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It remains largely unclear how thymocytes translate relative differences in T cell receptor (TCR) signal strength into distinct developmental programs that drive the cell fate decisions towards conventional (Tconv) or regulatory T cells (Treg). Following TCR activation, intracellular calcium (Ca2+) is the most important second messenger, for which the potassium channel K2P18.1 is a relevant regulator. Here, we identify K2P18.1 as a central translator of the TCR signal into the thymus-derived Treg (tTreg) selection process. TCR signal was coupled to NF-κB-mediated K2P18.1 upregulation in tTreg progenitors. K2P18.1 provided the driving force for sustained Ca2+ influx that facilitated NF-κB- and NFAT-dependent expression of FoxP3, the master transcription factor for Treg development and function. Loss of K2P18.1 ion-current function induced a mild lymphoproliferative phenotype in mice, with reduced Treg numbers that led to aggravated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, while a gain-of-function mutation in K2P18.1 resulted in increased Treg numbers in mice. Our findings in human thymus, recent thymic emigrants and multiple sclerosis patients with a dominant-negative missense K2P18.1 variant that is associated with poor clinical outcomes indicate that K2P18.1 also plays a role in human Treg development. Pharmacological modulation of K2P18.1 specifically modulated Treg numbers in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we identified nitroxoline as a K2P18.1 activator that led to rapid and reversible Treg increase in patients with urinary tract infections. Conclusively, our findings reveal how K2P18.1 translates TCR signals into thymic T cell fate decisions and Treg development, and provide a basis for the therapeutic utilization of Treg in several human disorders.

SUMMARYThe proinflammatory alarmins S100A8 and S100A9 are among the most abundant proteins in neutrophils and monocytes but completely silenced after differentiation to macrophages. The molecular mechanisms of the extraordinarily dynamic transcriptional regulation of s100a8 and s100a9 genes, however, are only barely understood. Using an unbiased genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout based screening approach in immortalized murine monocytes we identified the transcription factor C/EBPδ as a central regulator of S100A8 and S100A9 expression. S100a8 and S100a9 expression was further controlled by the C/EBPδ-antagonists ATF3 and FBXW7. We confirmed the clinical relevance of this regulatory network in subpopulations of human monocytes in a clinical cohort of cardiovascular patients. Moreover, we identified specific C/EBPδ-binding sites within s100a8 and s100a9 promoter regions, and demonstrated that C/EBPδ-dependent JMJD3-mediated demethylation of H3K27me3 is indispensable for their expression. Overall, our work uncovered C/EBPδ as a novel regulator of S100A8 and S100A9 expression. Therefore, C/EBPδ represents a promising target for modulation of inflammatory conditions that are characterised by S100A8 and S100A9 overexpression.

The proinflammatory alarmins S100A8 and S100A9 are among the most abundant proteins in neutrophils and monocytes but are completely silenced after differentiation to macrophages. The molecular mechanisms of the extraordinarily dynamic transcriptional regulation of

Background Scavenger receptor CD163 is exclusively expressed on monocytes/macrophages and is widely used as a marker for alternatively activated macrophages. However, the role of CD163 is not yet clear. Objectives We sought to examine the function of CD163 in steady-state as well as in sterile and infectious inflammation. Methods Expression of CD163 was analyzed under normal and inflammatory conditions in mice. Functional relevance of CD163 was investigated in models of inflammation in wild-type and CD163−/− mice. Results We describe a subpopulation of bone marrow–resident macrophages (BMRMs) characterized by a high expression of CD163 and functionally distinct from classical bone marrow–derived macrophages. Development of CD163+ BMRMs is strictly dependent on IFN regulatory factor-8. CD163+ BMRMs show a specific transcriptome and cytokine secretion pattern demonstrating a specific immunomodulatory profile of these cells. Accordingly, CD163−/− mice show a stronger inflammation in allergic contact dermatitis, indicating a regulatory role of CD163. However, CD163−/− mice are highly susceptible to S aureus infections, demonstrating the relevance of CD163 for antimicrobial defense as well. Conclusions Our data indicate that anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive mechanisms are not necessarily associated with a decreased antimicrobial activity. In contrast, our data define a novel macrophage population that controls overwhelming inflammation on one hand but is also necessary for an effective control of infections on the other hand.

