Targeting self- and foreign antigens to dendritic cells via DC-ASGPR generates IL-10-producing suppressive CD4+ T cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) can initiate and shape host immune responses toward either immunity or tolerance by their effects on antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells. DC-asialoglycoprotein receptor (DC-ASGPR), a lectinlike receptor, is a known scavenger receptor. Here, we report that targeting antigens to human DCs via DC-ASGPR, but not lectin-like oxidized-LDL receptor, Dectin-1, or DC-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin favors the generation of antigen-specific suppressive CD4(+) T cells that produce interleukin 10 (IL-10). These findings apply to both self- and foreign antigens, as well as memory and naive CD4(+) T cells. The generation of such IL-10-producing CD4(+) T cells requires p38/extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation and IL-10 induction in DCs. We further demonstrate that immunization of nonhuman primates with antigens fused to anti-DC-ASGPR monoclonal antibody generates antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells that produce IL-10 in vivo. This study provides a new strategy for the establishment of antigen-specific IL-10-producing suppressive T cells in vivo by targeting whole protein antigens to DCs via DC-ASGPR.     

Human interleukin 17-producing cells originate from a CD161+CD4+ T cell precursor

We demonstrate that CD161 is a highly up-regulated gene in human interleukin (IL) 17 T helper cell (Th17) clones and that all IL-17–producing cells are contained in the CD161⁺ fraction of CD4⁺ T cells present in the circulation or in inflamed tissues, although they are not CD1-restricted natural killer T cells. More importantly, we show that all IL-17–producing cells originate from CD161⁺ naive CD4⁺ T cells of umbilical cord blood, as well as of the postnatal thymus, in response to the combined activity of IL-1β and IL-23. These findings implicate CD161 as a novel surface marker for human Th17 cells and demonstrate the exclusive origin of these cells from a CD161⁺CD4⁺ T cell progenitor.     

Antiviral CD4+ memory T cells are IL-15 dependent

Survival and intermittent proliferation of memory CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells appear to be controlled by different homeostatic mechanisms. In particular, contact with interleukin (IL)-15 has a decisive influence on memory CD8(+) cells, but not memory CD4(+) cells. Past studies of memory CD4(+) cells have relied heavily on the use of naturally occurring memory phenotype (MP) cells as a surrogate for antigen (Ag)-specific memory cells. However, we show here that MP CD4(+) cells contain a prominent subset of rapidly proliferating major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II-dependent cells. In contrast, Ag-specific memory CD4 cells have a slow turnover rate and are MHC II independent. In irradiated hosts, these latter cells ignore IL-15 and expand in response to the elevated levels of IL-7 in the lymphopenic hosts. In contrast, in normal nonlymphopenic hosts where IL-7 levels are low, memory CD4 cells are heavily dependent on IL-15. Significantly, memory CD4(+) responsiveness to endogenous IL-15 reflects marked competition from other cells, especially CD8(+) and natural killer cells, and increases considerably after removal of these cells. Therefore, under normal physiological conditions, homeostasis of CD8(+) and CD4(+) memory cells is quite similar and involves IL-15 and IL-7.     

MHCII-independent CD4+ T cells protect injured CNS neurons via IL-4

A body of experimental evidence suggests that T cells mediate neuroprotection following CNS injury; however, the antigen specificity of these T cells and how they mediate neuroprotection are unknown. Here, we have provided evidence that T cell–mediated neuroprotection after CNS injury can occur independently of major histocompatibility class II (MHCII) signaling to T cell receptors (TCRs). Using two murine models of CNS injury, we determined that damage-associated molecular mediators that originate from injured CNS tissue induce a population of neuroprotective, IL-4–producing T cells in an antigen-independent fashion. Compared with wild-type mice, IL-4–deficient animals had decreased functional recovery following CNS injury; however, transfer of CD4⁺ T cells from wild-type mice, but not from IL-4–deficient mice, enhanced neuronal survival. Using a culture-based system, we determined that T cell–derived IL-4 protects and induces recovery of injured neurons by activation of neuronal IL-4 receptors, which potentiated neurotrophin signaling via the AKT and MAPK pathways. Together, these findings demonstrate that damage-associated molecules from the injured CNS induce a neuroprotective T cell response that is independent of MHCII/TCR interactions and is MyD88 dependent. Moreover, our results indicate that IL-4 mediates neuroprotection and recovery of the injured CNS and suggest that strategies to enhance IL-4–producing CD4⁺ T cells have potential to attenuate axonal damage in the course of CNS injury in trauma, inflammation, or neurodegeneration.     

