T cell-dependent antibody production is a critical mechanism in host defense to various infections. A new CD4+ T cell subset called T follicular helper (Tfh) cells were found to be present in germinal centers and could be identified by their expression of chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 5 (CXCR5). In addition to CXCR5, other markers have been also reported for Tfh cells, such as costimulatory receptors ICOS, PD-1 and BTLA, IL-21 cytokine and Bcl-6 transcription factor. Simultaneously with two other groups, Chen Dong group previously showed that Bcl6 serves an indispensable role in T cell-mediated germinal center reactions;mice with Bcl6 deficiency in T cells are impaired in germinal center reactions. More recently, using a new Bcl6 reporter mouse, they found that initial CXCR5 upregulation in T cells precedes that of Bcl6 and is not dependent on Bcl6. Following an immune response, Bcl6+ memory T cells are generated. Hai Qi group has used two-photon intravital microscopy to extensively characterize the localization and movement of Tfh cells in germinal centers. We propose for the current study to understand the genetic factors governing Tfh cell generation and memory differentiation in infectious diseases. The central hypothesis is that distinct transcription factors sequentially promote the initiation, maintenance, and memory formation of the follicle- homing, B cell-interacting, and GC-localizing programs that characterize the Tfh lineage in infectious diseases. We will address this hypothesis under three specific aims.
Specific Aim 1, we will understand the mechanism underlying initial CXCR5 upregulation in T cells. In particular, we will study the role of ASCL2 transcription factor, which we recently found to be upregulated in Tfh cells and sufficient in inducing CXCR5 expression.
Specific Aim 2, we will study Bcl6 function in Tfh cell development. We will study if Bcl6 is required for proper localization of T cells and their interaction with B cells. In addition, the direct targets of Bcl6will be sought.
Specific Aim 3, we will investigate the mechanisms of memory Tfh cell generation. We will analyze the factors required for memory Tfh cell generation and maintenance. Overall, our proposed studies combine the unique expertise from Chen Dong and Hai Qi labs in Tfh cells. By using novel genetic and imaging tools, we are in a unique position in defining the fundamental regulatory mechanisms in Tfh cell generation, function and memory differentiation. The results from our work may help understand humoral immunity against various infections.

Public Health Relevance

A new CD4+ T cell subset called T follicular helper (Tfh) cells were found to regulate germinal centers and humoral immunity. We propose for the current study to understand the genetic factors governing Tfh cell generation and memory differentiation. The results from our work may help understand humoral immunity and provides insights into antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AI106654-02
Application #
8686743
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAI1)
Program Officer
Ferguson, Stacy E
Project Start
2013-07-01
Project End
2016-06-30
Budget Start
2014-07-01
Budget End
2015-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Hospitals
DUNS #
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77030
Liu, Xindong; Lu, Huiping; Chen, Tingting et al. (2016) Genome-wide Analysis Identifies Bcl6-Controlled Regulatory Networks during T Follicular Helper Cell Differentiation. Cell Rep 14:1735-1747
Ichiyama, Kenji; Chen, Tingting; Wang, Xiaohu et al. (2015) The methylcytosine dioxygenase Tet2 promotes DNA demethylation and activation of cytokine gene expression in T cells. Immunity 42:613-26
Teichmann, Lino L; Cullen, Jaime L; Kashgarian, Michael et al. (2015) Local triggering of the ICOS coreceptor by CD11c(+) myeloid cells drives organ inflammation in lupus. Immunity 42:552-65
Tanaka, Shinya; Tanaka, Kentaro; Magnusson, Fay et al. (2014) CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein ? negatively regulates IFN-? expression in T cells. J Immunol 193:6152-60
Liu, Xindong; Chen, Xin; Zhong, Bo et al. (2014) Transcription factor achaete-scute homologue 2 initiates follicular T-helper-cell development. Nature 507:513-8
Liu, Xindong; Nurieva, Roza I; Dong, Chen (2013) Transcriptional regulation of follicular T-helper (Tfh) cells. Immunol Rev 252:139-45