Extracellular NAD+ shapes the Foxp3+ regulatory T cell compartment through the ART2-P2X7 pathway

J Exp Med. 2010 Nov 22;207(12):2561-8. doi: 10.1084/jem.20091154. Epub 2010 Oct 25.

Abstract

CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells (T reg cells) play a major role in the control of immune responses but the factors controlling their homeostasis and function remain poorly characterized. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) released during cell damage or inflammation results in ART2.2-mediated ADP-ribosylation of the cytolytic P2X7 receptor on T cells. We show that T reg cells express the ART2.2 enzyme and high levels of P2X7 and that T reg cells can be depleted by intravenous injection of NAD(+). Moreover, lower T reg cell numbers are found in mice deficient for the NAD-hydrolase CD38 than in wild-type, P2X7-deficient, or ART2-deficient mice, indicating a role for extracellular NAD(+) in T reg cell homeostasis. Even routine cell preparation leads to release of NAD(+) in sufficient quantities to profoundly affect T reg cell viability, phenotype, and function. We demonstrate that T reg cells can be protected from the deleterious effects of NAD(+) by an inhibitory ART2.2-specific single domain antibody. Furthermore, selective depletion of T reg cells by systemic administration of NAD(+) can be used to promote an antitumor response in several mouse tumor models. Collectively, our data demonstrate that NAD(+) influences survival, phenotype, and function of T reg cells and provide proof of principle that acting on the ART2-P2X7 pathway represents a new strategy to manipulate T reg cells in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ADP Ribose Transferases / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / analysis*
  • L-Selectin / physiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • NAD / analysis
  • NAD / physiology*
  • Phosphatidylserines / metabolism
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X7 / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / physiology*

Substances

  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Foxp3 protein, mouse
  • Phosphatidylserines
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X7
  • NAD
  • L-Selectin
  • ADP Ribose Transferases
  • Art2b protein, mouse