ZAPS is a potent stimulator of signaling mediated by the RNA helicase RIG-I during antiviral responses.

The poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) participate in many biological and pathological processes. Here we report that the PARP-13 shorter isoform (ZAPS), rather than the full-length protein (ZAP), was selectively induced by 5'-triphosphate-modified RNA (3pRNA) and functioned as a potent stimulator of interferon responses in human cells mediated by the RNA helicase RIG-I. ZAPS associated with RIG-I to promote the oligomerization and ATPase activity of RIG-I, which led to robust activation of IRF3 and NF-κB transcription factors. Disruption of the gene encoding ZAPS resulted in impaired induction of interferon-α (IFN-α), IFN-ß and other cytokines after viral infection. These results indicate that ZAPS is a key regulator of RIG-I signaling during the innate antiviral immune response, which suggests its possible use as a therapeutic target for viral control.

Coronavirus infection and PARP expression dysregulate the NAD metabolome: An actionable component of innate immunity.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) superfamily members covalently link either a single ADP-ribose (ADPR) or a chain of ADPR units to proteins using NAD as the source of ADPR. Although the well-known poly(ADP-ribosylating) (PARylating) PARPs primarily function in the DNA damage response, many noncanonical mono(ADP-ribosylating) (MARylating) PARPs are associated with cellular antiviral responses. We recently demonstrated robust up-regulation of several PARPs following infection with murine hepatitis virus (MHV), a model coronavirus. Here we show that SARS-CoV-2 infection strikingly up-regulates MARylating PARPs and induces the expression of genes encoding enzymes for salvage NAD synthesis from nicotinamide (NAM) and nicotinamide riboside (NR), while down-regulating other NAD biosynthetic pathways. We show that overexpression of PARP10 is sufficient to depress cellular NAD and that the activities of the transcriptionally induced enzymes PARP7, PARP10, PARP12 and PARP14 are limited by cellular NAD and can be enhanced by pharmacological activation of NAD synthesis. We further demonstrate that infection with MHV induces a severe attack on host cell NAD+ and NADP+ Finally, we show that NAMPT activation, NAM, and NR dramatically decrease the replication of an MHV that is sensitive to PARP activity. These data suggest that the antiviral activities of noncanonical PARP isozyme activities are limited by the availability of NAD and that nutritional and pharmacological interventions to enhance NAD levels may boost innate immunity to coronaviruses.

Can molecular mimicry explain the cytokine storm of SARS-CoV-2?: An in silico approach.

PARP14 and PARP9 play a key role in macrophage immune regulation. SARS-CoV-2 is an emerging viral disease that triggers hyper-inflammation known as a cytokine storm. In this study, using in silico tools, we hypothesize about the immunological phenomena of molecular mimicry between SARS-CoV-2 Nsp3 and the human PARP14 and PARP9. The results showed an epitope of SARS-CoV-2 Nsp3 protein that contains consensus sequences for both human PARP14 and PARP9 that are antigens for MHC Classes 1 and 2, which can potentially induce an immune response against human PARP14 and PARP9; while its depletion causes a hyper-inflammatory state in SARS-CoV-2 patients.

The pro-apoptotic ARTS protein induces neutrophil apoptosis, efferocytosis, and macrophage reprogramming to promote resolution of inflammation.

ARTS (Sept4_i2) is a pro-apoptotic protein and a product of the Sept4 gene. ARTS acts upstream of mitochondria to initiate caspase activation. ARTS induces apoptosis by specifically binding XIAP and allowing de-repression of active caspases required for Mitochondrial Outer Membrane Permeabilzation (MOMP). Moreover, ARTS promotes apoptosis by inducing ubiquitin-mediated degradation of both major anti-apoptotic proteins XIAP and Bcl-2. In the resolution phase of inflammation, the infiltrating leukocytes, which execute the acute innate response, undergo apoptosis and are subsequently cleared by phagocytic macrophages (i.e. efferocytosis). In this course, macrophages undergo reprogramming from inflammatory, to anti-inflammatory, and eventually to resolving macrophages that leave the injury sites. Since engulfment of apoptotic leukocytes is a key signaling step in macrophage reprogramming and resolution of inflammation, we hypothesized that a failed apoptosis in leukocytes in vivo would result in an impaired resolution process. To test this hypothesis, we utilized the Sept4/ARTS-/- mice, which exhibit resistance to apoptosis in many cell types. During zymosan A-induced peritonitis, Sept4/ARTS-/- mice exhibited impaired resolution of inflammation, characterized by reduced neutrophil apoptosis, macrophage efferocytosis and expression of pro-resolving mediators. This was associated with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced anti-inflammatory cytokines, secreted by resolution-phase macrophages. Moreover, ARTS overexpression in leukocytes in vitro promoted an anti-inflammatory behavior. Overall, our results suggest that ARTS is a key master-regulator necessary for neutrophil apoptosis, macrophage efferocytosis and reprogramming to the pro-resolving phenotype during the resolution of inflammation.

