[PDF][PDF] Canonical Wnt signaling negatively modulates regulatory T cell function

J Van Loosdregt, V Fleskens, MM Tiemessen, M Mokry… - Immunity, 2013 - cell.com
J Van Loosdregt, V Fleskens, MM Tiemessen, M Mokry, R van Boxtel, J Meerding…
Immunity, 2013cell.com
Foxp3 is crucial for both the development and function of regulatory T (Treg) cells; however,
the posttranslational mechanisms regulating Foxp3 transcriptional output remain poorly
defined. Here, we demonstrate that T cell factor 1 (TCF1) and Foxp3 associates in Treg cells
and that active Wnt signaling disrupts Foxp3 transcriptional activity. A global chromatin
immunoprecipitation sequencing comparison in Treg cells revealed considerable overlap
between Foxp3 and Wnt target genes. The activation of Wnt signaling reduced Treg …
Summary
Foxp3 is crucial for both the development and function of regulatory T (Treg) cells; however, the posttranslational mechanisms regulating Foxp3 transcriptional output remain poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that T cell factor 1 (TCF1) and Foxp3 associates in Treg cells and that active Wnt signaling disrupts Foxp3 transcriptional activity. A global chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing comparison in Treg cells revealed considerable overlap between Foxp3 and Wnt target genes. The activation of Wnt signaling reduced Treg-mediated suppression both in vitro and in vivo, whereas disruption of Wnt signaling in Treg cells enhanced their suppressive capacity. The activation of effector T cells increased Wnt3a production, and Wnt3a levels were found to be greatly increased in mononuclear cells isolated from synovial fluid versus peripheral blood of arthritis patients. We propose a model in which Wnt produced under inflammatory conditions represses Treg cell function, allowing a productive immune response, but, if uncontrolled, could lead to the development of autoimmunity.
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