HuR posttranscriptionally regulates early growth response-1 (Egr-1) expression at the early stage of T cell activation

► Transiently expressed Egr-1 mRNA is identified in HuR mRNP complex. ► HuR regulates Egr-1 expression which in turn influences downstream IL-2 activation. ► HuR affects polyribosome distribution of Egr-1 mRNA and promotes translation. ► HuR controls translation of Egr-1 3′UTR reporter mRNA. ► Our study reveals a role for HuR in regulating early events of T cell activation.