The role of ferroportin in iron metabolism and its impact on regulatory T cell biology

• Grant number: 25/04111-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal Investigator: José Carlos Farias Alves Filho
• Grantee: Maísa de Oliveira Leandro
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/08216-2 - CRID - Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases, AP.CEPID

Abstract

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subset of lymphocytes responsible for suppressing immune responses, promoting self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. Upon activation, Tregs undergo metabolic reprogramming, which is essential for their differentiation and immunosuppressive functions. In this context, recent studies have demonstrated that iron uptake is a crucial event for Treg stability and function. However, it remains unclear how the regulation of iron metabolism affects Treg biology. Ferroportin (FPN), a protein widely expressed in various cell types, coordinates iron efflux and plays a key role in regulating multiple iron-dependent cellular functions. Preliminary results from this project show that FPN deletion in CD4+ T cells enhances regulatory T cell differentiation in vitro. Additionally, the specific deletion of FPN in Foxp3+ cells reduces the clinical score and inflammatory parameters in mice subjected to the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. These findings suggest that the interplay between iron metabolism and Treg function is complex and may significantly impact immune response regulation. To better understand the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, this project aims to investigate the role of FPN in Treg differentiation and function, assessing its implications for immune regulation and the progression of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. (AU)