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Xiao ZX, Liang R, Olsen N, Zheng SG. Roles of IRF4 in various immune cells in systemic lupus erythematosus. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112077. [PMID: 38615379 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is a member of IRF family of transcription factors which mainly regulates the transcription of IFN. IRF4 is restrictively expressed in immune cells such as T and B cells, macrophages, as well as DC. It is essential for the development and function of these cells. Since these cells take part in the homeostasis of the immune system and dysfunction of them contributes to the initiation and progress of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the roles of IRF4 in the SLE development becomes an important topic. Here we systemically discuss the biological characteristics of IRF4 in various immune cells and analyze the pathologic effects of IRF4 alteration in SLE and the potential targeting therapeutics of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Xiu Xiao
- Department of Immunology, the School of Cell and Gene Therapy, Songjiang Research Institute and Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China; Department of Clinical Immunology, the Third Affiliated Hospital at the Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Rongzhen Liang
- Department of Immunology, the School of Cell and Gene Therapy, Songjiang Research Institute and Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Nancy Olsen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
| | - Song Guo Zheng
- Department of Immunology, the School of Cell and Gene Therapy, Songjiang Research Institute and Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China.
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2
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IRF4 as an Oncogenic Master Transcription Factor. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174314. [PMID: 36077849 PMCID: PMC9454692 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Master transcription factors regulate essential developmental processes and cellular maintenance that characterize cell identity. Many of them also serve as oncogenes when aberrantly expressed or activated. IRF4 is one of prime examples of oncogenic master transcription factors that has been implicated in various mature lymphoid neoplasms. IRF4 forms unique regulatory circuits and induces oncogenic transcription programs through the interactions with upstream pathways and binding partners. Abstract IRF4 is a transcription factor in the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family. Since the discovery of this gene, various research fields including immunology and oncology have highlighted the unique characteristics and the importance of IRF4 in several biological processes that distinguish it from other IRF family members. In normal lymphocyte development and immunity, IRF4 mediates critical immune responses via interactions with upstream signaling pathways, such as the T-cell receptor and B-cell receptor pathways, as well as their binding partners, which are uniquely expressed in each cell type. On the other hand, IRF4 acts as an oncogene in various mature lymphoid neoplasms when abnormally expressed. IRF4 induces several oncogenes, such as MYC, as well as genes that characterize each cell type by utilizing its ability as a master regulator of immunity. IRF4 and its upstream factor NF-κB form a transcriptional regulatory circuit, including feedback and feedforward loops, to maintain the oncogenic transcriptional program in malignant lymphoid cells. In this review article, we provide an overview of the molecular functions of IRF4 in mature lymphoid neoplasms and highlight its upstream and downstream pathways, as well as the regulatory circuits mediated by IRF4.
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Chen W, Cao Y, Zhong Y, Sun J, Dong J. The Mechanisms of Effector Th Cell Responses Contribute to Treg Cell Function: New Insights into Pathogenesis and Therapy of Asthma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:862866. [PMID: 35898499 PMCID: PMC9309477 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.862866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4 + helper T (Th) cell subsets are critically involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. Naive Th cells differentiate into different subsets under the stimulation of different sets of cytokines, and the differentiation process is dominantly driven by lineage specific transcription factors, such as T-bet (Th1), GATA3 (Th2), RORγt (Th17) and Foxp3 (Treg). The differentiation mechanisms driven by these transcription factors are mutually exclusive, resulting in functional inhibition of these Th subsets to each other, particularly prominent between effector Th cells and Treg cells, such as Th2 versus Treg cells and Th17 versus Treg cells. Being of significance in maintaining immune homeostasis, the balance between effector Th cell response and Treg cell immunosuppression provides an immunological theoretical basis for us to understand the immunopathological mechanism and develop the therapy strategies of asthma. However, recent studies have found that certain factors involved in effector Th cells response, such as cytokines and master transcription factors (IL-12 and T-bet of Th1, IL-4 and GATA3 of Th2, IL-6 and RORγt of Th17), not only contribute to immune response of effector Th cells, but also promote the development and function of Treg cells, therefore bridging the interplay between effector Th cell immune responses and Treg cell immunosuppression. Although we have an abundant knowledge concerning the role of these cytokines and transcription factors in effector Th cell responses, our understanding on their role in Treg cell development and function is scattered thus need to be summarized. This review summarized the role of these cytokines and transcription factors involved in effector Th cell responses in the development and function of Treg cells, in the hope of providing new insights of understanding the immunopathological mechanism and seeking potential therapy strategies of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Chen
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxue Cao
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhong
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Sun, ; Jingcheng Dong,
| | - Jingcheng Dong
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Sun, ; Jingcheng Dong,
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Soichot J, Guttmann N, Rehrauer H, Joller N, Tritten L. Nematode microRNAs can Individually Regulate Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 and mTOR in Differentiating T Helper 2 Lymphocytes and Modulate Cytokine Production in Macrophages. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:909312. [PMID: 35836928 PMCID: PMC9274173 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.909312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes are masterful immunomodulators. This class of pathogens has evolved a spectrum of sophisticated strategies to regulate and evade host immune responses, mediated through the release of various molecules. In this context, the release of microRNAs (miRNAs), short post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, has been of particular interest in the host-parasite interplay. Evidence that parasite-derived miRNAs modulate host innate and adaptive immune responses has become increasingly compelling. However, since miRNAs are usually contained in extracellular vesicles containing other mediators, it is difficult to assign an observed effect on host cells to miRNAs specifically. Here, the effects of some abundantly secreted miRNAs by nematodes used as models of gastrointestinal infections (Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri, Trichuris muris and Ascaris suum) were evaluated, addressing the potential of parasite miRNAs to impair in vitro differentiation of two important types of immune cells in the context of helminth infections, Th2 lymphocytes and macrophages. Mimicking a continuous exposure to low concentrations of nematode miRNAs, the interferon gamma signaling, the IL-2/STAT5 signaling, and the mTOR signaling pathways were identified as downregulated by Hpo-miR-71-5p. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (Irf4) was validated as a target of Hpo-miR-71-5p, while Mtor is targeted by Asu-miR-791-3p, abundant in the T. muris secretions. By trend, Hpo-miR-71-5p impacts mildly but consistently on the amounts of inflammatory cytokines in unpolarized macrophages but leads to slightly increased IL-10 level in alternatively activated cells. In addition, our data suggests that transfected miRNAs remain for days in recipient cells, and that Hpo-miR-71-5p can incorporate into mouse Argonaute protein complexes. Nematode miRNAs can impair both innate and adaptive arms of host immunity. Hpo-miR-71-5p in particular, absent in mammals, interacts with host genes and pathways with crucial involvement in anthelmintic immune responses. This report brings new insights into the dynamics of miRNA-driven immunomodulation and highlights putative targeted pathways. Although the absolute repression is subtle, it is expected that the dozens of different miRNAs released by nematodes may have a synergistic effect on surrounding host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Soichot
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Guttmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hubert Rehrauer
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Joller
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lucienne Tritten
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Lucienne Tritten,
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Amanda S, Tan TK, Ong JZL, Theardy MS, Wong RWJ, Huang XZ, Ali MZ, Li Y, Gong Z, Inagaki H, Foo EY, Pang B, Tan SY, Iida S, Sanda T. IRF4 drives clonal evolution and lineage choice in a zebrafish model of T-cell lymphoma. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2420. [PMID: 35504924 PMCID: PMC9065160 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30053-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IRF4 is a master regulator of immunity and is also frequently overexpressed in mature lymphoid neoplasms. Here, we demonstrate the oncogenicity of IRF4 in vivo, its potential effects on T-cell development and clonal evolution using a zebrafish model. IRF4-transgenic zebrafish develop aggressive tumors with massive infiltration of abnormal lymphocytes that spread to distal organs. Many late-stage tumors are mono- or oligoclonal, and tumor cells can expand in recipient animals after transplantation, demonstrating their malignancy. Mutation of p53 accelerates tumor onset, increases penetrance, and results in tumor heterogeneity. Surprisingly, single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals that the majority of tumor cells are double-negative T-cells, many of which express tcr-γ that became dominant as the tumors progress, whereas double-positive T-cells are largely diminished. Gene expression and epigenetic profiling demonstrates that gata3, mycb, lrrn1, patl1 and psip1 are specifically activated in tumors, while genes responsible for T-cell differentiation including id3 are repressed. IRF4-driven tumors are sensitive to the BRD inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Amanda
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tze King Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jolynn Zu Lin Ong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Regina Wan Ju Wong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiao Zi Huang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Muhammad Zulfaqar Ali
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhiyuan Gong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hiroshi Inagaki
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Ee Yong Foo
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Brendan Pang
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Soo Yong Tan
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shinsuke Iida
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Aichi, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Takaomi Sanda
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore. .,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore.
