IL-2 delivery to CD8⁺ T cells during infection requires MRTF/SRF-dependent gene expression and cytoskeletal dynamics.

ABSTRACT: Paracrine IL-2 signalling drives the CD8 + T cell expansion and differentiation that allow protection against viral infections, but the underlying molecular events are incompletely understood. Here we show that the transcription factor SRF, a master regulator of cytoskeletal gene expression, is required for effective IL-2 signalling during L. monocytogenes infection. Acting cell-autonomously with its actin-regulated cofactors MRTF-A and MRTF-B, SRF is dispensible for initial TCR-mediated CD8⁺ T cell proliferation, but is required for sustained IL-2 dependent CD8⁺ effector T cell expansion, and persistence of memory cells. Following TCR activation, Mrtfab-null CD8⁺ T cells produce IL-2 normally, but homotypic clustering is impaired both in vitro and in vivo.

SUBMITTER: Maurice D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11391060 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature