Lkb1 maintains T_reg cell lineage identity.

ABSTRACT: Regulatory T (T_reg) cells are a distinct T-cell lineage characterized by sustained Foxp3 expression and potent suppressor function, but the upstream dominant factors that preserve T_reg lineage-specific features are mostly unknown. Here, we show that Lkb1 maintains T_reg cell lineage identity by stabilizing Foxp3 expression and enforcing suppressor function. Upon T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation Lkb1 protein expression is upregulated in T_reg cells but not in conventional T cells. Mice with T_reg cell-specific deletion of Lkb1 develop a fatal early-onset autoimmune disease, with no Foxp3 expression in most T_reg cells. Lkb1 stabilizes Foxp3 expression by preventing STAT4-mediated methylation of the conserved noncoding sequence 2

SUBMITTER: Wu D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5481770 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature