Ca super(2) super(+) signaling down-regulates TGF- beta 1 gene expression in CD4 super(+) T cells

• Published in: Biochemical and biophysical research communications Vol. 327; no. 2; pp. 494 - 499
• Main Authors: Kohyama, M, Yasogi, Y, Nakano, N, Ise, W, Kaminogawa, S, Hozumi, N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 11.02.2005
• ISSN: 0006-291X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.12.029

In the immune system, TGF- beta 1 exerts two major functions, anti-inflammatory and immuno-suppressive effects. This work aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of the TGF- beta 1 gene expression in CD4 super(+) T cells. The TGF- beta 1 gene expresses three transcripts of 2.5, 1.9, and 1.4kb. The 1.9kb mRNA which has the highest translation activity was the major transcript. The relationship between T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation and the expression of the gene was investigated. TCR stimulation with a low dose of antigen peptide enhanced the gene expression, whereas a higher dose suppressed the expression. TCR stimulation activates PKC/MAPK and Ca super(2) super(+) signaling pathways. PMA increased the gene expression, whereas ionomycin decreased the gene expression, markedly. The results indicate that Ca super(2) super(+) signaling down-regulates TGF- beta 1 gene expression. The molecular regulation of TGF- beta 1 gene expression is unique when comparing to other cytokine genes which are generally activated by Ca super(2) super(+) signaling.