• expression of Foxp3 (a Treg master transcription factor) is significantly decreased in T cells isolated from the spleen and lymph nodes; numbers of Foxp3+ T cells are decreased
• mRNA levels of Treg signature genes, such as Ctla4, Pdcd1 (Pd-1), Il10, and Il2ra (Cd25), are significantly decreased in T cells
• flow cytometry analyses confirm reduction of Treg markers CTLA4, IKZF2 (Helios), and IL2RA (CD25) and effector Treg markers (CD44 and CD62L) in T cells; however, CD25 protein levels in Treg (CD4+FOXP3+) cells are normal
• ratios of individual introns of Foxp3 pre-mRNA to Foxp3 mRNA levels are increased in in vitro differentiated Treg cells, suggesting reduced Foxp3 mRNA splicing
• reduction of FOXP3 protein levels in T cells is reversed by overexpression of DDX39B phosphomimetic (T389D) mutant protein in the absence of TGF-beta stimulation