Interferon-γ Excess Leads to Pathogenic Accumulation of Follicular Helper T Cells and Germinal Centers

SummaryOveractivity of the germinal center (GC) pathway resulting from accumulation of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells causes autoimmunity, underscoring the need to understand the factors that control Tfh cell homeostasis. Here we have identifed posttranscriptional repression of interferon-γ (Ifng) mRNA as a mechanism to limit Tfh cell formation. By using the sanroque lupus model, we have shown that decreased Ifng mRNA decay caused excessive IFN-γ signaling in T cells and led to accumulation of Tfh cells, spontaneous GC, autoantibody formation, and nephritis. Unlike ICOS and T-bet deficiency that failed to rescue several autoimmune manifestations, interferon-γ receptor (IFN-γR) deficiency prevented lupus development. IFN-γ blockade reduced Tfh cells and autoantibodies, demonstrating that IFN-γ overproduction was required to sustain lupus-associated pathology. Increased IFN-γR signaling caused Bcl-6 overexpression in Tfh cells and their precursors. This link between IFN-γ and aberrant Tfh cell formation provides a rationale for IFN-γ blockade in lupus patients with an overactive Tfh cell-associated pathway.

► Posttranscriptional repression of Ifng mRNA limits Tfh cell accumulation ► IFN-γ signals act in T cells to increase Tfh cells and germinal centers ► Excessive IFN-γR signaling leads to Bcl-6 overexpression in Tfh cells ► IFN-γR deficiency and IFN-γ blockade reduces Tfh cells and prevents sanroque lupus