A genetic screen in macrophages identifies new regulators of IFNγ-inducible MHCII that contribute to T cell activation

Cytokine-mediated activation of host immunity is central to the control of pathogens. Interferon-gamma (IFNγ) is a key cytokine in protective immunity that induces major histocompatibility complex class II molecules (MHCII) to amplify CD4+ T cell activation and effector function. Despite its central...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Michael C Kiritsy, Laurisa M Ankley, Justin Trombley, Gabrielle P Huizinga, Audrey E Lord, Pontus Orning, Roland Elling, Katherine A Fitzgerald, Andrew J Olive
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: eLife Sciences Publications Ltd 2021-11-01
Series:eLife
Subjects:
Online Access:https://elifesciences.org/articles/65110
Description
Summary:Cytokine-mediated activation of host immunity is central to the control of pathogens. Interferon-gamma (IFNγ) is a key cytokine in protective immunity that induces major histocompatibility complex class II molecules (MHCII) to amplify CD4+ T cell activation and effector function. Despite its central role, the dynamic regulation of IFNγ-induced MHCII is not well understood. Using a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screen in murine macrophages, we identified genes that control MHCII surface expression. Mechanistic studies uncovered two parallel pathways of IFNγ-mediated MHCII control that require the multifunctional glycogen synthase kinase three beta (GSK3β) or the mediator complex subunit 16 (MED16). Both pathways control distinct aspects of the IFNγ response and are necessary for IFNγ-mediated induction of the MHCII transactivator Ciita, MHCII expression, and CD4+ T cell activation. Our results define previously unappreciated regulation of MHCII expression that is required to control CD4+ T cell responses.
ISSN:2050-084X