Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for maintaining immune tolerance in both lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues. We discovered that layilin, a C-type lectin receptor, is predominantly expressed on Tregs in skin. Layilin was highly expressed on a subset of clonally expanded ‘effector’ Tregs in both healthy and psoriatic skin. Layilin expressing Tregs exhibited a transcriptional profile indicative of enhanced adhesion. Deletion of layilin in Tregs in vivo resulted in significantly attenuated skin inflammation. Mechanistically, layilin enhanced Treg adhesion via modulation of LFA-1, resulting in distinct cytoskeletal alterations consistent with enhanced focal adhesion and lamellipodia formation. Taken together, we define layilin as a critical regulator of Treg suppressive capacity through modulating motility and adhesion in a non-lymphoid tissue.
Competing Interest Statement
M.D.R. is a consultant and co-founder of TRex Bio Inc., Sitryx Bio Inc., and Radera Bio Inc. He is also a consultant for Mozart Bio Inc. J.N.C. is a consultant for TRex Bio Inc. and Radera Bio Inc. M.M.L and M.K. are consultants for Radera Bio Inc.