MERTK on mononuclear phagocytes regulates T cell antigen recognition at autoimmune and tumor sites |
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| Authors: | Robin S Lindsay Jennifer C Whitesell Kristen E Dew Erika Rodriguez Adam M Sandor Dayna Tracy Seth F Yannacone Brittany N Basta Jordan Jacobelli Rachel S Friedman |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO ; 2. Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO ; 3. Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, Aurora, CO |
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| Abstract: | Understanding mechanisms of immune regulation is key to developing immunotherapies for autoimmunity and cancer. We examined the role of mononuclear phagocytes during peripheral T cell regulation in type 1 diabetes and melanoma. MERTK expression and activity in mononuclear phagocytes in the pancreatic islets promoted islet T cell regulation, resulting in reduced sensitivity of T cell scanning for cognate antigen in prediabetic islets. MERTK-dependent regulation led to reduced T cell activation and effector function at the disease site in islets and prevented rapid progression of type 1 diabetes. In human islets, MERTK-expressing cells were increased in remaining insulin-containing islets of type 1 diabetic patients, suggesting that MERTK protects islets from autoimmune destruction. MERTK also regulated T cell arrest in melanoma tumors. These data indicate that MERTK signaling in mononuclear phagocytes drives T cell regulation at inflammatory disease sites in peripheral tissues through a mechanism that reduces the sensitivity of scanning for antigen leading to reduced responsiveness to antigen. |
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