Mitochondrial damage elicits a TCDD-inducible poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-mediated antiviral response.

The innate immune system senses RNA viruses by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and protects the host from virus infection. PRRs mediate the production of immune modulatory factors and direct the elimination of RNA viruses. Here, we show a unique PRR that mediates antiviral response. Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-inducible poly(ADP ribose) polymerase (TIPARP), a Cysteine3 Histidine (CCCH)-type zinc finger-containing protein, binds to Sindbis virus (SINV) RNA via its zinc finger domain and recruits an exosome to induce viral RNA degradation. TIPARP typically localizes in the nucleus, but it accumulates in the cytoplasm after SINV infection, allowing targeting of cytoplasmic SINV RNA. Redistribution of TIPARP is induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent oxidization of the nuclear pore that affects cytoplasmic-nuclear transport. BCL2-associated X protein (BAX) and BCL2 antagonist/killer 1 (BAK1), B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family members, mediate mitochondrial damage to generate ROS after SINV infection. Thus, TIPARP is a viral RNA-sensing PRR that mediates antiviral responses triggered by BAX- and BAK1-dependent mitochondrial damage.

BST2 inhibits infection of influenza A virus by promoting apoptosis of infected cells.

BST2 is an antiviral factor that inhibits the release of enveloped virus at the plasma membrane via an unusual topology in which its N-terminal is in the cytosol while its C-terminal is anchored by glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI). BST2-deficient cells showed substantially higher release of virions than wild type cells. Influenza-infected BST2-deficient cells showed greatly reduced cytopathic effect (CPE) than wild type cells despite their generally robust virus production. This finding prompted us to determine whether BST2 was involved in the apoptotic process of virus-infected host cells. Our results revealed that BST2 might be involved in IRE1α-mediated ER stress pathway by increasing spliced form XBP-1. Consequently, levels of cytochrome C, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP as representative molecules of apoptosis were significantly increased in wild type cells than those in BST2-deficient cells. These results suggest that BST2 might participate in innate host defense by augmenting ER-stress-induced apoptotic signaling to inhibit the replication and spread of virus.

Transcriptional Reprogramming and Resistance to Colonic Mucosal Injury in Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase 1 (PARP1)-deficient Mice.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) synthesize and bind branched polymers of ADP-ribose to acceptor proteins using NAD as a substrate and participate in the control of gene transcription and DNA repair. PARP1, the most abundant isoform, regulates the expression of proinflammatory mediator cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules, and inhibition of PARP1 enzymatic activity reduced or ameliorated autoimmune diseases in several experimental models, including colitis. However, the mechanism(s) underlying the protective effects of PARP1 inhibition in colitis and the cell types in which Parp1 deletion has the most significant impact are unknown. The objective of the current study was to determine the impact of Parp1 deletion on the innate immune response to mucosal injury and on the gut microbiome composition. Parp1 deficiency was evaluated in DSS-induced colitis in WT, Parp1(-/-), Rag2(-/-), and Rag2(-/-)×Parp1(-/-) double knock-out mice. Genome-wide analysis of the colonic transcriptome and fecal 16S amplicon profiling was performed. Compared with WT, we demonstrated that Parp1(-/-) were protected from dextran-sulfate sodium-induced colitis and that this protection was associated with a dramatic transcriptional reprogramming in the colon. PARP1 deficiency was also associated with a modulation of the colonic microbiota (increases relative abundance of Clostridia clusters IV and XIVa) and a concomitant increase in the frequency of mucosal CD4(+)CD25(+) Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells. The protective effects conferred by Parp1 deletion were lost in Rag2(-/-) × Parp1(-/-) mice, highlighting the role of the adaptive immune system for full protection.

