2024
An autoimmune transcriptional circuit drives FOXP3+ regulatory T cell dysfunction
Sumida T, Lincoln M, He L, Park Y, Ota M, Oguchi A, Son R, Yi A, Stillwell H, Leissa G, Fujio K, Murakawa Y, Kulminski A, Epstein C, Bernstein B, Kellis M, Hafler D. An autoimmune transcriptional circuit drives FOXP3+ regulatory T cell dysfunction. Science Translational Medicine 2024, 16: eadp1720. PMID: 39196959, DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adp1720.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsForkhead box P3Autoimmune diseasesCD4<sup>+</sup>Foxp3<sup>+</sup> regulatory T cellsMultiple sclerosisFoxp3<sup>+</sup> regulatory T cellsRegulatory T cell dysfunctionPR domain zinc finger protein 1Zinc finger protein 1Glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1Regulatory T cellsT cell dysfunctionDisorder of young adultsAutoimmune disease multiple sclerosisDisease multiple sclerosisExpression of serumTranscriptional circuitsEpigenomic profilingShort isoformPrevent autoimmunityUpstream regulatorT cellsHuman autoimmunityEvolutionary emergenceKinase 1Molecular mechanisms
2023
Regulatory T cells in peripheral tissue tolerance and diseases
Cheru N, Hafler D, Sumida T. Regulatory T cells in peripheral tissue tolerance and diseases. Frontiers In Immunology 2023, 14: 1154575. PMID: 37197653, PMCID: PMC10183596, DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1154575.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsAutoimmune DiseasesForkhead Transcription FactorsHumansIntestinal DiseasesMicePeripheral ToleranceT-Lymphocytes, RegulatoryConceptsTissue-resident TregsRegulatory T cellsT cellsResident TregsTissue TregsAutoimmune diseasesCommon human autoimmune diseasesAutoreactive T cellsHuman autoimmune diseasesNon-immune cellsNon-lymphoid tissuesTissue-resident cellsTreg poolTreg studiesEffector cytokinesPeripheral toleranceTreg functionIPEX syndromeImmune homeostasisSpecific tissue environmentsTregsSuppressive functionLoss of functionResident cellsGene signatureSodium perturbs mitochondrial respiration and induces dysfunctional Tregs
Côrte-Real B, Hamad I, Arroyo Hornero R, Geisberger S, Roels J, Van Zeebroeck L, Dyczko A, van Gisbergen M, Kurniawan H, Wagner A, Yosef N, Weiss S, Schmetterer K, Schröder A, Krampert L, Haase S, Bartolomaeus H, Hellings N, Saeys Y, Dubois L, Brenner D, Kempa S, Hafler D, Stegbauer J, Linker R, Jantsch J, Müller D, Kleinewietfeld M. Sodium perturbs mitochondrial respiration and induces dysfunctional Tregs. Cell Metabolism 2023, 35: 299-315.e8. PMID: 36754020, DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.01.009.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHuman TregsPro-inflammatory featuresLong-term dysfunctionPro-inflammatory signatureMetabolic reprogrammingLong-term functionDysfunctional TregsFoxp3 downregulationPeripheral toleranceMitochondrial respirationMetabolic disturbancesTregsImmune functionAutoimmunityMetabolic fitnessIntracellular NaMitochondrial NaHigh saltMitochondrial metabolismElectron transport chainTranscriptional changesFoxp3DysfunctionBlockade
2022
A multiple sclerosis–protective coding variant reveals an essential role for HDAC7 in regulatory T cells
Axisa P, Yoshida T, Lucca L, Kasler H, Lincoln M, Pham G, Del Priore D, Carpier J, Lucas C, Verdin E, Sumida T, Hafler D. A multiple sclerosis–protective coding variant reveals an essential role for HDAC7 in regulatory T cells. Science Translational Medicine 2022, 14: eabl3651. PMID: 36516268, DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abl3651.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsCD4-Positive T-LymphocytesDisease Models, AnimalGenome-Wide Association StudyHistone DeacetylasesHumansMiceMultiple SclerosisT-Lymphocytes, RegulatoryConceptsExperimental autoimmune encephalitisRegulatory T cellsHistone deacetylase 7Multiple sclerosisT cellsMouse modelFunction of Foxp3CD4 T cellsHigher suppressive capacityVivo modelingAutoimmune encephalitisEAE severityImmunosuppressive subsetAutoimmune diseasesImmunomodulatory roleSuppressive capacityImmune cellsDisease onsetDistinct molecular classesSusceptibility lociGenetic susceptibility lociSingle-cell RNA sequencingDisease riskPatient samplesProtective variants
