[HTML][HTML] Extrafollicular CD4+ TB interactions are sufficient for inducing autoimmune-like chronic graft-versus-host disease

R Deng, C Hurtz, Q Song, C Yue, G Xiao, H Yu… - Nature …, 2017 - nature.com
R Deng, C Hurtz, Q Song, C Yue, G Xiao, H Yu, X Wu, M Muschen, S Forman, PJ Martin…
Nature communications, 2017nature.com
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is an autoimmune-like syndrome mediated by
pathogenic CD4+ T and B cells, but the function of extrafollicular and germinal center CD4+
T and B interactions in cGVHD pathogenesis remains largely unknown. Here we show that
extrafollicular CD4+ T and B interactions are sufficient for inducing cGVHD, while germinal
center formation is dispensable. The pathogenesis of cGVHD is associated with the
expansion of extrafollicular CD44hiCD62loPSGL-1loCD4+ (PSGL-1loCD4+) T cells. These …
Abstract
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is an autoimmune-like syndrome mediated by pathogenic CD4+ T and B cells, but the function of extrafollicular and germinal center CD4+ T and B interactions in cGVHD pathogenesis remains largely unknown. Here we show that extrafollicular CD4+ T and B interactions are sufficient for inducing cGVHD, while germinal center formation is dispensable. The pathogenesis of cGVHD is associated with the expansion of extrafollicular CD44hiCD62loPSGL-1loCD4+ (PSGL-1loCD4+) T cells. These cells express high levels of ICOS, and the blockade of ICOS/ICOSL interaction prevents their expansion and ameliorates cGVHD. Expansion of PSGL-1loCD4+ T cells is also prevented by BCL6 or Stat3 deficiency in donor CD4+ T cells, with the induction of cGVHD ameliorated by BCL6 deficiency and completely suppressed by Stat3 deficiency in donor CD4+ T cells. These results support that Stat3- and BCL6-dependent extrafollicular CD4+ T and B interactions play critical functions in the pathogenesis of cGVHD.
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