Modulation of γδ T cells by USF3: Implications for liver fibrosis and immune regulation

Xianghong Wang1, Rong Lin2, Dehai Li3

  • 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital (The Affiliated Hospital of Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Jinan University, Zhuhai 519000, China; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhuhai People's Hospital (The Affiliated Hospital of Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, China.

PubMed

Previous studies have established that γδ T cells play a significant role in liver fibrosis. However, their specific functions and mechanisms in fibrotic liver tissue remain unclear. Using online microarray expression profiles, we observed that USF3 was upregulated in patients with liver fibrosis and was associated with immune cells. Additionally, increases in the expression of USF3 correlated with elevated levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in γδ T cells. However, the regulatory impact of USF3 on T cells, particularly in relation to fibrosis, has not been sufficiently elucidated. In this study, we employed conditional knockout mice (USF3f/f; CD2-cre) to investigate the role of USF3 in γδ T cells. The conditional knockout of USF3 resulted in an increase in both the number and proliferation of γδ T cells, which was associated with mTOR signaling pathway activation. The absence of USF3 significantly enhanced the expression of Eomes in γδ T cells, leading to an increase in IFN-γ production. Importantly, liver fibrosis was alleviated in USF3 conditional knockout mice, which was potentially linked to the enhanced proliferation of γδ T cells and the elevated expression of cytotoxic molecules, including IFN-γ. In summary, targeting USF3 in γδ T cells may represent a promising immunotherapeutic approach for liver fibrosis.