Loss of SOCS1 in Donor T Cells Exacerbates Intestinal GVHD by Driving a Chemokine‐Dependent Pro‐Inflammatory Immune Microenvironment
Abstract
ABSTRACT Acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) of the gastrointestinal tract is a frequent and often fatal complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 (SOCS1) is a key regulator of T cell pathogenicity, yet its role in aGVHD remains unclear. Using T cell‐specific Socs1 knockout models, we show that Socs1 loss intrinsically drives pro‐inflammatory T cell differentiation independent of antigen stimulation, with the strongest effects observed in CD8 + T cells. Mechanistically, Socs1 deficiency activates a STAT1/2‐dependent transcriptional program, inducing Ccl5 expression, monocyte recruitment, and M1‐like macrophage polarization in peripheral lymphoid organs at steady state. After transplantation, Socs1 ‐deficient T cells display enhanced infiltration into intestinal crypts, accompanied by increased CD8 + T cell effector function, monocyte accumulation, and inflammatory macrophage polarization in target tissues. These changes promote tissue injury and impair regeneration, resulting in lethal aGVHD. Importantly, JAK1/2 inhibition with ruxolitinib reverses these pathogenic effects. Clinically, high SOCS1 expression in donor‐derived CD8 + T cells correlates with reduced aGVHD incidence. Together, our findings identify SOCS1 as a predictive biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for personalized aGVHD prophylaxis.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Cytokine Signaling Pathways and Interactions
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Psoriasis: Treatment and Pathogenesis
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Advanced Science
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 13
- Issue
- 18
- Pages
- e13735–e13735
- Publication date
- 25 January 2026
- Language
- EN