Glucocorticoids Drive Diurnal Oscillations in T Cell Distribution and Responses by Inducing Interleukin-7 Receptor and CXCR4

DOI HANDLE Web Site Web Site 16 Citations 45 References Open Access

Abstract

Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones with strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects that are produced in a diurnal fashion. Although glucocorticoids have the potential to induce interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) expression in T cells, whether they control T cell homeostasis and responses at physiological concentrations remains unclear. We found that glucocorticoid receptor signaling induces IL-7R expression in mouse T cells by binding to an enhancer of the IL-7Ra locus, with a peak at midnight and a trough at midday. This diurnal induction of IL-7R supported the survival of T cells and their redistribution between lymph nodes, spleen, and blood by controlling expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4. In mice, T cell accumulation in the spleen at night enhanced immune responses against soluble antigens and systemic bacterial infection. Our results reveal the immunoenhancing role of glucocorticoids in adaptive immunity and provide insight into how immune function is regulated by the diurnal rhythm.

Journal

  • Immunity

    Immunity 48 (2), 286-298.e6, 2018-02-20

    Elsevier BV

Citations (16)*help

See more

References(45)*help

See more

Related Projects

See more

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top