HIF-1α- and hypoxia-dependent immune responses in human CD4+CD25high T cells and T helper 17 cells.

Thomas Bollinger, Sydney Gies, Julius Naujoks, Lea Feldhoff, Annalena Bollinger, Werner Solbach, Jan Rupp

Abstract

The central oxygen sensitive transcription factor HIF-1α has been implicated in the differentiation of nTreg and Th17 cells and to orchestrate metabolic changes of activated T cells. However, data on the functional relevance of HIF-1α and Hox, in general, for nTreg-suppressive activity and T cell function in primary human cells are still missing. Therefore, we analyzed the effect of Hox and HIF-1α on human Tres, nTreg, and Th17 cells. Under Hox, nTreg-mediated suppression of Tres proliferation, CD25 expression, and secretion of IFN-γ were significantly reduced, whereas expression levels of VEGF, TNF-α, and IL-10 were significantly increased. In contrast to observations in mice, Th17 lineage commitment, as determined by RORγt expression, was not affected by activation or inhibition of HIF-1α expression using DMOG or YC-1 treatment, respectively. Nevertheless, the secretion of IL-17A was increased by DMOG and reduced by YC-1 under Th17-skewing conditions in a dose- dependent manner. In conclusion, Hox and HIF-1α substantially influence human T cell-mediated immune responses by modulation of nTreg-suppressive function and IL-17A secretion by Th17 cells.
Original languageGerman
JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology
Volume96
Issue numberAugust
Pages (from-to)1-8
Number of pages8
ISSN0741-5400
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

Research Areas and Centers

  • Academic Focus: Center for Infection and Inflammation Research (ZIEL)

DFG Research Classification Scheme

  • 2.21-05 Immunology

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