Effect of abrogated DNA-binding of thyroid hormone receptor alpha on the gene expression in CD25- CD4+ naive T cells and CD25+ CD4+ regulatory T cells

Thyroid hormones (TH) have emerged as important regulators of the immune system, mediating pro- and anti-inflammatory actions. However, the role of TH in T cells, which are central players of protective immunity has remained largely elusive. To address the impact TH on CD4 T cell immunity, we used RNA-sequencing analysis of naive CD4 T cells and Treg isolated from spleens of mice with a mutation in the DNA binding domain of TRα (TRαGS) or WT littermates. In absence of canonical TRα signaling gene expression profile of naive CD4 T cells was altered with enriched differential expression of genes involved in T cell homeostasis and migration. In TRαGS Treg increased expression of activation and migratory markers was found. Moreover, abrogated canonical TRα signaling was also related to changes in NFκB signaling pathway in Treg, which has been previously related to Treg induction and function. Hence, our findings provide new insight in the effect of canonical TRα singlaing in CD4 T cell immunity.