TGF-β in transplantation tolerance

TGF-β is a cytokine required for the induction and maintenance of transplantation tolerance in animal models. TGF-β mediates anti-inflammatory effects by acting on many immune cell-types. Central for transplantation tolerance is the role for TGF-β in the induction of Foxp3 and regulatory capacity in CD4(+) T cells. Recently, however, the general anti-inflammatory role of TGF-β in CD4(+) T cell polarization was questioned by the discovery that, in the presence of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 or IL-1, TGF-β drives the differentiation of Th17 cells associated with transplant rejection. A better understanding of the factors determining TGF-β production and activation, Foxp3 induction and Treg stability is vital for the development of tolerogenic strategies in transplantation.     

Notch receptors and Smad3 signaling cooperate in the induction of interleukin-9-producing T cells

Interleukin 9 (IL-9) is a pleiotropic cytokine that can regulate autoimmune responses by enhancing regulatory CD4(+)FoxP3(+) T regulatory (Treg) cell survival and T helper 17 (Th17) cell proliferation. Here, we analyzed the costimulatory requirements for the induction of Th9 cells, and demonstrated that Notch pathway cooperated with TGF-β signaling to induce IL-9. Conditional ablation of Notch1 and Notch2 receptors inhibited the development of Th9 cells. Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD1) recruited Smad3, downstream of TGF-β cytokine signaling, and together with recombining binding protein (RBP)-Jκ bound the Il9 promoter and induced its transactivation. In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), Jagged2 ligation regulated clinical disease in an IL-9-dependent fashion. Signaling through Jagged2 expanded Treg cells and suppressed EAE when administered before antigen immunization, but worsened EAE when administered concurrently with immunization by favoring Th17 cell expansion. We propose that Notch and Smad3 cooperate to induce IL-9 and participate in regulating the immune response.     

Immunomodulation of human CD19+CD25high regulatory B cells via Th17/Foxp3 regulatory T cells and Th1/Th2 cytokines

Regulatory B (Breg) cells are a special subset of immunoregulatory cells with unique phenotypes and functions. In this study, human CD19⁺CD25^high Breg cells were purified from human peripheral blood. Based on the coculture system of Breg cells and CD4⁺ T cells in vitro, Breg cells were found to promote the increase in regulatory T (Treg) cells while decreasing the number of Th17 cells. Breg cells regulate Treg cells through two processes: cell-cell contact and cytokines. TGF-βsRII, a blocker of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), can attenuate the effects of Treg elevation, suggesting that TGF-β is the main cytokine, while Breg cells rather than interleukin-10 (IL-10) regulate the differentiation of Treg cells. However, Th17 cells were mainly regulated by cytokines, without an obvious regulatory effect on cell-cell contacts. Breg cells may regulate Th17 cells by a pathway independent of TGF-β and IL-6. The coculture of Breg cells and CD4⁺ T cells led to changes in the cytokine spectrum, which included significant increases in IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 but not obvious changes in IL-2, IFN-γ and TNF. The inhibitory effect of Breg cells was weakened by blocking cell-cell contacts in cultures separated with the Transwell chamber because IL-10 decreased while IL-6 increased when compared with cocultured Breg and CD4⁺ T cells. When the IL-10 inhibitor IL-10sRα was added, IL-6 and TNF levels significantly increased, while treatment with the TGF-β inhibitor TGF-βsRII did not result in similar changes, suggesting that IL-10 is an important molecule to inhibit the proinflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF in this culture system.     

Th17与自身免疫性疾病

当初始CD4+T细胞接受抗原刺激时,在不同的细胞因子环境中分化为不同的淋巴细胞亚群.Th17作为一种新的T细胞亚群是在TGF-β与IL-6存在时经由孤独核受体(ROB)-γt途径分化而来,而当环境中仅有TGF-β时却分化为CD4+CD25+Foxp3+调节性T细胞(Tr).与Th1一样,Th17被认为在自身免疫性疾病和炎症反应的发生和进展中都发挥重要的病理作用,相反,Tr则起着抗炎和免疫负性调节的作用.因此Th1及Th17倾向的免疫应答可能导致炎症反应与自身免疫性疾病的发生和进展,故在体内阻断其相关的细胞因子IL-17、IL-6等则可使Th1、Th17及Tr重新保持平衡而对自身免疫性疾病产生治疗作用.     

