NFATc2 and NFATc3 transcription factors play a crucial role in suppression of CD4+ T lymphocytes by CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells

The phenotype of NFATc2(-/-) c3(-/-) (double knockout [DKO]) mice implies a disturbed regulation of T cell responses, evidenced by massive lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and autoaggressive phenomena. The population of CD4(+) CD25(+) T cells from DKO mice lacks regulatory capacity, except a small subpopulation that highly expresses glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family-related gene (GITR) and CD25. However, neither wild-type nor DKO CD4(+) CD25(+) regulatory T cells (T reg cells) are able to suppress proliferation of DKO CD4(+) CD25(-) T helper cells. Therefore, combined NFATc2/c3 deficiency is compatible with the development of CD4(+) CD25(+) T reg cells but renders conventional CD4(+) T cells unresponsive to suppression, underlining the importance of NFAT proteins for sustaining T cell homeostasis.