Generation of highly suppressive adaptive CD8(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells by continuous antigen stimulation

Continuous antigen stimulation of CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells leads to generation of adaptive CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) regulatory T (T(R)) cells. Here, we show that highly suppressive adaptive CD8(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) T cells can be generated in the same manner by continuous antigen stimulation in the presence of CD14(+) monocytes. During the course of stimulation, acquisition of immunosuppressive properties develops in parallel with up-regulation and expression of cytotoxic molecules. The CD8(+) T(R) cells inhibit CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell proliferation and cytokine production, but do not alter the expression of granzyme A and granzyme B or perforin in CD8(+) effector T cells. Although, the CD8(+) T(R) cells express prostaglandin E(2), IL-10 and TGF-beta, the mechanism of suppression was independent of these soluble factors. In contrast to adaptive CD4(+) T(R) cells, the CD8(+) T(R) cells suppress mainly by a contact-dependent mechanism as evident from transwell experiments. However, neither blocking antibodies to CTLA-4, CD80 nor CD86 could reverse CD8(+) T(R)-mediated suppression, indicating that other mechanism(s) must be employed by these cells.     

Brief report--human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal progenitors possess strong immunosuppressive effects toward natural killer cells as well as T lymphocytes

The derivation of mesenchymal progenitors from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) has recently been reported. We studied the immune characteristics of these hESC-derived mesenchymal progenitors (EMPs) and their interactions with T lymphocytes and natural killer cells (NKs), two populations of lymphocytes with important roles in transplantation immunology. EMPs express a number of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell (BMMSC) markers, as well as the hESC marker SSEA-4. Immunologically, EMPs do not express HLA-DR or costimulatory molecules. On the other hand, HLA-G, a nonclassic MHC I protein involved in mediating maternal-fetal tolerance, can be found on the surface of EMPs, and its expression is increased after interferon-gamma stimulation. EMPs can suppress CD4(+) or CD8(+) lymphocyte proliferation, similar to BMMSCs. However, EMPs are more resistant to NK-mediated lysis than BMMSCs and can suppress the cytotoxic effects of activated NKs, as well as downregulating the NK-activating receptors NKp30 and NKp46. With their broad immunosuppressive properties, EMPs may represent a new potential cell source for therapeutic use.     

L-canavanine acts on suppressor-inducer T cells to regulate antibody synthesis: lymphocytes of systemic lupus erythematosus patients are specifically unresponsive to L-canavanine

L-Canavanine (LC) is an amino acid contained in alfalfa seeds that provokes a disease state similar to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in primates. In vitro experiments showed that LC stimulated proliferation of human phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and T cells of healthy donors but not of pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-stimulated PBMC. LC inhibited spontaneous generation of immunoglobulin-secreting cells (ISC) of PBMC, while it enhanced ISC generation of CD8(-) cells. LC inhibited PWM-induced ISC generation of CD8(-) cells but not of CD4(-) cells, indicating that LC stimulates CD8(-) cells more strongly than CD4(-) cells. The stimulation index of lymphocyte proliferation (PHA + LC/PHA) was greater in CD8(-)Leu8(+) cells than CD8(-)Leu8(-) cells. The stimulation index was also higher in PBMC than in PBMC plus CD8(-)Leu8(-) cells, the former population containing relatively increased CD8(-)Leu8(+) cells. These findings suggest that LC acts mainly on CD8(-)Leu8(+) cells. That LC acts on CD8(-)Leu8(+) cells was confirmed by the finding that LC inhibited ISC generation of non-T plus CD4(+)Leu8(+), but not of non-T plus CD8(-)Leu8(-) cells. In addition, we found that PBMC of SLE patients were specifically unresponsive to LC stimulation. The stimulation index of lymphocyte proliferation (PHA + LC/PHA) in SLE patients (n = 16) was 0.97 +/- 0.19, whereas that in age-matched healthy control (n = 17) was 1.45 +/- 0.40 (P less than 0.001). Patients with active disease were especially unresponsive to LC. Its responsiveness did not correlate with the dose of prednisolone administered. These findings suggest that the lymphocyte response to LC depends primarily on the existence of functional CD8(-)Leu8(+) cells. Moreover, it appears that suppressor-inducer T cells, responsive to LC, are especially deficient in SLE.     

