The Efficiency of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Secretion by MRNA-Electroporated Regulatory T Cells Is Highly Impacted by Their Activation Status

Overview

Journal Eur J Immunol

Specialty Allergy & Immunology

Date 2024 Dec 20

PMID 39703060

Authors

Jasper Van den Bos

Ibo Janssens

Morgane Vermeulen

Amber Dams

Hans De Reu

Stefanie Peeters

Carole Faghel

Yousra El Ouaamari

Inez Wens

Nathalie Cools

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Genetic engineering of regulatory T cells (Tregs) presents a promising avenue for advancing immunotherapeutic strategies, particularly in autoimmune diseases and transplantation. This study explores the modification of Tregs via mRNA electroporation, investigating the influence of T-cell activation status on transfection efficiency, phenotype, and functionality. For this CD45RA Tregs were isolated, expanded, and modified to overexpress brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Kinetics of BDNF expression and secretion were explored. Treg activation state was assessed by checking the expression of activation markers CD69, CD71, and CD137. Our findings show that only activated Tregs secrete BDNF post-genetic engineering, even though both activated and resting Tregs express BDNF intracellularly. Notably, the mTOR pathway and CD137 are implicated in the regulation of protein secretion in activated Tregs, indicating a complex interplay of signalling pathways. This study contributes to understanding the mechanisms governing protein expression and secretion in engineered Tregs, offering insights for optimizing cell-based therapies and advancing immune regulation strategies.

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