leading to leukocyte activation and the stimulation of effector function. Now it is clear that the activities of molecules and pathways central to immune regulation are also modified and controlled by ubiquitin tagging. Among the mechanisms of immune control, regulatory T cells (or Tregs) are themselves particularly sensitive to such regulation. E3 ligases and deubiquitinases both influence Tregs through their effects on the signaling pathways pertinent to these cells or through the direct, posttranslational regulation of Foxp3. In this review, we will summarize and discuss several examples of ubiquitin-mediated control over multiple aspects of Treg biology including the generation, function and phenotypic fidelity of these cells. Fully explored and exploited, these potential opportunities for Treg modulation may lead to novel immunotherapies for both positive and negative fine-tuning of immune restraint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Pan
- Immunology and Hematopoiesis Division, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA,
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28
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Abstract
It has been 65 years since the scurfy mutation arose spontaneously in mice at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States, and it is 13 years since the molecular cloning of the forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) gene was reported. In this Timeline article, we review the events that have occurred during and since this time. This is not meant as an exhaustive review of the biology of FOXP3 or of regulatory T cells, rather it is an attempt to highlight the landmark events that have demonstrated the importance of FOXP3 in immune function. These events have driven, and continue to drive, the extensive research effort to fully understand the role of regulatory T cells in the immune system.
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29
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Tone Y, Kidani Y, Ogawa C, Yamamoto K, Tsuda M, Peter C, Waldmann H, Tone M. Gene expression in the Gitr locus is regulated by NF-κB and Foxp3 through an enhancer. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 192:3915-24. [PMID: 24634496 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid-induced TNFR (Gitr) and Ox40, two members of the TNFR superfamily, play important roles in regulating activities of effector and regulatory T cells (Treg). Their gene expression is induced by T cell activation and further upregulated in Foxp3+ Treg. Although the role of Foxp3 as a transcriptional repressor in Treg is well established, the mechanisms underlying Foxp3-mediated transcriptional upregulation remain poorly understood. This transcription factor seems to upregulate expression not only of Gitr and Ox40, but also other genes, including Ctla4, Il35, Cd25, all critical to Treg function. To investigate how Foxp3 achieves such upregulation, we analyzed its activity on Gitr and Ox40 genes located within a 15.1-kb region. We identified an enhancer located downstream of the Gitr gene, and both Gitr and Ox40 promoter activities were shown to be upregulated by the NF-κB-mediated enhancer activity. We also show, using the Gitr promoter, that the enhancer activity was further upregulated in conjunction with Foxp3. Foxp3 appears to stabilize NF-κB p50 binding by anchoring it to the enhancer, thereby enabling local accumulation of transcriptional complexes containing other members of the NF-κB and IκB families. These findings may explain how Foxp3 can activate expression of certain genes while suppressing others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Tone
- Research Division of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048
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30
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Shono Y, Tuckett AZ, Ouk S, Liou HC, Altan-Bonnet G, Tsai JJ, Oyler JE, Smith OM, West ML, Singer NV, Doubrovina E, Pankov D, Undhad CV, Murphy GF, Lezcano C, Liu C, O'Reilly RJ, van den Brink MRM, Zakrzewski JL. A small-molecule c-Rel inhibitor reduces alloactivation of T cells without compromising antitumor activity. Cancer Discov 2014; 4:578-91. [PMID: 24550032 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-13-0585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Preventing unfavorable GVHD without inducing broad suppression of the immune system presents a major challenge of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We developed a novel strategy to ameliorate GVHD while preserving graft-versus-tumor (GVT) activity by small molecule-based inhibition of the NF-κB family member c-Rel. Underlying mechanisms included reduced alloactivation, defective gut homing, and impaired negative feedback on interleukin (IL)-2 production, resulting in optimal IL-2 levels, which, in the absence of competition by effector T cells, translated into expansion of regulatory T cells. c-Rel activity was dispensable for antigen-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) activation, allowing c-Rel-deficient T cells to display normal GVT activity. In addition, inhibition of c-Rel activity reduced alloactivation without compromising antigen-specific cytotoxicity of human T cells. Finally, we were able to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of systemic c-Rel inhibitor administration. Our findings validate c-Rel as a promising target for immunomodulatory therapy and demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of pharmaceutical inhibition of c-Rel activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Shono