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6
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Molecular interactions of IRF4 in B cell development and malignancies. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:1219-1227. [DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00825-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Hart AP, Laufer TM. A review of signaling and transcriptional control in T follicular helper cell differentiation. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 111:173-195. [PMID: 33866600 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.1ri0121-066r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are a critical component of adaptive immunity and assist in optimal Ab-mediated defense. Multiple effector functions of Tfh support germinal center B cell survival, Ab class switching, and plasma cell maturation. In the past 2 decades, the phenotype and functional characteristics of GC Tfh have been clarified allowing for robust studies of the Th subset including activation signals and environmental cues controlling Tfh differentiation and migration during an immune response. A unique, 2-step differentiation process of Tfh has been proposed but the mechanisms underlying transition between unstable Tfh precursors and functional mature Tfh remain elusive. Likewise, newly identified transcriptional regulators of Tfh development have not yet been incorporated into our understanding of how these cells might function in disease. Here, we review the signals and downstream transcription factors that shape Tfh differentiation including what is known about the epigenetic processes that maintain Tfh identity. It is proposed that further evaluation of the stepwise differentiation pattern of Tfh will yield greater insights into how these cells become dysregulated in autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Hart
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Terri M Laufer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Corporal Michael C. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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8
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Lai CF, Wang TY, Yeh MI, Chen TY. Characterization of orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) interferon regulatory factor 4 regulated by heat shock factor 1 during heat stress in response to antiviral immunity. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 106:755-767. [PMID: 32858187 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), in conjunction with thermogenic regulation, is a negative regulator of immune responses. Therefore, we examined whether temperature changes regulated the antiviral response of IRF4 in nervous necrosis virus (NNV)-infected orange-spotted groupers. We found that osgIRF4 mRNA expression was responsive to poly I:C stimulation and NNV infection. In vitro overexpression of osgIRF4 caused a marked decrease in the promoter activity of the antiviral protein Mx1, and magnified NNV replication. Notably, we showed that the IAD domain of osgIRF4 exerted a dominant inhibitory effect on the Mx1 promoter. Furthermore, on exposure to high temperatures, the action of osgIRF4 was dependent on heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) expression. Additionally, small interfering RNA knockdown of HSF1 abrogated high temperature-mediated osgIRF4 activity. These findings suggest that osgIRF4 is an essential negative regulator of innate antiviral immunity and enhances viral replication during heat stress in the orange-spotted grouper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chai Foong Lai
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Institute of Biotechnology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Translational Center for Marine Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Agriculture Biotechnology Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yu Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Translational Center for Marine Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Agriculture Biotechnology Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Min-I Yeh
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Translational Center for Marine Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Agriculture Biotechnology Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tzong-Yueh Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Institute of Biotechnology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Translational Center for Marine Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Agriculture Biotechnology Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; University Center for Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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9
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Zhu X, Yao T, Wang R, Guo S, Wang X, Zhou Z, Zhang Y, Zhuo X, Wang R, Li JZ, Liu T, Kong X. IRF4 in Skeletal Muscle Regulates Exercise Capacity via PTG/Glycogen Pathway. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:2001502. [PMID: 33042761 PMCID: PMC7539189 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202001502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Exercise-induced fatigue and exhaustion are interesting areas for many researchers. Muscle glycogen is critical for physical performance. However, how glycogen metabolism is manipulated during exercise is not very clear. The aim here is to assess the impact of interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) on skeletal muscle glycogen and subsequent regulation of exercise capacity. Skeletal muscle-specific IRF4 knockout mice show normal body weight and insulin sensitivity, but better exercise capacity and increased glycogen content with unaltered triglyceride levels compared to control mice on chow diet. In contrast, mice overexpression of IRF4 displays decreased exercise capacity and lower glycogen content. Mechanistically, IRF4 regulates glycogen-associated regulatory subunit protein targeting to glycogen (PTG) to manipulate glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle. Knockdown of PTG can reverse the effects imposed by the absence of IRF4 in vivo. These studies reveal a regulatory pathway including IRF4/PTG/glycogen synthesis on controlling exercise capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Zhu
- Division of Pediatric EndocrinologyDepartment of PediatricsUCLA Children's Discovery and Innovation InstituteDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCA90095USA
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
- Fudan Institute for Metabolic DiseaseFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Ting Yao
- Division of Pediatric EndocrinologyDepartment of PediatricsUCLA Children's Discovery and Innovation InstituteDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCA90095USA
| | - Ru Wang
- School of KinesiologyKey Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of EducationShanghai University of SportShanghai200438P. R. China
| | - Shanshan Guo
- School of KinesiologyKey Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of EducationShanghai University of SportShanghai200438P. R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- Division of Pediatric EndocrinologyDepartment of PediatricsUCLA Children's Discovery and Innovation InstituteDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCA90095USA
- Department of Internal MedicineHarbin Medical University Cancer HospitalHarbin Medical UniversityNo. 150 Haping ST, Nangang DistrictHarbinHeilongjiang150081P. R. China
| | - Zhenqi Zhou
- Department of MedicineDivision of Endocrinology, Diabetes and HypertensionDavid Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCA90095USA
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Xiaozhen Zhuo
- Department of CardiologyThe First Affiliated HospitalXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShanxi710061P. R. China
| | - Ruitao Wang
- Department of Internal MedicineHarbin Medical University Cancer HospitalHarbin Medical UniversityNo. 150 Haping ST, Nangang DistrictHarbinHeilongjiang150081P. R. China
| | - John Zhong Li
- The Key Laboratory of Rare Metabolic DiseaseDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyThe Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu ProvinceNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsu211166P. R. China
| | - Tiemin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringDepartment of Endocrinology and Metabolism and School of Life SciencesZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biologyand Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and DevelopmentFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
- Human Phenome InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Xingxing Kong
- Division of Pediatric EndocrinologyDepartment of PediatricsUCLA Children's Discovery and Innovation InstituteDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCA90095USA
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Cook SL, Franke MC, Sievert EP, Sciammas R. A Synchronous IRF4-Dependent Gene Regulatory Network in B and Helper T Cells Orchestrating the Antibody Response. Trends Immunol 2020; 41:614-628. [PMID: 32467029 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Control of diverse pathogens requires an adaptive antibody response, dependent on cellular division of labor to allocate antigen-dependent B- and CD4+ T-cell fates that collaborate to control the quantity and quality of antibody. This is orchestrated by the dynamic action of key transcriptional regulators mediating gene expression programs in response to pathogen-specific environmental inputs. We describe a conserved, likely ancient, gene regulatory network that intriguingly operates contemporaneously in B and CD4+ T cells to control their cell fate dynamics and thus, the character of the antibody response. The remarkable output of this network derives from graded expression, designated by antigen receptor signal strength, of a pivotal transcription factor that regulates alternate cell fate choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Cook
- Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Marissa C Franke
- Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Evelyn P Sievert
- Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Roger Sciammas
- Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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11
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Attenuation of TCR-induced transcription by Bach2 controls regulatory T cell differentiation and homeostasis. Nat Commun 2020; 11:252. [PMID: 31937752 PMCID: PMC6959360 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-14112-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiation and homeostasis of Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are strictly controlled by T-cell receptor (TCR) signals; however, molecular mechanisms that govern these processes are incompletely understood. Here we show that Bach2 is an important regulator of Treg cell differentiation and homeostasis downstream of TCR signaling. Bach2 prevents premature differentiation of fully suppressive effector Treg (eTreg) cells, limits IL-10 production and is required for the development of peripherally induced Treg (pTreg) cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Bach2 attenuates TCR signaling-induced IRF4-dependent Treg cell differentiation. Deletion of IRF4 promotes inducible Treg cell differentiation and rescues pTreg cell differentiation in the absence of Bach2. In turn, loss of Bach2 normalizes eTreg cell differentiation of IRF4-deficient Treg cells. Mechanistically, Bach2 counteracts the DNA-binding activity of IRF4 and limits chromatin accessibility, thereby attenuating IRF4-dependent transcription. Thus, Bach2 balances TCR signaling induced transcriptional activity of IRF4 to maintain homeostasis of thymically-derived and peripherally-derived Treg cells. The transcription factor Bach2 is critical for T cell differentiation, but how it functions in Treg cells is unclear. Here the authors use a Treg-specific mouse model to show that Bach2 controls homeostasis and function of Treg cells by limiting DNA accessibility and activity of IRF4 in response to TCR signaling.
