Investigating the epigentic and transciptional changes induced in tolerant T cells [RNA-seq]

Here we investigated the underlying mechanisms causing the suppression of normal immune responses when T cells are rendered anergic by tolerance induction. By performing an integrated analysis of signaling, epigenetic modifications and gene expression, we demonstrate that immunological tolerance is established when both signaling to and epigenetic priming of immune response genes are weakened. In parallel, epigenetic priming of immune-repressive genes is boosted, rendering them sensitive to low levels of signaling below the threshold needed to activate immune response genes. Overall design: RNA-seq samples were generated in triplicate for CD4 naïve and tolerant T cells either untreated, treated in vivo by peptide stimulation or ex vivo with PMA and Calcium Ionophore