- Departments of 1Immunology, 2Computational Biology and Immunology, 3Pediatrics, and 4Medicine and Immunology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; 5Department of Immunology, Weill-Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York; 6Program in Dermatopathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and 7Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
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31
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Schreiber L, Pietzsch B, Floess S, Farah C, Jänsch L, Schmitz I, Huehn J. The Treg-specific demethylated region stabilizes Foxp3 expression independently of NF-κB signaling. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88318. [PMID: 24505473 PMCID: PMC3914969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) obtain immunosuppressive capacity by the upregulation of forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3), and persistent expression of this transcription factor is required to maintain their immune regulatory function and ensure immune homeostasis. Stable Foxp3 expression is achieved through epigenetic modification of the Treg-specific demethylated region (TSDR), an evolutionarily conserved non-coding element within the Foxp3 gene locus. Here, we present molecular data suggesting that TSDR enhancer activity is restricted to T cells and cannot be induced in other immune cells such as macrophages or B cells. Since NF-κB signaling has been reported to be instrumental to induce Foxp3 expression during Treg development, we analyzed how NF-κB factors are involved in the molecular regulation of the TSDR. Unexpectedly, we neither observed transcriptional activity of a previously postulated NF-κB binding site within the TSDR nor did the entire TSDR show any transcriptional responsiveness to NF-κB activation at all. Finally, the NF-κB subunit c-Rel revealed to be dispensable for epigenetic imprinting of sustained Foxp3 expression by TSDR demethylation. In conclusion, we show that NF-κB signaling is not substantially involved in TSDR-mediated stabilization of Foxp3 expression in Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Schreiber
- Department Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Beate Pietzsch
- Department Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Floess
- Department Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Carla Farah
- Department Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Lothar Jänsch
- Research Group Cellular Proteomics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ingo Schmitz
- Research Group Systems-oriented Immunology and Inflammation Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Huehn
- Department Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- * E-mail:
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32
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Delacher M, Schreiber L, Richards DM, Farah C, Feuerer M, Huehn J. Transcriptional control of regulatory T cells. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2014; 381:83-124. [PMID: 24831347 DOI: 10.1007/82_2014_373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) constitute unique T cell lineage that plays a key role for immunological tolerance. Tregs are characterized by the expression of the forkhead box transcription factor Foxp3, which acts as a lineage-specifying factor by determining the unique suppression profile of these immune cells. Here, we summarize the recent progress in understanding how Foxp3 expression itself is epigenetically and transcriptionally controlled, how the Treg-specific signature is achieved and how unique properties of Treg subsets are defined by other transcription factors. Finally, we will discuss recent studies focusing on the molecular targeting of Tregs to utilize the specific properties of this unique cell type in therapeutic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Delacher
- Immune Tolerance, Tumor Immunology Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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33
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Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells, as central mediators of immune suppression, play crucial roles in many aspects of immune system's physiology and pathophysiology. The transcription factor Foxp3 has been characterized as a master gene of Tregs. Yet Treg cells possess a distinct pattern of gene expression, including upregulation of immune-suppressive genes and silencing of inflammatory cytokine genes. Recent studies have revealed the molecular mechanisms that establish and maintain such gene regulation in Treg cells. This review discusses recent progress in our understanding of molecular features of Treg cells, with particular attention to Treg-cell lineage commitment and stability.
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34
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Schmidt AM, Zou T, Joshi RP, Leichner TM, Pimentel MA, Sommers CL, Kambayashi T. Diacylglycerol kinase ζ limits the generation of natural regulatory T cells. Sci Signal 2013; 6:ra101. [PMID: 24280042 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.2004411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Natural regulatory T (nT(reg)) cells are important for maintaining tolerance to self- and foreign antigens, and they are thought to develop from thymocytes that receive strong T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated signals in the thymus. TCR engagement leads to the activation of phospholipase C-γ1, which generates the lipid second messenger diacylglycerol (DAG) from phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. We used mice that lack the ζ isoform of DAG kinase (DGKζ), which metabolizes DAG to terminate its signaling, to enhance TCR-mediated signaling and identify critical signaling events in nT(reg) cell development. Loss of DGKζ resulted in increased numbers of thymic CD25(+)Foxp3(-)CD4(+) nT(reg) cell precursors and Foxp3(+)CD4(+) nT(reg) cells in a cell-autonomous manner. DGKζ-deficient T cells exhibited increased nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor κB subunit c-Rel, as well as enhanced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in response to TCR stimulation, suggesting that these downstream pathways may contribute to nT(reg) cell development. Indeed, reducing c-Rel abundance or blocking ERK phosphorylation abrogated the increased generation of nTreg cells by DGKζ-deficient thymocytes. The extent of ERK phosphorylation correlated with TCR-mediated acquisition of Foxp3 in immature thymocytes in vitro. Furthermore, the development of nT(reg) cells was augmented in mice in which ERK activation was selectively enhanced in T cells. Together, these data suggest that DGKζ regulates the development of nT(reg) cells by limiting the extent of activation of the ERK and c-Rel signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Schmidt
- 1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 10194, USA
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35
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Thymic regulatory T cell development: role of signalling pathways and transcription factors. Clin Dev Immunol 2013; 2013:617595. [PMID: 24187564 PMCID: PMC3803129 DOI: 10.1155/2013/617595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subset of CD4 T cells that are key mediators of immune tolerance. Most Tregs develop in the thymus. In this review we summarise recent findings on the role of diverse signalling pathways and downstream transcription factors in thymic Treg development.
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36
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Amarnath S. c-Rel in GVHD biology: a missing link. Eur J Immunol 2013; 43:2255-8. [PMID: 24037677 PMCID: PMC3860175 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201343924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication associated with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Recent advances in the treatment of lymphoid malignancies with BMT include exploring mechanisms that can inhibit GVHD while maintaining graft-versus-leukemic (GVL) effects. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Yu et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2013.43: 2327-2337] demonstrate efficient separation of GVHD and GVL by abrogating c-Rel in T cells. Intrinsic c-Rel deficiency in T cells resulted in complete protection against GVHD in both major and minor histocompatibility mismatched murine models of BMT. Protection against GVHD was associated with a decreased presence of Th1 and Th17 cells with a concomitant increase in Treg-cell numbers. Interestingly, an intrinsic defect of c-Rel also resulted in decreased expression of the Th1-associated chemokine receptor CXCR3. Finally, the absence of c-Rel maintained GVL effects with significant tumor clearance in murine recipients. These data suggest that specific targeting of the T-cell-specific transcription factor c-Rel can inhibit GVHD while maintaining GVL effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoba Amarnath
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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37
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Fleskens V, van Boxtel R. Forkhead Box P family members at the crossroad between tolerance and immunity: a balancing act. Int Rev Immunol 2013; 33:94-109. [PMID: 23886296 DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2013.816698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining an immune balance between a chronic inflammatory state and autoimmunity is regulated at multiple levels by complex cellular signaling mechanisms. Numerous immune stimulatory and inhibitory signals converge on a large variety of transcriptional regulators. One key transcriptional regulator of immune homeostasis is FOXP3, which is a member of the Forkhead Box P subfamily of transcription factors and was shown to be essential for the development and maintenance of regulatory T cells. However, other FOXP members have received less attention in relation to a role in immune regulation. Still, recent developments point toward a general important regulatory role for FOXP proteins in the development and function of the adaptive immune system and establishment of a balanced immune response. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on the role of FOXP proteins in establishing immune homeostasis with an emphasis on T-cell biology. Furthermore, we review and speculate about different modes of regulating general FOXP activity and the function of this in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle Fleskens
- Department of Cell Biology, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht , The Netherlands
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38
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Yu Q, Zhou C, Wang J, Chen L, Zheng S, Zhang J. A functional insertion/deletion polymorphism in the promoter of PDCD6IP is associated with the susceptibility of hepatocellular carcinoma in a Chinese population. DNA Cell Biol 2013; 32:451-7. [PMID: 23777424 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2013.2061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Apart from environmental factors such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus, alcohol abuse, and exposure to dietary aflatoxin, genetic factors are also involved in the pathogenesis of HCC. By analyzing 390 HCC cases and 431 healthy controls in a Chinese population, we used a candidate gene approach to evaluate the association between a 15-bp insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphism (rs28381975) in the promoter region of the programmed cell death 6 interacting protein (PDCD6IP) gene and HCC susceptibility. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that subjects carrying ins/del or ins/ins genotypes had significantly increased risk for HCC than individuals carrying del/del genotypes (adjusted odds ratio=1.39, 95% confidence interval=1.01-1.91, p=0.033]. Carrying the 15-bp insertion allele was associated with a 1.26-fold risk for HCC (95% CI=1.04-1.54, p=0.018). Moreover, significant differences were observed within HCC patients concerning genotypic frequencies of rs28381975 after stratifying by tumor stages and HBV infection. Computational modeling suggests that rs28381975 could disrupt the binding patterns of c-rel, a key subunit of nuclear factor-kappaB transcription factor. Further luciferase-based transient transfection assays revealed that rs28381975 can affect the promoter activity of PDCD6IP, indicating its possible functional significance. Taken together, our data suggest that common genetic variations in PDCD6IP may influence HCC risk, possibly through promoter activity-mediated regulation. Replication of our studies in other populations and further functional analysis will strengthen our understanding of this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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39
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Saldanha-Araujo F, Haddad R, Farias KCRMD, Souza ADPA, Palma PV, Araujo AG, Orellana MD, Voltarelli JC, Covas DT, Zago MA, Panepucci RA. Mesenchymal stem cells promote the sustained expression of CD69 on activated T lymphocytes: roles of canonical and non-canonical NF-κB signalling. J Cell Mol Med 2012; 16:1232-44. [PMID: 21777379 PMCID: PMC3823077 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2011.01391.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to induce the conversion of activated T cells into regulatory T cells in vitro. The marker CD69 is a target of canonical nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signalling and is transiently expressed upon activation; however, stable CD69 expression defines cells with immunoregulatory properties. Given its enormous therapeutic potential, we explored the molecular mechanisms underlying the induction of regulatory cells by MSCs. Peripheral blood CD3+ T cells were activated and cultured in the presence or absence of MSCs. CD4+ cell mRNA expression was then characterized by microarray analysis. The drug BAY11-7082 (BAY) and a siRNA against v-rel reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog B (RELB) were used to explore the differential roles of canonical and non-canonical NF-κB signalling, respectively. Flow cytometry and real-time PCR were used for analyses. Genes with immunoregulatory functions, CD69 and non-canonical NF-κB subunits (RELB and NFKB2) were all expressed at higher levels in lymphocytes co-cultured with MSCs. The frequency of CD69+ cells among lymphocytes cultured alone progressively decreased after activation. In contrast, the frequency of CD69+ cells increased significantly following activation in lymphocytes co-cultured with MSCs. Inhibition of canonical NF-κB signalling by BAY immediately following activation blocked the induction of CD69; however, inhibition of canonical NF-κB signalling on the third day further induced the expression of CD69. Furthermore, late expression of CD69 was inhibited by RELB siRNA. These results indicate that the canonical NF-κB pathway controls the early expression of CD69 after activation; however, in an immunoregulatory context, late and sustained CD69 expression is promoted by the non-canonical pathway and is inhibited by canonical NF-κB signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Saldanha-Araujo
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Stem Cell and Cell Therapy, Center for Cell Therapy, Regional Blood Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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40
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Gilmore TD, Gerondakis S. The c-Rel Transcription Factor in Development and Disease. Genes Cancer 2012; 2:695-711. [PMID: 22207895 DOI: 10.1177/1947601911421925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
c-Rel is a member of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) transcription factor family. Unlike other NF-κB proteins that are expressed in a variety of cell types, high levels of c-Rel expression are found primarily in B and T cells, with many c-Rel target genes involved in lymphoid cell growth and survival. In addition to c-Rel playing a major role in mammalian B and T cell function, the human c-rel gene (REL) is a susceptibility locus for certain autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, psoriasis, and celiac disease. The REL locus is also frequently altered (amplified, mutated, rearranged), and expression of REL is increased in a variety of B and T cell malignancies and, to a lesser extent, in other cancer types. Thus, agents that modulate REL activity may have therapeutic benefits for certain human cancers and chronic inflammatory diseases.
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41
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Han JM, Patterson SJ, Levings MK. The Role of the PI3K Signaling Pathway in CD4(+) T Cell Differentiation and Function. Front Immunol 2012; 3:245. [PMID: 22905034 PMCID: PMC3417165 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2012.00245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The relative activity of regulatory versus conventional CD4(+) T cells ultimately maintains the delicate balance between immune tolerance and inflammation. At the molecular level, the activity of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and its downstream positive and negative regulators has a major role in controlling the balance between immune regulation and activation of different subsets of effector CD4(+) T cells. In contrast to effector T cells which require activation of the PI3K to differentiate and mediate their effector function, regulatory T cells rely on minimal activation of this pathway to develop and maintain their characteristic phenotype, function, and metabolic state. In this review, we discuss the role of the PI3K signaling pathway in CD4(+) T cell differentiation and function, and focus on how modulation of this pathway in T cells can alter the outcome of an immune response, ultimately tipping the balance between tolerance and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Han
- Department of Surgery, Child and Family Research Institute, The University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada
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42
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Poke FS, Upcher WR, Sprod OR, Young A, Brettingham-Moore KH, Holloway AF. Depletion of c-Rel from cytokine gene promoters is required for chromatin reassembly and termination of gene responses to T cell activation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41734. [PMID: 22860011 PMCID: PMC3408492 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of the Nuclear Factor κB (NF-κB) transcription factor family in T cell function has been well described. The c-Rel family member is of particular importance in initiating T cell responses to antigen and regulating activation of inflammatory cytokine genes, including the Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) genes. c-Rel is required for chromatin remodeling of these gene promoters, which involves depletion of histones from the promoters in response to T cell activating signals. These chromatin remodeling events precede transcriptional activation of the genes. The subsequent down-regulation of cytokine gene expression is important in the termination of an immune response and here we examine this process at the murine GM-CSF and IL-2 genes. We show that the cytokine mRNA levels rapidly return to basal levels following stimulus removal and this is associated with reassembly of histones onto the promoter. Histone reassembly at the GM-CSF and IL-2 promoters occurs concomitantly with depletion of RelA, c-Rel and RNA polymerase II from the promoters. Furthermore we show that transcriptional down-regulation and chromatin reassembly is dependent on depletion of c-Rel from the nucleus, and that this is regulated by the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB inhibitor, IκBα. The nuclear activation of c-Rel therefore not only regulates the initiation of GM-CSF and IL-2 gene activation in response to T cell activation, but also the termination of these gene responses following the removal of the activating signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona S. Poke
- Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - William R. Upcher
- Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Owen R. Sprod
- Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Arabella Young
- Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | | | - Adele F. Holloway
- Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Bao B, Thakur A, Li Y, Ahmad A, Azmi AS, Banerjee S, Kong D, Ali S, Lum LG, Sarkar FH. The immunological contribution of NF-κB within the tumor microenvironment: a potential protective role of zinc as an anti-tumor agent. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2012; 1825:160-72. [PMID: 22155217 PMCID: PMC3811120 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2011.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Revised: 11/14/2011] [Accepted: 11/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Over decades, cancer treatment has been mainly focused on targeting cancer cells and not much attention to host tumor microenvironment. Recent advances suggest that the tumor microenvironment requires in-depth investigation for understanding the interactions between tumor cell biology and immunobiology in order to optimize therapeutic approaches. Tumor microenvironment consists of cancer cells and tumor associated reactive fibroblasts, infiltrating non-cancer cells, secreted soluble factors or molecules, and non-cellular support materials. Tumor associated host immune cells such as Th(1), Th(2), Th17, regulatory cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells are major components of the tumor microenvironment. Accumulating evidence suggests that these tumor associated immune cells may play important roles in cancer development and progression. However, the exact functions of these cells in the tumor microenvironment are poorly understood. In the tumor microenvironment, NF-κB plays an important role in cancer development and progression because this is a major transcription factor which regulates immune functions within the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we will focus our discussion on the immunological contribution of NF-κB in tumor associated host immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. We will also discuss the potential protective role of zinc, a well-known immune response mediator, in the regulation of these immune cells and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment especially because zinc could be useful for conditioning the tumor microenvironment toward innovative cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Bao