Stromal cells direct local differentiation of regulatory dendritic cells

CD11c(hi) dendritic cells (DC) play an essential role during the initiation of cell-mediated immunity. Recently, CD11c(lo)CD45RB(hi) DC with regulatory properties have been described. However, the origins of regulatory DC are poorly understood. Here, we show that spleen-derived stromal cells promote selective development of CD11c(lo)CD45RB(+) IL-10-producing regulatory DC from lineage-negative c-kit(+) progenitor cells. These DC have the capacity to suppress T cell responses and induce IL-10-producing regulatory T cells in vitro and to induce antigen-specific tolerance in vivo. Furthermore, stromal cells from mice infected with Leishmania donovani more effectively supported differentiation of these highly potent regulatory DC. The ability of tissue stromal cells to direct the development of DC with a regulatory phenotype thus provides a new mechanism for local immune regulation.     

Rapid turnover of T cells in acute infectious mononucleosis

During acute infectious mononucleosis (AIM), large clones of Epstein-Barr virus-specific T lymphocytes are produced. To investigate the dynamics of clonal expansion, we measured cell proliferation during AIM using deuterated glucose to label DNA of dividing cells in vivo, analyzing cells according to CD4, CD8 and CD45 phenotype. The proportion of labeled CD8(+)CD45R0(+) T lymphocytes was dramatically increased in AIM subjects compared to controls (mean 17.5 versus 2.8%/day; p<0.005), indicating very rapid proliferation. Labeling was also increased in CD4(+)CD45R0(+) cells (7.1 versus 2.1%/day; p<0.01), but less so in CD45RA(+) cells. Mathematical modeling, accounting for death of labeled cells and changing pool sizes, gave estimated proliferation rates in CD8(+)CD45R0(+) cells of 11-130% of cells proliferating per day (mean 47%/day), equivalent to a doubling time of 1.5 days and an appearance rate in blood of about 5 x 10(9) cells/day (versus 7 x 10(7) cells/day in controls). Very rapid death rates were also observed amongst labeled cells (range 28-124, mean 57%/day),indicating very short survival times in the circulation. Thus, we have shown direct evidence for massive proliferation of CD8(+)CD45R0(+) T lymphocytes in AIM and demonstrated that rapid cell division continues concurrently with greatly accelerated rates of cell disappearance.     

Age-related changes in the occurrence and characteristics of thymic CD4(+) CD25(+) T cells in mice

Natural regulatory CD4(+) CD25(+) T cells play an important role in preventing autoimmunity by maintaining self-tolerance. They express CD25 constitutively and are produced in the thymus as a functionally mature T-cell population. Changes in the potential of these cells to regulate the activity of conventional effector lymphocytes may contribute to an increased susceptibility to infection, cancer and age-associated autoimmune diseases. In this study we demonstrated that the thymi of aged mice are populated by a higher percentage of CD4(+) CD25(+) thymocytes than in young animals. The expression of several surface markers (CD69, CD5, CD28, CTLA-4, CD122, FOXP3), usually used to characterize the phenotype of CD4(+) CD25(+) T regulatory cells, was compared between young and aged mice. We also examined the ability of sorted thymus-deriving regulatory T cells of young and aged BALB/c mice to inhibit the proliferation of lymph node lymphocytes activated in vitro. Natural regulatory T cells isolated from the thymi of young mice suppress the proliferation of responder lymph node cells. We demonstrated that thymus-deriving CD4(+) CD25(+) T cells of old mice maintain their potential to suppress the proliferation of activated responder lymphocytes of young mice. However, their potential to inhibit the proliferation of old responder T cells is abrogated. Differences in the occurrence and activity of CD4(+) CD25(+) thymocytes between young and old animals are discussed in relation to the expression of these surface markers.     

CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells inhibit cytotoxic activity of T CD8+ and NK lymphocytes in the direct cell-to-cell interaction

There are reports suggesting an influence of CD4(+)CD25(+) T regulatory cells (Treg) on cytotoxic lymphocytes. The aim of the study was to evaluate such an influence. Cytotoxic activity was examined in the cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as well as in the cultures of separate T CD8(+) or NK cells mixed with Treg and other subpopulations of PBMC. We found that the production of IFNgamma, perforin and cytotoxic activity of T CD8(+) or NK cells were decreased in the presence of Treg, however, the percentage of conjugates formed by cytotoxic cells with target cells during cytotoxic reaction was decreased only in the cultures of T CD8(+) cells. Inhibition of the cytotoxic reactions in the presence of Treg cells was found to be associated with the generation of conglomerates formed by CD4(+)CD25(+) and the cytotoxic cells, as observed under the fluorescence microscope. Treg produced IL10 when mixed with the cytotoxic lymphocytes, however, an addition of anti-IL10 mAb into the cultures did not affect the results. It is concluded that Treg were able to inhibit both T CD8+ and NK lymphocyte cytotoxic activities in a direct cell-to-cell interaction. Treg decreased the number of T CD8+ cells attached to the target cells, while the mechanism underlying a decrease in NK cytotoxicity remained unclear.     

