Dichotomous role of TGF-ß controls inducible regulatory T-cell fate in allergic airway disease through Smad3 and TGF-ß-activated kinase 1.

BACKGROUND: Inducible CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (iTreg) cells can become pathogenic effector cells, enhancing lung allergic responses. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to define the underlying cellular and molecular pathways activated by TGF-ß, which determine the suppressor or enhancing activities of iTreg cells. METHODS: Sensitized wild-type and CD8-deficient (CD8-/-) mice were challenged with allergen. Isolated CD4+CD25- T cells were activated by using anti-CD3/anti-CD28. To generate suppressor iTreg cells, cells were then differentiated in the presence of TGF-ß, whereas IL-17-producing effector T cells were additionally exposed to IL-6. After TGF-ß, Smad3 and TGF-ß-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) kinase levels were monitored. The consequences of inhibiting either kinase were determined in vitro and after transfer into CD8-/- recipients. Quantitative PCR and chromatin immunoprecipitation were used to monitor gene expression and histone modifications at the retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γt (Rorγt) locus. RESULTS: In wild-type mice, iTreg cells suppressed lung allergic responses linked to Smad3-dependent forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) expression and IL-10 production. In the presence of IL-6, iTreg cells converted to TH17 cells, mediating a neutrophil-dependent enhancement of lung allergic responses in CD8-/- mice. Conversion was regulated by TAK1. Inhibition or silencing of TAK1 prevented expression of Rorγt and TH17 differentiation through histone modifications of Rorγt; Foxp3 expression and iTreg cell-mediated suppression remained intact. In the same cell, TGF-ß induced coexpression of Smad3 and TAK1 proteins; in the presence of IL-6, expression of Smad3 and Foxp3 but not TAK1 decreased. CONCLUSION: TGF-ß regulates iTreg cell outcomes through 2 distinct signal transduction pathways: one Smad3 dependent and the other TAK1 dependent. The balance of these pathways has important implications in TH17-mediated autoimmune diseases and neutrophil-dependent asthma.