Overproduction of IL-2 by Cbl-b deficient CD4+ T cells provides resistance against regulatory T cells

SJ Han, DC Chung, M St. Paul, ZQ Liu… - …, 2020 - Taylor & Francis
SJ Han, DC Chung, M St. Paul, ZQ Liu, C Garcia-Batres, AR Elford, CW Tran, L Chapatte…
Oncoimmunology, 2020Taylor & Francis
Regulatory T cells are integral to the regulation of autoimmune and anti-tumor immune
responses. However, several studies have suggested that changes in T cell signaling
networks can result in T cells that are resistant to the suppressive effects of regulatory T
cells. Here, we investigated the role of Cbl-b, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, in establishing
resistance to Treg-mediated suppression. We found that the absence of Cbl-b, a negative
regulator of multiple TCR signaling pathways, rendered T cells impartial to Treg suppression …
Abstract
Regulatory T cells are integral to the regulation of autoimmune and anti-tumor immune responses. However, several studies have suggested that changes in T cell signaling networks can result in T cells that are resistant to the suppressive effects of regulatory T cells. Here, we investigated the role of Cbl-b, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, in establishing resistance to Treg-mediated suppression. We found that the absence of Cbl-b, a negative regulator of multiple TCR signaling pathways, rendered T cells impartial to Treg suppression by regulating cytokine networks leading to improved anti-tumor immunity despite the presence of Treg cells in the tumor. Specifically, Cbl-b KO CD4+FoxP3 T cells hyper-produced IL-2 and together with IL-2 Rα upregulation served as an essential mechanism to escape suppression by Treg cells. Furthermore, we report that IL-2 serves as the central molecule required for cytokine-induced Treg resistance. Collectively our data emphasize the role of IL-2 as a key mechanism that renders CD4+ T cells resistant to the inhibitory effects of Treg cells.
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