RNA sequencing of CD4+ T cells from mice developmentally exposed to TCDD

We used next generation RNAsequencing to identify how triggering the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) during development alters T cell gene expression. Specifically, mice were developmentally exposed to vehicle or the AHR agonist TCDD. At adulthood, mice were infected with influenza A virus. CD44hiCD4+ and CD44loCD4+ T cells were FACs purified from the mediastinal lymph nodes on day 9 post infection. RNA was isolated from these cells, and RNA-seq was performed. Gene expression analysis revealed developmental AHR activation durably changes the expression of genes involved in several important CD4+ T cell functions, including proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism. Overall design: Comparing gene expression patters of CD44hiCD4+ and CD44loCD4+ T cells from mice developmentally exposed to vehicle or TCDD during influenza a virus infection. 3 biological replicates per sample.