Wnt-β-catenin activation epigenetically reprograms T cells in inflammatory bowel disease and dysplastic progression.

The diversity of regulatory T (T) cells in health and in disease remains unclear. Individuals with colorectal cancer harbor a subpopulation of RORγt T cells with elevated expression of β-catenin and pro-inflammatory properties. Here we show progressive expansion of RORγt T cells in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease during inflammation and early dysplasia.

TCF-1 and HEB cooperate to establish the epigenetic and transcription profiles of CD4CD8 thymocytes.

Thymocyte development requires a complex orchestration of multiple transcription factors. Ablating either TCF-1 or HEB in CD4CD8 thymocytes elicits similar developmental outcomes including increased proliferation, decreased survival, and fewer late Tcra rearrangements. Here, we provide a mechanistic explanation for these similarities by showing that TCF-1 and HEB share ~7,000 DNA-binding sites genome wide and promote chromatin accessibility.

Preferential expansion of pro-inflammatory Tregs in human non-small cell lung cancer.

Objectives: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the USA. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) normally function to temper immune responses and decrease inflammation. Previous research has demonstrated different subsets of Tregs with contrasting anti- or pro-inflammatory properties.