YY1(lo) NKT cells are dedicated IL-10 producers

Co-expression of Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is required for the full function of the transcription factor, PLZF, which is essential for the development of natural killer T cell (NKT cell) effector functions. Discordant expression of YY1 and PLZF, therefore, might define NKT cell subsets with distinct effector functions. A subset of NKT cells was identified that expressed low levels of YY1. YY1(lo) NKT cells were found in all tissues, had a mature phenotype and, distinct from other NKT cells, expressed almost no ThPOK or Tbet. When activated, YY1(lo) NKT cells produced little IL-4 or IFN-γ. YY1(lo) NKT cells were found to constitutively transcribe IL-10 mRNA and, accordingly, produced IL-10 upon primary activation. Finally, we find that tumor infiltrating NKT cells are highly enriched for the YY1(lo) subset. Low YY1 expression, therefore, defines a previously unrecognized NKT cell subset that is committed to producing IL-10.