Loss of SOCS1 in Donor T Cells Exacerbates Intestinal GVHD by Driving a Chemokine‐Dependent Pro‐Inflammatory Immune Microenvironment

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Authors: Zhigui Wu, Bixia Wang, Xinya Jiang, Fangqing Zhang, Qianqian Huang, Xinyi Wu, Shuang Fan, Qi Zhang, Jie Zhou, Jianing Tang, Xiao‐Dong Mo, Yu Wang
+3 more Y. M. Chang, H. L. Guo, Xiaoyin Huang
Cited by: 1
References: 33

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