IL-27 induces IFN/STAT1-dependent genes and enhances function of TIGIT⁺ HIVGag-specific T cells.

ABSTRACT: HIV-specific T cells have diminished effector function and fail to control/eliminate the virus. IL-27, a member of the IL-6/IL-12 cytokine superfamily has been shown to inhibit HIV replication. However, whether or not IL-27 can enhance HIV-specific T cell function is largely unknown. In the present manuscript, we investigated the role of IL-27 signaling in human T cells by evaluating the global transcriptional changes related to the function of HIV-specific T cells. We found that T cells from people living with HIV (PLWH), expressed higher levels of STAT1 leading to enhanced STAT1 activation upon IL-27 stimulation. Observed IL-27 induced transcriptional changes were associated with IFN/STAT1-dependent pathways in CD4 and CD8 T cells. Importantly, IL-27 dependent modulation of T-bet expression promoted IFNγ secretion by TIGIT⁺HIV_Gag-specific T cells. This new immunomodulatory effect of IL-27 on HIV-specific T cell function suggests its potential therapeutic use in cure strategies.

SUBMITTER: Cheng J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8717455 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature