MiR-132 suppresses transcription of ribosomal proteins to promote protective Th1 immunity

ABSTRACT: Determining the mechanisms that distinguish protective immunity from pathological chronic inflammation remains a fundamental challenge. miR-132 has been shown to play largely immunoregulatory roles in immunity, however its role in CD4+ T cell function is poorly understood. Here, we show that CD4+ T cells express high levels of miR-132 and that T cell activation leads to miR-132 up-regulation. The transcriptomic hallmark of splenic CD4+ T cells lacking the miR-132/212 cluster during chronic infection is an increase in mRNAs levels of ribosomal protein (RP) genes. BTAF1, a co-factor of B-TFIID and novel miR-132/212-3p target, and p300 contribute towards miR-132/212-mediated regulation of RP transcription. Following infection with Leishmania donovani miR-132-/- CD4+ T cells display enhanced expression of IL-10 and decreased IFN. This is associated with reduced hepatosplenomegaly and enhanced pathogen load. The enhanced IL-10 expression in miR-132-/- Th1 cells is recapitulated in vitro following treatment with phenylephrine, a drug reported to promote ribosome synthesis. Our results uncover that miR-132/212-mediated regulation of RP expression is critical for optimal CD4+ T cell activation and protective immunity against pathogens.

SUBMITTER: James, P Hewitson 

PROVIDER: S-SCDT-EMBOR-2018-46620V1 | biostudies-other |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other