Thioredoxin-interacting protein is essential for memory T cell formation via the regulation of the redox metabolism

K Kokubo, K Hirahara, M Kiuchi… - Proceedings of the …, 2023 - National Acad Sciences
K Kokubo, K Hirahara, M Kiuchi, K Tsuji, Y Shimada, Y Sonobe, R Shinmi, T Hishiya…
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2023National Acad Sciences
CD4+ memory T cells are central to long-lasting protective immunity and are involved in
shaping the pathophysiology of chronic inflammation. While metabolic reprogramming is
critical for the generation of memory T cells, the mechanisms controlling the redox
metabolism in memory T cell formation remain unclear. We found that reactive oxygen
species (ROS) metabolism changed dramatically in T helper-2 (Th2) cells during the
contraction phase in the process of memory T cell formation. Thioredoxin-interacting protein …
CD4+ memory T cells are central to long-lasting protective immunity and are involved in shaping the pathophysiology of chronic inflammation. While metabolic reprogramming is critical for the generation of memory T cells, the mechanisms controlling the redox metabolism in memory T cell formation remain unclear. We found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism changed dramatically in T helper-2 (Th2) cells during the contraction phase in the process of memory T cell formation. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip), a regulator of oxidoreductase, regulated apoptosis by scavenging ROS via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)–biliverdin reductase B (Blvrb) pathway. Txnip regulated the pathology of chronic airway inflammation in the lung by controlling the generation of allergen-specific pathogenic memory Th2 cells in vivo. Thus, the Txnip–Nrf2–Blvrb axis directs ROS metabolic reprogramming in Th2 cells and is a potential therapeutic target for intractable chronic inflammatory diseases.
National Acad Sciences