Mesenchymal stem cells inhibit the expression of CD25 (interleukin-2 receptor) and CD38 on phytohaemagglutinin-activated lymphocytes

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are immunomodulatory and inhibit lymphocyte proliferation. We studied surface expression of lymphocyte activation markers and secreted cytokines, when lymphocytes were activated in the presence of MSC. MSC suppressed the proliferation of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. MSC significantly reduced the expression of activation markers CD25, CD38 and CD69 on PHA-stimulated lymphocytes. Mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) supernatants containing MSC suppressed proliferation of MLC and PHA-stimulated lymphocytes dose-dependently. MSC secrete osteoprotegerin (OPG), but not hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) or transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Stromal-cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is not expressed on the cell surface. A recent report suggested that T-cell suppression by MSC is mediated by HGF and TGF-beta. MSC suppression was not restored by the addition of neutralizing antibodies against SDF-1, OPG, HGF or TGF-beta, alone or in combination. Addition of guanosine to PHA-stimulated lymphocyte cultures containing MSC did not affect lymphocyte proliferation. The immunosuppressive effects of cyclosporine and MSC did not interfere, when present in the cultures of PHA-activated lymphocytes. In summary, human MSC suppress proliferation of both CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte and decrease the expression of activation markers.     

The suppression of delayed-type hypersensitivity by CD8+ regulatory T cells requires interferon-gamma

CD8(+) regulatory (suppressor) T cells are induced by complex cellular pathways in the spleens of mice that have received an injection of antigen into the anterior chamber (AC) of an eye, an immune-privileged site. Although these CD8(+) regulatory T cells perform an antigen-specific regulatory function for an immune response to self and non-self antigens, the mechanisms of the activation or function of these regulatory cells are not clear. Here, we describe a novel mechanism for the activation of splenic CD8(+) regulatory T cells induced by injection of antigen into the AC. Immunization of mice with trinitrophenyl and bovine serum albumin (TNP-BSA) amplified AC-induced splenic CD8(+) regulatory T cells that suppressed the initiation of contact sensitivity when transferred to immunized, challenged mice. These CD8(+) regulatory T cells were produced independently of perforin, indicating that they are not canonical cytotoxic T cells. Fas ligand (FasL)-deficient CD8(+) regulatory T-cell function was rescued by inclusion of exogenous interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), demonstrating that the expression of FasL by CD8(+) regulatory T cells was dispensable, but IFN-gamma was not. Ultimately, we demonstrated that the generation of these CD8(+) regulatory T cells occurred independently of IFN-gamma, but their suppressor function required IFN-gamma receptor stimulation.     

Alloantigen-induced regulatory CD8+CD103+ T cells

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) appear of great importance in the balance between alloreactivity and tolerance and subsets of both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells have been recognized to function as regulatory T cells after allogenic transplantation. Among the CD8(+) T-cell subsets, the CD103(+) cells were most recently identified as regulatory. In this review, we describe their phenotypical and functional properties, as well as their relevance for the alloimmune response in vivo. These CD8(+)CD103(+) Tregs are generated within mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLCs) and are elevated by additional transforming growth factor-beta. Interestingly, myeloid dendritic cells are the responsible cell type for induction of CD103(+) Tregs. Allostimulated CD8(+)CD103(+) Tregs display an antigen-experienced effector phenotype with limited effector functions such as cytotoxicity and interferon-gamma production and show a reduced proliferation capacity after restimulation. Beside this anergic phenotype, CD8(+)CD103(+) Tregs are able to suppress alloreactive effector T cells. Through intracellular cytokine staining and transwell assays, we showed that the mechanism of suppression is cytokine independent, but close cell-cell contact is required for suppression.     