Poly-ADP ribose polymerase-14 limits severity of allergic skin disease.

Poly-ADP ribose polymerase-14 (PARP14 or ARTD8) was initially identified as a transcriptional co-activator for signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (Stat6), where the presence of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and activated Stat6 induces the enzymatic activity of PARP14 that promotes T helper type 2 differentiation and allergic airway disease. To further our understanding of PARP14 in allergic disease, we studied the function of PARP14 in allergic inflammation of skin using mice that express constitutively active Stat6 in T cells (Stat6VT) and develop spontaneous inflammation of the skin. We mated Stat6VT mice to Parp14-/- mice and observed that approximately 75% of the Stat6VT × Parp14-/- mice develop severe atopic dermatitis (AD)-like lesions, compared with about 50% of Stat6VT mice, and have increased morbidity compared with Stat6VT mice. Despite this, gene expression in the skin and the cellular infiltrates was only modestly altered by the absence of PARP14. In contrast, we saw significant changes in systemic T-cell cytokine production. Moreover, adoptive transfer experiments demonstrated that decreases in IL-4 production reflected a cell intrinsic role for PARP14 in Th2 cytokine control. Hence, our data suggest that although PARP14 has similar effects on T-cell cytokine production in several allergic disease models, the outcome of those effects is distinct, depending on the target organ of disease.

Synergistic inhibition of PARP-1 and NF-κB signaling downregulates immune response against recombinant AAV2 vectors during hepatic gene therapy.

Host immune response remains a key obstacle to widespread application of adeno-associated virus (AAV) based gene therapy. Thus, targeted inhibition of the signaling pathways that trigger such immune responses will be beneficial. Previous studies have reported that DNA damage response proteins such as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) negatively affect the integration of AAV in the host genome. However, the role of PARP-1 in regulating AAV transduction and the immune response against these vectors has not been elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that repression of PARP-1 improves the transduction of single-stranded AAV vectors both in vitro (∼174%) and in vivo (two- to 3.4-fold). Inhibition of PARP-1, also significantly downregulated the expression of several proinflammatory and cytokine markers such as TLRs, ILs, NF-κB subunit proteins associated with the host innate response against self-complementary AAV2 vectors. The suppression of the inflammatory response targeted against these vectors was more effective upon combined inhibition of PARP-1 and NF-κB signaling. This strategy also effectively attenuated the AAV capsid-specific cytotoxic T-cell response, with minimal effect on vector transduction, as demonstrated in normal C57BL/6 and hemophilia B mice. These data suggest that targeting specific host cellular proteins could be useful to attenuate the immune barriers to AAV-mediated gene therapy.

Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of FOXP3 Protein Mediated by PARP-1 Protein Regulates the Function of Regulatory T Cells.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) is an ADP-ribosylating enzyme participating in diverse cellular functions. The roles of PARP-1 in the immune system, however, have not been well understood. Here we find that PARP-1 interacts with FOXP3 and induces its poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation. By using PARP-1 inhibitors, we show that reduced poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of FOXP3 results in not only FOXP3 stabilization and increased FOXP3 downstream genes but also enhanced suppressive function of regulatory T cells. Our results suggest that PARP-1 negatively regulates the suppressive function of Treg cells at the posttranslational level via FOXP3 poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation. This finding has implications for developing PARP-1 inhibitors as potential agents for the prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases.

The New World arenavirus Tacaribe virus induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in infected cells.

