IL-23 receptor regulation by Let-7f in human CD4+ memory T cells

J Immunol. 2011 Jun 1;186(11):6182-90. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1000917. Epub 2011 Apr 20.

Abstract

CD4(+) memory T cells include the Th17 cell population, which has been shown to be implicated in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. These memory T cells express higher IL-23R and produce more IL-17 compared with their naive counterparts. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate IL-23R expression in human T cells are not completely understood. MicroRNAs play important roles in a wide range of biological events through posttranscriptional suppression of target mRNAs. In this article, we provide evidence that a specific microRNA, Let-7f, inhibits IL-23R expression in human CD4(+) memory T cells. Endogenous expression of Let-7f in memory T cells is significantly lower when compared with naive T cells, and Let-7f blocks IL-23R expression through its complementary target sequence within 3' untranslated region of target gene. Furthermore, exogenous transfection of a Let-7f mimic into memory T cells results in downregulation of IL-23R and its downstream cytokine, IL-17. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism in regulating the IL-23/IL-23R pathway and subsequent downstream IL-17 production, which may provide novel therapeutics for human inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions / genetics
  • Binding Sites / genetics
  • Blotting, Western
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Memory / genetics*
  • Immunologic Memory / immunology
  • Interleukin-17 / genetics
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism
  • K562 Cells
  • Leukocyte Common Antigens / metabolism
  • Luciferases / genetics
  • Luciferases / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Mutation
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Receptors, Interleukin / genetics*
  • Receptors, Interleukin / metabolism
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • IL23R protein, human
  • Interleukin-17
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Interleukin
  • mirnlet7 microRNA, human
  • Luciferases
  • Leukocyte Common Antigens