2021
The double-edged sword: Harnessing PD-1 blockade in tumor and autoimmunity
Kuchroo JR, Hafler DA, Sharpe AH, Lucca LE. The double-edged sword: Harnessing PD-1 blockade in tumor and autoimmunity. Science Immunology 2021, 6: eabf4034. PMID: 34739340, DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abf4034.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsImmune-related adverse eventsPD-1 blockadeRegulatory T cell functionImmune checkpoint blockadeCheckpoint blockade immunotherapyT cell responsesT cell functionBlockade immunotherapyAdverse eventsAntitumor immunityCheckpoint blockadeCell responsesBlockadeCell functionAutoimmunityMechanistic featuresEdged swordImmunotherapyTumorsCancerImmunityOleic acid restores suppressive defects in tissue-resident FOXP3 regulatory T cells from patients with multiple sclerosis
Pompura SL, Wagner A, Kitz A, Laperche J, Yosef N, Dominguez-Villar M, Hafler D. Oleic acid restores suppressive defects in tissue-resident FOXP3 regulatory T cells from patients with multiple sclerosis. Journal Of Clinical Investigation 2021, 131 PMID: 33170805, PMCID: PMC7810477, DOI: 10.1172/jci138519.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultFemaleForkhead Transcription FactorsHumansImmune ToleranceMaleMiddle AgedMultiple SclerosisOleic AcidT-Lymphocytes, RegulatoryConceptsMultiple sclerosisAdipose tissueFoxp3 regulatory T cellsExpression of Foxp3Regulatory T cellsTreg suppressive functionProinflammatory arachidonic acidHuman adipose tissuePhosphorylation of STAT5Treg homeostasisFatty acidsPeripheral bloodTissue residencyHealthy donorsInflammatory signalsT cellsTregsFree fatty acidsSuppressive functionArachidonic acidPatientsOleic acidOxidative phosphorylationTranscriptomic programsFoxp3
2018
Activated β-catenin in Foxp3+ regulatory T cells links inflammatory environments to autoimmunity
Sumida T, Lincoln MR, Ukeje CM, Rodriguez DM, Akazawa H, Noda T, Naito AT, Komuro I, Dominguez-Villar M, Hafler DA. Activated β-catenin in Foxp3+ regulatory T cells links inflammatory environments to autoimmunity. Nature Immunology 2018, 19: 1391-1402. PMID: 30374130, PMCID: PMC6240373, DOI: 10.1038/s41590-018-0236-6.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsProstaglandin E receptor 2Regulatory T cellsTreg cellsT cellsAnti-inflammatory cytokine productionIL-10 productionPeripheral immune toleranceIL-10 expressionΒ-cateninE receptor 2Treg subpopulationsTreg phenotypeIL-10Cytokines IFNImmune toleranceTreg signatureCytokine signatureMultiple sclerosisAutoimmune diseasesCytokine productionInflammatory environmentLethal autoimmunityReceptor 2Activated β-cateninIFNFingolimod modulates T cell phenotype and regulatory T cell plasticity in vivo
Dominguez-Villar M, Raddassi K, Danielsen AC, Guarnaccia J, Hafler DA. Fingolimod modulates T cell phenotype and regulatory T cell plasticity in vivo. Journal Of Autoimmunity 2018, 96: 40-49. PMID: 30122421, PMCID: PMC7882197, DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2018.08.002.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsT cellsMultiple sclerosisT cell effector phenotypeRelapsing-remitting multiple sclerosisRegulatory T cell populationTh1-like phenotypeRegulatory T cellsPro-inflammatory cytokinesT-cell phenotypeT cell populationsExpression of Th1Immune cell functionRegulatory T cell plasticityT cell plasticityCentral nervous systemExpression of markersCell migratory capacityImportant immunomodulatory functionsExcessive Th1Fingolimod treatmentExhaustion markersTh17 cytokinesEffector phenotypeLymph nodesSerum levelsRegulatory T cells in autoimmune disease
Dominguez-Villar M, Hafler DA. Regulatory T cells in autoimmune disease. Nature Immunology 2018, 19: 665-673. PMID: 29925983, PMCID: PMC7882196, DOI: 10.1038/s41590-018-0120-4.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsAutoimmune DiseasesForkhead Transcription FactorsHumansMiceT-Lymphocytes, RegulatoryConceptsAutoimmune diseasesTreg cellsRegulatory T cell biologyRegulatory T cellsNon-immune cellsTreg cell plasticityTreg cell biologyNew therapeutic strategiesT cell biologyTreg cell instabilityDisease outcomeT cellsTherapeutic strategiesDiseaseCell plasticityCell biologyCellsAutoimmunityPathogenesisSpecific tissuesRegulatory T Cells: From Discovery to Autoimmunity
