Ets1 Promotes the Differentiation of Post-Selected iNKT Cells through Regulation of the Expression of Vα14Jα18 T Cell Receptor and PLZF

Abstract

The transcription factor Ets1 is essential for the development/differentiation of invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells at multiple stages. However, its mechanisms of action and target genes in iNKT cells are still elusive. Here, we show that Ets1 is required for the optimal expression of the Vα14Jα18 T cell receptor (TCR) in post-selected thymic iNKT cells and their immediate differentiation. Ets1 is also critical for maintaining the peripheral homeostasis of iNKT cells, which is a role independent of the expression of the Vα14Jα18 TCR. Genome-wide transcriptomic analyses of post-selected iNKT cells further reveal that Ets1 controls leukocytes activation, proliferation differentiation, and leukocyte-mediated immunity. In addition, Ets1 regulates the expression of ICOS and PLZF in iNKT cells. More importantly, restoring the expression of PLZF and the Vα14Jα18 TCR partially rescues the differentiation of iNKT cells in the absence of Ets1. Taken together, our results establish a detailed molecular picture of how Ets1 regulates the stepwise differentiation of iNKT cells.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Nov 11, 2021
Source ID
10.3390/ijms222212199

Entities

People

  • Chia-wei Liu
  • Chih-chun Liu
  • Huang-Yu Yang
  • I-cheng Ho
  • Tzong-Shyuan Tai
  • Wan-chu Chuang
  • Ya-ting Chuang
  • Yu-wen Huang

Organizations

  • Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
  • National Science and Technology Council
  • National Taiwan University
  • United States Department of Defense

Tags

Readers

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics