The transcription factor Foxp1 preserves integrity of an active Foxp3 locus in extrathymic Treg cells

Nat Commun. 2018 Oct 26;9(1):4473. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-07018-y.

Abstract

Regulatory T (Treg) cells, which are broadly classified as thymically derived (tTreg) or extrathymically induced (iTreg), suppress immune responses and display stringent dependence to the transcription factor Foxp3. However precise understanding of molecular events that promote and preserve Foxp3 expression in Treg cells is still evolving. Here we show that Foxp1, a forkhead transcription factor and a sibling family member of Foxp3, is essential for sustaining optimal expression of Foxp3 specifically in iTreg cells. Deletion of Foxp1 renders iTreg cells to gradually lose Foxp3, resulting in dramatically reduced Nrp1-Helios- iTreg compartment as well as augmented intestinal inflammation in aged mice. Our finding underscores a mechanistic module in which evolutionarily related transcription factors establish a molecular program to ensure efficient immune homeostasis. Furthermore, it provides a novel target that can be potentially modulated to exclusively reinforce iTreg stability keeping their thymic counterpart unperturbed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology
  • Colitis / immunology
  • Colitis / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Gene Deletion
  • Gene Expression
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Inflammation
  • Intestinal Mucosa / immunology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neuropilin-1 / metabolism
  • Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / physiology*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Foxp1 protein, mouse
  • Foxp3 protein, mouse
  • Histones
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • Zfpn1a2 protein, mouse
  • Neuropilin-1