Positive effects of glucocorticoids on T cell function by up-regulation of IL-7 receptor α

D Franchimont, J Galon, MS Vacchio, S Fan… - The Journal of …, 2002 - journals.aai.org
D Franchimont, J Galon, MS Vacchio, S Fan, R Visconti, DM Frucht, V Geenen, GP Chrousos
The Journal of immunology, 2002journals.aai.org
Despite the effects of glucocorticoids on immune function, relatively little is known about
glucocorticoid-inducible genes and how their products may regulate lymphocyte function.
Using DNA microarray technology to analyze gene expression in PBMC from healthy
donors, we identified IL-7Rα as a glucocorticoid-inducible gene. This observation was
confirmed at the mRNA and protein levels. Conversely, TCR signaling decreased IL-7Rα
expression, and the relative strength of signaling between these two receptors determined …
Abstract
Despite the effects of glucocorticoids on immune function, relatively little is known about glucocorticoid-inducible genes and how their products may regulate lymphocyte function. Using DNA microarray technology to analyze gene expression in PBMC from healthy donors, we identified IL-7Rα as a glucocorticoid-inducible gene. This observation was confirmed at the mRNA and protein levels. Conversely, TCR signaling decreased IL-7Rα expression, and the relative strength of signaling between these two receptors determined the final IL-7Rα levels. The up-regulation of IL-7Rα by glucocorticoids was associated with enhanced IL-7-mediated signaling and function. Moreover, IL-7-mediated inhibition of apoptosis at increasing concentrations of glucocorticoids is consistent with enhanced cell sensitivity to IL-7 following glucocorticoid exposure. These observations provide a mechanism by which glucocorticoids may have a positive influence on T cell survival and function.
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