转化生长因子-β参与CD4^＋CD25^＋调节性T细胞诱导的发育研究进展

CD4^＋CD25^＋调节性T细胞（CD4^＋CD25^＋Treg）足一类具有免疫调节功能的淋巴细胞,在维持机体免疫耐受和免疫应答稳态方面发挥重要作用。转化生长因子β（TGF—β）与CD4^＋CD25^＋Treg的发育分化和功能有着密不可分的关系,虽然作用机理尚不完全明了,但其重要性毋情置疑。     

Th17 and regulatory T lymphocytes in primary biliary cirrhosis and systemic sclerosis as models of autoimmune fibrotic diseases

Fibrotic autoimmune diseases are characterized by an inflammatory process in which fibrogenic cytokines, such as TGFβ and IL6, have a major role. Interestingly, these cytokines are also involved in the generation and function of both an effector T lymphocyte subpopulation, the Th17 cells, and the regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg). These evidences raised the hypothesis that an unbalanced equilibrium induced by the overproduction of the fibrogenic cytokines may have pathogenic relevance in fibrotic autoimmune diseases.On this basis, this review analyzes the available data concerning Th17 and Treg generation and function in two representative fibrotic autoimmune diseases, primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and systemic sclerosis (SSc), as models for organ-specific and systemic diseases, respectively.With regard to the Th17 cells, their expansion was found to be a common feature associated with a relative contraction of Th1 immune responses. Concerning to the regulatory T cell compartment, quantitative and qualitative alterations were observed in both diseases. However, while PBC patients showed defects only in the CD8 + Treg subset, SSc patients demonstrated abnormalities regarding to both the CD4 + CD25 + and the CD8 + Treg subpopulations. Hence, the CD8 + Treg subset seems to be the most involved in the pathogenic cascade leading to fibrotic disease onset and maintenance.Collectively, the reviewed data support the concept that altered homeostasis between effector and regulatory T cell circuits is present in fibrotic autoimmune diseases and that the major factors responsible for such disequilibrium are Th17 cells in the effector arm and CD8 + Treg in the regulatory arm.     

Th17细胞及其与感染性疾病关系的研究进展

Th17细胞是一种新近发现的不同于Th1、Th2细胞的CD4+效应性T细胞亚群,其分化受到局部微环境中不同细胞因子的调节,如TGF-β、IL-6促进初始CD4+T细胞分化为Th17细胞,而IL-27等则是抑制Th17分化的重要因子.Th17细胞以分泌IL-17、IL-21、IL-22等致炎细胞因子为主要特征,在对抗机体...     

Inhibition of human allergic T-helper type 2 immune responses by induced regulatory T cells requires the combination of interleukin-10-treated dendritic cells and transforming growth factor-β for their induction

BACKGROUND: In grass pollen-allergic individuals, T cell anergy can be induced by IL-10-treated dendritic cells (IL-10-DC) resulting in the suppression of T helper type 1 (Th1) as well as Th2 cells. This study was performed to analyse whether such IL-10-DC-treated T cells are able to act as regulatory T cells (Treg) suppressing the function of other T cells in the periphery. As transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is also a potential inducer of Treg, we additionally analysed the inhibitory capacity of TGF-beta-treated T cells in this system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Freshly isolated CD4+ or CD4+ CD25- T cells from grass pollen-allergic donors were stimulated with autologous mature monocyte-derived allergen-pulsed DC in the presence or absence of T cells previously cultured with IL-10-DC- and/or TGF-beta. RESULTS: Anergic T cells induced by allergen-pulsed IL-10-treated DC or allergen-pulsed DC and TGF-beta enhanced IL-10 production and strongly inhibited IFN-gamma production of freshly prepared peripheral CD4+ or CD4+ CD25- T cells while proliferation and Th2 cytokine production were only slightly reduced. The combination of allergen-pulsed IL-10-treated DC and TGF-beta had an additional effect leading to a significant suppression also of Th2 cytokine production and proliferation. Suppression was not antigen-specific and was mainly mediated by cell-to-cell contact and by the molecule-programmed death-1 and only partially by CTLA-4, TGF-beta and IL-10. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that regulatory T cells that also suppress Th2 cytokine production are induced by two signals: TGF-beta and IL-10-DC. This is of importance for the regulation of allergic immune responses and might be exploited for future therapeutic strategies for allergic diseases.     

Opposing effect of mesenchymal stem cells on Th1 and Th17 cell polarization according to the state of CD4+ T cell activation

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitors with broad immunosuppressive properties. However, their therapeutic use in autoimmune disease models has shown dissimilar effects when applied at different stages of disease. We therefore investigated the effect of the addition of MSCs on the differentiation of Th1, Treg and Th17 cells in vitro, at different states of CD4(+) T cell activation. CD4(+) T lymphocytes purified by negative selection from mouse C57BL/6 splenocytes were cultured under Th1, Th17 and Treg inducing conditions with IL-12, TGF-β+IL-6 or TGF-β, respectively. C57BL/6 bone marrow derived MSCs were added to CD4(+) T cell cultures at day 0 or after 3 days of T cell polarizing activation. Intracellular cytokines for Th1, Th17 and Treg cells were quantitated at day 6 by flow cytometry. While early addition (day 0) of MSCs suppressed all CD4(+) T cell lineages, addition at day 3 only decreased IFN-γ production by Th1 polarized cells by 64% (p<0.05) while markedly increased IL-17 production by Th17 polarized cells by 50% (p<0.05) and left IL-10 production by Treg polarized cells unchanged. MSCs exhibit their typical suppressive phenotype when added early to cell cultures in the presence of CD4(+) T cell polarizing stimuli. However, once T cell activation has occurred, MSCs show an opposite stimulating effect on Th17 cells, while leaving Treg IL-10 producing cells unchanged. These results suggest that the therapeutic use of MSCs in vivo might exert opposing effects on disease activity, according to the time of therapeutic application and the level of effector T cell activation.     

CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells promote Th17 cells in vitro and enhance host resistance in mouse Candida albicans Th17 cell infection model

Th17 cells and CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells are thought to promote and suppress inflammatory responses, respectively. Here we explore why under Th17 cell polarizing conditions, Treg cells did not suppress, but rather upregulated, the expression of interleukin-17A (IL-17A), IL-17F, and IL-22 from responding CD4(+) T?cells (Tresp cells). Upregulation of IL-17 cytokines in Tresp cells was dependent on?consumption of IL-2 by Treg cells, especially at early time points both in?vitro and in?vivo. During an oral Candida albicans infection in mice, Treg cells induced IL-17 cytokines in Tresp cells, which markedly enhanced fungal clearance and recovery from infection. These findings show how Treg cells can promote acute Th17 cell responses to suppress mucosal fungus infections and reveal that Treg cells?have a powerful capability to fight infections besides their role in maintaining tolerance or immune homeostasis.     

Deficient SOCS3 expression in CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells and SOCS3-mediated suppression of Treg function

Naturally occurring CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) suppress T helper (Th) cell-mediated immune responses. The cytokines IL-2 and IL-6 are known to influence Treg function. However, their relative effects on Th cells versus Treg are not well understood. Stimulation with IL-2, and to a lesser extent, IL-6, enhanced Treg proliferation, FoxP3 and CTLA4 maintenance, and suppressive function. In contrast, when IL-2 or IL-6 were added to Treg/Th cell cocultures, suppression was inhibited. The molecule SOCS3 negatively regulates responses to IL-2 and IL-6. Interestingly, unlike Th cells, Treg were found to be deficient in SOCS3 protein expression. The significance of this finding lies in the need for Treg to rapidly respond to these cytokines to prevent unwarranted immune responses to self-antigens. Overexpression of SOCS3 in Treg decreased their proliferation, FoxP3 and CTLA-4 expression and suppressive function. Thus, up-regulation of SOCS3 expression may be a useful therapeutic approach in diseases where inhibition of Treg is desirable.     

1型糖尿病患儿CD4~+T细胞亚群变化初探

目的 探讨CD4~+细胞亚群[Th1、Th2、CD4~+CD25~+Foxp3~+调节性T细胞(Tr)及Th17细胞]在1型糖尿病(TIDM)患儿免疫发病机制中的作用.方法 新诊断TIDM患儿20例,同年龄对照组(Ctrl组)20例.用流式细胞术检测外周血Th1、Th2、Tr及Th17细胞比例.荧光定量PCR(real-time PCR)检测Th1、Th2、Tr、Th17细胞转录因子T-bet、GATA-3、Foxp3、ROR-γt、IFN-、IL-4、IL-10、IL-17A、CTLA-4、GITR等细胞因子和负性调节因子mRNA表达;应用酶联免疫吸附方法(ELISA)检测IFN-γ、IL-4、TGF-β、IL-6血浆水平.结果 (1)与正常对照组相比,TIDM患儿Th1细胞比例明显增高(P<0.01),Th2细胞比例明显降低(P<0.01),Tr和Th17细胞比例与正常对照组相比无明显差别(P>0.05).(2)Th1细胞转录因子及细胞因子T-bet、IFN-γ较正常对照组明显升高(P<0.01);Th2细胞转录因子及细胞因子GATA-3、IL-4明显降低(P<0.01);Tr细胞转录因子Foxp3表达与正常对照组相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),Tr细胞相关细胞因子及负性调节因子IL-10、CTLA-4及GITR基因表达明显低于对照组(P<0.01);Th17细胞转录因子ROR-γt及细胞因子IL-17A基因表达与对照组相比无明显差异(P>0.05);(3)TIDM患儿外周血IFN-γ浓度明显增高,IL-4明显降低,TGF-β、IL-6浓度无明显改变(P>0.05).结论 TIDM患儿Th1/Th2失衡,加上Tr细胞抑制功能缺陷,可能导致TIDM严重细胞免疫功能紊乱.     

