Suppressor Effector Function of CD4+CD25+ Immunoregulatory T Cells Is Antigen Nonspecific

• DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.164.1.183
• Publication Date: 2014-04-21T22:07:57Z
• Authors: Angela M. Thornton; Ethan M. Shevach
• Keywords: Mice, Inbred BALB C; Cell Cycle; Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte; Mice, Transgenic; Receptors, Interleukin-2; Cell Separation; Lymphocyte Activation; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Cell Line; 3. Good health; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; T-Lymphocyte Subsets; CD4 Antigens; Animals; Female; Immunologic Memory; Signal Transduction

Abstract CD4+CD25+ T cells represent a unique population of “professional” suppressor that prevent induction organ-specific autoimmune disease. In vitro, were anergic to simulation via the TCR and when cultured with CD4+CD25− cells, markedly suppressed polyclonal cell proliferation by specifically inhibiting production IL-2. Suppression was cytokine independent, contact dependent, required activation suppressors their TCR. Further characterization demonstrated they do not contain memory or activated act through an APC-independent mechanism. isolated from transgenic (Tg) mice inhibited responses Tg same Ag, but also Ag-specific specific for distinct Ag. both peptide/MHC complexes be present in culture, Ags could presented two populations APC. When anti-CD3 IL-2, expanded, remained anergic, absence restimulation TCR, multiple transgenics. Collectively, these data demonstrate require become suppressive, once activated, effector function is completely nonspecific. The surface molecules involved this T-T interaction remain characterized.