DRAK2 contributes to type 1 diabetes by negatively regulating IL-2 sensitivity to alter regulatory T cell development

Drak2-deficient (Drak2^-/-) mice are resistant to multiple models of autoimmunity yet effectively eliminate pathogens and tumors. Thus, DRAK2 represents a potential target to treat autoimmune diseases. However, the mechanisms by which DRAK2 contributes to autoimmunity, particularly type 1 diabetes (T1D), remain unresolved. Here, we demonstrate that resistance to T1D in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice is due to the absence of Drak2 in T cells and requires the presence of regulatory T cells (T_regs). Contrary to previous hypotheses, we show that DRAK2 does not limit TCR signaling. Rather, DRAK2 regulates IL-2 signaling by inhibiting STAT5A phosphorylation. We further demonstrate that enhanced sensitivity to IL-2 in the absence of Drak2 augments thymic T_reg development. Overall, our data indicate that DRAK2 contributes to autoimmunity in multiple ways by regulating thymic T_reg development and by impacting the sensitivity of conventional T cells to T_reg-mediated suppression.