Transcription factor KLF2 regulates the migration of naive T cells by restricting chemokine receptor expression patterns

Nat Immunol. 2008 Mar;9(3):292-300. doi: 10.1038/ni1565. Epub 2008 Feb 3.

Abstract

The migration patterns of naive and activated T cells are associated with the expression of distinct sets of chemokine receptors, but the molecular basis for this regulation is unknown. Here we identify Krupple-like factor 2 (KLF2) as a key transcriptional factor needed to prevent naive T cells from expressing inflammatory chemokine receptors and acquiring the migration patterns of activated T cells. Lineage-specific deletion of KLF2 resulted in fewer naive T cells in the blood and secondary lymphoid organs, whereas it expanded naive T cell numbers in nonlymphoid tissues; these effects were associated with altered expression of inflammatory chemokine receptors on naive T cells. KLF2 repressed the expression of several chemokine receptors, including CCR3 and CCR5. We thus conclude that KLF2 maintains proper T cell migration patterns by linking T cell movement and transcriptional regulation of chemokine receptor expression patterns.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cell Movement / immunology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / immunology*
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / physiology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • Receptors, CCR3 / genetics
  • Receptors, CCR3 / metabolism*
  • Receptors, CCR5 / genetics
  • Receptors, CCR5 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Klf2 protein, mouse
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, CCR3
  • Receptors, CCR5