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Microenvironment-dependent requirement of STAT4 for the induction of P-selectin ligands and effector cytokines on CD4 T cells in healthy and parasite-infected mice

Journal of Immunology, ISSN: 0022-1767, Vol: 177, Issue: 11, Page: 7673-7679
2006
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Article Description

T effector cells require selectin ligands to migrate into inflamed regions. In vitro, IL-12 promotes induction of these ligands as well as differentiation of CD4 T cells into IFN-γ-producing Th1 but not Th2 cells. STAT4 is strongly involved in these processes. However, the presence of selectin ligands on various T effector cell subsets in vivo points to more complex regulatory pathways. To clarify the role of the IL-12/STAT4 signaling pathway, we analyzed the impact of STAT4 deficiency on the expression of P-selectin ligands (P-lig) on CD4 T cells in vitro and in vivo, including conditions of infection. In vitro, we found significant expression of P-lig upon activation not only in the presence, but also in the absence, of IL-12, which was independent of STAT4. TGF-β, an alternative inducer of selectin ligands in human T cells, was not effective in murine CD4 T. cells, suggesting a role of additional signaling pathways. In vivo, a significant impact of STAT4 for the generation of P-ligCD4 T cells was observed for cells from peripheral lymph nodes, but not for those from spleen or lung. However, upon infection with the Th2-inducing parasite Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, P-lig expression became dependent on STAT4 signaling. Interestingly, also the frequency of IL-4-producing cells was greatly diminished in absence of STAT4. These data reveal a hitherto unknown contribution of STAT4 to the generation of Th2 cells in parasite infection and suggest that signals inducing inflammation-seeking properties in vivo vary depending on environmental conditions, such as type of organ and infection. Copyright © 2006 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

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