GSE174027
The RNA m6A reader YTHDF2 controls NK cell anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent post-transcriptional modification on RNA. NK cells are the predominant innate lymphoid cells that mediate anti-viral and anti-tumor immunity. However, whether and how m6A modifications affect NK cell immunity remains unknown. Here, we discover that YTHDF2, a well-known m6A reader, is upregulated in NK cells upon activation by cytokines, tumors, and cytomegalovirus infection. Ythdf2 deficiency in NK cells impairs NK cell anti-tumor and anti-viral activity in vivo. YTHDF2 maintains NK cell homeostasis and terminal maturation, correlating with modulating NK cell trafficking and regulating Eomes, respectively. YTHDF2 promotes NK cell effector function and is required for IL-15-mediated NK cell survival and proliferation by forming a STAT5-YTHDF2 positive feedback loop. Transcriptome-wide screening identifies Tardbp to be involved in cell proliferation or survival as a YTHDF2-binding target in NK cells. Collectively, we elucidate the biological roles of m6A modifications in NK cells and highlight a new direction to harness NK cell anti-tumor immunity. Overall design: Purified splenic NK cells from Ythdf2 WT and Ythdf2 ?NK  mice were expanded by IL-2 (1000 U/ml) in vitro for 7 days. RNA was extrated and m6A MeRIP sequencing was performed to detect the m6A modification alterations in two groups. YTHDF2 RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing was performed to map the target transcripts bound by YTHDF2 in NK cells.