IL-6-dependent spontaneous proliferation is required for the induction of colitogenic IL-17-producing CD8+ T cells

We propose a novel role for interleukin (IL) 6 in inducing rapid spontaneous proliferation (SP) of naive CD8(+) T cells, which is a crucial step in the differentiation of colitogenic CD8(+) T cells. Homeostasis of T cells is regulated by two distinct modes of cell proliferation: major histocompatibility complex/antigen-driven rapid SP and IL-7/IL-15-dependent slow homeostatic proliferation. Using our novel model of CD8(+) T cell-dependent colitis, we found that SP of naive CD8(+) T cells is essential for inducing pathogenic cytokine-producing effector T cells. The rapid SP was predominantly induced in mesenteric lymph nodes (LNs) but not in peripheral LNs under the influence of intestinal flora and IL-6. Indeed, this SP was markedly inhibited by treatment with anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody (IL-6R mAb) or antibiotic-induced flora depletion, but not by anti-IL-7R mAb and/or in IL-15-deficient conditions. Concomitantly with the inhibition of SP, anti-IL-6R mAb significantly inhibited the induction of CD8(+) T cell-dependent autoimmune colitis. Notably, the transfer of naive CD8(+) T cells derived from IL-17(-/-) mice did not induce autoimmune colitis. Thus, we conclude that IL-6 signaling is crucial for SP under lymphopenic conditions, which subsequently caused severe IL-17-producing CD8(+) T cell-mediated autoimmune colitis. We suggest that anti-IL-6R mAb may become a promising strategy for the therapy of colitis.     

IL-10-producing and naturally occurring CD4+ Tregs: limiting collateral damage

Effective immune responses against pathogens are sometimes accompanied by strong inflammatory reactions. To minimize damage to self, the activation of the immune system also triggers anti-inflammatory circuits. Both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory reactions are normal components of the same immune response, which coordinately fight infections while preventing immune pathology. IL-10 is an important suppressive cytokine, produced by a large number of immune cells in addition to the antigen-driven IL-10-producing regulatory and the naturally occurring suppressor CD4+ T cells, which is a key player in anti-inflammatory immune responses. However, additional mechanisms have evolved to ensure that pathogen eradication is achieved with minimum damage to the host. Here we discuss those mechanisms that operate to regulate effector immune responses.     

Apoptotic depletion of CD4+ T cells in idiopathic CD4+ T lymphocytopenia.

Progressive loss of CD4+ T lymphocytes, accompanied by opportunistic infections characteristic of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome, ahs been reported in the absence of any known etiology. The pathogenesis of this syndrome, a subset of idiopathic CD4+ T lymphocytopenia (ICL), is uncertain. We report that CD4+ T cells from seven of eight ICL patients underwent accelerated programmed cell death, a process facilitated by T cell receptor cross-linking. Apoptosis was associated with enhanced expression of Fas and Fas ligand in unstimulated cell populations, and partially inhibited by soluble anti-Fas mAb. In addition, apoptosis was suppressed by aurintricarboxylic acid, an inhibitor of calcium-dependent endonucleases and proteases, in cells from four of seven patients, The in vivo significance of these findings was supported by three factors: the absence of accelerated apoptosis in persons with stable, physiologic CD4 lymphopenia without clinical immune deficiency; detection of serum antihistone H2B autoantibodies, one consequence of DNA fragmentation, in some patients; and its selectivity, with apoptosis limited to the CD4 population in some, and occurring among CD8+ T cells predominantly in those individuals with marked depletion of both CD4+ T lymphocytes linked to clinical immune suppression have evidence for accelerated T cell apoptosis in vitro that may be pathophysiologic and amenable to therapy with apoptosis inhibitors.     