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12
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Jang YW, Gil KC, Lee JS, Kang W, Park SY, Hwang KW. T-Cell Differentiation to T Helper 9 Phenotype is Elevated by Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Via Induction of IL-2 Signaling. Bioelectromagnetics 2019; 40:588-601. [PMID: 31663626 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Owing to the development of information technology and the electronics industry, and the increase in the use of electronic products, an increasing number of people are exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in daily life. There has been concern about the effects of EMFs on the human body. Th9 cells, which are characterized by the generation of interleukin-(IL-9), are a recently defined subset of T helper (Th) cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of extremely low-frequency (60 Hz) EMFs, such as those generated by household power sources, at 0.8 mT intensity on CD4+ T cells. The exposure of CD4+ T cells to such EMFs under Th9-polarizing conditions increased IL-9 secretion and gene expression of transcription factors that are important for Th9 development. The expression of GATA3 increased in the early stage, and the phosphorylation of STAT5 and STAT6, which regulate the expression of GATA3, increased. In addition, EMFs increased the expression of IL-2 by the T cells. In conclusion, the differentiation of CD4+ T cells to the Th9 phenotype was increased by exposure to extremely low-frequency EMFs, and this appeared to be dependent on the IL-2 signaling pathway. Furthermore, co-cultures of EMF-exposed Th9 cells and mast cells showed an increased expression of mast cell proteases, FcεR1α, and mast cell-derived inflammatory cytokines compared with co-cultures of non-EMF-exposed Th9 cells and mast cells. Our results suggest that EMFs enhance the differentiation of CD4+ T cells to the Th9 phenotype, resulting in mast cell activation and inflammation. Bioelectromagnetics. 2019;40:588-601. © 2019 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Won Jang
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Cheol Gil
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Soo Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - WonKu Kang
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Young Park
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Woo Hwang
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Increased IRF4 expression in isolated B cells from common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patients. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2019; 47:52-59. [PMID: 30503671 DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by low serum levels of immunoglobulins (Igs) and recurrent infection. In most CVID patients, a defect in the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells has been observed. Several factors play an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of B cells, including IRF4 and XBP1 transcription factors. METHODS In the present study we investigated the expression of IRF4 and XBP1 in the B-cells of CVID and healthy controls (HCs). For this purpose, we assessed the expression of IRF4 and XBP1 at both mRNA and protein levels by real time-PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. RESULTS We found that IRF4 expression was significantly increased in CVID patients compared with controls. Although the XBP1 protein level was lower in patients in comparison to controls, this difference was not significant. CONCLUSION Taken together, increased IRF4 expression could be involved in defective functions of B cells in CVID patients.
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14
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Futsch N, Prates G, Mahieux R, Casseb J, Dutartre H. Cytokine Networks Dysregulation during HTLV-1 Infection and Associated Diseases. Viruses 2018; 10:v10120691. [PMID: 30563084 PMCID: PMC6315340 DOI: 10.3390/v10120691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the causative agent of a neural chronic inflammation, called HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and of a malignant lymphoproliferation, called the adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). The mechanisms through which the HTLV-1 induces these diseases are still unclear, but they might rely on immune alterations. HAM/TSP is associated with an impaired production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, CXCL9, or CXCL10. ATLL is associated with high levels of IL-10 and TGF-β. These immunosuppressive cytokines could promote a protumoral micro-environment. Moreover, HTLV-1 infection impairs the IFN-I production and signaling, and favors the IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6 expression. This contributes both to immune escape and to infected cells proliferation. Here, we review the landscape of cytokine dysregulations induced by HTLV-1 infection and the role of these cytokines in the HTLV-1-associated diseases progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Futsch
- Équipe Oncogenèse Rétrovirale, Equipe Labellisée «FRM», CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm U1111, CNRS UMR5308, Labex Ecofect, ENS Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France.
| | - Gabriela Prates
- Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05403-000, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP 01246-100, Brazil.
| | - Renaud Mahieux
- Équipe Oncogenèse Rétrovirale, Equipe Labellisée «FRM», CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm U1111, CNRS UMR5308, Labex Ecofect, ENS Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France.
| | - Jorge Casseb
- Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05403-000, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP 01246-100, Brazil.
| | - Hélène Dutartre
- Équipe Oncogenèse Rétrovirale, Equipe Labellisée «FRM», CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm U1111, CNRS UMR5308, Labex Ecofect, ENS Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France.
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15
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Qin L, Waseem TC, Sahoo A, Bieerkehazhi S, Zhou H, Galkina EV, Nurieva R. Insights Into the Molecular Mechanisms of T Follicular Helper-Mediated Immunity and Pathology. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1884. [PMID: 30158933 PMCID: PMC6104131 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells play key role in providing help to B cells during germinal center (GC) reactions. Generation of protective antibodies against various infections is an important aspect of Tfh-mediated immune responses and the dysregulation of Tfh cell responses has been implicated in various autoimmune disorders, inflammation, and malignancy. Thus, their differentiation and maintenance must be closely regulated to ensure appropriate help to B cells. The generation and function of Tfh cells is regulated by multiple checkpoints including their early priming stage in T zones and throughout the effector stage of differentiation in GCs. Signaling pathways activated downstream of cytokine and costimulatory receptors as well as consequent activation of subset-specific transcriptional factors are essential steps for Tfh cell generation. Thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying Tfh cell-mediated immunity and pathology will bring into spotlight potential targets for novel therapies. In this review, we discuss the recent findings related to the molecular mechanisms of Tfh cell differentiation and their role in normal immune responses and antibody-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qin
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.,School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Tayab C Waseem
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Anupama Sahoo
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shayahati Bieerkehazhi
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hong Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Elena V Galkina
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Roza Nurieva
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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16
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Hwang SS, Jang SW, Lee KO, Kim HS, Lee GR. RHS6 coordinately regulates the Th2 cytokine genes by recruiting GATA3, SATB1, and IRF4. Allergy 2017; 72:772-782. [PMID: 27878828 DOI: 10.1111/all.13078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a Th2 cell-driven inflammatory disease and a major public health concern. The cis-acting element Rad50 hypersensitive site 6 (RHS6) in the Th2 locus control region is essential for regulation of the Th2 cytokine genes; however, its role in allergic airway inflammation and underlying molecular mechanisms of the regulation by RHS6 are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE We sought to understand the role of RHS6 in the development of allergic airway inflammation and its molecular mechanism for Th2 cytokine expression. METHODS We used an ovalbumin-induced allergic inflammation model with RHS6-deficient mice to examine the role of RHS6 in this process. To examine molecular mechanism of RHS6 for Th2 cytokine expression, we used DNA affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry, quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA, intracellular cytokine staining, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS Deletion of RHS6 caused a dramatic resistance to allergic airway inflammation. RHS6 recruited transcription factors GATA3, SATB1, and IRF4, which play important roles in expression of all three Th2 cytokine genes. RHS6 deficiency caused inhibition of transcription factor-induced Th2 cytokine gene expression. CONCLUSION RHS6 is a critical regulatory element for allergic airway inflammation and for coordinate regulation of Th2 cytokine genes by recruiting GATA3, SATB1, and IRF4.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. S. Hwang
- Department of Life Science; Sogang University; Mapo-gu Seoul Korea
| | - S. W. Jang
- Department of Life Science; Sogang University; Mapo-gu Seoul Korea
| | - K. O. Lee
- Department of Life Science; Sogang University; Mapo-gu Seoul Korea
| | - H. S. Kim
- Department of Life Science; Sogang University; Mapo-gu Seoul Korea
| | - G. R. Lee
- Department of Life Science; Sogang University; Mapo-gu Seoul Korea
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17
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Haljasorg U, Dooley J, Laan M, Kisand K, Bichele R, Liston A, Peterson P. Irf4 Expression in Thymic Epithelium Is Critical for Thymic Regulatory T Cell Homeostasis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 198:1952-1960. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1601698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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18
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Connor LM, Tang SC, Cognard E, Ochiai S, Hilligan KL, Old SI, Pellefigues C, White RF, Patel D, Smith AAT, Eccles DA, Lamiable O, McConnell MJ, Ronchese F. Th2 responses are primed by skin dendritic cells with distinct transcriptional profiles. J Exp Med 2016; 214:125-142. [PMID: 27913566 PMCID: PMC5206495 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20160470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Revised: 08/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Connor et al. show that transcriptomic profiling of DCs exposed to two different Th2 stimuli in vivo reveals large numbers of differentially expressed genes but few similarities between conditions. The dendritic cell signals required for the in vivo priming of IL-4–producing T cells are unknown. We used RNA sequencing to characterize DCs from skin LN of mice exposed to two different Th2 stimuli: the helminth parasite Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb) and the contact sensitizer dibutyl phthalate (DBP)-FITC. Both Nb and DBP-FITC induced extensive transcriptional changes that involved multiple DC subsets. Surprisingly, these transcriptional changes were highly distinct in the two models, with only a small number of genes being similarly regulated in both conditions. Pathway analysis of expressed genes identified no shared pathways between Nb and DBP-FITC, but revealed a type-I IFN (IFN-I) signature unique to DCs from Nb-primed mice. Blocking the IFN-I receptor at the time of Nb treatment had little effect on DC migration and antigen transport to the LN, but inhibited the up-regulation of IFN-I–induced markers on DCs and effectively blunted Th2 development. In contrast, the response to DBP-FITC was not affected by IFN-I receptor blockade, a finding consistent with the known dependence of this response on the innate cytokine TSLP. Thus, the priming of Th2 responses is associated with distinct transcriptional signatures in DCs in vivo, reflecting the diverse environments in which Th2 immune responses are initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Connor
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Shiau-Choot Tang
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | | | - Sotaro Ochiai
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington 6012, New Zealand.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington 6242, New Zealand
| | - Kerry L Hilligan
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington 6012, New Zealand.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington 6242, New Zealand
| | - Samuel I Old
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | | | - Ruby F White
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Deepa Patel
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | | | - David A Eccles
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Olivier Lamiable
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Melanie J McConnell
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Franca Ronchese
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington 6012, New Zealand .,School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
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19
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Sha Y, Markovic-Plese S. Activated IL-1RI Signaling Pathway Induces Th17 Cell Differentiation via Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 Signaling in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2016; 7:543. [PMID: 27965670 PMCID: PMC5126112 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-1β plays a crucial role in the differentiation of human Th17 cells. We report here that IL-1RI expression is significantly increased in both naive and memory CD4+ T cells derived from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR MS) patients in comparison to healthy controls. Interleukin 1 receptor (IL-1R)I expression is upregulated in the in vitro-differentiated Th17 cells from RR MS patients in comparison to the Th1 and Th2 cell subsets, indicating the role of IL-1R signaling in the Th17 cell differentiation in RR MS. When IL-1RI gene expression was silenced using siRNA, human naive CD4+ T cells cultured in the presence of Th17-polarizing cytokines had a significantly decreased expression of interleukin regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), RORc, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, and IL-23R genes, confirming that IL-1RI signaling induces Th17 cell differentiation. Since IL-1R gene expression silencing inhibited IRF4 expression and Th17 differentiation, and IRF4 gene expression silencing inhibited Th17 cell differentiation, our results indicate that IL-1RI induces human Th17 cell differentiation in an IRF4-dependant manner. Our study has identified that IL-1RI-mediated signaling pathway is constitutively activated, leading to an increased Th17 cell differentiation in IRF4-dependent manner in patients with RR MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Sha
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, NC , USA
| | - Silva Markovic-Plese
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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20
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Nam S, Lim JS. Essential role of interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) in immune cell development. Arch Pharm Res 2016; 39:1548-1555. [DOI: 10.1007/s12272-016-0854-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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21
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Schwartz AM, Putlyaeva LV, Covich M, Klepikova AV, Akulich KA, Vorontsov IE, Korneev KV, Dmitriev SE, Polanovsky OL, Sidorenko SP, Kulakovskiy IV, Kuprash DV. Early B-cell factor 1 (EBF1) is critical for transcriptional control of SLAMF1 gene in human B cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2016; 1859:1259-68. [PMID: 27424222 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 1 (SLAMF1)/CD150 is a co-stimulatory receptor expressed on a variety of hematopoietic cells, in particular on mature lymphocytes activated by specific antigen, costimulation and cytokines. Changes in CD150 expression level have been reported in association with autoimmunity and with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We characterized the core promoter for SLAMF1 gene in human B-cell lines and explored binding sites for a number of transcription factors involved in B cell differentiation and activation. Mutations of SP1, STAT6, IRF4, NF-kB, ELF1, TCF3, and SPI1/PU.1 sites resulted in significantly decreased promoter activity of varying magnitude, depending on the cell line tested. The most profound effect on the promoter strength was observed upon mutation of the binding site for Early B-cell factor 1 (EBF1). This mutation produced a 10-20 fold drop in promoter activity and pinpointed EBF1 as the master regulator of human SLAMF1 gene in B cells. We also identified three potent transcriptional enhancers in human SLAMF1 locus, each containing functional EBF1 binding sites. Thus, EBF1 interacts with specific binding sites located both in the promoter and in the enhancer regions of the SLAMF1 gene and is critical for its expression in human B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton M Schwartz
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Lidia V Putlyaeva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Milica Covich
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna V Klepikova
- Institute for Information Transmission Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Kseniya A Akulich
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia; School of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya E Vorontsov
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Kirill V Korneev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey E Dmitriev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia; Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg L Polanovsky
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana P Sidorenko
- R.E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Ivan V Kulakovskiy
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry V Kuprash
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
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22
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Nam S, Kang K, Cha JS, Kim JW, Lee HG, Kim Y, Yang Y, Lee MS, Lim JS. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) controls myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) differentiation and function. J Leukoc Biol 2016; 100:1273-1284. [DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1a0215-068rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola G. Vinuesa
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia;
| | - Michelle A. Linterman
- Lymphocyte Signalling and Development Institute Strategic Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom;
| | - Di Yu
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunomodulation, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Center for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia;
| | - Ian C.M. MacLennan
- School of Immunity and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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24
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Méndez A, Mendoza L. A Network Model to Describe the Terminal Differentiation of B Cells. PLoS Comput Biol 2016; 12:e1004696. [PMID: 26751566 PMCID: PMC4720151 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Terminal differentiation of B cells is an essential process for the humoral immune response in vertebrates and is achieved by the concerted action of several transcription factors in response to antigen recognition and extracellular signals provided by T-helper cells. While there is a wealth of experimental data regarding the molecular and cellular signals involved in this process, there is no general consensus regarding the structure and dynamical properties of the underlying regulatory network controlling this process. We developed a dynamical model of the regulatory network controlling terminal differentiation of B cells. The structure of the network was inferred from experimental data available in the literature, and its dynamical behavior was analyzed by modeling the network both as a discrete and a continuous dynamical systems. The steady states of these models are consistent with the patterns of activation reported for the Naive, GC, Mem, and PC cell types. Moreover, the models are able to describe the patterns of differentiation from the precursor Naive to any of the GC, Mem, or PC cell types in response to a specific set of extracellular signals. We simulated all possible single loss- and gain-of-function mutants, corroborating the importance of Pax5, Bcl6, Bach2, Irf4, and Blimp1 as key regulators of B cell differentiation process. The model is able to represent the directional nature of terminal B cell differentiation and qualitatively describes key differentiation events from a precursor cell to terminally differentiated B cells. Generation of antibody-producing cells through terminal B cell differentiation represents a good model to study the formation of multiple effector cells from a progenitor cell type. This process is controlled by the action of several molecules that maintain cell type specific programs in response to cytokines, antigen recognition and the direct contact with T helper cells, forming a complex regulatory network. While there is a large body of experimental data regarding some of the key molecules involved in this process and there have been several efforts to reconstruct the underlying regulatory network, a general consensus about the structure and dynamical behavior of this network is lacking. Moreover, it is not well understood how this network controls the establishment of specific B cell expression patterns and how it responds to specific external signals. We present a model of the regulatory network controlling terminal B cell differentiation and analyze its dynamical behavior under normal and mutant conditions. The model recovers the patterns of differentiation of B cells and describes a large set of gain- and loss-of-function mutants. This model provides an unified framework to generate qualitative descriptions to interpret the role of intra- and extracellular regulators of B cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Méndez
