An N-Terminal Mutation of the Foxp3 Transcription Factor Alleviates Arthritis but Exacerbates Diabetes

Maintenance of lymphoid homeostasis in a number of immunological and inflammatory contexts is served by a variety of regulatory T (Treg) cell subtypes and depends on interaction of the transcription factor FoxP3 with specific transcriptional cofactors. We report that a commonly used insertional mutant of FoxP3 (GFP-Foxp3) modified its molecular interactions, blocking HIF-1α but increasing IRF4 interactions. The transcriptional profile of these Treg cells was subtly altered, with an overrepresentation of IRF4-dependent transcripts. In keeping with IRF4-dependent function of Treg cells to preferentially suppress T cell help to B cells and Th2 and Th17 cell-type differentiation, GFP-FoxP3 mice showed a divergent susceptibility to autoimmune disease: protection against antibody-mediated arthritis in the K/BxN model, but greater susceptibility to diabetes on the NOD background. Thus, specific subfunctions of Treg cells and the immune diseases they regulate can be influenced by FoxP3's molecular interactions, which result in divergent immunoregulation. [Display omitted] ► Mice expressing the GFP-Foxp3 protein are protected from arthritis but not diabetes ► GFP-FoxP3 Treg cells more effectively control Th17 cell differentiation and immune response ► An Irf4 genetic bias supports the altered suppressive function of GFP-FoxP3 Treg cells ► The GFP insertion in GFP-FoxP3 alters interactions with Irf4 and Hif1a