The transcription factor Mef2d regulates B:T synapse-dependent GC-TFH differentiation and IL-21-mediated humoral immunity

Sci Immunol. 2023 Mar 31;8(81):eadf2248. doi: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adf2248. Epub 2023 Mar 24.

Abstract

Communication between CD4 T cells and cognate B cells is key for the former to fully mature into germinal center-T follicular helper (GC-TFH) cells and for the latter to mount a CD4 T cell-dependent humoral immune response. Although this interaction occurs in a B:T synapse-dependent manner, how CD4 T cells transcriptionally regulate B:T synapse formation remains largely unknown. Here, we report that Mef2d, an isoform of the myocyte enhancer factor 2 (Mef2) transcription factor family, is a critical regulator of this process. In CD4 T cells, Mef2d negatively regulates expression of Sh2d1a, which encodes SLAM-associated protein (SAP), a critical regulator of B:T synapses. We found that Mef2d regulates Sh2d1a expression via DNA binding-dependent transcriptional repression, inhibiting SAP-dependent B:T synapse formation and preventing antigen-specific CD4 T cells from differentiating into GC-TFH cells. Mef2d also impeded IL-21 production by CD4 T cells, an important B cell help signaling molecule, via direct repression of the Il21 gene. In contrast, CD4 T cell-specific disruption of Mef2d led to a substantial increase in GC-TFH differentiation in response to protein immunization, concurrent with enhanced SAP expression. MEF2D mRNA expression inversely correlates with human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient autoimmune parameters, including circulating TFH-like cell frequencies, autoantibodies, and SLEDAI scores. These findings highlight Mef2d as a pivotal rheostat in CD4 T cells for controlling GC formation and antibody production by B cells.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Humoral*
  • MEF2 Transcription Factors / genetics
  • MEF2 Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • interleukin-21
  • Transcription Factors
  • MEF2D protein, human
  • MEF2 Transcription Factors