The inflammatory responsiveness of phagocytes to exogenous and endogenous stimuli is tightly regulated. This regulation plays an important role in systemic inflammatory response syndromes (SIRSs). In SIRSs, phagocytes initially develop a hyperinflammatory response, followed by a secondary state of hyporesponsiveness, a so-called “tolerance.” This hyporesponsiveness can be induced by endotoxin stimulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), resulting in an ameliorated response after subsequent restimulation. This modification of inflammatory response patterns has been described as innate immune memory. Interestingly, tolerance can also be triggered by endogenous TLR4 ligands, such as the alarmins myeloid-related protein 8 (MRP8, S100A8) and MRP14 (S100A9), under sterile conditions. However, signaling pathways that trigger hyporesponsiveness of phagocytes in clinically relevant diseases are only barely understood. Through our work, we have now identified 2 main signaling cascades that are activated during MRP-induced tolerance of phagocytes. We demonstrate that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/GSK-3β pathway interferes with NF-κB–driven gene expression and that inhibition of GSK-3β mimics tolerance in vivo. Moreover, we identified interleukin-10–triggered activation of transcription factors STAT3 and BCL-3 as master regulators of MRP-induced tolerance. Accordingly, patients with dominant-negative STAT3 mutations show no tolerance development. In a clinically relevant condition of systemic sterile stress, cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, we confirmed the initial induction of MRP expression and the tolerance induction of monocytes associated with nuclear translocation of STAT3 and BCL-3 as relevant mechanisms. Our data indicate that the use of pharmacological JAK-STAT inhibitors may be promising targets for future therapeutic approaches to prevent complications associated with secondary hyporesponsiveness during SIRS.

T cells critically depend on reprogramming of metabolic signatures to meet the bioenergetic demands during activation and clonal expansion. Here we identify the transcription factor Nur77 as a cell-intrinsic modulator of T cell activation. Nur77-deficient T cells are highly proliferative, and lack of Nur77 is associated with enhanced T cell activation and increased susceptibility for T cell-mediated inflammatory diseases, such as CNS autoimmunity, allergic contact dermatitis and collagen-induced arthritis. Importantly, Nur77 serves as key regulator of energy metabolism in T cells, restricting mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis and controlling switching between different energy pathways. Transcriptional network analysis revealed that Nur77 modulates the expression of metabolic genes, most likely in close interaction with other transcription factors, especially estrogen-related receptor α. In summary, we identify Nur77 as a transcriptional regulator of T cell metabolism, which elevates the threshold for T cell activation and confers protection in different T cell-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Objective: Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is prescribed against relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we investigated the effects of DMF and monomethyl fumarate (MMF), its metabolite in vivo, at the (inflamed) blood–brain barrier (BBB). Methods: Effects of fumaric acid esters were analyzed using primary human brain–derived microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) in combination with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from DMF-treated MS patients. Results: MMF-binding to brain endothelium cells leads to activation of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)–related factor 2 (Nrf2)–induced downregulation of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). This might be mediated via the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA2), a known molecular target of MMF, as we could demonstrate its expression and regulation on HBMECs. DMF treatment in vivo led to a strongly reduced expression of VCAM-1’s ligand very late antigen 4 (VLA-4) by selectively reducing integrin high-expressing memory T cells of MS patients, potentially due to inhibition of their maturation by reduced trans-localization of NFκB. Conclusion: DMF-mediated VCAM-1 downregulation on the endothelial side and reduction in T cells with a migratory phenotype on the lymphocyte side result in a synergistic reduction in T-cell adhesion to activated endothelium and, therefore, to reduced BBB transmigration in the setting of MS.

Isolation and characterization of antigen-containing endosomes remains difficult utilizing standard purification techniques. Here, we describe a method, which allows isolation of antigen-loaded endosomes, that is based on flow cytometrical analysis and sorting. We specifically isolated antigen-containing endosomes from cells that had taken up fluorochrome-labeled ovalbumin via mannose receptor-mediated endocytosis. The protocol described here allows for the isolation of pure fractions of ovalbumin-containing endosomes and the extraction of proteins from these endosomes for analysis by western blot. Importantly, this protocol can be easily extended to other fluorochrome-labeled antigens and to primary antigen-presenting cells like bone marrow-derived dendritic cells.

Isolation and characterization of antigen-containing endosomes remains difficult utilizing standard purification techniques. Here, we describe a method, which allows isolation of antigen-loaded endosomes, that is based on flow cytometrical analysis and sorting. We specifically isolated antigen-containing endosomes from cells that had taken up fluorochrome-labeled ovalbumin via mannose receptor-mediated endocytosis. The protocol described here allows for the isolation of pure fractions of ovalbumin-containing endosomes and the extraction of proteins from these endosomes for analysis by western blot. Importantly, this protocol can be easily extended to other fluorochrome-labeled antigens and to primary antigen-presenting cells like bone marrow-derived dendritic cells.