Cytokine Regulation in Human CD4 T Cells by the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Gq-Coupled Receptors

Sci Rep. 2018 Jul 19;8(1):10954. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-29262-4.

Abstract

Th17 cells contribute to host defense on mucosal surfaces but also provoke autoimmune diseases when directed against self-antigens. Identifying therapeutic targets that regulate Th17 cell differentiation and/or cytokine production has considerable value. Here, we study the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-dependent transcriptome in human CD4 T cells treated with Th17-inducing cytokines. We show that the AhR reciprocally regulates IL-17 and IL-22 production in human CD4 T cells. Global gene expression analysis revealed that AhR ligation decreased IL21 expression, correlating with delayed upregulation of RORC during culture with Th17-inducing cytokines. Several of the AhR-dependent genes have known roles in cellular assembly, organization, development, growth and proliferation. We further show that expression of GPR15, GPR55 and GPR68 positively correlates with IL-22 production in the presence of the AhR agonist FICZ. Activation of GPR68 with the lorazepam derivative ogerin resulted in suppression of IL-22 and IL-10 secretion by T cells, with no effect on IL-17. Under neutral Th0 conditions, ogerin and the Gq/11 receptor inhibitor YM254890 blunted IL-22 induction by FICZ. These data reveal the AhR-dependent transcriptome in human CD4 T cells and suggest the mechanism through which the AhR regulates T cell function may be partially dependent on Gq-coupled receptors including GPR68.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • Cytokines / pharmacology
  • Down-Regulation
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-17 / genetics
  • Interleukin-22
  • Interleukins / genetics
  • Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics*
  • Receptors, Peptide / genetics
  • Th17 Cells / immunology*
  • Th17 Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • GPR15 protein, human
  • GPR55 protein, human
  • GPR68 protein, human
  • Interleukin-17
  • Interleukins
  • Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Receptors, Peptide