Calcineurin (CN) is a phosphatase that activates nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). While the CN inhibitors cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus (FK506) can prevent graft rejection, they also cause inflammatory diseases. We investigated the role of calcineurin using mice deficient in the CN catalytic subunit Aβ (CNAβ). Cnab−/− mice exhibit defective thymocyte maturation, splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. Further, as Cnab−/− mice age, they exhibit spontaneous T-cell activation and enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, and IFNγ). FOXP3+ Treg cells were significantly decreased in Cnab−/− mice likely contributing to increased T-cell activation. Interestingly, we found that CNAβ is critical for promotion of BCL-2 expression in FOXP3+ Treg and for permitting TGFβ signaling, as TGFβ induces FOXP3 in control but not in Cnab−/− T-cells. Together, these data suggest that CNAβ is important for the production and maintenance of Treg cells and to ensure mature T-cell quiescence.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.