Egr2 regulation in T cells is mediated through IFNγ/STAT1 and IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway

• Published in: Pathology, research and practice Vol. 216; no. 12; p. 153259
• Main Authors: Taefehshokr, Nima, Miao, Tizong, Symonds, Alistair L.J., Wang, Ping, Li, Suling
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier GmbH 01.12.2020
• Subjects: Cytokines; Egr2/3; STAT; T cells; Egr2/3; STAT; Cytokines; T cells
• ISSN: 0344-0338; 1618-0631
• DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2020.153259

The immune system is a host defence system to protect the body against foreign invaders. T cells are one of the major components of the immune cells and they are essential for immune responses. Early growth response gene (Egr2) in T cells is important for maintaining immune functions of T cells by promoting adaptive immune responses while controlling inflammation and preventing the development of autoimmune diseases. A study by our group demonstrated the function of Egr2 as a checkpoint regulator controlling the proliferation and differentiation of the T cells. In association, Egr2 and 3 play indispensable role in T cell immune response, but the mechanism regulating Egr2 expression in T cells is still unclear. In this study, we analysed the Egr2 expression mechanism in CD4 T cells under antigen stimulation. We found that Egr2 expression is regulated by different cytokines including IL-2 and IL-4, which increased Egr2 induction in activated T cells. However, inflammatory cytokines, including INFγ and IL-6, suppressed Egr2 expression through STAT1 and STAT3 signalling pathway respectively, highlighting a mechanism for tolergenic immune response on T cells.