Transcriptional factor ATF3 protects against colitis by regulating follicular helper T cells in Peyer's patches.

ABSTRACT: Disruption of mucosal immunity plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease, yet its mechanism remains not fully elucidated. Here, we found that activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) protects against colitis by regulating follicular helper T (T_FH) cells in the gut. The expression of ATF3 in CD4⁺ T cells was negatively correlated with the severity of ulcerative colitis in clinical patients. Mice with ATF3 deficiency in CD4⁺ T cells (CD4^creAtf3^fl/fl ) were much more susceptible to dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. The frequencies of T_FH cells, not other T cell subsets, were dramatically decreased in Peyer's patches from CD4^creAtf3

SUBMITTER: Cao Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6442638 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature