Project description:The development of human adaptive immunity progresses faster than previously appreciated, with the emergence of memory CD4+ T cells alongside regulatory T (Treg) cells by the second trimester of pregnancy. We previously identified a prenatal-specific subset of PLZF+ CD4+ T cells with heightened effector potential that accounted for most memory T cells in the developing intestine and accumulated in the cord blood of infants exposed to prenatal inflammatory pathologies. However, the signals that drive their tissue distribution and effector maturation are unknown. Here, we define the transcriptional and functional heterogeneity of prenatal PLZF+ CD4+ T cells and identify compartmentalization of Th-like effector function across the small intestine (SI) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN).
Project description:The development of human adaptive immunity progresses faster than previously appreciated, with the emergence of memory CD4+ T cells alongside regulatory T (Treg) cells by the second trimester of pregnancy. We previously identified a prenatal-specific subset of PLZF+ CD4+ T cells with heightened effector potential that accounted for most memory T cells in the developing intestine and accumulated in the cord blood of infants exposed to prenatal inflammatory pathologies. However, the signals that drive their tissue distribution and effector maturation are unknown. Here, we define the transcriptional and functional heterogeneity of prenatal PLZF+ CD4+ T cells and identify compartmentalization of Th-like effector function across the small intestine (SI) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN).
Project description:The development of human prenatal adaptive immunity progresses faster than previously appreciated, with the emergence of memory CD4+ T cells alongside regulatory T cells by midgestation. We previously identified a prenatal specific population of promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger-positive (PLZF+) CD4+ T cells with heightened effector potential that were enriched in the developing intestine and accumulated in the cord blood of infants exposed to prenatal inflammation. However, the signals that drive their tissue distribution and effector maturation are unknown. Here, we define the transcriptional and functional heterogeneity of human prenatal PLZF+CD4+ T cells and identify the compartmentalization of T helper-like (Th-like) effector function across the small intestine (SI) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs). IL-7 was more abundant in the SI relative to the MLNs and drove the preferential expansion of naive PLZF+CD4+ T cells via enhanced STAT5 and MEK/ERK signaling. Exposure to IL-7 was sufficient to induce the acquisition of CD45RO expression and rapid effector function in a subset of PLZF+CD4+ T cells, identifying a human analog of memory phenotype CD4+ T cells. Further, IL-7 modulated the differentiation of Th1- and Th17-like PLZF+CD4+ T cells and thus likely contributes to the anatomic compartmentalization of human prenatal CD4+ T cell effector function.
Project description:Natural killer (NKT) T cells exhibit tissue distribution, surface phenotype, and functional responses that are strikingly different from those of conventional T cells. The transcription factor PLZF is responsible for most of these properties, as its ectopic expression in conventional T cells is sufficient to confer to them an NKT-like phenotype. The molecular program downstream of PLZF, however, is largely unexplored. Here we report that PLZF regulates the expression of a surprisingly small set of genes, many with known immune functions. This includes several established components of the NKT cell developmental program. Transcriptional program downstream of PLZF in gammadelta NKT cells was analyzed by comparing wt, heterozygous and PLZF-deficient gammadelta NKT cells
Project description:Natural killer (NKT) T cells exhibit tissue distribution, surface phenotype, and functional responses that are strikingly different from those of conventional T cells. The transcription factor PLZF is responsible for most of these properties, as its ectopic expression in conventional T cells is sufficient to confer to them an NKT-like phenotype. The molecular program downstream of PLZF, however, is largely unexplored. Here we report that PLZF regulates the expression of a surprisingly small set of genes, many with known immune functions. This includes several established components of the NKT cell developmental program.
Project description:The PLZF-RARa fusion oncoprotein is overexpressed in the t(11;17) subtype of acute promyelocytic leukemia. Gene expression microarrays were used to identify genes involved in leukemic transformation. We used microarray to detect gene expression changes induced by the PLZF-RARa fusion oncoprotein in the U937 cell line Experiment Overall Design: The U937T:PLZF-RARa cell line was engineered to express PLZF-RARa upon tetracycline removal. PLZF-RARa was induced for 48hr and RNA was extracted and hybridized to Affymetrix HGU133Plus2.0 Chips
Project description:The transcription factor PLZF (promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger) is encoded by the BTB domain-containing 16 (Zbtb16) gene. Its repressor function regulates specific transcriptional programs. During the development of invariant natural killer T (NKT) cells, PLZF is expressed and directs their effector program but the detailed mechanisms underlying PLZF regulation of multi-stage NKT cell developmental program are not well understood. This study investigated the role of acetylation-induced PLZF activation on NKT cell development by analyzing mice expressing a mutant form of PLZF mimicking constitutive acetylation (PLZFON mice). NKT populations in PLZFON mice were reduced in proportion and numbers of cells, and the cells present were blocked at the transition from developmental stage 1 to stage 2. NKT cell subset differentiation was also altered, with T-bet+ NKT1 and RORt+ NKT17 subsets dramatically reduced, and the emergence of a T-bet-RORt- NKT cell subset with features of cells in early developmental stages rather than mature NKT2 cells. Preliminary analysis of DNA methylation patterns suggested that activated PLZF acts on the DNA methylation signature to regulate NKT cells’ entry into the early stages of development, while repressing maturation. In wild-type NKT cells, deacetylation of PLZF is possible, allowing subsequent NKT cell differentiation. Interestingly, development of other innate lymphoid and myeloid cells, that are dependent on PLZF for their generation, is not altered in PLZFON mice highlighting lineage specific regulation. Overall, we propose that specific epigenetic control of PLZF through acetylation levels is required to regulate normal NKT cell differentiation. Key points: Constitutive acetylation of PLZF (PLZFON) blocks NKT cell development. PLZFON might act on the DNA methylation signature to control gene expression. PLZF acetylation levels regulate normal NKT cell differentiation.