Distinct use of super-enhancer elements controls cell type-specific CD25 transcription and function

Sci Immunol. 2023 Nov 3;8(89):eadi8217. doi: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adi8217. Epub 2023 Nov 3.

Abstract

The IL-2 receptor α chain (IL-2Rα/CD25) is constitutively expressed on double-negative (DN2/DN3 thymocytes and regulatory T cells (Tregs) but induced by IL-2 on T and natural killer (NK) cells, with Il2ra expression regulated by a STAT5-dependent super-enhancer. We investigated CD25 regulation and function using a series of mice with deletions spanning STAT5-binding elements. Deleting the upstream super-enhancer region mainly affected constitutive CD25 expression on DN2/DN3 thymocytes and Tregs, with these mice developing autoimmune alopecia, whereas deleting an intronic region decreased IL-2-induced CD25 on peripheral T and NK cells. Thus, distinct super-enhancer elements preferentially control constitutive versus inducible expression in a cell type-specific manner. The mediator-1 coactivator colocalized with specific STAT5-binding sites. Moreover, both upstream and intronic regions had extensive chromatin interactions, and deletion of either region altered the super-enhancer structure in mature T cells. These results demonstrate differential functions for distinct super-enhancer elements, thereby indicating previously unknown ways to manipulate CD25 expression in a cell type-specific fashion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Enhancer Elements, Genetic / genetics
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / genetics
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / metabolism
  • Interleukin-2* / genetics
  • Interleukin-2* / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2
  • STAT5 Transcription Factor* / genetics
  • STAT5 Transcription Factor* / metabolism

Substances

  • Interleukin-2
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2
  • STAT5 Transcription Factor
  • Il2ra protein, mouse