T cell dysfunction has a crucial role in establishing and maintaining viral persistence. We have previously shown a decline in miR-181a, which regulates CD4+ T cell responses via DUSP6 overexpression, in individuals with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Here, we describe accelerated T cell senescence in HCV-infected individuals compared with age-and sex-matched healthy subjects. Mechanistic studies revealed that up-regulation of transcription factor ∆Np63 led to the decline of miR-181a expression, resulting in an overexpression of the antiaging protein Sirt1, in CD4+ T cells from HCV-infected individuals. Either reconstituting miR-181a or silencing ∆Np63 or Sirt1 expression in CD4+ T cells led to accelerated T cell senescence, as evidenced by an increased senescence-associated b-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) expression, shortened telomere length, and decreased EdU incorporation; this suggests that HCV-induced T cell senescence is counterregulated by the ∆Np63-miR-181a-Sirt1 pathway. An increase of IL-2 production was observed in these senescent CD4+ T cells and was driven by a markedly reduced frequency of Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and increased number of Foxp3- effector T (Teff) cells upon manipulating the ∆Np63-miR-181a-Sirt1 pathway. In conclusion, these findings provide novel mechanistic insights into how HCV uses cellular senescent pathways to regulate T cell functions, revealing new targets for rejuvenating impaired T cell responses during chronic viral infection.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ETSU/oai:dc.etsu.edu:etsu-works-16549 |
| Date | 01 November 2016 |
| Creators | Zhou, Yun, Li, Guang Y., Ren, Jun P., Wang, Ling, Zhao, Juan, Ning, Shun B., Zhang, Ying, Lian, Jian Q., Huang, Chang X., Jia, Zhan S., Moorman, Jonathan P., Yao, Zhi Q. |
| Publisher | Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University |
| Source Sets | East Tennessee State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Source | ETSU Faculty Works |
Page generated in 0.0021 seconds