Kitz A, Singer E, Hafler D. Regulatory T Cells: From Discovery to Autoimmunity. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives In Medicine 2018, 8: a029041. PMID: 29311129, PMCID: PMC6280708, DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a029041.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsAutoimmunityCytokinesForkhead Transcription FactorsHumansInterferon-gammaLymphocyte ActivationMiceMultiple SclerosisT-Lymphocyte SubsetsT-Lymphocytes, RegulatoryConceptsAutoreactive T cellsT cellsMultiple sclerosisEffector-like T cellsInterferon γ secretionEffector T cellsRegulatory T cellsTreg cell functionT-bet expressionCentral nervous systemT cell activationFunctional TregsΓ secretionProinflammatory cytokinesVitamin DAutoimmune diseasesGenetic predispositionNervous systemLoss of functionReduced suppressionConsistent findingCell functionDisease developmentActivationCells
2016
AKT isoforms modulate Th1‐like Treg generation and function in human autoimmune disease
Kitz A, de Marcken M, Gautron AS, Mitrovic M, Hafler DA, Dominguez-Villar M. AKT isoforms modulate Th1‐like Treg generation and function in human autoimmune disease. EMBO Reports 2016, 17: 1169-1183. PMID: 27312110, PMCID: PMC4967959, DOI: 10.15252/embr.201541905.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAutoimmune DiseasesBiomarkersCell DifferentiationCytokinesForkhead Transcription FactorsGene Expression ProfilingGene SilencingHumansImmunomodulationInterferon-gammaPhenotypePhosphatidylinositol 3-KinasesProtein IsoformsProto-Oncogene Proteins c-aktSignal TransductionT-Lymphocyte SubsetsT-Lymphocytes, RegulatoryTranscriptomeConceptsAutoimmune diseasesIFNγ secretionHuman TregsGenome-wide gene expression approachUntreated relapsing-remitting MS patientsRelapsing-remitting MS patientsImmune suppressive functionHuman autoimmune diseasesT helper 1Inflammatory cytokines IFNγTreg suppressor functionNovel treatment paradigmEffector phenotypeMS patientsTreg generationCytokines IFNγHelper 1Multiple sclerosisTreatment paradigmSuppressive functionTregsVivo modelDiseaseSecretionSuppressor functionProduction of Proinflammatory Cytokines by Monocytes in Liver-Transplanted Recipients with De Novo Autoimmune Hepatitis Is Enhanced and Induces TH1-like Regulatory T Cells
Arterbery AS, Osafo-Addo A, Avitzur Y, Ciarleglio M, Deng Y, Lobritto SJ, Martinez M, Hafler DA, Kleinewietfeld M, Ekong UD. Production of Proinflammatory Cytokines by Monocytes in Liver-Transplanted Recipients with De Novo Autoimmune Hepatitis Is Enhanced and Induces TH1-like Regulatory T Cells. The Journal Of Immunology 2016, 196: 4040-4051. PMID: 27183637, PMCID: PMC4874532, DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1502276.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRegulatory T cellsIL-12IL-6T cellsSuppressive functionDe novo autoimmune hepatitisHuman regulatory T cellsNovo autoimmune hepatitisProinflammatory IL-12Th17 effector cellsTregs of patientsDifferentiation of TregsIL-17 cytokinesBlockade of IFNMonocyte/macrophage cellsLiver of subjectsAutoimmune hepatitisDominant cytokineProinflammatory IFNTH1-likeIL-17Treg phenotypeTreg dysfunctionEffector cellsInflammatory milieu
2015
Sodium chloride inhibits the suppressive function of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells
Hernandez AL, Kitz A, Wu C, Lowther DE, Rodriguez DM, Vudattu N, Deng S, Herold KC, Kuchroo VK, Kleinewietfeld M, Hafler DA. Sodium chloride inhibits the suppressive function of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells. Journal Of Clinical Investigation 2015, 125: 4212-4222. PMID: 26524592, PMCID: PMC4639983, DOI: 10.1172/jci81151.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdoptive TransferAnimalsAntibodies, NeutralizingAutoimmunityCD4-Positive T-LymphocytesCells, CulturedCoculture TechniquesColitisCytokinesForkhead Transcription FactorsGene Expression ProfilingGenes, ReporterGraft vs Host DiseaseHeterograftsHumansImmediate-Early ProteinsInflammationInterferon-gammaLeukocytes, MononuclearMaleMiceProtein Serine-Threonine KinasesRNA InterferenceRNA, Small InterferingSodium ChlorideSodium Chloride, DietaryT-Lymphocytes, RegulatoryConceptsHigh-salt dietTreg functionIFNγ secretionCD4 effector cellsHuman Treg functionRegulatory T cellsAdoptive transfer modelAnti-IFNγ antibodyHost disease modelType 1 diabetesInduction of proinflammatoryTreg pathwayExperimental colitisXenogeneic graftEffector cellsMultiple sclerosisProinflammatory responseT cellsTregsMurine modelSuppressive activitySuppressive functionSerum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinaseAutoimmunityGlucocorticoid-regulated kinase
2014
Enhanced suppressor function of TIM‐3+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells
Gautron A, Dominguez-Villar M, de Marcken M, Hafler DA. Enhanced suppressor function of TIM‐3+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells. European Journal Of Immunology 2014, 44: 2703-2711. PMID: 24838857, PMCID: PMC4165702, DOI: 10.1002/eji.201344392.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsAntigens, CDCell DifferentiationCTLA-4 AntigenFemaleForkhead Transcription FactorsGene Expression RegulationGranzymesHepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2HumansInterleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist ProteinInterleukin-10InterleukinsLymphocyte Activation Gene 3 ProteinMaleMembrane ProteinsMiceMinor Histocompatibility AntigensReceptors, CCR6STAT3 Transcription FactorTh17 CellsT-Lymphocytes, RegulatoryConceptsTim-3 expressionRegulatory T cellsTreg cellsTim-3T cellsNatural regulatory T cellsMucin domain 3Number of TIMTh17 cell responseEffector T cellsT cell suppressionHuman Treg cellsT-cell immunoglobulinAnti-CD28 stimulationT cell differentiationSTAT-3 expressionPathogenic Th1Th17 cellsTc1 cellsImmune toleranceTh1 cellsLevel of expressionReduced gene expressionGene expressionSuppressor functionRegulatory T cells in autoimmune neuroinflammation
Kleinewietfeld M, Hafler DA. Regulatory T cells in autoimmune neuroinflammation. Immunological Reviews 2014, 259: 231-244. PMID: 24712469, PMCID: PMC3990868, DOI: 10.1111/imr.12169.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsAutoimmune DiseasesForkhead Transcription FactorsHumansMultiple SclerosisNeurogenic InflammationT-Lymphocyte SubsetsT-Lymphocytes, RegulatoryConceptsRegulatory T cellsT cellsAutoimmune neuroinflammationMultiple sclerosisRegulatory type 1 (Tr1) cellsForkhead box protein 3Natural Treg cellsBox protein 3Experimental animal modelsT helper cell lineagesType 1 cellsTr1 cellsTreg cellsPeripheral toleranceAnimal modelsSpecific subtypesNeuroinflammationProtein 3SubtypesCell typesCell lineagesCellsTregsSclerosisTreg Cells Expressing the Coinhibitory Molecule TIGIT Selectively Inhibit Proinflammatory Th1 and Th17 Cell Responses
Joller N, Lozano E, Burkett PR, Patel B, Xiao S, Zhu C, Xia J, Tan TG, Sefik E, Yajnik V, Sharpe AH, Quintana FJ, Mathis D, Benoist C, Hafler DA, Kuchroo VK. Treg Cells Expressing the Coinhibitory Molecule TIGIT Selectively Inhibit Proinflammatory Th1 and Th17 Cell Responses. Immunity 2014, 40: 569-581. PMID: 24745333, PMCID: PMC4070748, DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2014.02.012.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsCell ProliferationCells, CulturedCytokinesEosinophilsFibrinogenForkhead Transcription FactorsGene Expression ProfilingGene Expression RegulationImmunosuppression TherapyLymphocyte ActivationMiceMice, Inbred C57BLMice, KnockoutMice, TransgenicReceptors, ImmunologicRespiratory HypersensitivityT-Lymphocyte SubsetsT-Lymphocytes, RegulatoryTh1-Th2 BalanceConceptsTreg cell subsetsTh2 cell responsesTreg cellsCell subsetsCell responsesProinflammatory T helper 1T effector cell proliferationTreg cell-mediated suppressionFibrinogen-like protein 2Allergic airway inflammationT regulatory (Treg) cellsTh2 cytokine productionSuppression of Th1T helper 1Effector cell proliferationTreg signature genesProinflammatory Th1TIGIT expressionAirway inflammationTh17 cellsRegulatory cellsHelper 1Cytokine productionT cellsImmune response
