Project description:CD8+ T lymphocytes differentiate from effector to memory cells following antigen clearance, with prolonged IL-2 production characterizing functional cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). To identify transcription factors associated with sustained IL-2 production, we compared influenza virus-specific and cytomegalovirus-specific CTLs, identifying Basic Leucine Zipper ATF-Like Transcription Factor 3 (BATF3) as a key candidate gene. BATF3 overexpression significantly enhanced cell proliferation in both virus-specific CTLs and CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells while reducing cytokine production. ATAC-seq analysis revealed that BATF3 overexpression dynamically regulates chromatin accessibility, affecting diverse cellular processes including cytoskeletal organization, metabolic pathways, and cellular survival signaling. BATF3 specifically facilitated the critical transition from effector to memory phase. These findings establish BATF3 as a master regulator of CD8+ T cell fate determination through dynamic chromatin remodeling mechanisms.
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.