Involvement of CCL25 (TECK) in the generation of the murine small-intestinal CD8alpha alpha+CD3+ intraepithelial lymphocyte compartment

The CC chemokine CCL25 (TECK) is selectively expressed in the thymus and small intestine, indicating a potential role in T lymphocyte development. In the present study we examined the role of CCL25 in the generation of the small-intestinal CD8alpha alpha(+)CD3(+) intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) compartment. CCL25 mRNA expression in the murine small intestine increased at three weeks of age and corresponded with the appearance of CD8alpha alpha(+)CD3(+) lymphocytes in the small-intestinal epithelium. Administration of monoclonal neutralizing anti-CCL25 antibody to two-week-old mice led to a approximately 50% reduction in the total number of CD8alpha alpha(+)TCRgamma delta(+) and CD8alpha alpha(+)TCRalpha beta(+) IEL at four weeks of age. Freshly isolated murine CD8alpha alpha(+)CD3(+) IEL migrated in response to CCL25 and expressed the CCL25 receptor, CCR9. Analysis of CCR9 expression on putative IEL precursor populations demonstrated the presence of both CCR9(-) and CCR9(+) cells and indicated that up-regulation of this receptor occurred during IEL precursor differentiation. Finally, data from wild-type and RAG(-/-) mice suggested that the reduction in CD8alpha alpha(+)CD3(+) IEL in anti-CCL25 antibody treated mice resulted primarily from defective maintenance and/or development of IEL precursors rather than a direct effect on mature CD8alpha alpha(+)CD3(+) IEL.     

Origin, phenotype and function of human natural killer cells in pregnancy

During the early phases of pregnancy, natural killer (NK) cells are the predominant lymphoid cells in the human decidua. Here, rather than act as killers and/or drivers of inflammation, NK cells contribute to tissue building and remodeling and formation of new vessels due to the release of interleukin-8, vascular endothelial growth factor, stromal cell-derived factor-1 and interferon gamma-inducible protein-10. Here, we propose that the interaction of NK cells with CD14(+) myelomonocytic cells to promote induction of T regulatory cells plays a pivotal role in immunosuppression and tolerance towards the fetus allograft. Importantly, CD34(+) hematopoietic precursors are present in human decidua and may give rise to decidual NK cells. Defects in decidual NK cell generation, or in appropriate functional interactions with other cell types, could have major consequences for successful pregnancy.     

Novel mode of action of the calcium antagonist mibefradil (Ro 40-5967): potent immunosuppression by inhibition of T-cell infiltration through allogeneic endothelium.

Cyclosporin A reduces the mitotic activity of allosensitized lymphocytes, but fails to limit emigration of these cells into the donor organ. However, the modulation of both lymphocyte proliferation and infiltration are desirable characteristics of immunosuppressive therapy. The calcium-channel blocker, verapamil, has recently been shown to effectively prevent the transmigration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells through allogeneic endothelium. Mibefradil (Ro 40-5967) represents a new generation of calcium antagonists with high potency and long-term activity. To evaluate the immunosuppressive potential of this drug, the influence of mibefradil on lymphocyte adhesion to, horizontal locomotion along, and penetration through allogeneic endothelium (HUVEC) was performed. When lymphocytes were prestimulated for 24 hr with mibefradil, adhesion and penetration were dose-dependently reduced. The adhesion ID50 values were 3.4 microM (CD4+ T cells) versus 9.2 microM (CD8+ T cells) and 2.1 microM (CD4+ T cells) versus 3.9 microM (CD8+ T cells) with regard to penetration. Mibefradil also effectively blocked horizontal locomotion. Specific down-regulation of T-cell binding to the P-selection receptor (ID50: CD4+ T cells, 0.8 microM: CD8+ T cells, 1.2 microM) and to the intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) receptor (ID50: CD4+ T cells, 1.9 microM; CD8+ T cells, 1.5 microM) by mibefradil seems to be responsible for the decreased adhesion and penetration rates. Reduction of intracellular F-actin in T lymphocytes could diminish cell locomotion. In conclusion, the potent suppressive properties of mibefradil support its use as a co-medication in cyclosporin A-based immunosuppressive therapy.     

