Project description:Persistent viral infections and tumors drive development of exhausted T (TEX) cells. In these settings, TEX cells establish an important host-pathogen or host-tumor stalemate. However, TEX cells erode over time, leading to loss of pathogen or cancer containment. We identified microRNA (miR)-155 as a key regulator of sustained TEX cell responses during chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. Genetic deficiency of miR-155 ablated CD8 T cell responses during chronic infection. Conversely, enhanced miR-155 expression promoted expansion and long-term persistence of TEX cells. However, rather than strictly antagonizing exhaustion, miR-155 promoted a terminal TEX cell subset. Transcriptional profiling identified coordinated control of cell signaling and transcription factor pathways, including the key AP-1 family member Fosl2. Overexpression of Fosl2 reversed the miR-155 effects, identifying a link between miR-155 and the AP-1 transcriptional program in regulating TEX cells. Thus, we identify a mechanism of miR-155 regulation of TEX cells and a key role for Fosl2 in T cell exhaustion.
Project description:MicroRNA 155 (miR-155) has been shown to regulate the gene expression of important players of physiological and pathological processes, like hematopoietic lineage differentiation, immunity and inflammation, viral infections, cancer and cardiovascular diseases, among others. Degranulation is an event in which mast cells, upon activation of the FceRI, release their granule content rich in vasoactive amines, proteases and TNFa. Additionally activation of the receptor promotes de novo synthesis of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Analysis of bone marrow derived mast cells (BMMC) deficient in miR-155 showed a significant increase in FceRI mediated degranulation and in the release of cytokines like TNFa, IL-6 and IL-13. In addition miR 155-/- mice presented higher anaphylaxis reactions compared to WT mice. Gene expression analysis of BMMC was performed in order to identify intermediaries of FceRI mediated degranulation under the control of miR-155. The results indicate that miR-155 regulates negatively the expression of the regulatory subunits of the kinase PI3Kgamma, Pik3r5 (p101) and Pik3r6 (p84, p87PIKAP), involved in Ca+ influx and degranulation.
Project description:MicroRNA 155 (miR-155) has been shown to regulate the gene expression of important players of physiological and pathological processes, like hematopoietic lineage differentiation, immunity and inflammation, viral infections, cancer and cardiovascular diseases, among others. Degranulation is an event in which mast cells, upon activation of the FceRI, release their granule content rich in vasoactive amines, proteases and TNFa. Additionally activation of the receptor promotes de novo synthesis of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Analysis of bone marrow derived mast cells (BMMC) deficient in miR-155 showed a significant increase in FceRI mediated degranulation and in the release of cytokines like TNFa, IL-6 and IL-13. In addition miR 155-/- mice presented higher anaphylaxis reactions compared to WT mice. Gene expression analysis of BMMC was performed in order to identify intermediaries of FceRI mediated degranulation under the control of miR-155. The results indicate that miR-155 regulates negatively the expression of the regulatory subunits of the kinase PI3Kgamma, Pik3r5 (p101) and Pik3r6 (p84, p87PIKAP), involved in Ca+ influx and degranulation. Total RNA from 3 independent cultures of WT and miR-155-/- BMMC treated with anti-DNP IgE and 20 ng/ml DNP-HSA for 1hr were used to performed gene expression analysis using the Affymetrix GenechipM-BM-. Mouse Gene 1.0 ST