Loss of p53 exacerbates autoimmunity by reprogramming propionyl-CoA metabolism and epigenetics in Treg cells

ABSTRACT:

Metabolic regulation is central to the tumor suppressor function of p53. Here we report that propionyl-CoA metabolic remodeling and epigenetic changes underpin p53-mediated restraint of autoimmunity through regulatory T (Treg) cells. By analyzing the human patients with autoimmune diseases, we found p53 expression was significantly reduced in Treg cells negatively correlating with abnormally elevated BCL-6 levels. p53 loss causes dysregulated immune homeostasis and dampens Tregs function in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, p53 transcriptionally activates ALDH6A1 expression and propionyl-CoA anabolism to upregulate functional Treg gene expression via histone propionylation. Treg-specific knockout of ALDH6A1 phenocopies the autoimmune responses of p53 deficiency, and propionyl-CoA restoration recovers Treg cell function in mice lacking p53 or ALDH6A1. Clinically, impaired p53-ALDH6A1-histone propionylation signaling is observed in AS and SLE patients and correlates with poor efficacy of first-line therapies in autoimmune patients. Together, these findings reveal a directly connection between propionyl-CoA metabolism and epigenetic changes, which is governed by p53 and is crucial for Treg cell function and immune tolerance suppression.

INSTRUMENT(S): Liquid Chromatography MS - - hilic

PROVIDER: MTBLS13473 | MetaboLights | 2026-02-06

REPOSITORIES: MetaboLights