RORγt+ cells selectively express redundant cation channels linked to the Golgi apparatus

Sci Rep. 2016 Mar 24:6:23682. doi: 10.1038/srep23682.

Abstract

Retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) is a master transcription factor central to type 17 immunity involving cells such as T helper 17, group 3 innate lymphoid cells or IL-17-producing γδ T cells. Here we show that the intracellular ion channel TMEM176B and its homologue TMEM176A are strongly expressed in these RORγt(+) cells. We demonstrate that TMEM176A and B exhibit a similar cation channel activity and mainly colocalise in close proximity to the trans-Golgi network. Strikingly, in the mouse, the loss of Tmem176b is systematically associated with a strong upregulation of Tmem176a. While Tmem176b single-deficiency has no effect on the course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, T cell or DSS-induced colitis, it significantly reduces imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation. These findings shed light on a potentially novel specific process linked to post-Golgi trafficking for modulating the function of RORγt(+) cells and indicate that both homologues should be simultaneously targeted to clearly elucidate the role of this intracellular ion flow.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Colitis / chemically induced
  • Colitis / genetics
  • Colitis / immunology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / chemically induced
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / genetics
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3 / metabolism*
  • Psoriasis / chemically induced
  • Psoriasis / genetics
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / cytology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / metabolism
  • trans-Golgi Network / genetics
  • trans-Golgi Network / metabolism

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3
  • TMEM176A protein, human
  • TMEM176B protein, human
  • Tmem176A protein, mouse
  • Tmem176B protein, mouse