Regulatory CD4+CD25+ T cells restrict memory CD8+ T cell responses

CD4+ T cell help is important for the generation of CD8+ T cell responses. We used depleting anti-CD4 mAb to analyze the role of CD4+ T cells for memory CD8+ T cell responses after secondary infection of mice with the intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, or after boost immunization by specific peptide or DNA vaccination. Surprisingly, anti-CD4 mAb treatment during secondary CD8+ T cell responses markedly enlarged the population size of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. After boost immunization with peptide or DNA, this effect was particularly profound, and antigen-specific CD8+ T cell populations were enlarged at least 10-fold. In terms of cytokine production and cytotoxicity, the enlarged CD8+ T cell population consisted of functional effector T cells. In depletion and transfer experiments, the suppressive function could be ascribed to CD4+CD25+ T cells. Our results demonstrate that CD4+ T cells control the CD8+ T cell response in two directions. Initially, they promote the generation of a CD8+ T cell responses and later they restrain the strength of the CD8+ T cell memory response. Down-modulation of CD8+ T cell responses during infection could prevent harmful consequences after eradication of the pathogen.     

CD4^＋CD25^＋调节性T细胞与自身免疫病

目的:CD4 CD25 调节性T细胞是一群具有免疫调节或免疫抑制功能的细胞。越来越多的实验证明,CD4 CD25 调节性T细胞在维持外周免疫耐受中起重要作用,这种T细胞的数量减少或功能缺失可导致自身免疫性疾病的发生。本文就CD4 CD25 调节性T细胞及其在自身免疫性疾病中作用的研究进展做一综述。资料来源:应用计算机检索CNKI、Medline、EMCC数据库和手工检索2006-2007年的相关文献。检索词为"CD4 CD25 T调节性细胞,自身免疫病,免疫耐受,CD4 CD25 regulatory T cell,Treg,autoimmune disease,immune tolerance"。资料选择:检索范围包括临床研究(不限研究对象的年龄、性别、种族)和基础研究,不限体内和体外研究。资料提炼:共收集到相关文献675篇,选择其中33篇英文文献进行重点阅读和分析。资料综合:CD4 CD25 调节性T细胞具有免疫抑制功能,在机体的免疫调节中发挥重要作用。与其免疫调节功能相关的杀伤性T细胞淋巴细胞相关抗原4、CD45RO、糖皮质激素诱导的肿瘤坏死因子受体、淋巴细胞的无能相关基因等细胞表面分子和白细胞介素2、白细胞介素10、白细胞介素4、转化生长因子β等细胞因子的研究不断深入。此外,CD4 CD25 调节性T细胞功能的发挥还与FOXP3的表达密切相关。CD4 CD25 调节性T细胞数量的减少、抑制功能的受损和(或)细胞表面分子表达的缺陷可能导致1型糖尿病、多发性硬化和炎症性肠病等多种自身免疫病的发生。结论:CD4 CD25 调节性T细胞主要通过细胞接触依赖机制和抑制性细胞因子依赖机制发挥免疫抑制效应。其数量的减少、功能的受损和(或)表面分子表达的缺陷与自身免疫病的发生发展密切相关。     