The Arenaviridae is a diverse and growing family of viruses that already includes more than 25 distinct species. While some of these viruses have a significant impact on public health, others appear to be non-pathogenic. At present little is known about the host cell responses to infection with different arenaviruses, particularly those found in the New World; however, apoptosis is known to play an important role in controlling infection of many viruses. Here we show that infection with Tacaribe virus (TCRV), which is widely considered the prototype for non-pathogenic arenaviruses, leads to stronger induction of apoptosis than does infection with its human-pathogenic relative Junín virus. TCRV-induced apoptosis occurred in several cell types during late stages of infection and was shown to be caspase-dependent, involving the activation of caspases 3, 7, 8 and 9. Further, UV-inactivated TCRV did not induce apoptosis, indicating that the activation of this process is dependent on active viral replication/transcription. Interestingly, when apoptosis was inhibited, growth of TCRV was not enhanced, indicating that apoptosis does not have a direct negative effect on TCRV infection in vitro. Taken together, our data identify and characterize an important virus-host cell interaction of the prototypic, non-pathogenic arenavirus TCRV, which provides important insight into the growing field of arenavirus research aimed at better understanding the diversity in responses to different arenavirus infections and their functional consequences.

PARP-1 regulates expression of TGF-ß receptors in T cells.

Transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) receptors (TßRs) are essential components for TGF-ß signal transduction in T cells, yet the mechanisms by which the receptors are regulated remain poorly understood. We show here that Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) regulates TGF-ß receptor I (TßRI) and II (TßRII) expression in CD4(+) T cells and subsequently affects Smad2/3-mediated TGF-ß signal transduction. Inhibition of PARP-1 led to the upregulation of both TßRI and TßRII, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms were distinct. PARP-1 selectively bound to the promoter of TßRII, whereas the enzymatic activity of PARP-1 was responsible for the inhibition of TßRI expression. Importantly, inhibition of PARP-1 also enhanced expression of TßRs in human CD4(+) T cells. Thus, PARP-1 regulates TßR expression and TGF-ß signaling in T cells.

B cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic regulation of antibody responses by PARP14, an intracellular (ADP-ribosyl)transferase.

The capacity to achieve sufficient concentrations of Ag-specific Ab of the appropriate isotypes is a critical component of immunity that requires efficient differentiation and interactions of Ag-specific B and Th cells along with dendritic cells. Numerous bacterial toxins catalyze mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation of mammalian proteins to influence cell physiology and adaptive immunity. However, little is known about biological functions of intracellular mammalian mono(ADP-ribosyl)transferases, such as any ability to regulate Ab responses. poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase 14 (PARP14), an intracellular protein highly expressed in lymphoid cells, binds to STAT6 and encodes a catalytic domain with mammalian mono(ADP-ribosyl)transferase activity. In this article, we show that recall IgA as well as the STAT6-dependent IgE Ab responses are impaired in PARP14-deficient mice. Whereas PARP14 regulation of IgE involved a B cell-intrinsic process, the predominant impact on IgA was B cell extrinsic. Of note, PARP14 deficiency reduced the levels of Th17 cells and CD103⁺ DCs, which are implicated in IgA regulation. PARP14 enhanced the expression of RORα, Runx1, and Smad3 after T cell activation, and, importantly, its catalytic activity of PARP14 promoted Th17 differentiation. Collectively, the findings show that PARP14 influences the class distribution, affinity repertoire, and recall capacity of Ab responses in mice, as well as provide direct evidence of the requirement for protein mono-ADP-ribosylation in Th cell differentiation.

Minocycline blocks asthma-associated inflammation in part by interfering with the T cell receptor-nuclear factor κB-GATA-3-IL-4 axis without a prominent effect on poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase.

Minocycline protects against asthma independently of its antibiotic function and was recently reported as a potent poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor. In an animal model of asthma, a single administration of minocycline conferred excellent protection against ovalbumin-induced airway eosinophilia, mucus hypersecretion, and Th2 cytokine production (IL-4/IL-5/IL-12(p70)/IL-13/GM-CSF) and a partial protection against airway hyperresponsiveness. These effects correlated with pronounced reduction in lung and sera allergen-specific IgE. A reduction in poly(ADP-ribose) immunoreactivity in the lungs of minocycline-treated/ovalbumin-challenged mice correlated with decreased oxidative DNA damage. The effect of minocycline on PARP may be indirect, as the drug failed to efficiently block direct PARP activation in lungs of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitroso-guanidine-treated mice or H(2)O(2)-treated cells. Minocycline blocked allergen-specific IgE production in B cells potentially by modulating T cell receptor (TCR)-linked IL-4 production at the mRNA level but not through a modulation of the IL-4-JAK-STAT-6 axis, IL-2 production, or NFAT1 activation. Restoration of IL-4, ex vivo, rescued IgE production by minocycline-treated/ovalbumin-stimulated B cells. IL-4 blockade correlated with a preferential inhibition of the NF-κB activation arm of TCR but not GSK3, Src, p38 MAPK, or ERK1/2. Interestingly, the drug promoted a slightly higher Src and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Inhibition of NF-κB was linked to a complete blockade of TCR-stimulated GATA-3 expression, a pivotal transcription factor for IL-4 expression. Minocycline also reduced TNF-α-mediated NF-κB activation and expression of dependent genes. These results show a potentially broad effect of minocycline but that it may block IgE production in part by modulating TCR function, particularly by inhibiting the signaling pathway, leading to NF-κB activation, GATA-3 expression, and subsequent IL-4 production.

