scholarly journals Transcription tipping points for T follicular helper cell and T-helper 1 cell fate commitment

Author(s):  
Amania A. Sheikh ◽  
Joanna R. Groom

Abstract During viral infection, immune cells coordinate the induction of inflammatory responses that clear infection and humoral responses that promote protection. CD4+ T-cell differentiation sits at the center of this axis. Differentiation toward T-helper 1 (Th1) cells mediates inflammation and pathogen clearance, while T follicular helper (Tfh) cells facilitate germinal center (GC) reactions for the generation of high-affinity antibodies and immune memory. While Th1 and Tfh differentiation occurs in parallel, these CD4+ T-cell identities are mutually exclusive, and progression toward these ends is determined via the upregulation of T-bet and Bcl6, respectively. These lineage-defining transcription factors act in concert with multiple networks of transcriptional regulators that tip the T-bet and Bcl6 axis in CD4+ T-cell progenitors to either a Th1 or Tfh fate. It is now clear that these transcriptional networks are guided by cytokine cues that are not only varied between distinct viral infections but also dynamically altered throughout the duration of infection. Thus, multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors combine to specify the fate, plasticity, and function of Th1 and Tfh cells during infection. Here, we review the current information on the mode of action of the lineage-defining transcription factors Bcl6 and T-bet and how they act individually and in complex to govern CD4+ T-cell ontogeny. Furthermore, we outline the multifaceted transcriptional regulatory networks that act upstream and downstream of Bcl6 and T-bet to tip the differentiation equilibrium toward either a Tfh or Th1 fate and how these are impacted by dynamic inflammatory cues.

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rishi Vishal Luckheeram ◽  
Rui Zhou ◽  
Asha Devi Verma ◽  
Bing Xia

CD4+T cells are crucial in achieving a regulated effective immune response to pathogens. Naive CD4+T cells are activated after interaction with antigen-MHC complex and differentiate into specific subtypes depending mainly on the cytokine milieu of the microenvironment. Besides the classical T-helper 1 and T-helper 2, other subsets have been identified, including T-helper 17, regulatory T cell, follicular helper T cell, and T-helper 9, each with a characteristic cytokine profile. For a particular phenotype to be differentiated, a set of cytokine signaling pathways coupled with activation of lineage-specific transcription factors and epigenetic modifications at appropriate genes are required. The effector functions of these cells are mediated by the cytokines secreted by the differentiated cells. This paper will focus on the cytokine-signaling and the network of transcription factors responsible for the differentiation of naive CD4+T cells.


2010 ◽  
Vol 298 (5) ◽  
pp. L670-L677 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Cao ◽  
Jinxia Wang ◽  
Yingchun Zhu ◽  
Irene Tseu ◽  
Martin Post

Prenatal exposures to immunogenic stimuli, such as bacterial LPS, have shown to influence the neonatal immune system and lung function. However, no detailed analysis of the immunomodulatory effects of LPS on postnatal T helper cell differentiation has been performed. Using a rat model, we investigated the effect of prenatal LPS exposure on postnatal T cell differentiation and experimental allergic airway disease. Pregnant rats were injected with LPS on day 20 and 21 (term = 22 days). Some of the offspring were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin. Positive control animals were placebo exposed to saline instead of LPS, whereas negative controls were sensitized with saline. Expression of T cell-related transcription factors and cytokines was quantified in the lung, and airway hyperresponsiveness was measured. Prenatal LPS exposure induced a T helper 1 (TH1) immune milieu in the offspring of rats [i.e., increased T-bet and TH1 cytokine expression while expression of TH2-associated transcription factors (GATA3 and STAT6) and cytokines was decreased]. Prenatal LPS exposure did not trigger TH17 cell differentiation in the offspring. Furthermore, prenatal LPS exposure reduced ovalbumin-induced (TH2-mediated) airway inflammation, eosinophilia, and airway responsiveness. Thus, in utero exposure to endotoxin promotes a TH1 immune environment, which suppresses the development of allergic airway disease later in life.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Long-Shan Ji ◽  
Xue-Hua Sun ◽  
Xin Zhang ◽  
Zhen-Hua Zhou ◽  
Zhuo Yu ◽  
...  

Helping B cells and antibody responses is a major function of CD4+T helper cells. Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are identified as a subset of CD4+T helper cells, which is specialized in helping B cells in the germinal center reaction. Tfh cells express high levels of CXCR5, PD-1, IL-21, and other characteristic markers. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the dysregulation of Tfh cells is involved in infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases, including lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), Sjögren syndrome (SS), and type 1 diabetes (T1D). Activation of subset-specific transcription factors is the essential step for Tfh cell differentiation. The differentiation of Tfh cells is regulated by a complicated network of transcription factors, including positive factors (Bcl6, ATF-3, Batf, IRF4, c-Maf, and so on) and negative factors (Blimp-1, STAT5, IRF8, Bach2, and so on). The current knowledge underlying the molecular mechanisms of Tfh cell differentiation at the transcriptional level is summarized in this paper, which will provide many perspectives to explore the pathogenesis and treatment of the relevant immune diseases.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cory J. Knudson ◽  
Maria Férez ◽  
Pedro Alves-Peixoto ◽  
Dan A. Erkes ◽  
Carolina R. Melo-Silva ◽  
...  