CD4^＋CD25^＋T细胞的扩增及其功能分析

背景:CD4+CD25+T细胞增殖能力低,且在人外周血中仅占单个核细胞的4%左右.若能在体外高效扩增CD4+CD25+T细胞,并保持其免疫调节特性,将会对临床移植产生积极的影响.目的:观察C57BL/6小鼠来源的CD4+CD25+T细胞体外增殖情况及其扩增后的功能变化.设计、时间及地点:细胞学体外观察,于2007-10/2008-05在南方医科大学珠江医院血液科完成.材料:SPF级C57BL/6及BALB/C雄性小鼠购白南方医科大学动物所.小鼠白血病细胞EL9611由珠江医院血液科惠赠.方法:利用免疫磁珠法分选小鼠CD4+CD25+T细胞;以抗鼠CD3ε单抗、抗鼠CD28单抗、鼠重组白细胞介素2及辐射过的BALB/C小鼠脾细胞为共刺激因子,通过实时定量RT-PCR检测扩增后CD4+CD25+T细胞FoxP3基因mRNA表达变化,以确定增殖效率;3H-TdR掺入法检测扩增后的CD4+CD25+T细胞对CD4+CD25T细胞增殖的影响:LDH释放法检测扩增后的CD4+CD25+T细胞对CD4+CD25T细胞杀伤小鼠白血病细胞EL9611的影响,以CD4+CD25T细胞为效应细胞,以EL9611细胞为靶细胞.结果:经免疫磁珠分选可获得高纯度及较强活性的CD4+CD25+T细胞.扩增后CD4+CD25+T细胞FoxP3基因mRNA的表达平均为扩增前的5.46倍,最高可达14.39倍.扩增后CD4+CD25+T细胞可明显抑制CD4+CD25T细胞的增殖,且随着CD4+CD25+T细胞数的增加,这种抑制增殖的能力也逐渐增强,当两者比例为1:1时抑制率最大,达62.05%.与单纯CD4+CD25+T细胞对EL9611细胞杀伤率比较,效靶比为10:1时扩增后的CD4+CD25+T细胞联合CD4+CD25-T细胞的杀伤率无明显变化(t=2.199,P>0.05):效靶比为5:1时扩增后的CD4+CD25+T细胞联合CD4+CD25-T细胞的杀伤率则明显降低(t=5.839,P<0.05).结论:单抗加异源性抗原能宵效扩增CD4+CD25+T细胞;扩增后的CD4+CD25+T细胞比新鲜分离的CD4+CD25+T细胞能更有效地抑制CD4+CD25-T细胞的增殖,其对CD4+CD25-T细胞杀伤白血病细胞的作用则取决于其与CD4+CD25-T细胞的相对比例.     

CD4+CD25+ T cells regulate virus-specific primary and memory CD8+ T cell responses

Naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells appear important to prevent activation of autoreactive T cells. This article demonstrates that the magnitude of a CD8+ T cell-mediated immune response to an acute viral infection is also subject to control by CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells (Treg). Accordingly, if natural Treg were depleted with specific anti-CD25 antibody before infection with HSV, the resultant CD8+ T cell response to the immunodominant peptide SSIEFARL was significantly enhanced. This was shown by several in vitro measures of CD8+ T cell reactivity and by assays that directly determine CD8+ T cell function, such as proliferation and cytotoxicity in vivo. The enhanced responsiveness in CD25-depleted animals was between three- and fourfold with the effect evident both in the acute and memory phases of the immune response. Surprisingly, HSV infection resulted in enhanced Treg function with such cells able to suppress CD8+ T cell responses to both viral and unrelated antigens. Our results are discussed both in term of how viral infection might temporarily diminish immunity to other infectious agents and their application to vaccines. Thus, controlling suppressor effects at the time of vaccination could result in more effective immunity.     

Synergy of IL-21 and IL-15 in regulating CD8+ T cell expansion and function

Interleukin (IL)-21 is the most recently recognized of the cytokines that share the common cytokine receptor gamma chain (gamma(c)), which is mutated in humans with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency. We now report that IL-21 synergistically acts with IL-15 to potently promote the proliferation of both memory (CD44high) and naive (CD44low) phenotype CD8+ T cells and augment interferon-gamma production in vitro. IL-21 also cooperated, albeit more weakly, with IL-7, but not with IL-2. Correspondingly, the expansion and cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells were impaired in IL-21R-/- mice. Moreover, in vivo administration of IL-21 in combination with IL-15 boosted antigen-specific CD8+ T cell numbers and resulted in a cooperative effect on tumor regression, with apparent cures of large, established B16 melanomas. Thus, our studies reveal that IL-21 potently regulates CD8+ T cell expansion and effector function, primarily in a synergistic context with IL-15.     

CD4+ T cells in atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease. T lymphocytes, occurring concomitantly with macrophages, are found in atherosclerotic lesions with substantial numbers in all stages. Most of the T cells in the lesions are CD4(+) T cells. The finding of activated T cells and macrophages in lesions and cloning of T cells specific for modified low-density lipoproteins from lesions suggest that a cell-mediated immune reaction is taking place in atherosclerosis. This review provides an overview of our current understanding of the roles of CD4(+) T cell subpopulations in atherosclerosis.     

CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells that secrete TGFbeta and IL-10 are preferentially induced by a vaccine vector

CD4CD25 T cells generated in a vaccine scenario can play a critical role in limiting antitumor therapy, thus having widespread implications for the immunotherapy-based treatment of cancer. The authors previously used Listeria monocytogenes to develop two vaccine constructs that express HPV-16 E7 protein and induce strong cellular immunity to HPV-E7-expressing tumors. Immunization of mice bearing established E7-expressing tumors with Lm-LLO-E7 induced regression of the tumors, whereas Lm-E7 showed little or no tumor regression. To investigate the possibility that regulatory CD4CD25 T-cell populations may be responsible for the differences in tumor regression, the authors characterized the role of these cells generated by the two vaccine systems. The authors compared the prevalence of CD4CD25 T cells in tumor-bearing vaccinated mice and demonstrate that Lm-E7-vaccinated mice have significantly increased numbers of CD4CD25 T cells in both the spleen and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes compared with Lm-LLO-E7-vaccinated mice. The authors confirm that these increased numbers of CD4CD25 T cells are indeed suppressor in function by in vitro suppression assays and that the mechanism of action of the tumor-infiltrating cells involves the production of suppressor cytokines interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor beta. These results show that it is possible for a tumor vaccine system to generate tumor-infiltrating CD4CD25 regulatory T cells that critically affect tumor regression and the overall success of vaccine therapy.     

NOD鼠体内CD_4~+NKG2D~+T细胞与CD_8~+T细胞间关系

目的探讨NOD鼠体内CD_4~+NKG2D~+T细胞与CD_8~+T细胞间关系。方法动态监测NOD鼠外周血中CD_4~+NKG2D~+T及CD8+NKG2D~+T细胞在不同周龄频率。利用IGRP206-214特异性CTL清除的NOD鼠,对其外周血中CD_4~+NKG2D+/CD_4~+T及CD8+NKG2D+/CD_8~+T细胞频率进行分析。将磁珠分选所得CD_4~+NKG2D~+T细胞分别与经CFSE标记的纯CD_4~+NKG2D-T细胞、CD_8~+T细胞共培养4 d,检测体系中CD_4~+NKG2D-T细胞、CD_8~+T细胞CFSE的荧光强度变化。结果 NOD鼠外周血CD_4~+NKG2D+/CD_4~+T及CD8+NKG2D+/CD_8~+T细胞频率均随其1型糖尿病疾病进程发展逐渐升高,且二者之间呈正相关。IGRP206-214特异性CTL清除的NOD鼠,外周血中CD_4~+NKG2D+/CD_4~+T细胞频率随CD8+NKG2D+/CD_8~+T细胞频率降低显著下降。与单独培养的CD_4~+NKG2D-T细胞相比,加入CD_4~+NKG2D~+T细胞的培养体系中,CD_4~+NKG2D-T细胞增殖加快。但CD_4~+NKG2D~+T细胞对CD_8~+T增殖作用不明显。结论 NOD鼠体内存在着一群与1型糖尿病疾病进程正相关的CD_4~+NKG2D~+T细胞,且该群细胞极有可能是通过直接作用于CD_4~+NKG2D-T细胞而间接对CD_8~+T细胞产生作用。     

CD4+CD25+ T细胞发育调控模型的建立及其意义

目的 建立小鼠胸腺CD4^＋CD25^＋双阳性T细胞发育调控的模型,为天然调节性T细胞调控研究提供基础平台。方法 采用14.5天龄胚鼠胸腺进行体外培养,以FACS检测不同时间点胸腺CD4^＋CD25^＋细胞的变化,同时计数每个胸腺小叶的细胞数变化。结果体外胸腺培养的第1-6天胸腺细胞比例、细胞数量趋势变化与胸腺体内发育的第14.5、15、16、17、18、19天CD4^＋CD25^＋双阳性T细胞的比例、细胞数量的趋势变化相似;在胸腺体外培养的第1-6天,CD4^＋CD25^＋T细胞占CD4^＋T细胞的比例分别为58.29%、12.14%、6.08%、17.78%、9.06%、4.04%,占CD25^＋T细胞的比例分别为3.75%、10.81%、17.20%、51.93%、61.64%、80.06%,这一发育趋势与体内结果具有一致性。结论 体外培养的CD4^＋CD25^＋双阳性胸腺细胞数量和比例变化与体内发育变化趋势一致,这将为天然调节性T细胞的调控研究提供有效的参考依据。