PKC-ѳ is dispensable for OX40L-induced TCR-independent Treg proliferation but contributes by enabling IL-2 production from effector T-cells

Sci Rep. 2017 Jul 26;7(1):6594. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-05254-8.

Abstract

We have previously shown that OX40L/OX40 interaction is critical for TCR-independent selective proliferation of Foxp3+ Tregs, but not Foxp3- effector T-cells (Teff), when CD4+ T-cells are co-cultured with GM-CSF derived bone marrow dendritic cells (G-BMDCs). Events downstream of OX40L/OX40 interaction in Tregs responsible for this novel mechanism are not understood. Earlier, OX40L/OX40 interaction has been shown to stimulate CD4+ T-cells through the formation of a signalosome involving TRAF2/PKC-Ѳ leading to NF-kB activation. In this study, using CD4+ T-cells from WT and OX40-/- mice we first established that OX40 mediated activation of NF-kB was critical for this Treg proliferation. Although CD4+ T-cells from PKC-Ѳ-/- mice were also defective in G-BMDC induced Treg proliferation ex vivo, this defect could be readily corrected by adding exogenous IL-2 to the co-cultures. Furthermore, by treating WT, OX40-/-, and PKC-Ѳ-/- mice with soluble OX40L we established that OX40L/OX40 interaction was required and sufficient to induce Treg proliferation in vivo independent of PKC-Ѳ status. Although PKC-Ѳ is dispensable for TCR-independent Treg proliferation per se, it is essential for optimum IL-2 production by Teff cells. Finally, our findings suggest that OX40L binding to OX40 likely results in recruitment of TRAF1 for downstream signalling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation*
  • Interleukin-2 / metabolism*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • OX40 Ligand
  • Protein Kinase C-theta / deficiency
  • Protein Kinase C-theta / metabolism*
  • Receptors, OX40 / deficiency
  • Receptors, OX40 / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / physiology*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • Interleukin-2
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • NF-kappa B
  • OX40 Ligand
  • Receptors, OX40
  • Tnfrsf4 protein, mouse
  • Tnfsf4 protein, mouse
  • Tumor Necrosis Factors
  • Prkcq protein, mouse
  • Protein Kinase C-theta