The divergent outcome of IL-4Rα signalling on Foxp3 T regulatory cells in listeriosis and tuberculosis.

INTRODUCTION

Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) T regulatory cells are critical for maintaining self-tolerance, immune homeostasis, and regulating the immune system.

METHODS

We investigated interleukin-4 receptor alpha (IL-4Rα) signalling on T regulatory cells (Tregs) during () infection using a mouse model on a BALB/c background, specifically with IL-4Rα knockdown in Tregs (Foxp3IL-4Rα).

RESULTS

We showed an impairment of Treg responses, along with a decreased bacterial burden and diminished tissue pathology in the liver and spleen, which translated into better survival. Mechanistically, we observed an enhancement of the Th1 signature, characterised by increased expression of the T-bet transcription factor and a greater number of effector T cells producing IFN-γ, IL-2 following stimulation with heat-killed in Foxp3IL-4Rα mice. Furthermore, CD8 T cells from Foxp3IL-4Rα mice displayed increased cytotoxicity (Granzyme-B) with higher proliferation capacity (Ki-67), better survival (Bcl-2) with concomitant reduced apoptosis (activated caspase 3). In contrast to , Foxp3IL-4Rα mice displayed similar bacterial burdens, lung pathology and survival during () infection, despite increased T cell numbers and IFN-γ, TNF and IL-17 production.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that the diminished IL-4Rα signalling on Foxp3+ T regulatory cells resulted in a loss of their functionality, leading to survival benefits in listeriosis but not in tuberculosis.