调节性T细胞及其分泌的细胞因子在再生障碍性贫血中的意义

目的:检测再障患者外周血中T细胞亚群比例及Treg细胞相关的细胞因子分泌水平,探讨其在再障发病中作用。方法:依据临床诊断标准,收集初发再障组、再障造血恢复组、正常对照组的外周血标本,流式细胞学方法检测各组CD4+、CD8+、NK、NKT、Treg细胞的比例,免疫磁珠法分离各组外周血中Treg细胞,并给予刺激培养,24、48小时后收集上清液,酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测Treg细胞分泌的细胞因子IL-10、IL-35、TGF-β的表达水平。结果:初发再障组的CD4+,Treg比例与正常对照组和再障造血恢复组相比显著低下;CD8+T细胞比例在再障患者中明显升高,其结果有统计学差异(P<0.05);NK、NKT的细胞与正常对照组比较无明显变化(P>0.05)。分离培养三组人群Treg细胞,ELISA检测结果显示:初发再障患者的IL-10、IL-35、TGF-β表达水平和正常对照组比较明显降低(P<0.05)。结论:T细胞免疫异常是再障发病机制的重要环节,Treg细胞在再障患者恢复造血过程中可能起着正向调控的作用。     

Short-Chain Fatty Acids Regulate Cytokines and Th17/Treg Cells in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in vitro

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have been recognized as mediators of immune responses, including pathways of cytokine production. In this study, we investigated the immune-regulatory effects of SCFAs on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from buffy coat of healthy donors. PBMCs were exposed to varying concentrations of individual SCFAs or of their mixtures of acetate, propionate and butyrate. The productions of interleukin (IL) IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-21, IL-23 and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) were assessed. T cell differentiation after exposure to SCFAs was also examined. Compared with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cells (controls), SCFAs slightly decreased TGF-β1 production and reduced IL-6 production; butyrate was more effective than acetate or propionate. SCFAs particularly butyrate caused the induction of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg) rather than Th17 cells. SCFAs may up-regulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, resulting in the induction of CD4+CD25+ Treg cells.     

CVB3诱导的病毒性心肌炎小鼠模型中CD4~+T细胞亚群格局及其作用

本研究主要关注BALB/c小鼠感染柯萨奇病毒B3型(CVB3)后CD4+T细胞亚群格局的变化及其对病毒性心肌炎发病的贡献度。CVB3腹腔感染小鼠后第7d,通过小鼠体重下降率、心肌损伤血清学指标肌酸激酶(CK)活性以及心肌组织病理学改变等多项指标证实小鼠心肌炎模型的成功建立。经Real-time PCR检测感染第7d脾脏CD4+T细胞亚群主要细胞因子IFN-γ、IL-4、IL-17A、IL-17F及转录因子Foxp3表达情况;以流式细胞术检测了CD4+T细胞各亚群比例,并通过多元线性回归分析法评估了各T细胞亚群对病毒性心肌炎发病的影响。结果显示,与对照组相比,CVB3感染小鼠脾脏IL-17A、IL-17F、IFN-γ表达均显著上升(分别约为12、8.5、5倍),而IL-4和Foxp3表达无明显变化。CVB3感染小鼠脾脏中CD4+IL-17+Th17细胞的上调幅度最为明显,约2.75倍,其次为IFN-γ+Th1细胞,上调约2.27倍,而Th2和Treg细胞无明显变化。进一步统计学分析显示,Th17对病毒性心肌炎发病的贡献度最高(1.808),Th1次之,贡献度为1.581,而Th2和Treg对病毒性心肌炎发病无显著影响,提示CD4+T细胞亚群格局变化与病毒性心肌炎发病密切相关,其中以Th17对心肌炎发病的贡献度尤为显著。     

Mast cells promote Th1 and Th17 responses by modulating dendritic cell maturation and function

Mast cells (MCs) play an important role in the regulation of protective adaptive immune responses against pathogens. However, it is still unclear whether MCs promote such host defense responses via direct effects on T cells or rather by modifying the functions of antigen-presenting cells. To identify the underlying mechanisms of the immunoregulatory capacity of MCs, we investigated the impact of MCs on dendritic cell (DC) maturation and function. We found that murine peritoneal MCs underwent direct crosstalk with immature DCs that induced DC maturation as evidenced by enhanced expression of costimulatory molecules. Furthermore, the MC/DC interaction resulted in the release of the T-cell modulating cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6 and TGF-β into coculture supernatants and increased the IL-12p70, IFN-γ, IL-6 and TGF-β secretion of LPS-matured DCs. Such MC-"primed" DCs subsequently induced efficient CD4+ T-cell proliferation. Surprisingly, we observed that MC-primed DCs stimulated CD4+ T cells to release high levels of IFN-γ and IL-17, demonstrating that MCs promote Th1 and Th17 responses. Confirming our in vitro findings, we found that the enhanced disease progression of MC-deficient mice in Leishmania major infection is correlated with impaired induction of both Th1 and Th17 cells.