Nuclear factor of activated T (NFAT) cells activity within CD4+ T cells is influenced by activation status and tissue localisation

Nuclear factor of activated T (NFAT) cells is a family of transcription factors important for the regulation of cytokine expression by CD4+ T cells. Whilst a number of studies have examined NFAT activity of in vitro generated CD4+ T helper (Th)1 and Th2 cells, regulation of NFAT during in vivo immune responses has yet to be elucidated. We show that NFAT activity in CD4+ T cells peaked at early time-points in the draining mediastinal lymph node of mice infected with influenza A (Flu) or Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb). In contrast, low NFAT transcriptional activity was detected in CD4+ T cells isolated from the lung of either Flu or Nb infected mice, despite a greater proportion of cytokine-producing cells being present at this site. These findings indicate that the activation status and tissue microenvironment of effector CD4+ T cells can determine their requirement for NFAT-mediated transcription.