WSX-1 over-expression in CD4⁺ T cells leads to hyperproliferation and cytokine hyperproduction in response to TCR stimulation

WSX-1 is a component of the IL-27R. Analyses of WSX-1 knockout (WSX-1^-/-) mice have shown that IL-27/WSX-1 signaling is essential for the proper development of T_h1 responses and that WSX-1 can suppress cellular activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. We have generated transgenic mouse lines over-expressing the WSX-1 gene under the control of the T cell-specific CD2 promoter (WSX-1 Tg mice). Unexpectedly, like activated CD4⁺ T cells from WSX-1^-/- mice, activated CD4⁺ T cells from WSX-1 Tg mice showed increased proliferation, augmented IL-2 production and up-regulated surface expression of activation markers. IL-27-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT1 was also enhanced in WSX-1 Tg CD4⁺ T cells, but STAT3 activation was normal. Exogenous IL-27 supported the proliferation of wild-type CD4⁺ T cells but suppressed that of WSX-1 Tg cells. WSX-1 over-expression increased IFN-γ production in T_h1-polarized CD4⁺ T cells, but also promoted T_h2 cytokine production under T_h 1-polarizing conditions. Importantly, WSX-1 over-expression failed to suppress T_h2 cytokine production under T_h 2-polarizing conditions. Cytokine hyperproduction was also observed in vivo in WSX-1 Tg mice injected with Con A. Our data suggest that WSX-1 plays a pivotal role in regulating T cell responsiveness to TCR stimulation and that the correct balance of STAT1/STAT3 activation downstream of IL-27R engagement is crucial for the physiological function of IL-27.