Background Fos-related antigen 2 (Fra2) is a transcription factor belonging to the Fos family proteins which is part of the AP-1 transcription complex. We recently described a Fra2 transgenic (tg) mouse model which develops a multi-organ inflammatory phenotype affecting skin, lungs, thymus, liver and salivary glands. We have observed abnormalities in the T cell compartment, particularly in regulatory T (Treg) cells, which led us to hypothesize that Fra2 tg mice develop a T cell driven autoimmune phenotype.

Objectives To demonstrate the autoimmune phenotype of Fra2 tg mice and to characterize the mechanisms leading to Treg cell abnormality.

Methods We used previously generated Fra2 tg overexpressing mice. T lymphocyte populations were analyzed by flow cytometry for expression of activation markers and secretion of cytokines. We transferred purified CD4+ T cells into Rag2-/- mice lacking T and B cells, and we generated Rag2-/-Fra2 tg mice. Bone marrow cells were transferred into lethally irradiated recipients to create Fra2-WT bone marrow chimeric mice.

Results Fra2 tg mice backcrossed onto a Rag2^-/- background did not develop inflammatory manifestations (n=6), demonstrating the dependence on T and/or B cells of the autoimmune phenotype. In line with this, the transfer of purified CD4⁺ cells from 16 week-old Fra2 tg mice into Rag2^-/- recipients was sufficient to transfer the disease phenotype (n=3). Analysis of T cell populations from Fra2 tg mice showed the presence of activated CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cells in the spleen and lungs. After in vitro stimulation, we found that CD4⁺ T cells from Fra2 tg mice produced the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13. Thus, these data strongly suggest a T cell-driven autoimmune disease in these mice.

We previously reported a striking decrease of Treg cells in Fra2 tg mice, which might explain the autoimmune phenotype observed. Supporting this idea, we found that 3 week-old mice were devoid of organ manifestations and of T cell activation, but presented the same defect in the Treg cell population (n=6, p<0.001). Analysis of thymuses from these young tg mice showed an abnormal development of thymic Treg (tTreg) cells. In particular, we could observe a normal population of tTreg precursors (CD4⁺CD8^-CD25⁺FoxP3^-), but a strong decrease in mature tTreg cells (CD4⁺CD8^-CD25⁺FoxP3⁺, n=4), suggesting a perturbation in the transition from tTreg precursors to mature tTreg cells in Fra2 tg mice. We also found that in vivo stimulation with IL-2 failed to induce the proliferation of Treg cells in Fra2 tg mice compared to WT mice, suggesting that Fra2 overexpression affects IL-2 sensitivity of T cells. Finally, Fra2-WT bone marrow chimera mice also displayed a decreased percentage of Tregs confirming a cell-intrinsic and hematopoietic role of Fra2 in Treg cell development.

• Download figure
• Open in new tab
• Download powerpoint

Conclusions Our data suggest that Fra2 controls tTreg cell development, possibly by modulating IL-2 signaling in T cells, which leads to autoimmunity in this mouse model. This new pathway could be targeted in a translational approach to modulate the capacity of T cells to differentiate in Tregs during autoimmune disease.

Disclosure of Interest F. Renoux Grant/research support from: Swisslife, M. Stellato: None declared, D. Impellizzieri: None declared, A. Vogetseder: None declared, R. Huang Employee of: Sanofi-Genzyme, A. Subramaniam Employee of: Sanofi-Genzyme, C. Dees: None declared, J. Distler Shareholder of: 4D Science, Grant/research support from: Anamar, Active Biotech, Array Biopharma, BMS, Bayer Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, GSK, Novartis, Sanofi-Aventis, UCB, Consultant for: Actelion, Active Biotech, Anamar, Bayer Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Galapagos, GSK, Inventiva, JB Therapeutics, Medac, Pfizer, RuiYi and UCB, G. Kania: None declared, O. Boyman: None declared, O. Distler Grant/research support from: Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, Sanofi, Consultant for: 4 D Science, Actelion, Active Biotec, Bayer, BiogenIdec, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, ChemomAb, EpiPharm, espeRare foundation, Genentech/Roche, GSK, Inventiva, Lilly, medac, Mepha, MedImmune, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Pharmacyclics, Pfizer, Sanofi, Serodapharm, Sinoxa, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, iQone Healthcare, Mepha