Translation factor eIF4G2 directs CD8⁺ T cell lineage commitment by selectively enabling the IL-7 receptor response

ABSTRACT: Faithful CD8+ T cell lineage commitment depends on sustained IL-7 receptor (IL-7R) signaling. Here, we identify the translation initiation factor eIF4G2 as a specific and essential regulator of this process. Conditional deletion of Eif4g2 in CD4-expressing thymocytes specifically abrogated the expression of the shared IL-7R γ chain (γc) in a 5'/3'-UTR-dependent manner. This was accompanied by reduced expression of IL-7R α chain. The resultant collapse of the IL-7R complex ablated IL-7 signaling, thereby blocking CD8+ lineage commitment. This defect was selective, with TCR signaling and other cytokine receptors remaining intact. Our work establishes that eIF4G2 governs the thymic IL-7R axis and reveals a paradigm whereby a translational factor specifically tunes a key cytokine niche to direct T cell fate.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE317990 | GEO | 2026/02/27

REPOSITORIES: GEO