Distinct regulation of murine lupus susceptibility genes by the IRF5/Blimp-1 axis

J Immunol. 2012 Jan 1;188(1):270-8. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1102311. Epub 2011 Nov 23.

Abstract

Genome-wide association studies have identified lupus susceptibility genes such as IRF5 and PRDM1 (encoding for IFN regulatory factor 5 [IRF]5 and Blimp-1) in the human genome. Accordingly, the murine Irf5 and Prdm1 genes have been shown to play a role in lupus susceptibility. However, it remains unclear how IRF5 and Blimp-1 (a transcriptional target of IRF5) contribute to lupus susceptibility. Given that the murine lupus susceptibility locus Nba2 includes the IFN-regulated genes Ifi202 (encoding for the p202 protein), Aim2 (encoding for the Aim2 protein), and Fcgr2b (encoding for the FcγRIIB receptor), we investigated whether the IRF5/Blimp-1 axis could regulate the expression of these genes. We found that an Irf5 deficiency in mice decreased the expression of Blimp-1 and reduced the expression of the Ifi202. However, the deficiency increased the expression of Aim2 and Fcgr2b. Correspondingly, increased expression of IRF5 in cells increased levels of Blimp-1 and p202 protein. Moreover, Blimp-1 expression increased the expression of Ifi202, whereas it reduced the expression of Aim2. Interestingly, an Aim2 deficiency in female mice increased the expression of IRF5. Similarly, the Fcgr2b-deficient mice expressed increased levels of IRF5. Moreover, increased expression of IRF5 and Blimp-1 in lupus-prone C57BL/6.Nba2, New Zealand Black, and C57BL/6.Sle123 female mice (as compared with age-matched C57BL/6 female mice) was associated with increased levels of the p202 protein. Taken together, our observations demonstrate that the IRF5/Blimp-1 axis differentially regulates the expression of Nba2 lupus susceptibility genes, and they suggest an important role for the IRF5/Blimp-1/p202 axis in murine lupus susceptibility.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation / immunology
  • Genetic Loci*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Humans
  • Interferon Regulatory Factors / genetics
  • Interferon Regulatory Factors / immunology
  • Interferon Regulatory Factors / metabolism*
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / immunology
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / genetics
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Nuclear Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / immunology
  • Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1
  • Receptors, IgG / biosynthesis
  • Receptors, IgG / genetics
  • Receptors, IgG / immunology
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / immunology
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • Aim2 protein, mouse
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Fcgr2b protein, mouse
  • Ifi202b protein, mouse
  • Interferon Regulatory Factors
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Irf5 protein, mouse
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Prdm1 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, IgG
  • Transcription Factors
  • Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1