JunB plays a crucial role in the development of regulatory T cells by regulating interleukin-2 signaling
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: The AP-1 transcription factor JunB is crucial for multiple biological processes, such as placental development and bone homeostasis. We recently reported that JunB plays an essential role in development of Th17 cells, and thus Junb-deficient mice are resistant to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. However, the role of JunB in CD4+ T cells under other inflammatory disease conditions is unknown. Here we show that mice lacking JunB in CD4+ T cells (Junbfl/flCd4-Cre mice) were more susceptible to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, a disease model induced by innate immune cells. While the Th17-associated genes Il17a and Il22 are shown to be protective against DSS-induced colitis, their expression was not impaired in the colon of Junbfl/flCd4-Cre mice. In addition to the defect in Th17 development, the colon of Junbfl/flCd4-Cre mice exhibited reduction in regulatory T (Treg) cells. Junb-deficient CD4+ T cells needed high concentration of IL-2 for differentiating into Treg cells in vitro because of their hyporesponsiveness to IL-2. Mechanistically, JunB directly up-regulated expression of CD25, the α−chain of high affinity IL-2 receptor, thereby increasing a sensitivity to IL-2 under Treg-inducing conditions. We uncover a crucial role for JunB in development of Treg cells and defense against an epithelial cell damage-induced colitis.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE120814 | GEO | 2020/03/31
REPOSITORIES: GEO
ACCESS DATA