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Single-cell RNA sequencing unveils an IL-10-producing helper subset that sustains humoral immunity during persistent infection
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Single-cell RNA sequencing unveils an IL-10-producing helper subset that sustains humoral immunity during persistent infection

Gang Xin, Ryan Zander, David M. Schauder, Yao Chen, Jason S. Weinstein, William R. Drobyski, Vera Tarakanova, Joseph Craft and Weiguo Cui
Nature communications, Vol.9(1), pp.5037-14
11/28/2018
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07492-4
PMCID: PMC6261948
PMID: 30487586
url
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-07492-4View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

During chronic viral infection, the inflammatory function of CD4 T-cells becomes gradually attenuated. Concurrently, Th1 cells progressively acquire the capacity to secrete the cytokine IL-10, a potent suppressor of antiviral T cell responses. To determine the transcriptional changes that underlie this adaption process, we applied a single-cell RNA-sequencing approach and assessed the heterogeneity of IL-10-expressing CD4 T-cells during chronic infection. Here we show an IL-10-producing population with a robust Tfh-signature. Using IL-10 and IL-21 double-reporter mice, we further demonstrate that IL-10(+)IL-21(+)co-producing Tfh cells arise predominantly during chronic but not acute LCMV infection. Importantly, depletion of IL-10(+)IL-21(+)co-producing CD4 T-cells or deletion of Il10 specifically in Tfh cells results in impaired humoral immunity and viral control. Mechanistically, B cell-intrinsic IL-10 signaling is required for sustaining germinal center reactions. Thus, our findings elucidate a critical role for Tfh-derived IL-10 in promoting humoral immunity during persistent viral infection.
Multidisciplinary Sciences Science & Technology Science & Technology - Other Topics

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