Post-transcriptional regulator Rbm47 elevates IL-10 production and promotes the immunosuppression of B cells

Cell Mol Immunol. 2019 Jun;16(6):580-589. doi: 10.1038/s41423-018-0041-z. Epub 2018 May 29.

Abstract

Regulatory B cells (Bregs) are a functionally defined B cell subset, and IL-10 is crucial for the suppressive functions of Bregs. However, little is known regarding how IL-10 production is regulated in B cells. To explore the mechanisms by which IL-10 is regulated in B cells, we used mRNA microarrays to screen for molecules that are upregulated in IL-10-producing B cells and identified RNA-binding motif protein 47 (Rbm47) as a post-transcriptional regulator. Rbm47 was found to promote IL-10 production in B cells. We found that Rbm47 promotes the stability of IL-10 mRNA by binding to AU-rich elements in the 3' untranslated region of Il10 mRNA. In addition, we demonstrated that the overexpression of Rbm47 enabled B cells to facilitate Foxp3+ regulator T-cell induction and reduce the severity of DSS-induced ulcerative colitis. Taken together, these results suggest that Rbm47 plays an important role in regulating IL-10 at the post-transcriptional level, thus promoting the regulatory functions of B cells. The findings presented in this study not only increase our understanding of the post-translational regulation of IL-10 in B cells but also identify a novel strategy for the potential application of Bregs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions / genetics
  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • Colitis / immunology*
  • Dextran Sulfate
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Interleukin-10 / genetics
  • Interleukin-10 / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Protein Binding
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Foxp3 protein, mouse
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Rbm47 protein, mouse
  • Interleukin-10
  • Dextran Sulfate