Phosphatase PP2A is requisite for the function of regulatory T cells

SA Apostolidis, N Rodríguez-Rodríguez… - Nature …, 2016 - nature.com
Nature immunology, 2016nature.com
Homeostasis of the immune system depends on the proper function of regulatory T cells (T
reg cells). Compromised suppressive activity of T reg cells leads to autoimmune disease
and graft rejection and promotes anti-tumor immunity. Here we report a previously
unrecognized requirement for the serine-threonine phosphatase PP2A in the function of T
reg cells. T reg cells exhibited high PP2A activity, and T reg cell–specific ablation of the
PP2A complex resulted in a severe, multi-organ, lymphoproliferative autoimmune disorder …
Abstract
Homeostasis of the immune system depends on the proper function of regulatory T cells (T reg cells). Compromised suppressive activity of T reg cells leads to autoimmune disease and graft rejection and promotes anti-tumor immunity. Here we report a previously unrecognized requirement for the serine-threonine phosphatase PP2A in the function of T reg cells. T reg cells exhibited high PP2A activity, and T reg cell–specific ablation of the PP2A complex resulted in a severe, multi-organ, lymphoproliferative autoimmune disorder. Mass spectrometry revealed that PP2A associated with components of the mTOR metabolic-checkpoint kinase pathway and suppressed the activity of the mTORC1 complex. In the absence of PP2A, T reg cells altered their metabolic and cytokine profile and were unable to suppress effector immune responses. Therefore, PP2A is required for the function of T reg cells and the prevention of autoimmunity.
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