Epigenetic Control of the foxp3 Locus in Regulatory T Cells

Compelling evidence suggests that the transcription factor Foxp3 acts as a master switch governing the development and function of CD4(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs). However, whether transcriptional control of Foxp3 expression itself contributes to the development of a stable Treg lineage has thus far not been investigated. We here identified an evolutionarily conserved region within the foxp3 locus upstream of exon-1 possessing transcriptional activity. Bisulphite sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed complete demethylation of CpG motifs as well as histone modifications within the conserved region in ex vivo isolated Foxp3(+)CD25(+)CD4(+) Tregs, but not in naïve CD25(-)CD4(+) T cells. Partial…

• WS
  Wilhelm Sander-Stiftung
• DF
  Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

  Awards: SFB633, SFB633 and SFB650, SFB650
• BF
  Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

  Awards: SFB650, 01GS0413