RUNX2 Mediates Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Egress from the Bone Marrow and Controls Viral Immunity

Michaël Chopin, Simon P. Preston, Aaron T.L. Lun, Julie Tellier, Gordon K. Smyth, Marc Pellegrini, Gabrielle T. Belz, Lynn M. Corcoran, Jane E. Visvader, Li Wu, Stephen L. Nutt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

53 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) represent a unique immune cell type that responds to viral nucleic acids through the rapid production of type I interferons. Within the hematopoietic system, the transcription factor RUNX2 is exclusively expressed in pDCs and is required for their peripheral homeostasis. Here, we show that RUNX2 plays an essential role in promoting pDC localization and function. RUNX2 is required for the appropriate expression of the integrin-mediated adhesion machinery, as well as for the down-modulation of the chemokine receptor CXCR4, which allows pDC egress into the circulation. RUNX2 also facilitates the robust response to viral infection through the control of IRF7, the major regulator of type I interferon production. Mice lacking one copy of Runx2 have reduced numbers of peripheral pDCs and IFN-α expression, which might contribute to the reported difficulties of individuals with cleidocranial dysplasia, who are haploinsufficient for RUNX2, to clear viral infections.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)866-878
Number of pages13
JournalCell Reports
Volume15
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 Apr 2016
Externally publishedYes

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