Pak2 is essential for the function of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells through maintaining a suppressive Treg phenotype

Sci Rep. 2017 Dec 6;7(1):17097. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-17078-7.

Abstract

Foxp3, a key transcription factor that drives lineage differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), was thought to imprint a unique and irreversible genetic signature within Tregs. Recent evidence, however, suggests that loss or attenuation of Foxp3 expression can cause Tregs to de-differentiate into effector T cells capable of producing proinflammatory cytokines. Herein, we report that the signaling kinase, p21-activated kinase 2 (Pak2), is essential for maintaining Treg stability and suppressive function. Loss of Pak2, specifically in Tregs, resulted in reduced expression of multiple Treg functional molecules, including Foxp3, CD25, Nrp-1 and CTLA-4, coupled with a loss of Treg suppressive function in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, Pak2-deficient Tregs gained expression of Th2-associated cytokines and the transcription factor, Gata3, becoming Th2-like cells, explaining their inability to regulate immune responses. Collectively, these findings suggest Pak2 as an important signaling molecule for guarding against aberrant immune responses through regulating the stability of Foxp3+ Tregs and maintaining a suppressive Treg phenotype.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • CTLA-4 Antigen / metabolism
  • Cytokines / blood
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • GATA3 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Immunoglobulins / blood
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Phenotype
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism*
  • Th2 Cells / cytology
  • Th2 Cells / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism
  • p21-Activated Kinases / deficiency
  • p21-Activated Kinases / genetics*
  • p21-Activated Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • CTLA-4 Antigen
  • Ctla4 protein, mouse
  • Cytokines
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Foxp3 protein, mouse
  • GATA3 Transcription Factor
  • Gata3 protein, mouse
  • Immunoglobulins
  • Pak2 protein, mouse
  • p21-Activated Kinases