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) activity is essential for survival of resting lymphocytes.

NAD biosynthesis is emerging as a key regulator of immune cell functions. Accordingly, inhibitors of the NAD-synthesizing enzyme nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) have anti-inflammatory effects, counteract hematological malignancies and are being tested in clinical trials. Still, their effect on different cell types still waits to be fully investigated. Here we show that the NAMPT inhibitor FK866 induces NAD depletion in various mouse organs but selectively causes dramatic atrophy of the spleen red pulp. Accordingly, in cultured mouse lymphocytes exposed to FK866, NAD contents drop to 50% of basal values within 2 days, a condition sufficient to prompt complete cell death. Cultures of human lymphocytes are more resistant to FK866 and sustain a 50% NAD reduction for 5 days before dying. Death of both cell types can be prevented by different NAD precursors, indicating critical NAD homeostasis in lymphocytes. Indeed, inhibition of the NAD-consuming enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polimerase-1 suffices to prevent FK866-induced NAD depletion and death of both lymphocyte types. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1-null lymphocytes also undergo lower NAD depletion and reduced cell death when exposed to the drug. At variance with other cell types, neither apoptosis nor autophagy are exclusively responsible for lymphocyte death by FK866, consistent with a general impairment of lymphocyte homeostasis following NAD depletion. Data demonstrate a unique sensitivity of resting lymphocytes to NAD-depleting agents, providing new hints of relevance to lymphocyte biology and therapeutic interventions with NAMPT inhibitors.

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 14 and its enzyme activity regulates T(H)2 differentiation and allergic airway disease.

BACKGROUND: IL-4 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) play an important role in the progression of allergic airway disease (AAD) or asthma. IL-4 and STAT6 mediate T(H)2 responses in T cells and immunoglobulin class-switching to IgE in B cells. Both T(H)2 responses and IgE promote the asthmatic condition. We have previously demonstrated that poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) 14, a member of the PARP family of proteins, regulates the transcription function of STAT6. However, the role of PARP-14 in AAD is not known. OBJECTIVE: Here we investigate the role of PARP-14 and the enzyme activity associated with it in a model of AAD dependent on airway hyperresponsiveness and lung inflammation. We also elucidate the mechanism by which PARP-14 regulates AAD. METHODS: The role of PARP-14 and its enzyme activity in AAD and T(H)2 differentiation were examined by using a murine model of AAD and in vitro T(H) cell differentiation. RESULTS: PARP-14-deficient animals show reduced lung pathology and IgE levels when compared with control animals. Treating mice with a pharmacologic inhibitor for PARP activity reduced the severity of airway hyperresponsiveness and lung inflammation. Mechanistically, our data indicate that PARP-14 and its enzyme activity aid in the differentiation of T cells toward a T(H)2 phenotype by regulating the binding of STAT6 to the Gata3 promoter. CONCLUSION: PARP-14 and the catalytic activity associated with it promote T(H)2 differentiation and AAD in a murine model, and targeting PARP-14 might be a potential new therapy for allergic asthma.

Beyond DNA repair, the immunological role of PARP-1 and its siblings.

