Time-dependent regulation of cytokine production by RNA binding proteins defines T cell effector function

Branka Popović, Benoît P. Nicolet, Aurélie Guislain, Sander Engels, Anouk P. Jurgens, Natali Paravinja, Julian J. Freen-van Heeren, Floris P. J. van Alphen, Maartje van den Biggelaar, Fiamma Salerno, Monika C. Wolkers

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Potent T cell responses against infections and malignancies require a rapid yet tightly regulated production of toxic effector molecules. Their production level is defined by post-transcriptional events at 3′ untranslated regions (3′ UTRs). RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are key regulators in this process. With an RNA aptamer-based capture assay, we identify >130 RBPs interacting with IFNG, TNF, and IL2 3′ UTRs in human T cells. RBP-RNA interactions show plasticity upon T cell activation. Furthermore, we uncover the intricate and time-dependent regulation of cytokine production by RBPs: whereas HuR supports early cytokine production, ZFP36L1, ATXN2L, and ZC3HAV1 dampen and shorten the production duration, each at different time points. Strikingly, even though ZFP36L1 deletion does not rescue the dysfunctional phenotype, tumor-infiltrating T cells produce more cytokines and cytotoxic molecules, resulting in superior anti-tumoral T cell responses. Our findings thus show that identifying RBP-RNA interactions reveals key modulators of T cell responses in health and disease.
Original languageEnglish
Article number112419
JournalCell reports
Volume42
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 May 2023

Keywords

  • ATXN2L
  • CP: Immunology
  • HuR
  • RNA binding proteins
  • ZC3HAV1
  • ZFP36L1
  • cytokines
  • human T cells
  • post-transcriptional regulation
  • tumor-infiltrating T cells

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