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SYNTAXIN-11 (STX11) is a SNARE protein that mediates the fusion of cytotoxic granules with the plasma membrane at the immunological synapses of CD8 T or NK cells. Autosomal recessive inheritance of deleterious STX11 variants impairs cytotoxic granule exocytosis, causing familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 4 (FHL-4). In several FHL-4 patients, we also observed hypogammaglobulinemia, elevated frequencies of naive B cells, and increased double-negative DN2:DN1 B cell ratios, indicating a hitherto unrecognized role of STX11 in humoral immunity. Detailed analysis of Stx11-deficient mice revealed impaired CD4 T cell help for B cells, associated with disrupted germinal center formation, reduced isotype class switching, and low antibody avidity. Mechanistically, Stx11-/- CD4 T cells exhibit impaired membrane fusion leading to reduced CD107a and CD40L surface mobilization and diminished IL-2 and IL-10 secretion. Our findings highlight a critical role of STX11 in SNARE-mediated membrane trafficking and vesicle exocytosis in CD4 T cells, important for successful CD4 T cell-B cell interactions. Deficiency in STX11 impairs CD4 T cell-dependent B cell differentiation and humoral responses., (© 2024 Kögl et al.)

We studied the impact of various infectious and proinflammatory agents on the induction of peripheral T cell tolerance. Adoptive transfer of CD8+ T cells from lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) T cell receptor transgenic mice into LCMV antigen transgenic mice expressing the LCMV glycoprotein epitope (gp) 33-41 under control of a major histocompatibility complex class I promoter led to efficient induction of peripheral tolerance after a period of transient activation. If, however, the recipient mice were challenged with viral or bacterial infections or proinflammatory agents (lipopolysaccharide or Poly:IC) early after cell transfer, tolerance induction was prevented and instead, CD8+ T cell activation leading to vigorous expansion and generation of cytolytic activity ensued. This became manifest in significant immunopathology mainly involving destruction of the splenic architecture and lysis of antigen-expressing lymphocyte and macrophage populations. Important parameters involved in the activation of host-reactive T cells by nonspecific infectious agents included the presence, localization, and quantity of the specific transgene-encoded self-antigen; in contrast, CD4+ T cells were not required. In mice surviving the acute phase, the transferred CD8+ T cells persisted at high levels in an anergic state; they were unable to generate cytolytic activity in vitro or to control LCMV infection in vivo. These results impinge on our understanding of the role of infectious agents in graft verus host reactions towards minor histocompatibility antigens.