CD75s is a marker of murine CD8(+) suppressor T cells

We have previously described a monoclonal antibody, 984, which specifically recognizes murine CD8(+) suppressor T cells (Ts) but not CD8(+) cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Removal of 984(+) cells abrogates the suppressive effect of CD8(+) Ts generated either in vivo or in vitro while having no effect upon CTL. In this report, the molecules recognized by 984 are identified as 2-6 sialylated neolacto series gangliosides, which are members of the newly defined CD75s cluster. We proceed to demonstrate that like 984, a separate anti-CD75s antibody (CRIS-4), recognizes primary CD8(+) Ts cells. In addition, the 2,6 sialyltransferase responsible for the synthesis of the 984 epitope is identified, allowing the manipulation and study of the regulation of this epitope. This is the first report of CD75s on murine cells and the first report that delineates lymphocyte function based upon CD75s expression. In addition to contributing to the growing body of evidence that lineage dependent gangliosides are expressed by T lymphocytes, these findings suggest that CD8(+) CD75s(+) T lymphocytes represent a functionally distinct subset of CD8(+) T cells with negative regulatory function.     

Osteoclastogenesis is enhanced by activated B cells but suppressed by activated CD8(+) T cells.

Host immune response is known to contribute to the progression of periodontitis, and alveolar bone destruction in periodontitis is associated with enhanced osteoclast activity. Therefore, we evaluated the roles of activated lymphocyte subsets in osteoclastogenesis. Osteoclast precursors were co-cultured with activated lymphocytes (B, CD4(+) T, CD8(+) T) in the presence of either macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) alone or M-CSF plus soluble receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (sRANKL), and subsequent differentiation into active osteoclasts was evaluated by a resorption assay. The activated B and CD4(+) cells, but not CD8(+) T cells, induced osteoclast differentiation in the presence of M-CSF alone. In the presence of M-CSF and sRANKL, B cells induced the formation of small but highly active osteoclasts and increased resorption, while CD8(+) T cells profoundly suppressed osteoclastogenesis. Co-culture using an insert well or supernatant suggested that both B and CD8(+) T cells acted on osteoclasts mostly via soluble proteins. Activated B cells expressed many osteoclastogenic factors including RANKL, TNF-alpha, IL-6, MIP-1alpha, and MCP-3. CD8(+) T cells expressed a substantial amount of osteoprotegerin (OPG) along with RANKL. However, blocking antibody to OPG did not reverse the suppression by CD8(+) T cells, suggesting that other factor(s) are involved. Taken together, activated B cells promoted osteoclastogenesis, while CD8(+) T cells inhibited the osteoclast formation via direct interaction. The results imply the importance of lymphocyte subpopulations in the development of periodontitis.     

Mesenchymal stem cells alter migratory property of T and dendritic cells to delay the development of murine lethal acute graft-versus-host disease

Due to the potent immunoregulatory capacity, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used in clinical trials to treat acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD), although the detailed in vivo mechanisms remain elusive. In a murine lethal aGvHD model, MSCs delayed the development of the disease. Interestingly, we found that MSC infusion increased the number of T lymphocytes in the secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs). Since the expression of CD62L and CCR7 is prerequisite for lymphocyte migration into SLOs, the in vitro experiments revealed that in the presence of MSCs, T lymphocytes (including CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells) preferred to take the naive-like phenotype (CD62L(+)/CCR7(+)) in mixed lymphocyte reaction and maintained the migratory activity elicited by secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine (SLC). Dendritic cells (DCs) are the initiator of immune response. CCR7 expression is pivotal for their maturation and migration into SLOs. However, CCR7 expression and SLC-driven migratory activity of DCs were remarkably suppressed by MSC coculture. The processes above were realized mainly through secretory mechanism. Consistently, MSC infusion maintained T lymphocytes to take CD62L(+)/CCR7(+) phenotype and decreased the CCR7 expression and proportion of DCs in SLOs of aGvHD mice. In conclusion, the altered migratory properties of T cells and DCs might contribute to the immunosuppressive activity of transplanted MSCs in the setting of aGvHD. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.     

