Activation of regulatory T cells triggers specific changes in glycosylation associated with Siglec-1-dependent inflammatory responses [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]
File(s)
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Background: Siglec-1 is a macrophage lectin-like receptor that mediates sialic acid-dependent cellular interactions. Its upregulation on macrophages in autoimmune disease was shown previously to promote inflammation through suppressing the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here we investigate the molecular basis for Siglec-1 binding to Tregs using in vitro-induced cells as a model system. Methods: Glycosylation changes that affect Siglec‑1 binding were studied by comparing activated and resting Tregs using RNA-Seq, glycomics, proteomics and binding of selected antibodies and lectins. A proximity labelling and proteomics strategy was used to identify Siglec-1 counter-receptors expressed on activated Tregs. Results: Siglec-1 binding was strongly upregulated on activated Tregs, but lost under resting conditions. Glycomics revealed changes in N-glycans and glycolipids following Treg activation and we observed changes in expression of multiple 'glycogenes' that could lead to the observed increase in Siglec-1 binding. Proximity labelling of intact, living cells identified 49 glycoproteins expressed by activated Tregs that may function as Siglec-1 counter-receptors. These represent ~5% of the total membrane protein pool and were mainly related to T cell activation and proliferation. We demonstrate that several of these counter-receptors were upregulated following activation of Tregs and provide initial evidence that their altered glycosylation may also be important for Siglec-1 binding. Conclusions: We provide the first comprehensive analysis of glycan changes that occur in activated Tregs, leading to recognition by the macrophage lectin, Siglec-1 and suppression of Treg expansion. We furthermore provide insights into glycoprotein counter-receptors for Siglec-1 expressed by activated Tregs that are likely to be important for suppressing Treg expansion.
Date Issued
2021-06-01
Date Acceptance
2021-05-12
Citation
Wellcome Open Research, 2021, 6
ISSN
2398-502X
Publisher
F1000Research
Journal / Book Title
Wellcome Open Research
Volume
6
Copyright Statement
© 2021 Wu G et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
License URL
Sponsor
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35224210
Grant Number
BB/K016164/1
Subjects
Regulatory T cell
glycomics
inflammation
macrophage
proteomics
sialic acid
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
England
Article Number
ARTN 184