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CD38 expression by neonatal human naïve CD4+ T cells shapes their distinct metabolic and tolerogenic properties
Laura R. Dwyer, Andrea M. DeRogatis, Sean Clancy, Victoire Gouirand, Charles Chien, Elizabeth E. Rogers, Scott P. Oltman, Laura L. Jelliffe-Pawlowski, Theo van den Broek, Femke van Wijk, Susan V. Lynch, Rachel L. Rutishauser, Allon Wagner, Alexis J. Combes, Tiffany C. Scharschmidt
Laura R. Dwyer, Andrea M. DeRogatis, Sean Clancy, Victoire Gouirand, Charles Chien, Elizabeth E. Rogers, Scott P. Oltman, Laura L. Jelliffe-Pawlowski, Theo van den Broek, Femke van Wijk, Susan V. Lynch, Rachel L. Rutishauser, Allon Wagner, Alexis J. Combes, Tiffany C. Scharschmidt
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Research In-Press Preview Development Immunology Metabolism

CD38 expression by neonatal human naïve CD4+ T cells shapes their distinct metabolic and tolerogenic properties

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Abstract

Neonatal life is marked by rapid antigen exposure, necessitating establishment of peripheral immune tolerance via conversion of naïve CD4+ T cells into regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here, we demonstrated heightened capacity for FOXP3 expression and tolerogenic function among cord blood versus adult blood naive CD4+ T cells and showed that this is linked to their unique metabolic profile and elevated expression of the NADase, CD38. Early-life naïve CD4+ T cells demonstrated a metabolic preference for glycolysis, which directly facilitated their differentiation trajectory. We revealed an age-dependent gradient in CD38 levels on naïve CD4+ T cells and showed that high CD38 expression contributes to both the glycolytic state and tolerogenic potential of neonatal CD4+ T cells, effects that were mediated at least in part via the NAD-dependent deacetylase SIRT1. Thus, the early-life window for peripheral tolerance in humans is critically enabled by the immunometabolic state of the naïve CD4+ compartment.

Authors

Laura R. Dwyer, Andrea M. DeRogatis, Sean Clancy, Victoire Gouirand, Charles Chien, Elizabeth E. Rogers, Scott P. Oltman, Laura L. Jelliffe-Pawlowski, Theo van den Broek, Femke van Wijk, Susan V. Lynch, Rachel L. Rutishauser, Allon Wagner, Alexis J. Combes, Tiffany C. Scharschmidt

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