- Department of Pathology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Archana Thakur
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yiwei Li
- Department of Pathology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Department of Pathology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Asfar S. Azmi
- Department of Pathology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sanjeev Banerjee
- Department of Pathology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Dejuan Kong
- Department of Pathology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Shadan Ali
- Department of Pathology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Lawrence G. Lum
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Fazlul H. Sarkar
- Department of Pathology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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Fullard N, Wilson CL, Oakley F. Roles of c-Rel signalling in inflammation and disease. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2012; 44:851-60. [PMID: 22405852 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2012.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2011] [Revised: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) is a dimeric transcription factor comprised of five family members RelA (p65), RelB, c-Rel, p50 and p52. NFκB signalling is complex and controls a myriad of normal cellular functions. However, constitutive or aberrant activation of this pathway is associated with disease progression and cancer in multiple organs. The diverse array of biological responses is modulated by many factors, including the activating stimulus, recruitment of co-regulatory molecules, consensus DNA binding sequence, dimer composition and post-translational modifications. Each subunit has very different biological functions and in the context of disease the individual subunits forming the NFκB dimer can have a profound effect, causing a shift in the balance from normal to pathogenic signalling. Here we discuss the role of c-Rel dependant signalling in normal physiology and its contribution to disease both inside and outside of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Fullard
- Fibrosis Laboratory, Liver Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
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Ruan Q, Chen YH. Nuclear factor-κB in immunity and inflammation: the Treg and Th17 connection. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2012; 946:207-21. [PMID: 21948370 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-0106-3_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Although nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) is generally considered to be a pro-inflammatory transcription factor, recent studies indicate that it also plays a critical role in the development of an anti-inflammatory T cell subset called regulatory T (Treg) cells. Two NF-kB proteins, c-Rel and p65, drive the development of Treg cells by promoting the formation of a Foxp3-specific enhanceosome. Consequently, c-Rel-deficient mice have marked reductions in Treg cells, and c-Rel-deficient T cells are compromised in Treg cell differentiation. However, with the exception of Foxp3, most NF-kB target genes in immune cells are pro-inflammatory. These include several Th17-related cytokine genes and the retinoid-related orphan receptor-g (Rorg or Rorc) that specifies Th17 differentiation and lineage-specific function. T cells deficient in c-Rel or p65 are significantly compromised in Th17 differentiation, and c-Rel -deficient mice are defective in Th17 responses. Thus, NF-kB is required for the development of both anti-inflammatory Treg and pro-inflammatory Th17 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingguo Ruan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 712 Stellar-Chance Laboratories, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Hinterberger M, Wirnsberger G, Klein L. B7/CD28 in central tolerance: costimulation promotes maturation of regulatory T cell precursors and prevents their clonal deletion. Front Immunol 2011; 2:30. [PMID: 22566820 PMCID: PMC3341949 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2011.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 07/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the “two-step model,” the intrathymic generation of CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells segregates into a first, T cell receptor (TCR)-driven phase and a second, cytokine-dependent phase. The initial TCR stimulus gives rise to a CD25+Foxp3− developmental intermediate. These precursors subsequently require cytokine signaling to establish the mature CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cell phenotype. In addition, costimulation via CD28/B7 (CD80/86) axis is important for the generation of a Treg cell repertoire of normal size. Recent data suggest that CD28 or B7 deficient mice lack CD25+Foxp3− Treg cell progenitors. However, these data leave open whether costimulation is also required at subsequent stages of Treg differentiation. Also, the fate of “presumptive” Treg cells carrying a permissive TCR specificity in the absence of costimulation remains to be established. Here, we have used a previously described TCR transgenic model of agonist-driven Treg differentiation in order to address these issues. Intrathymic adoptive transfer of Treg precursors indicated that costimulation is dispensable once the intermediate CD25+Foxp3− stage has been reached. Furthermore, lack of costimulation led to the physical loss of presumptive Treg cells rather than their escape from central tolerance and differentiation into the conventional CD4+ T cell lineage. Our findings suggest that CD28 signaling does not primarily operate through enhancing the TCR signal strength in order to pass the threshold intensity required to initiate Treg cell specification. Instead, costimulation seems to deliver unique and qualitatively distinct signals that coordinately foster the developmental progression of Treg precursors and prevent their negative selection.
