A PI3Kδ-Foxo1-FasL signaling amplification loop rewires CD4+ T cell signaling and differentiation

While inputs regulating CD4+ T helper (Th) cell differentiation are well defined, the integration of downstream signaling with transcriptional and epigenetic programs that define Th lineage identity remains incompletely resolved. PI3K signaling is a critical regulator of T cell function; activating mutations affecting PI3Kδ result in an immunodeficiency with multiple T cell defects. Using mice expressing activated PI3Kδ, we found aberrant expression of proinflammatory Th1 signature genes under Th2-inducing conditions, both in vivo and in vitro. This dysregulation was driven by a PI3Kδ-IL-2-Foxo1 signaling amplification loop, fueling Foxo1 inactivation, loss of Th2 lineage restriction, and extensive epigenetic reprogramming. Surprisingly, ablation of Fasl, a Foxo1-repressed gene, normalized both Th2 differentiation and TCR signaling. BioID and imaging revealed Fas interactions with TCR signaling components, which were supported by Fas-mediated potentiation of TCR signaling that could occur in the absence of FADD. Our results highlight Fas-FasL signaling as a critical intermediate in phenotypes driven by activated PI3Kδ, thereby linking two key pathways of immune dysregulation.