SATB1 ensures appropriate transcriptional programs within naïve CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells
Simone Nüssing, Lisa A. Miosge, Kah Lee, Moshe Olshansky, Adele Barugahare, Carla M. Roots, Yovina Sontani, E. Bridie Day, Marios Koutsakos, Katherine Kedzierska, Christopher C. Goodnow, Brendan E. Russ, Stephen R. Daley, Stephen J Turner
Abstract
Abstract Special AT‐binding protein 1 (SATB1) is a chromatin‐binding protein that has been shown to be a key regulator of T‐cell development and CD4 + T‐cell fate decisions and function. The underlying function for SATB1 in peripheral CD8 + T‐cell differentiation processes is largely unknown. To address this, we examined SATB1‐binding patterns in naïve and effector CD8 + T cells demonstrating that SATB1 binds to noncoding regulatory elements linked to T‐cell lineage–specific gene programs, particularly in naïve CD8 + T cells. We then assessed SATB1 function using N ‐ethyl‐ N ‐nitrosourea‐mutant mice that exhibit a point mutation in the SATB1 DNA‐binding domain (termed Satb1 m1Anu/m1Anu ). Satb1 m1Anu/m1Anu mice exhibit diminished SATB1‐binding, naïve, Satb1 m1Anu/m1Anu CD8 + T cells exhibiting transcriptional and phenotypic characteristics reminiscent of effector T cells. Upon activation, the transcriptional signatures of Satb1 m1Anu/m1Anu and wild‐type effector CD8 + T cells converged. While there were no overt differences, primary respiratory infection of Satb1 m1Anu/m1Anu mice with influenza A virus (IAV) resulted in a decreased proportion and number of IAV‐specific CD8 + effector T cells recruited to the infected lung when compared with wild‐type mice. Together, these data suggest that SATB1 has a major role in an appropriate transcriptional state within naïve CD8 + T cells and ensures appropriate CD8 + T‐cell effector gene expression upon activation.