Regulation of T cell hyperactivity in SLE: the negative co-stimulatory molecule PD-1 regulates miR-21 expression in SLE T lymphocytes. (22nd February 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stagakis, E; Bertsias, G; Verginis, P; Nakou, M; Hatziapostolou, Maria; Sidiropoulos, P; Goulielmos, G; Iliopoulos, D; Boumpas, D T
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 71(2012)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A58
• Page End: A58
• Publication Date: 2012-02-22
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2011-201236.18
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Backgroundand objectives: Polymorphisms to PD-1, a negative regulator of T cell function involved in peripheral tolerance, increase the susceptibility to SLE. The authors sought to define the mechanisms involved by exploring its effects on miR-21 expression known to promote T cell hyperactivity in lupus. Materials and methods: PD-1 expression levels were quantified by real time PCR in purified CD4 + T cells. Ambion miRVana Kit and primers were used for the detection of miR-21. T cells were stimulated with plate-bound anti-CD3/anti-CD28 mAb and PDL1.Ig was used for PD-1 crosslinking. Silencing of PD-1 was performed with a specific siRNA. Results: Under basal conditions, freshly isolated T cells from active lupus patients had 2.3-fold higher miR-21 levels compared to healthy T cells. Combined anti-CD3/anti-CD28-stimulation induced higher miR-21 levels in SLE T cells than in controls (mean 4.0-fold vs 1.6-fold, respectively), suggesting aberrant regulation of miR-21 expression in SLE. PD-1 mRNA and miR21 levels correlated with disease activity. There was an inverse correlation between PD-1 mRNA and miR-21 levels in SLE patients (r2=−0.93) suggesting a co-regulation. This was documented by stimulating SLE T cells with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 in the presence or not of PDL1.Ig. PD-1 cross-linking reduced miR-21 levels by 45%. Moreover, silencing of PD-1, using a specific siRNA, was associated with 4.5-fold up-regulation of miR-21. Experiments are underway to elucidate the mechanisms of transcriptional regulation of miR-21 by mediators downstream to PD-1 and to correlate PD-1 genotypes with mir-21 expression. Conclusions: PD-1 may exert its anti-proliferative effects through suppression of miR-21 and breakdown of this pathway in lupus can disturb the balance between immune activation and tolerance. Our data suggest that both genetic and epigenetic factors regulate T cell hyperactivity in SLE.