Project description:The transcription factors Batf3 and IRF8 are required for development of CD8α+ conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), but the basis for their actions was unclear. Here, we identify two novel Zbtb46+ progenitors that separately generate CD8α+ and CD4+ cDCs and arise directly from the common DC progenitor (CDP). Irf8 expression in the CDP depends on prior PU.1-dependent autoactivation, and specification of pre-CD8 DC progenitors requires IRF8 but not Batf3. However, upon pre-CD8 DC specification, Irf8 autoactivation becomes Batf3-dependent at a CD8α+ cDC-specific enhancer containing multiple AP1-IRF composite elements (AICEs) within the Irf8 superenhancer. CDPs from Batf3-/- mice that specify toward pre-CD8 DCs fail to complete CD8α+ cDC development due to decay of Irf8 autoactivation, and divert to the CD4+ cDC lineage. Examination of histone modifications (H3K27ac and H3K4me1) and 2 transcription factors (Batf3 and Irf8) and the p300 co-factor binding in 3 different dendritic cell subsets
Project description:Anti-viral CD8 T cell responses are characterized by an initial activation/priming of T lymphocytes followed by a massive proliferation, subset differentiation, population contraction and the development of a stable memory pool. The transcription factor BATF3 has been shown to play a central role in the development of conventional dendritic cells (cDC1), which in turn are critical for the optimal priming of CD8 T cells. Here we show that BATF3 is expressed within the first days after priming but has long-lasting T cell intrinsic effects. We found that T cells that lack Batf3 show a normal expansion and differentiation, yet succumbed to an aggravated contraction and had a diminished memory response. Vice versa BATF3-overexpression in CD8 T cells promoted their survival and transition to memory. Mechanistically, BATF3 regulates T cell apoptosis and longevity via the proapoptotic factor BIM. By programing CD8 T cell survival and memory, BATF3 is a promising molecule to optimize adoptive T cell therapy in patients.
Project description:Anti-viral CD8 T cell responses are characterized by an initial activation/priming of T lymphocytes followed by a massive proliferation, subset differentiation, population contraction and the development of a stable memory pool. The transcription factor BATF3 has been shown to play a central role in the development of conventional dendritic cells (cDC1), which in turn are critical for the optimal priming of CD8 T cells. Here we show that BATF3 is expressed within the first days after priming but has long-lasting T cell intrinsic effects. We found that T cells that lack Batf3 show a normal expansion and differentiation, yet succumbed to an aggravated contraction and had a diminished memory response. Vice versa BATF3-overexpression in CD8 T cells promoted their survival and transition to memory. Mechanistically, BATF3 regulates T cell apoptosis and longevity via the proapoptotic factor BIM. By programing CD8 T cell survival and memory, BATF3 is a promising molecule to optimize adoptive T cell therapy in patients.
Project description:BATF3 has been shown to inhibit FOXP3 expression in differentiating CD4 T cells, however, the role of IRF4 in this inhibition is unexplored. IRF4 binds DNA weakly on its own and requires interactions with other transcription factors. We investigated how BATF3/IRF4 interactions are necessary for IRF4 binding and BATF3-mediated FOXP3 inhibition.
Project description:Gene expression profiles were compared between L-428 HRS cells transduced with shRNA against AP-1 transcription factor BATF3 and L-428 HRS cells transduced with a non-targeting shRNA as control.
Project description:Batf3-/- mice have impaired development of DC1 . However, DC1 development is restored in Batf3-/- mice containing an Irf8VENUS transgene. Even though DC1 development was restored in these mice, they were still unable to reject a transplanted immunogenic fibrosarcoma, indicating that there are some functions of Batf3-dependent dendritic cells that are not restored by the Irf8VENUS transgene.
