PRMT5 Promotes T follicular helper Cell Differentiation and Germinal Center Responses during Influenza Virus Infection

Abstract

Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) modify diverse protein targets and regulate numerous cellular processes; yet, their contributions to individual effector T cell responses during infections are incompletely understood. In this study, we identify PRMT5 as a critical regulator of CD4+ T follicular helper cell (Tfh) responses during influenza virus infection in mice. Conditional PRMT5 deletion in murine T cells results in an almost complete ablation of both Tfh and T follicular regulatory populations and, consequently, reduced B cell activation and influenza-specific Ab production. Supporting a potential mechanism, we observe elevated surface expression of IL-2Rα on non-T regulatory effector PRMT5-deficient T cells. Notably, IL-2 signaling is known to negatively impact Tfh differentiation. Collectively, our findings identify PRMT5 as a prominent regulator of Tfh programming, with potential causal links to IL-2 signaling.