2013
The plasticity of human Treg and Th17 cells and its role in autoimmunity
Kleinewietfeld M, Hafler DA. The plasticity of human Treg and Th17 cells and its role in autoimmunity. Seminars In Immunology 2013, 25: 305-312. PMID: 24211039, PMCID: PMC3905679, DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2013.10.009.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsAutoimmunityCell CommunicationHumansMultiple SclerosisTh17 CellsT-Lymphocyte SubsetsT-Lymphocytes, RegulatoryConceptsTh17 cellsT cellsMultiple sclerosisAutoimmune diseasesImmune systemPlasticity of TregsEffector T cellsRegulatory T cellsEffector cell populationsHuman autoimmune diseasesT cell subpopulationsT helper cellsParticular multiple sclerosisT cell plasticityHigh gradeInnate immune systemAdaptive immune systemStrength of stimulationT cell developmentHuman TregsHelper cellsImmune responseImmune reactionsNaive cellsTregsSpecific peripheral B cell tolerance defects in patients with multiple sclerosis
Kinnunen T, Chamberlain N, Morbach H, Cantaert T, Lynch M, Preston-Hurlburt P, Herold KC, Hafler DA, O’Connor K, Meffre E. Specific peripheral B cell tolerance defects in patients with multiple sclerosis. Journal Of Clinical Investigation 2013, 123: 2737-2741. PMID: 23676463, PMCID: PMC3668812, DOI: 10.1172/jci68775.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAntigens, CDAutoantigensB-LymphocytesCase-Control StudiesFlow CytometryHumansMultiple SclerosisPeripheral ToleranceT-Lymphocytes, RegulatoryConceptsB cell tolerance checkpointsB cell tolerance defectsMultiple sclerosisRheumatoid arthritisTolerance checkpointsB cellsPeripheral B cell tolerance checkpointsTolerance defectsAutoreactive B cell clonesMature naive B cellsType 1 diabetesAutoreactive B cellsB cell toleranceCentral nervous systemNaive B cellsB cell clonesB cell selectionEarly B cell developmentIPEX patientsMost patientsTreg functionHomeostatic proliferationAutoimmune diseasesPatientsHealthy individuals
2012
Regulatory T cells in the central nervous system
Lowther DE, Hafler DA. Regulatory T cells in the central nervous system. Immunological Reviews 2012, 248: 156-169. PMID: 22725960, DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.2012.01130.x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsCentral Nervous SystemCerebrovascular DisordersGliomaHumansMultiple SclerosisT-Lymphocytes, RegulatoryConceptsRegulatory T cellsTreg functionAutoimmune diseasesT cellsForkhead box protein 3Central nervous system diseaseBox protein 3Nervous system diseasesCentral nervous systemPotential therapeutic targetHuman immune systemTreg biologyPeripheral toleranceMultiple sclerosisCNS diseaseImmune surveillanceImmune responseSystem diseasesTherapeutic targetNervous systemImmune systemProtein 3DiseaseTregsCellsMultiple sclerosis
Nylander A, Hafler DA. Multiple sclerosis. Journal Of Clinical Investigation 2012, 122: 1180-1188. PMID: 22466660, PMCID: PMC3314452, DOI: 10.1172/jci58649.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAllelesAutoantigensAutoimmune DiseasesB-Lymphocyte SubsetsCostimulatory and Inhibitory T-Cell ReceptorsCytokinesForecastingForkhead Transcription FactorsGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseGenome-Wide Association StudyHumansLymphocyte ActivationMeningesModels, ImmunologicalMultiple SclerosisT-Lymphocyte SubsetsT-Lymphocytes, RegulatoryConceptsMultiple sclerosisImmunopathology of MSMultifocal demyelinating diseasePersistence of antigenMS prognosisDemyelinating diseaseOligoclonal expansionAutoimmune responseLymphoid folliclesHumoral responseT cellsTreatment decisionsInfectious agentsSusceptible individualsProgressive neurodegenerationCommon genetic variantsPathway disruptionPresent recent dataSclerosisRecent dataDisease susceptibilityAntigenGenetic variantsImmunopathologyPrognosis