Sting signaling pathway study on the differentiation and function of Regulatory T cells (Tregs)

Abstract

Regulatory T cells (Treg) are essential to maintain self-tolerance and immunological homeostasis. These cells are characterized for its expression of FOXP3 transcription factor and for performing different suppressive activities in immune responses. There is a considerable interest in determining the molecular mechanisms by which Tregs perform their functions. The STING molecule (STimulating of INterferon Genes) has an important role on recognition of cyclic dinucleotides, and also function as an adaptor protein for DNA sensors, whose activation culminates in transcription of the genes for type I interferons, known to be involved in antiviral responses. Although STING activation is highly related to the assembly of innate immune response, some works relate its potential role as inflammation regulator. However, little is known about its role on T cell differentiation and function. In this sense, results from a ongoing project of our group reveal that STING activation regulates negatively Th17 cells differentiation, whose loss on pathogenic potential is accompanied with increase on the Foxp3 levels of expression. Thus, the present project proposes to investigate the STING role on Treg cells differentiation and function.