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Bioquímicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Luis Mendoza
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
- C3, Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
- * E-mail:
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25
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Remesh SG, Santosh V, Escalante CR. Structural Studies of IRF4 Reveal a Flexible Autoinhibitory Region and a Compact Linker Domain. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:27779-90. [PMID: 26405037 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.678789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
IRF4 is a unique member of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family playing critical regulatory roles in immune cell development, regulation of obesity-induced inflammation, and control of thermogenic gene expression. The ability of IRF4 to control diverse transcriptional programs arises from its proficiency to interact with numerous transcriptional partners. In this study, we present the structural characterization of full-length IRF4. Using a combination of x-ray and small angle x-ray scattering studies, we reveal unique features of the interferon activation domain, including a set of β-sheets and loops that serve as the binding site for PU.1, and also show that unlike other IRF members, IRF4 has a flexible autoinhibitory region. In addition, we have determined the small angle x-ray scattering solution structure of full-length IRF4, which, together with circular dichroism studies, suggests that the linker region is not extended but folds into a domain structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya G Remesh
- From the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia 23298
| | - Vishaka Santosh
- From the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia 23298
| | - Carlos R Escalante
- From the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia 23298
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26
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Li S, Guo X, Lu LF, Lu XB, Wu N, Zhang YA. Regulation pattern of fish irf4 (the gene encoding IFN regulatory factor 4) by STAT6, c-Rel and IRF4. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 51:65-73. [PMID: 25735871 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Revised: 02/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) plays pivotal roles in both innate and adaptive immune responses in mammals. In fish, there are two homologues of irf4, irf4a and irf4b. In this study, we examined the regulatory patterns of zebrafish irf4a and irf4b by STAT6 and c-Rel. Firstly, expression of irf4a and irf4b was monitored in several tissues at mRNA level. By infection with SVCV, irf4a and irf4b were upregulated in both kidney and spleen, and were immediately induced by treatment with poly I:C in ZF4 cells. Moreover, the activation of irf4a promoter was regulated by overexpression of stat6 and c-rel in a cooperation manner, which could be inhibited by mutation of the putative binding sites of STAT6 and c-Rel in irf4a promoter region. However, irf4b promoter was activated slightly only by STAT6 but not c-Rel. Furthermore, overexpression of irf4a inhibited the activation of its own promoter under induction of STAT6 and c-Rel, which was the result of that IRF4a bound to STAT6 and c-Rel directly. In addition, cellular location analysis showed that IRF4a was located only in nuclear region. These data indicate that fish irf4a can also be upregulated by STAT6 and c-Rel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Li
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xia Guo
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Long-Feng Lu
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Lu
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yong-An Zhang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
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27
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Zhang XJ, Zhang P, Li H. Interferon regulatory factor signalings in cardiometabolic diseases. Hypertension 2015; 66:222-47. [PMID: 26077571 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.115.04898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jing Zhang
- From the Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital (X.-J.Z., P.Z., H.L.) and Cardiovascular Research Institute (X.-J.Z., P.Z., H.L.), Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, PR China (X.-J.Z.)
| | - Peng Zhang
- From the Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital (X.-J.Z., P.Z., H.L.) and Cardiovascular Research Institute (X.-J.Z., P.Z., H.L.), Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, PR China (X.-J.Z.)
| | - Hongliang Li
- From the Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital (X.-J.Z., P.Z., H.L.) and Cardiovascular Research Institute (X.-J.Z., P.Z., H.L.), Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, PR China (X.-J.Z.).
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Jiménez-Garcia L, Herránz S, Luque A, Hortelano S. Critical role of p38 MAPK in IL-4-induced alternative activation of peritoneal macrophages. Eur J Immunol 2014; 45:273-86. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.201444806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Jiménez-Garcia
- Unidad de Terapias Farmacológicas. Área de Genética Humana. Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras (IIER); Instituto de Salud Carlos III; Madrid Spain
| | - Sandra Herránz
- Unidad de Terapias Farmacológicas. Área de Genética Humana. Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras (IIER); Instituto de Salud Carlos III; Madrid Spain
| | - Alfonso Luque
- Unidad de Terapias Farmacológicas. Área de Genética Humana. Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras (IIER); Instituto de Salud Carlos III; Madrid Spain
| | - Sonsoles Hortelano
- Unidad de Terapias Farmacológicas. Área de Genética Humana. Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras (IIER); Instituto de Salud Carlos III; Madrid Spain
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Huber M, Lohoff M. IRF4 at the crossroads of effector T-cell fate decision. Eur J Immunol 2014; 44:1886-95. [PMID: 24782159 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201344279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is a transcription factor that is expressed in hematopoietic cells and plays pivotal roles in the immune response. Originally described as a lymphocyte-specific nuclear factor, IRF4 promotes differentiation of naïve CD4(+) T cells into T helper 2 (Th2), Th9, Th17, or T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and is required for the function of effector regulatory T (eTreg) cells. Moreover, IRF4 is essential for the sustained differentiation of cytotoxic effector CD8(+) T cells, for CD8(+) T-cell memory formation, and for differentiation of naïve CD8(+) T cells into IL-9-producing (Tc9) and IL-17-producing (Tc17) CD8(+) T-cell subsets. In this review, we focus on recent findings on the role of IRF4 during the development of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell subsets and the impact of IRF4 on T-cell-mediated immune responses in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Huber
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Tabata R, Yasumizu R, Tabata C, Kojima M. Double-hit lymphoma demonstrating t(6;14;18)(p25;q32;q21), suggesting two independent dual-hit translocations, MYC/BCL-2 and IRF4/BCL-2. J Clin Exp Hematop 2014; 53:141-50. [PMID: 23995111 DOI: 10.3960/jslrt.53.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we report a rare case of double-hit lymphoma, demonstrating t(6;14;18)(p25;q32;q21), suggesting two independent dual-translocations, c-MYC/BCL-2 and IRF4/BCL-2. The present case had a rare abnormal chromosome, t(6;14;18)(p25;q32;q21), independently, in addition to known dual-hit chromosomal abnormalities, t(14;18)(q32;q21) and t(8;22)(q24;q11.2). Lymph node was characterized by a follicular and diffuse growth pattern with variously sized neoplastic follicles. The intrafollicular area was composed of centrocytes with a few centroblasts and the interfollicular area was occupied by uniformly spread medium- to large-sized lymphocytes. CD23 immunostaining demonstrated a disrupted follicular dendritic cell meshwork. The intrafollicular tumor cells had a germinal center phenotype with the expression of surface IgM, CD10, Bcl-2, Bcl-6, and MUM1/IRF4. However, the interfollicular larger cells showed plasmacytic differentiation with diminished CD20, Bcl-2, Bcl-6, and positive intracytoplasmic IgM, and co-expression of MUM1/IRF4 and CD138 with increased Ki-67-positive cells (> 90%). MUM1/IRF4 has been found to induce c-MYC expression, and in turn, MYC transactivates MUM1/IRF4, creating a positive autoregulatory feedback loop. On the other hand, MUM1/IRF4 functions as a tumor suppressor in c-MYC-induced B-cell leukemia. The present rare case arouses interest in view of the possible "dual" activation of both c-MYC and MUM1/IRF4 through two independent dual-translocations, c-MYC/BCL-2 and IRF4/BCL-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie Tabata
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo Prefectural Tsukaguchi Hospital, Hyogo, Japan.
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31
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IRF4 is a novel mediator for neuronal survival in ischaemic stroke. Cell Death Differ 2014; 21:888-903. [PMID: 24510125 PMCID: PMC4013523 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2014.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroprotection following ischaemic stroke is driven by the interplay between regulatory transcription factors and endogenous protective factors. IRF4, a member of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family, is implicated in the survival of tumour cells. However, its role in the survival of normal cells including neurons remains elusive. Using genetic approaches, we established a central role for IRF4 in protection against ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced neuronal death. IRF4 was expressed in neurons, and induced by ischaemic stroke. Neuron-specific IRF4 transgenic (IRF4-TG) mice exhibited reduced infarct lesions, and this effect was reversed in IRF4-knockout mice. Notably, we revealed that IRF4 rescues neurons from I/R-induced death both in vivo and in vitro. Integrative transcriptional and cell survival analyses showed that IRF4 functions mechanistically as a transcription activator of serum response factor (SRF) crucial to salvage neurons during stroke. Indeed, the expression of SRF and SRF-dependent molecules was significantly upregulated upon IRF4 overexpression and conversely inhibited upon IRF4 ablation. Similar results were observed in oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-treated primary cortical neurons. Furthermore, we identified the IRF4-binding site in the promoter region of the SRF gene essential for its transcription. To verify the IRF4–SRF axis in vivo, we generated neuron-specific SRF knockout mice, in which SRF exerted profound cerebroprotective effects similar to those of IRF4. More importantly, the phenotype observed in IRF4-TG mice was completely reversed by SRF ablation. Thus, we have shown that the IRF4–SRF axis is a novel signalling pathway critical for neuronal survival in the setting of ischaemic stroke.
