Neuronal IFN-beta-induced PI3K/Akt-FoxA1 signalling is essential for generation of FoxA1(+)Treg cells

Yawei Liu, Andrea Marin, Patrick Ejlerskov, Louise Munk Rasmussen, Marco Prinz, Shohreh Issazadeh-Navikas

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Abstract

Neurons reprogramme encephalitogenic T cells (Tenc) to regulatory T cells (Tregs), either FoxP3(+)Tregs or FoxA1(+)Tregs. We reported previously that neuronal ability to generate FoxA1(+)Tregs was central to preventing neuroinflammation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Mice lacking interferon (IFN)-β were defective in generating FoxA1(+)Tregs in the brain. Here we show that lack of neuronal IFNβ signalling is associated with the absence of programme death ligand-1 (PDL1), which prevents their ability to reprogramme Tenc cells to FoxA1(+)Tregs. Passive transfer-EAE via IFNβ-competent Tenc cells to mice lacking IFNβ and active induced-EAE in mice lacking its receptor, IFNAR, in the brain (Nes(Cre):Ifnar(fl/fl)) result in defective FoxA1(+)Tregs generation and aggravated neuroinflammation. IFNβ activates neuronal PI3K/Akt signalling and Akt binds to transcription factor FoxA1 that translocates to the nucleus and induces PDL1. Conversely, inhibition of PI3K/Akt, FoxA1 and PDL1 blocked neuronal ability to generate FoxA1(+)Tregs. We characterize molecular factors central for neuronal ability to reprogramme pathogenic T cells to FoxA1(+)Tregs preventing neuroinflammation.

Original languageEnglish
Article number14709
JournalNature Communications
Volume8
Number of pages15
ISSN2041-1723
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Apr 2017

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