Cord blood CD34+ cells cultured with FLT3L, stem cell factor, interleukin-6, and IL-3 produce CD11c+CD1a-/c- myeloid dendritic cells

Methods that allow expansion of myeloid dendritic cells (MDCs) from CD34(+) cells are potentially important for boosting anti-leukemic responses after cord blood (CB) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We showed that the combination of early-acting cytokines FLT3-ligand (FL), stem cell factor (SCF), interleukin (IL)-3, and IL-6 supported the generation of CD11c(+)CD16() CD1a()/c() MDCs from CB CD34(+) cells or CB myeloid precursors. Early-acting cytokine-derived MDCs were maintained within the myeloid CD33(+)CD14()CD15() precursors with a mean of 4 x 10(6) cells generated from 1-4 x 10(4) CB CD34(+) cells or myeloid precursors after 2 weeks. After 8-12 days of culture the MDCs expressed higher levels of HLA-DR antigen but lower levels of CD40 and CD86 antigen, compared to adult blood MDCs. At this stage of differentiation, the early-acting cytokine-derived MDCs had acquired the ability to induce greater allogeneic T cell proliferation than monocytes or granulocytes derived from same culture. Early-acting cytokine-derived MDCs exposed to the cytokine cocktail (CC) comprising IL-1beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and prostaglandin E (PGE)-2, upregulated the surface co-stimulatory molecules CD40 and CD86 and enhanced allogeneic T cell proliferation, as is characteristic of MDCs maturation. The reliable production of MDCs from CB CD34(+) cells provides a novel way to study their lineage commitment pathway(s) and also a potential means of enriching CB with MDCs to improve prospects for DC immunotherapy following CB HSCT.     

间充质干细胞对混合淋巴细胞反应体系中T淋巴细胞的免疫调节作用

目的:探讨间充质干细胞(MSC)在体外对T淋巴细胞免疫调节作用的特点。方法:通过Ficoll梯度密度离心法分离出正常人骨髓单个核细胞,体外培养扩增MSC,获取第3代细胞。将其按照不同的比例加入双向混合淋巴细胞培养(MLC)体系中,在第3、5天,采用MTT比色法检测各组MLC中的T淋巴细胞的增殖情况,再用流式细胞术分析其与MSC共孵育前后细胞表面标记的变化情况。结果:加入了MSC的MLC体系中,MSC对T淋巴细胞的增殖抑制具有剂量依赖性,且随着时间延长,抑制程度增强;其中,CD4 T细胞亚群受抑不如CD8 T细胞亚群显著;另外,T淋巴细胞表面CD25的表达虽然较对照组有所下降,但是CD4、CD25共表达的细胞却较对照组有明显的上升趋势。T淋巴细胞表面活化抗原HLA-DR的表达较对照组有轻度减低。结论:MSC在体外能够明显抑制T淋巴细胞的增殖,其主要是针对CD8 T细胞(CTL)。另外,它还能下调活化T淋巴细胞上一些较特异的表面标记CD25和HLA-DR的表达。     

CD4+CD25+ naturally occurring regulatory T cells and not lymphopenia play a role in the pathogenesis of iodide-induced autoimmune thyroiditis in NOD-H2h4 mice

NOD-H2(h4) mice, which express I-A(k) on the NOD background, spontaneously develop autoimmune thyroiditis, a model of Hashimoto thyroiditis in humans, by adding iodide in the drinking water. Parental NOD mice have previously been shown to have intrinsic numerical abnormalities in peripheral lymphocytes and lymphocyte subpopulations such as CD4(+)CD25(+) naturally occurring regulatory T cells (Treg). Therefore we first investigated whether the similar abnormalities exist in NOD-H2(h4) mice. We observed that, compared with other non-autoimmune disease prone BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, NOD-H2(h4) mice have lower numbers of splenocytes, CD3(+)T, CD4(+)T and CD8(+)T cells but the ratios of Treg to CD4(+)T cells were comparable. Increasing the numbers of peripheral lymphocytes by Complete Freund's Adjuvant immunization or splenocyte transfer did not affect development of thyroiditis, indicating that lymphopenia does not play a critical role in the pathogenesis of thyroiditis. We next examined the significance of Treg by depleting this lymphocyte subset with anti-CD25 antibody. Treg depletion, performed 4days before the administration of NaI water for 8 weeks, significantly exacerbated thyroiditis (p<0.01). Anti-thyroglobulin antibody titers also increased by Treg depletion (p<0.01) without changing the IgG2b to IgG1 ratios. In addition, expression levels of mRNA for IFN-gamma and IL-4 were enhanced in parallel. However, T(4) levels were similar between antibody-treated and untreated groups. Additional anti-CD25 administration at 3 weekly intervals did not influence these results. These data, together with previous studies on other mouse models of inducible thyroiditis and Graves' disease, indicate the role played by Treg in keeping anti-thyroid autoimmune reaction in check in experimental autoimmune thyroid diseases.