title: Cutting edge: the Foxp3 target miR-155 contributes to the development of regulatory T cells.
abstract: Foxp3 is a transcription factor that is essential for the normal development of regulatory T cells (Tregs). In the absence of microRNAs (miRNAs), Foxp3(+) Tregs develop but fail to maintain immune homeostasis, leading to a scurfy-like disease. Global analysis of the network of genes regulated by Foxp3 has identified the miRNA miR-155, which is highly expressed in Tregs, as a direct target of Foxp3. In this study we report that miR-155-deficient mice have reduced numbers of Tregs, both in the thymus and periphery, due to impaired development. However, we found no evidence for defective suppressor activity of miR-155-deficient Tregs, either in vitro or in vivo. Our results indicate that miR-155 contributes to Treg development, but that additional miRNAs control Treg function.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Lymphocyte Signalling and Development, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kohlhaas
authors.forename: Oliver A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Garden
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Scudamore
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Okkenhaug
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vigorito
mesh_terms: D019264:Adoptive Transfer; D000818:Animals; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D019070:Cell Lineage / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D003092:Colitis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism*; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008231:Lymphopenia / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000637:transplantation; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; C498833:Foxp3 protein, mouse; D035683:MicroRNAs; C532623:Mirn155 microRNA, mouse