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Cell-intrinsic NF-κB activation is critical for the development of natural regulatory T cells in mice. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20003. [PMID: 21625598 PMCID: PMC3097234 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 04/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Naturally occurring CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells develop in the thymus and represent a mature T cell subpopulation critically involved in maintaining peripheral tolerance. The differentiation of Treg cells in the thymus requires T cell receptor (TCR)/CD28 stimulation along with cytokine-promoted Foxp3 induction. TCR-mediated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation seems to be involved in differentiation of Treg cells because deletion of components of the NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as of NF-κB transcription factors, leads to markedly decreased Treg cell numbers in thymus and periphery. Methodology/Principal Findings To investigate if Treg cell-intrinsic NF-κB activation is required for thymic development and peripheral homeostasis of Treg cells we used transgenic (Tg) mice with thymocyte-specific expression of a stable IκBα mutant to inhibit NF-κB activation solely within the T cell lineage. Here we show that Treg cell-intrinsic NF-κB activation is important for the generation of cytokine-responsive Foxp3− thymic Treg precursors and their further differentiation into mature Treg cells. Treg cell development could neither be completely rescued by the addition of exogenous Interleukin 2 (IL-2) nor by the presence of wild-type derived cells in adoptive transfer experiments. However, peripheral NF-κB activation appears to be required for IL-2 production by conventional T cells, thereby participating in Treg cell homeostasis. Moreover, pharmacological NF-κB inhibition via the IκB kinase β (IKKβ) inhibitor AS602868 led to markedly diminished thymic and peripheral Treg cell frequencies. Conclusion/Significance Our results indicate that Treg cell-intrinsic NF-κB activation is essential for thymic Treg cell differentiation, and further suggest pharmacological NF-κB inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach for manipulating this process.
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Reinhard K, Huber M, Wostl C, Hellhund A, Toboldt A, Abass E, Casper B, Joeris T, Herr C, Bals R, Steinhoff U, Lohoff M, Visekruna A. c-Rel promotes type 1 and type 17 immune responses during Leishmania major infection. Eur J Immunol 2011; 41:1388-98. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.201041056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2010] [Revised: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Loizou L, Andersen KG, Betz AG. Foxp3 interacts with c-Rel to mediate NF-κB repression. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18670. [PMID: 21490927 PMCID: PMC3072406 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2010] [Accepted: 03/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of the lineage-specific DNA-binding factor Foxp3 controls the development and function of naturally occurring regulatory T cells. Foxp3 has been shown to interact with a multitude of transcriptional regulators including NFAT, NF-κB (p65), Runx1 and RORγt, as well as the histone modification enzymes TIP60, HDAC7 and HDAC9. The sum of these interactions is believed to cause the change in the transcriptional program of regulatory T cells. Here we show that Foxp3 directly or as part of a multimeric complex engages with the NF-κB component c-Rel. We demonstrate that the N-terminal region of Foxp3 is required for the binding of c-Rel, but not NFAT. Conversely, deletion of the forkhead domain causes a loss of interaction with NFAT, but not c-Rel. Our findings are of particular interest, as c-Rel is crucial for the induction of Foxp3 in regulatory T cells during thymic development, but has to be repressed in mature regulatory T cells to maintain their suppressive phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louiza Loizou
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kristian G. Andersen
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Center for Systems Biology, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alexander G. Betz
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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