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Rangaswamy US, Speck SH. Murine gammaherpesvirus M2 protein induction of IRF4 via the NFAT pathway leads to IL-10 expression in B cells. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1003858. [PMID: 24391506 PMCID: PMC3879372 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactivation of the gammaherpesviruses Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68) from latently infected B cells has been linked to plasma cell differentiation. We have previously shown that the MHV68 M2 protein is important for virus reactivation from B cells and, when expressed alone in primary murine B cells, can drive B cell differentiation towards a pre-plasma cell phenotype. In addition, expression of M2 in primary murine B cells leads to secretion of high levels of IL-10 along with enhanced proliferation and survival. Furthermore, the absence of M2 in vivo leads to a defect in the appearance of MHV68 infected plasma cells in the spleen at the peak of MHV68 latency. Here, employing an inducible B cell expression system, we have determined that M2 activates the NFAT pathway in a Src kinase-dependent manner – leading to induction of the plasma cell-associated transcription factor, Interferon Regulatory Factor-4 (IRF4). Furthermore, we show that expression of IRF4 alone in a B cell line up-regulates IL-10 expression in culture supernatants, revealing a novel role for IRF4 in B cell induced IL-10. Consistent with the latter observation, we show that IRF4 can regulate the IL-10 promoter in B cells. In primary murine B cells, addition of cyclosporine (CsA) resulted in a significant decrease in M2-induced IL-10 levels as well as IRF4 expression, emphasizing the importance of the NFAT pathway in M2- mediated induction of IL-10. Together, these studies argue in favor of a model wherein M2 activation of the NFAT pathway initiates events leading to increased levels of IRF4 – a key player in plasma cell differentiation – which in turn triggers IL-10 expression. In the context of previous findings, the data presented here provides insights into how M2 facilitates plasma cell differentiation and subsequent virus reactivation. The human viruses Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are members of the gammaherpesvirus family – pathogens that are associated with cancers of lymphoid tissues. Murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68) infection of laboratory mice provides a small animal model to study how this family of viruses chronically infects their host. The gammaherpesvirus establish a quiescent infection (termed latency) for the lifetime of the individual. However, they are capable of producing progeny virus (termed reactivation) in response to a variety of immune or environmental stimuli. Differentiation of latently infected B cells into plasma cells (the cells producing antibodies) has been associated with reactivation from latency. Notably, the MHV68 M2 protein plays a role in driving differentiation of MHV68 infected B cells to plasma cells. Furthermore, M2 expression results in increased levels of IL-10 (an immune-regulatory cytokine). Here we show that M2 mediated IL-10 production occurs through induction of IRF4 expression, a key player in plasma cell differentiation. This process involves Src kinases and NFAT – both components of B cell receptor signaling. Additionally, mice lacking IRF4 in infected cells show a significant defect in virus reactivation, thereby identifying IRF4 as a crucial component of M2 mediated functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udaya S. Rangaswamy
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Graduate Program, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Samuel H. Speck
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus viral interferon regulatory factor 4 (vIRF4) targets expression of cellular IRF4 and the Myc gene to facilitate lytic replication. J Virol 2013; 88:2183-94. [PMID: 24335298 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02106-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides an essential transcriptional factor for B cell development and function, cellular interferon regulatory factor 4 (c-IRF4) directly regulates expression of the c-Myc gene, which is not only associated with various B cell lymphomas but also required for herpesvirus latency and pathogenesis. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), the etiological agent of Kaposi's sarcoma and primary effusion lymphoma, has developed a unique mechanism to deregulate host antiviral innate immunity and growth control by incorporating four viral homologs (vIRF1 to -4) of cellular IRFs into its genome. Previous studies have shown that several KSHV latent proteins, including vIRF3, vFLIP, and LANA, target the expression, function, and stability of c-Myc to establish and maintain viral latency. Here we report that the KSHV vIRF4 lytic protein robustly suppresses expression of c-IRF4 and c-Myc, reshaping host gene expression profiles to facilitate viral lytic replication. Genomewide gene expression analysis revealed that KSHV vIRF4 grossly affects host gene expression by upregulating and downregulating 118 genes and 166 genes, respectively, by at least 2-fold. Remarkably, vIRF4 suppressed c-Myc expression by 11-fold, which was directed primarily by the deregulation of c-IRF4 expression. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), single-molecule in situ hybridization, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that vIRF4 not only reduces c-IRF4 expression but also competes with c-IRF4 for binding to the specific promoter region of the c-Myc gene, resulting in drastic suppression of c-Myc expression. Consequently, the loss of vIRF4 function in the suppression of c-IRF4 and c-Myc expression ultimately led to a reduction of KSHV lytic replication capacity. These results indicate that the KSHV vIRF4 lytic protein comprehensively targets the expression and function of c-IRF4 to downregulate c-Myc expression, generating a favorable environment for viral lytic replication. Finally, this study further reinforces the important role of the c-Myc gene in KSHV lytic replication and latency.
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Rogatsky I, Chandrasekaran U, Manni M, Yi W, Pernis AB. Epigenetics and the IRFs: A complex interplay in the control of immunity and autoimmunity. Autoimmunity 2013; 47:242-55. [DOI: 10.3109/08916934.2013.853050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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35
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Adamaki M, Lambrou GI, Athanasiadou A, Tzanoudaki M, Vlahopoulos S, Moschovi M. Implication of IRF4 aberrant gene expression in the acute leukemias of childhood. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72326. [PMID: 23977280 PMCID: PMC3744475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The most frequent targets of genetic alterations in human leukemias are transcription factor genes with essential functions in normal blood cell development. The Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 (IRF4) gene encodes a transcription factor important for key developmental stages of hematopoiesis, with known oncogenic implications in multiple myeloma, adult leukemias and lymphomas. Very few studies have reported an association of IRF4 with childhood malignancy, whereas high transcript levels have been observed in the more mature immunophenotype of ALL. Our aim was to investigate the expression levels of IRF4 in the diagnostic samples of pediatric leukemias and compare them to those of healthy controls, in order to determine aberrant gene expression and whether it extends to leukemic subtypes other than the relatively mature ALL subpopulation. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR methodology was used to investigate IRF4 expression in 58 children with acute leukemias, 4 leukemic cell lines and 20 healthy children. We show that aberrant IRF4 gene expression is implicated in a variety of leukemic subtypes; higher transcript levels appear in the more immature B-common ALL subtype and in T-cell than in B-cell leukemias, with the highest expression levels appearing in the AML group. Interestingly, we show that childhood leukemia, irrespective of subtype or cell maturation stage, is characterised by a minimum of approximately twice the amount of IRF4 gene expression encountered in healthy children. A statistically significant correlation also appeared to exist between high IRF4 expression and relapse. Our results show that ectopic expression of IRF4 follows the reverse expression pattern of what is encountered in normal B-cell development and that there might be a dose-dependency of childhood leukemia for aberrantly expressed IRF4, a characteristic that could be explored therapeutically. It is also suggested that high IRF4 expression might be used as an additional prognostic marker of relapse at diagnosis.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Case-Control Studies
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic
- Humans
- Infant
- Infant, Newborn
- Interferon Regulatory Factors/genetics
- Leukemia, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, B-Cell/mortality
- Leukemia, B-Cell/pathology
- Leukemia, T-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, T-Cell/mortality
- Leukemia, T-Cell/pathology
- Male
- Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/genetics
- Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/mortality
- Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/pathology
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/genetics
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/mortality
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/pathology
- Recurrence
- Survival Analysis
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Adamaki
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Aghia Sofia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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36
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Abstract
Various molecules participate in different phases of allergic reactions. This means that many genes are encoding molecules related to allergic reactions, such as cytokines, chemokines, and their receptors as effect or molecules. The transcriptional repressor BCL6 has emerged as a multifunctional regulator of lymphocyte differentiation and immune responses. BCL6-deficient (BCL6) mice display T helper type 2 (Th2)-type inflammation, which is caused by abnormality of both lymphoid cells and nonlymphoid cells. Thus, BCL6 apparently contributes to negative regulation of various central molecules such as cytokines, in particular Th2 cytokines, CC chemokines, and immunoglobulin E in allergic diseases. Therefore, BCL6 may be a molecular target for Th2-type allergic diseases.
