Phosphatase PP2A is requisite for the function of regulatory T cells

Homeostasis of the immune system depends on the proper function of regulatory T cells (T-reg cells). Compromised suppressive activity of T-reg cells leads to autoimmune disease and graft rejection and promotes anti-tumor immunity. Here we report a previously unrecognized requirement for the serine-threonine phosphatase PP2A in the function of T-reg cells. T-reg cells exhibited high PP2A activity, and T-reg cell-specific ablation of the PP2A complex resulted in a severe, multi-organ, lymphoproliferative autoimmune disorder. Mass spectrometry revealed that PP2A associated with components of the mTOR metabolic-checkpoint kinase pathway and suppressed the activity of the mTORC1 complex. In the absence of PP2A, T-reg cells altered their metabolic and cytokine profile and were unable to suppress effector immune responses. Therefore, PP2A is required for the function of T-reg cells and the prevention of autoimmunity.