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Guzniczak, N.

Publications and source records attributed to Guzniczak, N..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

A feedback control for restraining autoimmune γδ T cells: reprogramming into ILC1s

{gamma}{delta} T cells are promising mediators of cancer immunotherapy, yet their potential to drive autoimmunity remains incompletely understood. Here, we identify a feedback mechanism in which innate-like V{gamma}1.1V{delta}6.3 T cells are reprogrammed into ILC1-like cells, thereby restraining autoimmune pathology. We define a previously unrecognized ILC1 subset whose development depends on an intact Tcrd locus. These cells predominantly harbor productive V{gamma}1.1 and V{delta}6 rearrangements, consistent with their origin from V{gamma}1.1V{delta}6.3 T cells. Mechanistically, TCR signaling induces Id3, which suppresses E protein-dependent activation of T cell-specific genes, including that encoding V{delta}6.3. Id3 ablation drives robust expansion of V{gamma}1.1V{delta}6.3 T cells and severe autoimmunity, characterized by tissue infiltration, autoantibody production, enhanced T follicular helper cell differentiation, and accumulation of germinal center and age-associated B cells. Together with previously described exocrine dysfunction, these features resemble human Sjogrens disease. Consistent with this, we observed in the salivary glands of Sjogrens disease patients an increased frequency of CD4-CD8- T cells enriched for {gamma}{delta} T cells, including subsets functionally analogous to murine V{gamma}1.1V{delta}6.3 cells. Collectively, these findings uncover a TCR-Id3-dependent reprogramming pathway that limit the pathogenic potential of harmful {gamma}{delta} T cells.

immunology↗

Aging-Associated Autoimmunity in Genetically Diverse UM-HET3 Mice Shows a Female Sex Bias

C57BL/6 (B6) mice, often considered a non-autoimmune control strain, spontaneously develop autoantibodies and lymphocytic infiltration in the salivary glands (SG) with aging. However, as an inbred strain, B6 mice have a limited genetic background and do not fully represent a genetically diverse population. To assess whether genetic diversity influences the development of age-related autoimmunity, we studied UM-HET3 mice, a four-way cross that is commonly used in aging research. By 14-20 months of age, females showed significantly higher frequencies and endpoint titers of anti-nuclear antibodies. Older females also exhibited increased levels of splenic atypical/age-associated B cells and follicular helper T cells, populations associated with the production of autoantibodies. Similar immune cell changes were observed in the SG, with some female mice developing organized lymphocytic foci consisting of T and B cells. Our findings demonstrate that UM-HET3 mice naturally develop systemic autoimmunity and sialadenitis with age, with a clear female bias. Since female UM-HET3 mice have a longer median lifespan than males, these autoimmune responses may reflect benign autoimmunity, representing a heightened immune response associated with aging.

immunology↗