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Bollig N, Brüstle A, Kellner K, Ackermann W, Abass E, Raifer H, Camara B, Brendel C, Giel G, Bothur E, Huber M, Paul C, Elli A, Kroczek RA, Nurieva R, Dong C, Jacob R, Mak TW, Lohoff M. Transcription factor IRF4 determines germinal center formation through follicular T-helper cell differentiation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:8664-9. [PMID: 22552227 PMCID: PMC3365194 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1205834109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Follicular T-helper (T(FH)) cells cooperate with GL7(+)CD95(+) germinal center (GC) B cells to induce antibody maturation. Herein, we identify the transcription factor IRF4 as a T-cell intrinsic precondition for T(FH) cell differentiation and GC formation. After immunization with protein or infection with the protozoon Leishmania major, draining lymph nodes (LNs) of IFN-regulatory factor-4 (Irf4(-/-)) mice lacked GCs and GC B cells despite developing normal initial hyperplasia. GCs were also absent in Peyer's patches of naive Irf4(-/-) mice. Accordingly, CD4(+) T cells within the LNs and Peyer's patches failed to express the T(FH) key transcription factor B-cell lymphoma-6 and other T(FH)-related molecules. During chronic leishmaniasis, the draining Irf4(-/-) LNs disappeared because of massive cell death. Adoptive transfer of WT CD4(+) T cells or few L. major primed WT T(FH) cells reconstituted GC formation, GC B-cell differentiation, and LN cell survival. In support of a T-cell intrinsic IRF4 activity, Irf4(-/-) T(FH) cell differentiation was not rescued by close neighborhood to transferred WT T(FH) cells. Together with its known B lineage-specific roles during plasma cell maturation and class switch, our study places IRF4 in the center of antibody production toward T-cell-dependent antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Bollig
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Krankenhaushygiene, and
| | - Anne Brüstle
- Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Ontario Cancer Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2C1
| | - Kerstin Kellner
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Krankenhaushygiene, and
| | | | - Elfadil Abass
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Krankenhaushygiene, and
| | - Hartmann Raifer
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Krankenhaushygiene, and
| | - Bärbel Camara
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Krankenhaushygiene, and
| | - Cornelia Brendel
- Klinik für Innere Medizin, Universität Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Gavin Giel
- Klinik für Innere Medizin, Universität Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Evita Bothur
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Krankenhaushygiene, and
| | - Magdalena Huber
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Krankenhaushygiene, and
| | - Christoph Paul
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Krankenhaushygiene, and
| | - Alexandra Elli
- Institut für Zytobiologie, Universität Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Richard A. Kroczek
- Institut für Molekulare Immunologie, Robert-Koch-Institut, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Roza Nurieva
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054; and
| | - Chen Dong
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054; and
| | - Ralf Jacob
- Institut für Zytobiologie, Universität Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Tak W. Mak
- Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Ontario Cancer Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2C1
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8
| | - Michael Lohoff
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Krankenhaushygiene, and
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38
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Valdez PA, Vithayathil PJ, Janelsins BM, Shaffer AL, Williamson PR, Datta SK. Prostaglandin E2 suppresses antifungal immunity by inhibiting interferon regulatory factor 4 function and interleukin-17 expression in T cells. Immunity 2012; 36:668-79. [PMID: 22464170 PMCID: PMC3334441 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2012.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2011] [Revised: 12/08/2011] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
T helper 17 (Th17) cells play an important role in mucosal host defense through production of the signature cytokines IL-17 and IL-22. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has been shown to enhance IL-17 production by mature Th17 cells. However, when present during Th17 cell differentiation, we found that PGE2 inhibited the transcription factor IRF4 and suppressed production of IL-17 but not IL-22. We show that IRF4 was required for IL-17 expression but inhibited IL-22 expression, highlighting the potential for discordant regulation of these two cytokines in Th17 cells. The pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans produces PGE2, and we found that it uses PGE2- and IRF4-dependent mechanisms to specifically inhibit induction of IL-17 during Th17 cell differentiation. Blockade of host PGE2 during infection led to increased IL-17 production from CD4(+) T cells and increased survival of mice. These findings suggest that host- or pathogen-derived PGE2 can act directly on Th17 cells during differentiation to inhibit IL-17-dependent antimicrobial responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Valdez
- Bacterial Pathogenesis Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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De Silva NS, Simonetti G, Heise N, Klein U. The diverse roles of IRF4 in late germinal center B-cell differentiation. Immunol Rev 2012; 247:73-92. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.2012.01113.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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40
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Martínez MR, Corradin A, Klein U, Álvarez MJ, Toffolo GM, di Camillo B, Califano A, Stolovitzky GA. Quantitative modeling of the terminal differentiation of B cells and mechanisms of lymphomagenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:2672-7. [PMID: 22308355 PMCID: PMC3289327 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1113019109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mature B-cell exit from germinal centers is controlled by a transcriptional regulatory module that integrates antigen and T-cell signals and, ultimately, leads to terminal differentiation into memory B cells or plasma cells. Despite a compact structure, the module dynamics are highly complex because of the presence of several feedback loops and self-regulatory interactions, and understanding its dysregulation, frequently associated with lymphomagenesis, requires robust dynamical modeling techniques. We present a quantitative kinetic model of three key gene regulators, BCL6, IRF4, and BLIMP, and use gene expression profile data from mature human B cells to determine appropriate model parameters. The model predicts the existence of two different hysteresis cycles that direct B cells through an irreversible transition toward a differentiated cellular state. By synthetically perturbing the interactions in this network, we can elucidate known mechanisms of lymphomagenesis and suggest candidate tumorigenic alterations, indicating that the model is a valuable quantitative tool to simulate B-cell exit from the germinal center under a variety of physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alberto Corradin
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, 35122 Padua, Italy
| | - Ulf Klein
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, and Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032; and
| | | | - Gianna M. Toffolo
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, 35122 Padua, Italy
| | - Barbara di Camillo
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, 35122 Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Califano
- Joint Center for Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
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41
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Abstract
The mechanisms that drive normal B cell differentiation and activation are frequently subverted by B cell lymphomas for their unlimited growth and survival. B cells are particularly prone to malignant transformation because the machinery used for antibody diversification can cause chromosomal translocations and oncogenic mutations. The advent of functional and structural genomics has greatly accelerated our understanding of oncogenic mechanisms in lymphomagenesis. The signaling pathways that normal B cells utilize to sense antigens are frequently derailed in B cell malignancies, leading to constitutive activation of prosurvival pathways. These malignancies co-opt transcriptional regulatory systems that characterize their normal B cell counterparts and frequently alter epigenetic regulators of chromatin structure and gene expression. These mechanistic insights are ushering in an era of targeted therapies for these cancers based on the principles of pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur L Shaffer
- Metabolism Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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42
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Lopez-Girona A, Heintel D, Zhang LH, Mendy D, Gaidarova S, Brady H, Bartlett JB, Schafer PH, Schreder M, Bolomsky A, Hilgarth B, Zojer N, Gisslinger H, Ludwig H, Daniel T, Jäger U, Chopra R. Lenalidomide downregulates the cell survival factor, interferon regulatory factor-4, providing a potential mechanistic link for predicting response. Br J Haematol 2011; 154:325-36. [PMID: 21707574 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2011.08689.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor-4 (IRF4), which is common in multiple myeloma (MM), is associated with poor prognosis. Patients with higher IRF4 expression have significantly poorer overall survival than those with low IRF4 expression. Lenalidomide is an IMiD immunomodulatory compound that has both tumouricidal and immunomodulatory activity in MM. This study showed that lenalidomide downregulated IRF4 levels in MM cell lines and bone marrow samples within 8 h of drug exposure. This was associated with a decrease in MYC levels, as well as an initial G1 cell cycle arrest, decreased cell proliferation, and cell death by day 5 of treatment. In eight MM cell lines, high IRF4 levels correlated with increased lenalidomide sensitivity. The clinical significance of this observation was investigated in 154 patients with MM. Among MM patients with high levels of IRF4 expression, treatment with lenalidomide led to a significantly longer overall survival than other therapies in a retrospective analysis. These data confirm the central role of IRF4 in MM pathogenesis; indicate that this is an important mechanism by which lenalidomide exerts its antitumour effects; and may provide a mechanistic biomarker to predict response to lenalidomide.
