Loss of FOXP3 expression in natural human CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells upon repetitive in vitro stimulation

The adoptive transfer of CD4⁺CD25⁺ natural regulatory T cells (Treg) is a promising strategy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and the prevention of alloresponses after transplantation. Clinical trials exploring this strategy require efficient in vitro expansion of this rare cell population. Protocols developed thus far rely on high‐grade purification of Treg prior to culture initiation, a process still hampered by the lack of Treg cell‐specific surface markers. Depletion of CD127⁺ cells was shown to separate activated conventional T cells from natural Treg cell populations allowing the isolation of highly enriched FOXP3⁺ cells with all functional and molecular characteristics of natural Treg. Here, we demonstrate that upon in vitro expansion, CpG methylation in a conserved region within the FOXP3 gene locus increased in CD4⁺CD25⁺CD127^low Treg, correlating with loss of FOXP3 expression and emergence of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Further analysis identified CD45RA^?FOXP3⁺ memory‐type Treg as the main source of converting cells, whereas CD45RA⁺FOXP3⁺ Treg from the same donors showed no conversion within 3 wk of in vitro expansion. Thus, Treg cell lineage differentiation does not seem to represent a final fate decision, as natural Treg can lose their cell‐type‐specific characteristics after repetitive TCR stimulation.     

Steady state migratory RelB+ langerin+ dermal dendritic cells mediate peripheral induction of antigen-specific CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells

Tolerance to self-antigens expressed in peripheral organs is maintained by CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) Treg cells, which are generated as a result of thymic selection or peripheral induction. Here, we demonstrate that steady-state migratory DCs from the skin mediated Treg conversion in draining lymph nodes of mice. These DCs displayed a partially mature MHC II(int) CD86(int) CD40(hi) CCR7(+) phenotype, used endogenous TGF-β for conversion and showed nuclear RelB translocation. Deficiency of the alternative NF-κB signaling pathway (RelB/p52) reduced steady-state migration of DCs. These DCs transported and directly presented soluble OVA provided by s.c. implanted osmotic minipumps, as well as cell-associated epidermal OVA in transgenic K5-mOVA mice to CD4(+) OVA-specific TCR-transgenic OT-II T cells. The langerin(+) dermal DC subset, but not epidermal Langerhans cells, mediated conversion of naive OT-II×RAG-1(-/-) T cells into proliferating CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) Tregs. Thus, our data suggest that steady-state migratory RelB(+) TGF-β(+) langerin(+) dermal DCs mediate peripheral Treg conversion in response to epidermal antigen in skin-draining lymph nodes.     

CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T细胞在子痫前期中作用机制的研究

目的 探讨子痫前期(PE)患者外周血中CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T细胞及胎盘组织Foxp3的表达水平.方法 73例PE患者分为MPE组(轻度PE,38例)和SPE组(重度PE,35例),以正常的孕妇作为对照组;采用流式细胞术(FCM)检测外周血中CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T细胞的表达水平,采用免疫组化法(IHC)检测胎盘组织Foxp3的表达水平;将Foxp3与CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T、胎盘重量和阿氏(Apgar)评分进行Spearman相关性分析.结果 SPE组、MPE组外周血中CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T细胞表达水平分别为4.23±0.74％、6.58±0.8％,均低于对照组的7.01±0.95 ％(P＜0.05),SPE组外周血中CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T细胞表达水平低于MPE组(P ＜0.05);SPE组、MPE组胎盘组织中Foxp3的阳性表达率分别为28.57％、47.37％,均低于对照组的82.76％(P ＜0.05),SPE组胎盘组织中Foxp3的阳性表达率显著低于MPE组(P＜0.05);胎盘组织中Foxp3的阳性表达率与CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T细胞表达水平、胎盘重量及Apgar评分均呈正相关(P＜0.01).结论 PE与外周血中CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T细胞表达水平下降密切相关.     

CD4~＋ CD25~＋ Foxp3~＋调节性T细胞与自身免疫性疾病

自身免疫性疾病系由于机体免疫系统失衡,产生针对自身组织的免疫应答并导致自身组织、器官损害的一类疾病。调节性T淋巴细胞（regulatory T cell,Treg）具有免疫应答低下和免疫抑制特性,在维持机体免疫耐受和免疫应答稳态方面具有非常重要的作用,Treg的异常与多种自身免疫性疾病有关[1]。Foxp3特异性表达于CD4＋CD25＋Treg细胞,与其发育、成熟以及抑制功能关系密切。但是目前关于该转录因子的表达调控机制却不清楚。本文拟就CD4＋CD25＋Foxp3 Treg细胞的研究进展及与多种自身免疫性疾病的关系作一综述。     

CD73 expression on extracellular vesicles derived from CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells contributes to their regulatory function

CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ Treg cells maintain immunological tolerance. In this study, the possibility that Treg cells control immune responses via the production of secreted membrane vesicles, such as exosomes, was investigated. Exosomes are released by many cell types, including T cells, and have regulatory functions. Indeed, TCR activation of both freshly isolated Treg cells and an antigen‐specific Treg‐cell line resulted in the production of exosomes as defined morphologically by EM and by the presence of tetraspanin molecules LAMP‐1/CD63 and CD81. Expression of the ecto‐5‐nucleotide enzyme CD73 by Treg cells has been shown to contribute to their suppressive function by converting extracellular adenosine‐5‐monophosphate to adenosine, which, following interaction with adenosine receptors expressed on target cells, leads to immune modulation. CD73 was evident on Treg cell derived exosomes, accordingly when these exosomes were incubated in the presence of adenosine‐5‐monophosphate production of adenosine was observed. Most importantly, CD73 present on Treg cell derived exosomes was essential for their suppressive function hitherto exosomes derived from a CD73‐negative CD4⁺ T‐cell line did not have such capabilities. Overall our findings demonstrate that CD73‐expressing exosomes produced by Treg cells following activation contribute to their suppressive activity through the production of adenosine.     

Antigen-non-specific regulation centered on CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells

CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are of special interest in immunology because of their potent inhibitory function. Many fundamental aspects of Tregs, including their antigenic profile, development and peripheral homeostasis, remain highly controversial. Here, we propose a Treg-centered antigen-non-specific immunoregulation model focused on the T-cell system, particularly on CD4⁺ T cells. The T-cell pool consists of naive T cells (Tnais), Tregs and effector T cells (Teffs). Regardless of antigen specificity, the ratio of the activated T-cell subsets (Treg/Teff/Tnai) and their temporal and spatial uniformity dictate the differentiation of Tnais. Activated Tregs inhibit the activation, proliferation, induction and activity of Teffs; in contrast, activated Teffs inhibit the induction of Tregs from Tnais but cooperate with Treg-specific antigens to promote the proliferation and activity of Tregs. In many cases, these interactions are antigen-non-specific, whereas the activation of both Tregs and Teffs is antigen-specific. Memory T-cell subsets are essential for the maintenance of adaptive immune responses, but the antigen-non-specific interactions among T-cell subsets may be more important during the establishment of the adaptive immune system to a newly encountered antigen. This is especially important when new and memory antigens are presented closely—both temporally and spatially—to T cells, because there are always baseline levels of activated Tregs, which are usually higher than levels of memory T cells for new antigens. Based on this hypothesis, we further infer that, under physiological conditions, Tregs in lymph nodes mainly recognize antigens frequently released from draining tissues, and that these self-reactive Tregs are commonly involved in the establishment of adaptive immunity to new antigens and in the feedback control of excessive responses to pathogens.     

