A novel role of IL-2 in organ-specific autoimmune inflammation beyond regulatory T cell checkpoint: both IL-2 knockout and Fas mutation prolong lifespan of Scurfy mice but by different mechanisms

J Immunol. 2007 Dec 15;179(12):8035-41. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.12.8035.

Abstract

Mutation of the Foxp3 transcription factor in Scurfy (Sf) mice results in complete absence of the CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), severe multiorgan autoimmune syndrome, and early death at 4 wk of age. However, Sf mice simultaneously bearing the Il2-/- (Sf.Il2-/-) or Faslpr/lpr gene (Sf.Faslpr/lpr) have extended lifespan despite totally lacking Tregs, indicating a role of IL-2 and CD95 (Fas) signaling pathways in the multiorgan autoimmune syndrome beyond the Treg checkpoint. IL-2 has been implicated in regulating lymphoproliferation and CD178 (FasL) expression. However, Sf.Il2-/- mice have increased lymphoproliferation and FasL expression. Importantly, the pattern of organ-specific autoimmune response of Sf.Il2-/-mice resembled IL-2 knockout mice whereas that of Sf.Faslpr/lpr was similar to Sf mice, indicating that the distinct and weakened autoimmune manifestation in IL-2 knockout mice was not caused by the residual Tregs. Our study demonstrated a novel role of IL-2 in regulating multiorgan autoimmune inflammation beyond the Treg checkpoint and indicated that both Il2-/- and Faslpr/lpr genes prolong the lifespan of Sf mice but by different mechanisms.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / genetics*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / pathology
  • Autoimmunity / genetics
  • Fas Ligand Protein / metabolism
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Inflammation / genetics
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Interleukin-2 / genetics
  • Interleukin-2 / physiology*
  • Longevity / genetics*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / genetics
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mutation
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • fas Receptor / genetics
  • fas Receptor / physiology*

Substances

  • Fas Ligand Protein
  • Fas protein, mouse
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Foxp3 protein, mouse
  • Interleukin-2
  • fas Receptor