Elevated transferrin receptor impairs T cell metabolism and function in systemic lupus erythematosus

Kelsey Voss, Allison E Sewell, Evan S Krystofiak, Katherine N Gibson-Corley, Arissa C Young, Jacob H Basham, Ayaka Sugiura, Emily N Arner, William N Beavers, Dillon E Kunkle, Megan E Dickson, Gabriel A Needle, Eric P Skaar, W Kimryn Rathmell, Michelle J Ormseth, Amy S Major, Jeffrey C Rathmell

T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) exhibit multiple metabolic abnormalities. Excess iron can impair mitochondria and may contribute to SLE. To gain insights into this potential role of iron in SLE, we performed a CRISPR screen of iron handling genes on T cells. Transferrin receptor (CD71) was identified as differentially critical for TH1 and inhibitory for induced regulatory T cells (iTregs). Activated T cells induced CD71 and iron uptake, which was exaggerated in SLE-prone T cells. Cell surface CD71 was enhanced in SLE-prone T cells by increased endosomal recycling. Blocking CD71 reduced intracellular iron and mTORC1 signaling, which inhibited TH1 and TH17 cells yet enhanced iTregs. In vivo treatment reduced kidney pathology and increased CD4 T cell production of IL-10 in SLE-prone mice. Disease severity correlated with CD71 expression on TH17 cells from patients with SLE, and blocking CD71 in vitro enhanced IL-10 secretion. T cell iron uptake via CD71 thus contributes to T cell dysfunction and can be targeted to limit SLE-associated pathology.