Cytotoxic CD4 T lymphocytes (CD4-CTL) are important in anti-viral immunity. For example, we have previously shown that in mice, CD4-CTL are important to control ectromelia virus (ECTV) infection. How viral infections induce CD4-CTL responses remains incompletely understood. Here we demonstrate that not only ECTV but also vaccinia virus and Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus induce CD4-CTL, but that the response to ECTV is stronger. Using ECTV, we also demonstrate that in contrast to CD8-CTL, CD4-CTL differentiation requires constant virus replication and ceases once the virus is controlled. We also show that Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II molecules on CD11c + cells are required for CD4-CTL differentiation and for mousepox resistance. Transcriptional analysis indicated that anti-viral CD4-CTL and non-cytolytic T Helper 1 (Th1) CD4 T cells have similar transcriptional profiles, suggesting that CD4-CTL are terminally differentiated classical Th1 cells. Interestingly, CD4-CTL and classical Th1 cells expressed similar mRNA levels of the transcription factors ThPOK and GATA-3, necessary for CD4 T cell linage commitment; and Runx3, required for CD8 T cell development and effector function. However, at the protein level, CD4-CTL had higher levels of the three transcription factors suggesting that further post-transcriptional regulation is required for CD4-CTL differentiation. Finally, using CRISPR-Cas9 deletion of Runx3 in CD4 T cells, we demonstrate that the development of CD4-CTL but not of classical Th1 CD4 T cells requires Runx3 following ECTV infection. These results further our understanding of the mechanisms of CD4-CTL differentiation during viral infection and the role of post-transcriptionally regulated Runx3 in this process. IMPORTANCE While it is well established that cytotoxic CD4 T cells (CD4-CTL) directly contribute to viral clearance, it remains unclear how CD4-CTL are induced. We now show that CD4-CTL require sustained antigen presentation and are induced by CD11c-expressing antigen presenting cells. Moreover, we show that CD4-CTL are derived from the terminal differentiation of classical T helper 1 (Th1) subset of CD4 cells. Compared to Th1 cells, CD4-CTL upregulate protein levels of the transcription factors ThPOK, Runx3 and GATA-3 post-transcriptionally. Deletion of Runx3 in differentiated CD4 T cells prevents CD4-CTL but not of classical Th1 cells. These results advance our knowledge of how CD4-CTL are induced during viral infection.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitsuhiro Akiyama ◽  
Katsuya Suzuki ◽  
Keiko Yoshimoto ◽  
Hidekata Yasuoka ◽  
Yuko Kaneko ◽  
...  

ObjectivesMultiple studies suggest that interleukin (IL)-21 plays a pivotal role in the differentiation of B cells and activation of cytotoxic T cells and is involved in the pathogenesis of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) is a new marker of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, yet its significance remains unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate whether TIGIT expression could detect high IL-21-producing peripheral Tfh populations and their association with disease activity in IgG4-RD.MethodsTIGIT expression in peripheral CD4+T cell subsets was comprehensively analyzed by multi-color flow cytometry. Single cell mapping was performed by t-SNE method, and IL-21 production was compared in TIGIT+ and TIGIT-T cells. The effect of OX40 signal on cytokine expression was analyzed by RNA-sequencing. Clinical significance of TIGIT+ and TIGIT- peripheral T cells was analyzed in active patients with IgG4-RD, both at baseline and after 12 weeks of glucocorticoid treatment.ResultsUnbiased single cell mapping revealed two high IL-21-producing peripheral T cell populations; TIGIT+ Tfh and TIGIT-T helper cells. OX40 signal was associated with high IL-21 production in TIGIT+ Tfh and TIGIT-T helper cells. IL-21 production in Tfh cells correlated with the proportion of TIGIT+ cells in Tfh cells, serum IgG4 level, and scores of disease activity. Furthermore, the skewing toward peripheral TIGIT+ Tfh cells, particularly TIGIT+Tfh2 subset correlated with disease activity and was corrected by glucocorticoid treatment in IgG4-RD.ConclusionsOX40 is associated with high IL-21 production in peripheral TIGIT+ Tfh cells, and the increase in peripheral TIGIT+ Tfh cells reflects disease activity in IgG4-RD.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor H. Carpio ◽  
Florentin Aussenac ◽  
Kyle D. Wilson ◽  
Alejandro V. Villarino ◽  
Alexander L. Dent ◽  
...  