ADP-ribosylation is the addition of one or more (up to some hundreds) ADP-ribose moieties to acceptor proteins. There are two major families of enzymes that catalyse this reaction: extracellular ADP-ribosyl-transferases (ARTs), which are bound to the cell membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor or are secreted, and poly(ADP-ribose)-polymerases (PARPs), which are present in the cell nucleus and/or cytoplasm. Recent findings revealed a wide immunological role for ADP-ribosylating enzymes. ARTs, by sensing extracellular NAD concentration, can act as danger detectors. PARP-1, the prototypical representative of the PARP family, known to protect cells from genomic instability, is involved in the development of inflammatory responses and several forms of cell death. PARP-1 also plays a role in adaptive immunity by modulating the ability of dendritic cells to stimulate T cells or by directly affecting the differentiation and functions of T and B cells. Both PARP-1 and PARP-14 (CoaSt6) knockout mice were described to display reduced T helper type 2 cell differentiation and allergic responses. Our recent findings showed that PARP-1 is involved in the differentiation of Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells, suggesting a role for PARP-1 in tolerance induction. Also ARTs regulate Treg cell homeostasis by promoting Treg cell apoptosis during inflammatory responses. PARP inhibitors ameliorate immune-mediated diseases in several experimental models, including rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and allergy. Together these findings show that ADP-ribosylating enzymes, in particular PARP-1, play a pivotal role in the regulation of immune responses and may represent a good target for new therapeutic approaches in immune-mediated diseases.

Effects of PARP-1 deficiency on Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation.

T cell differentiation to effector Th cells such as Th1 and Th2 requires the integration of multiple synergic and antagonist signals. Poly(ADP-ribosy)lation is a posttranslational modification of proteins catalyzed by Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs). Recently, many reports showed that PARP-1, the prototypical member of the PARP family, plays a role in immune/inflammatory responses. Consistently, its enzymatic inhibition confers protection in several models of immune-mediated diseases, mainly through an inhibitory effect on NF-κB (and NFAT) activation. PARP-1 regulates cell functions in many types of immune cells, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and T and B lymphocytes. Our results show that PARP-1KO cells displayed a reduced ability to differentiate in Th2 cells. Under both nonskewing and Th2-polarizing conditions, naïve CD4 cells from PARP-1KO mice generated a reduced frequency of IL-4(+) cells, produced less IL-5, and expressed GATA-3 at lower levels compared with cells from wild type mice. Conversely, PARP-1 deficiency did not substantially affect differentiation to Th1 cells. Indeed, the frequency of IFN-γ (+) cells as well as IFN-γ production, in nonskewing and Th1-polarizing conditions, was not affected by PARP-1 gene ablation. These findings demonstrate that PARP-1 plays a relevant role in Th2 cell differentiation and it might be a target to be exploited for the modulation of Th2-dependent immune-mediated diseases.

Increased Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerase-1 deficiency.

Growing evidence is unveiling a role for poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 in the regulation of inflammatory/immune responses. In the current study, we investigated the effects of PARP-1 deficiency on regulatory T cell differentiation. Increased numbers of regulatory CD4(+)CD25(+)/Foxp3(+) T cells were found in thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes of PARP-1 knockout (KO) mice compared with wild-type (WT) controls. The increased frequency of regulatory T cells in the periphery resulted in impaired CD4 cell proliferation and IL-2 production, which could be restored by CD25(+) cell depletion. Phenotype and inhibitory functions of PARP-1 KO regulatory T cells were similar to WT cells, indicating that PARP-1 affects regulatory T cell differentiation rather than function. Purified naive CD4 cells from PARP-1 KO mice stimulated in vitro expressed forkhead box p3 mRNA at higher levels and generated a greater number of Foxp3(+) cells (inducible regulatory T [iTreg] cells) than the WT counterpart. This finding was due to a higher rate of naive CD4 cell to Foxp3(+) iTreg cell conversion rather than to higher resistance to apoptosis induction. Interestingly, PARP-1 deficiency did not affect retinoid-related orphan receptor-gammat mRNA expression and differentiation of purified naive CD4 cells to Th17 cells. PARP-1 KO iTreg cells showed features similar to WT regulatory T cells, suggesting that modulation of PARP-1 during the immune response might be used to induce greater numbers of functional regulatory T cells. In conclusion, our findings represent the first evidence that PARP-1 can affect regulatory T cell differentiation and open new perspectives on potential targets for modulating immune responses.