Group 1 Innate Lymphoid Cell Lineage Identity Is Determined by a cis-Regulatory Element Marked by a Long Non-coding RNA

Immunity. 2017 Sep 19;47(3):435-449.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2017.08.012.

Abstract

Commitment to the innate lymphoid cell (ILC) lineage is determined by Id2, a transcriptional regulator that antagonizes T and B cell-specific gene expression programs. Yet how Id2 expression is regulated in each ILC subset remains poorly understood. We identified a cis-regulatory element demarcated by a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that controls the function and lineage identity of group 1 ILCs, while being dispensable for early ILC development and homeostasis of ILC2s and ILC3s. The locus encoding this lncRNA, which we termed Rroid, directly interacted with the promoter of its neighboring gene, Id2, in group 1 ILCs. Moreover, the Rroid locus, but not the lncRNA itself, controlled the identity and function of ILC1s by promoting chromatin accessibility and deposition of STAT5 at the promoter of Id2 in response to interleukin (IL)-15. Thus, non-coding elements responsive to extracellular cues unique to each ILC subset represent a key regulatory layer for controlling the identity and function of ILCs.

Keywords: ILC1; Id2; innate lymphoid cells; lineage identity; lncRNA; transcriptional regulation.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Lineage / genetics
  • Cell Lineage / immunology
  • Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Genetic Loci
  • Homeostasis
  • Immunity, Innate / genetics*
  • Inhibitor of Differentiation Protein 2 / genetics
  • Killer Cells, Natural / cytology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
  • Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics*
  • Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid*
  • STAT5 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Inhibitor of Differentiation Protein 2
  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • STAT5 Transcription Factor