cAMP responsive element modulator α promotes effector T cells in systemic autoimmune diseases

Abstract

AbstractT lymphocytes play a crucial role in adaptive immunity. Dysregulation of T cell‐derived inflammatory cytokine expression and loss of self‐tolerance promote inflammation and tissue damage in several autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and psoriasis. The transcription factor cAMP responsive element modulator α (CREMα) plays a key role in the regulation of T cell homeostasis. Increased expression of CREMα is a hallmark of the T cell‐mediated inflammatory diseases SLE and psoriasis. Notably, CREMα regulates the expression of effector molecules through trans‐regulation and/or the co‐recruitment of epigenetic modifiers, including DNA methyltransferases (DNMT3a), histone‐methyltransferases (G9a) and histone acetyltransferases (p300). Thus, CREMα may be used as a biomarker for disease activity and/or target for future targeted therapeutic interventions.