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Abstract
MUM1/IRF4 protein is a member of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family of transcriptional factors initially described as downstream regulators of interferon signaling. The quantity of this factor varies within the hematopoietic system in a lineage and stage-specific way. It is considered to be a key regulator of several steps in lymphoid, myeloid, and dendritic cell differentiation and maturation. MUM1/IRF4 expression is observed in many lymphoid and myeloid malignancies, and may be a promising target for the treatment of some of these neoplasms. We reviewed the literature on MUM1/IRF4, with emphasis on the pathologic aspects of this marker in reactive and malignant hematologic and nonhematologic conditions.
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Interferon-regulatory factor 4 is essential for the developmental program of T helper 9 cells. Immunity 2010; 33:192-202. [PMID: 20674401 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2010.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 412] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2010] [Revised: 05/17/2010] [Accepted: 07/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Interferon-regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is essential for the development of T helper 2 (Th2) and Th17 cells. Herein, we report that IRF4 is also crucial for the development and function of an interleukin-9 (IL-9)-producing CD4(+) T cell subset designated Th9. IRF4-deficient CD4(+) T cells failed to develop into IL-9-producing Th9 cells, and IRF4-specific siRNA inhibited IL-9 production in wild-type CD4(+) T cells. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analyses revealed direct IRF4 binding to the Il9 promoter in Th9 cells. In a Th9-dependent asthma model, neutralization of IL-9 substantially ameliorated asthma symptoms. The relevance of these findings is emphasized by the fact that the induction of IL-9 production also occurs in human CD4(+) T cells accompanied by the upregulation of IRF4. Our data clearly demonstrate the central function of IRF4 in the development of Th9 cells and underline the contribution of this T helper cell subset to the pathogenesis of asthma.
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Battistini A. Interferon regulatory factors in hematopoietic cell differentiation and immune regulation. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2010; 29:765-80. [PMID: 19929577 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2009.0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family are transcription factors implicated in the regulation of a variety of biological processes. Originally identified as intracellular mediators of the induction and biological activities of interferons, their central role in host resistance to pathogens has recently been confirmed by the recognition of their involvement in the regulation of gene expression in responses triggered by Toll-like receptors and other pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Their function in regulating the development as well as the activity of hematopoietic cells puts them at the interface between innate and adaptive immune responses. IRFs also regulate cell growth and apoptosis in several cell types, thereby affecting susceptibility to and the progression of cancer. In this review the role of some members of the family more deeply involved in the differentiation of hematopoietic cells and in immune regulation is addressed, with a specific focus on T cells and dendritic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Battistini
- Molecular Pathogenesis Unit, Department of Infectious, Parasitic, and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome 00161, Italy.
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Kwon H, Thierry-Mieg D, Thierry-Mieg J, Kim HP, Oh J, Tunyaplin C, Carotta S, Donovan CE, Goldman ML, Tailor P, Ozato K, Levy DE, Nutt SL, Calame K, Leonard WJ. Analysis of interleukin-21-induced Prdm1 gene regulation reveals functional cooperation of STAT3 and IRF4 transcription factors. Immunity 2010; 31:941-52. [PMID: 20064451 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2009.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 287] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2008] [Revised: 07/08/2009] [Accepted: 10/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a pleiotropic cytokine that induces expression of transcription factor BLIMP1 (encoded by Prdm1), which regulates plasma cell differentiation and T cell homeostasis. We identified an IL-21 response element downstream of Prdm1 that binds the transcription factors STAT3 and IRF4, which are required for optimal Prdm1 expression. Genome-wide ChIP-Seq mapping of STAT3- and IRF4-binding sites showed that most regions with IL-21-induced STAT3 binding also bound IRF4 in vivo and furthermore revealed that the noncanonical TTCnnnTAA GAS motif critical in Prdm1 was broadly used for STAT3 binding. Comparing genome-wide expression array data to binding sites revealed that most IL-21-regulated genes were associated with combined STAT3-IRF4 sites rather than pure STAT3 sites. Correspondingly, ChIP-Seq analysis of Irf4(-/-) T cells showed greatly diminished STAT3 binding after IL-21 treatment, and Irf4(-/-) mice showed impaired IL-21-induced Tfh cell differentiation in vivo. These results reveal broad cooperative gene regulation by STAT3 and IRF4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyokjoon Kwon
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Biswas PS, Bhagat G, Pernis AB. IRF4 and its regulators: evolving insights into the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis? Immunol Rev 2010; 233:79-96. [PMID: 20192994 PMCID: PMC2920730 DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-2896.2009.00864.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence from murine and human studies supports a key role for interleukin-17 (IL-17) and IL-21 in the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis. The pathways and molecular mechanisms that underlie the production of IL-17 and IL-21 are being rapidly elucidated. This review focuses on interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), a member of the IRF family of transcription factors, which has emerged as a crucial controller of both IL-17 and IL-21 production. We first outline the complex role of IRF4 in the function of CD4(+) T cells and then discuss recent studies from our laboratory that have revealed a surprising role for components of Rho GTPase-mediated pathways in controlling the activity of IRF4. A better understanding of these novel pathways will hopefully provide new insights into mechanisms responsible for the development of inflammatory arthritis and potentially guide the design of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Govind Bhagat
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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48
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Tuomela S, Rautajoki KJ, Moulder R, Nyman TA, Lahesmaa R. Identification of novel Stat6 regulated proteins in IL-4-treated mouse lymphocytes. Proteomics 2009; 9:1087-98. [PMID: 19180534 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200800161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin 4 (IL-4) has an indispensable role in the differentiation of naive T helper (Th) cells toward the Th2 phenotype and induction of B cells to produce the IgE class of Igs. By regulating these two cell types, IL-4 has a pre-eminent role in regulation of allergic inflammation. IL-4-mediated regulation of T and B cell functions is largely transmitted through signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (Stat6). In this study, we have used metabolic labeling and 2-D electrophoresis to detect differences in the proteomes of IL-4 stimulated spleen mononuclear cells of Stat6-/- and wild type mice and MS/MS for protein identification. With this methodology, we identified 49 unique proteins from 21 protein spots to be differentially expressed. Interestingly, in Stat6-/- CD4(+) cells the expression of isoform 2 of core binding factor b (CBFb2) was enhanced. CBFb is a non-DNA binding cofactor for the Runx family of transcription factors, which have been implicated in regulation of Th cell differentiation. We also found cellular nucleic acid protein (CNBP) to be downregulated in Stat6-/- cells. None of the proteins identified in this study have previously been reported to be regulated via Stat6. The results highlight the importance of exploiting proteomics tools to complement the studies on Stat6 target genes identified through transcriptional profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soile Tuomela
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Abo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
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49
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Craig F, Soma L, Melan M, Kant J, Swerdlow S. MUM1/IRF4 expression in the circulating compartment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2009; 49:273-80. [DOI: 10.1080/10428190701760037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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50
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Shaffer AL, Emre NCT, Romesser PB, Staudt LM. IRF4: Immunity. Malignancy! Therapy? Clin Cancer Res 2009; 15:2954-61. [PMID: 19383829 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-08-1845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
IRF4, a member of the Interferon Regulatory Factor (IRF) family of transcription factors, is expressed in cells of the immune system, where it transduces signals from various receptors to activate or repress gene expression. IRF4 expression is a key regulator of several steps in lymphoid-, myeloid-, and dendritic-cell differentiation, including the differentiation of mature B cells into antibody-secreting plasma cells. IRF4 expression is also associated with many lymphoid malignancies, with recent evidence pointing to an essential role in multiple myeloma, a malignancy of plasma cells. Interference with IRF4 expression is lethal to multiple myeloma cells, irrespective of their genetic etiology, making IRF4 an "Achilles' heel" that may be exploited therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur L Shaffer
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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