SummaryHybrid Th1/Tfh cells (IFN-γ+IL-21+CXCR5+) predominate in response to persistent infections; however, molecular regulation of their function is poorly defined. In infection with Plasmodium spp, an IFN-γ+ T helper-1 (Th1) response controls initial parasitemia, while antibody and IL-21+CXCR5+ T follicular helper (Tfh) function effect final clearance. Here, we found that CD4-intrinsic Bcl6, Blimp-1 and STAT3 all regulate T-bet expression, which controls IFN-γ expression. While Bcl6 and Blimp-1 regulate the level of CXCR5, only T-bet and STAT3 affected the functional bias of the Th1/Tfh phenotype. Infected mice with STAT3-deficient T cells produced less antibody, and more IFN-γ+IL-21−CXCR5lo T cells, significantly increasing protection from re-infection. Conversely, reduced Th1 bias in re-infected T-bet KO was reflected in prolonged secondary parasitemia. In summary, each feature of hybrid Th1/Tfh population in Plasmodium infection is uniquely regulated and the cytokine bias of memory T cells can be modified to enhance the effectiveness of the response.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rufine Fachinan ◽  
Adnette Fagninou ◽  
Magloire Pandoua Nekoua ◽  
Abdou Madjid Amoussa ◽  
Marius Adjagba ◽  
...  

The mechanism of action of the antidiabetic capacity of Momordica charantia is still under investigation. Here, we assessed phytochemical compositions, antioxidant activity, and effects of total and filtered fruit and leafy stem juices of Momordica charantia on human T cell proliferation and differentiation through quantification of Th1/Th2 cytokines. In the absence of stimulation, total fruit and leafy stem juices induced significant T cell proliferation. Under PHA stimulation, both juices potentiated plant-induced T cell proliferation. However, the filtered fruit and leafy stem juices significantly inhibited PHA-stimulated T cell proliferation, while neither juice influenced T cell proliferation. Moreover, total and filtered fruit juice increased IL-4 secretion, while total and filtered leafy stem juice enhanced IFN-γ production. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, anthocyans, steroids, and triterpenoids in both juices. Alkaloids, quinone derivatives, cardenolides, and cyanogenic derivatives were undetectable. The saponins present in total juices were undetectable after filtration. Moreover, both juices had appreciable antioxidant capacity. Our study supports the type 1 antidiabetic effect of filtered fruit juice of M. charantia which may be related to its immunosuppressive and T-helper 2 cell inducing capacities. Due to their immune-stimulatory activities and their ability to increase T-helper 1 cell cytokines, total fruit and leafy stem juices may serve in the treatment of immunodeficiency and certain infections.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Liu ◽  
Xinwang Yuan ◽  
Xiaofang Li ◽  
Dawei Cui ◽  
Jue Xie

Background. Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are critical for high-affinity antibody generation and B cell maturation and differentiation, which play important roles in autoimmune diseases. Graves’ disease (GD) is one prototype of common organ-specific autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) characterized by autoreactive antibodies, suggesting a possible role for Tfh cells in the pathogenesis of GD. Our objective was to explore the role of circulating Tfh cell subsets and associated plasma cells (PCs) in patients with GD. Methods. Thirty-six patients with GD and 20 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this study. The frequencies of circulating Tfh cell subsets and PCs were determined by flow cytometry, and plasma cytokines, including interleukin- (IL-) 21, IL-4, IL-17A, and interferon- (IFN-) γ, were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression of transcription factors (Bcl-6, T-bet, GATA-3, and RORγt) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR. Results. Compared with HC, the frequencies of circulating CD4+CXCR5+CD45RA−Tfh (cTfh) cells with ICOS and PD-1 expression, the Tfh2 subset (CXCR3−CCR6−Tfh) cells, and PCs (CD19+CD27highCD38high) were significantly increased in the GD patients, but the frequencies of Tfh1 (CXCR3+CCR6−Tfh) and Tfh17 (CXCR3−CCR6+Tfh) subset cells among CD4+T cells were significantly decreased in GD patients. The plasma concentrations of IL-21, IL-4, and IL-17A were elevated in GD patients. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the frequency of PD-1+Tfh cells (Tfh2 or PCs) and plasma IL-21 concentration (or serum TPO-Ab levels). The mRNA levels of transcription factors (GATA-3 and RORγt) were significantly increased, but T-bet and Bcl-6 mRNA expression was not obviously varied in PBMCs from GD patients. Interestingly, Tfh cell subsets and PCs from GD patients were partly normalized by treatment. Conclusion. Circulating Tfh cell subsets and PCs might play an important role in the pathogenesis of GD, which are potential clues for GD patients’ interventions.


2009 ◽  
Vol 137 (6) ◽  
pp. 2125-2135.e2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fouad Lafdil ◽  
Hua Wang ◽  
Ogyi Park ◽  
Weici Zhang ◽  
Yuki Moritoki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
T Helper ◽  

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document