Bhlhe40 controls cytokine production by T cells and is essential for pathogenicity in autoimmune neuroinflammation

Chih Chung Lin, Tara R. Bradstreet, Elizabeth A. Schwarzkopf, Julia Sim, Javier A. Carrero, Chun Chou, Lindsey E. Cook, Takeshi Egawa, Reshma Taneja, Theresa L. Murphy, John H. Russell, Brian T. Edelson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

130 Scopus citations

Abstract

T H 1 and T H 17 cells mediate neuroinflammation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Pathogenic T H cells in EAE must produce the pro-inflammatory cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). T H cell pathogenicity in EAE is also regulated by cell-intrinsic production of the immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10). Here we demonstrate that mice deficient for the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor Bhlhe40 (Bhlhe40 -/-) are resistant to the induction of EAE. Bhlhe40 is required in vivo in a T cell-intrinsic manner, where it positively regulates the production of GM-CSF and negatively regulates the production of IL-10. In vitro, GM-CSF secretion is selectively abrogated in polarized Bhlhe40 -/- T H 1 and T H 17 cells, and these cells show increased production of IL-10. Blockade of IL-10 receptor in Bhlhe40 -/- mice renders them susceptible to EAE. These findings identify Bhlhe40 as a critical regulator of autoreactive T-cell pathogenicity.

Original languageEnglish
Article number3551
JournalNature communications
Volume5
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 3 2014

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Bhlhe40 controls cytokine production by T cells and is essential for pathogenicity in autoimmune neuroinflammation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this