Increased numbers of thymic and peripheral CD4+ CD25+Foxp3+ cells in the absence of CD5 signaling

It has been suggested that high affinity/avidity interactions are required for the thymic selection of Treg. Here, we investigated the role of CD5, a negative regulator of TCR signaling, in the selection and function of “naturally occurring” CD4⁺CD25⁺ Treg (nTreg). Analysis of CD5^?/? mice showed a significant increase in the percentage and absolute numbers of CD4⁺ CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ thymocytes and peripheral T lymphocytes, compared with BALB/c mice. Thymi from CD5^?/? mice showed reduced cellularity due to increased apoptosis, which preferentially affected naïve T cells. To characterize nTreg selection at the molecular level we investigated the phosphorylation of Erk, c‐Cbl, PI3K and Akt. CD5^?/? nTreg showed increased basal levels of p‐Erk compared with wild‐type nTreg. Interestingly, in response to CD3 plus CD28 costimulation, CD5^?/? naïve T cells but not CD5^?/? nTreg showed lower levels of p‐Akt. Finally, CD5^?/? nTreg were thymus‐derived and fully functional. We conclude that the enrichment of nTreg observed in the absence of CD5 signaling is due to de novo generation of nTreg and selective reduction of CD4⁺CD25^? naïve thymocytes. Furthermore, we provide new evidence supporting a potential role of CD5 in thymocyte survival, through a mechanism that may involve the phosphorylation of Akt.     

猪CD4+CD25+treg细胞系的建立与功能分析

目的 分析猪淋巴细胞表型,分离猪CD4 CD25 T调节性T细胞系并鉴定其免疫生物学特性.方法用磁珠双阳性分选的方法从健康猪外周血及脾脏淋巴细胞中得到CD4 CD25 T细胞CD4 CD25-T细胞,监测其foxp3的表达,并对其进行体外长期培养、扩增,混合淋巴细胞培养实验分析其免疫抑制功能,流式细胞法分析其表型变化.结果猪CD4 CD25 T细胞与人类和啮齿类动物一样,是具有免疫抑制功能的调节性T细胞系.该T细胞系foxp3基因同样高表达,且能抑制同基因CD4 CD25-T细胞的活化,大剂量IL-2可以逆转其抑制功能,扩增培养的猪CD4 CD25 T细胞和诱导扩增的CD4 CD25-T细胞均具有免疫抑制功能.结论 猪CD4 CD25 T细胞为调节性T细胞,具有免疫抑制功能.     

卡介苗多糖核酸对哮喘大鼠淋巴液和血液CD4~+CD25~+Foxp3~+调节性T细胞的影响

目的:探讨卡介苗多糖核酸(BCG-PSN)对哮喘大鼠淋巴液和血液调节性T细胞数量及功能的影响。方法:将SD大鼠随机分为对照组、哮喘组和BCG-PSN组,分别收集不同时间点大鼠淋巴液和血液,采用流式细胞仪(FCM)检测CD4+CD25+Foxp3+调节性T细胞(CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg)百分率,酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测淋巴液和血浆白介素10(IL-10)和转录生长因子β1(TGF-β1)浓度。结果:各组在各时间点其淋巴液中CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg百分率、IL-10水平均较血液明显升高。哮喘组大鼠淋巴液和血液中CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg百分率、IL-10、TGF-β1浓度均较对照组显著降低(P0.05)。BCG-PSN组淋巴液和血液中CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg百分率和IL-10水平较哮喘组明显升高(P0.05),与对照组比较无显著性差异;而TGF-β水平在48小时较对照组和哮喘组明显升高(P0.05)。结论:哮喘大鼠淋巴液和血液存在明显CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg数量及功能不足。BCG-PSN可能通过增加哮喘大鼠外周血和淋巴液中CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg的数量及其产生IL-10和TGF-β水平,增强免疫抑制效应,从而发挥抑制哮喘炎症的作用。     

介导CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞发育与功能的一个关键基因--Foxp3

CD4 CD25 调节性T细胞是天然产生的调节性T细胞的重要亚群之一,在维持免疫系统稳态中发挥重要的作用。目前有关CD4 CD25 调节性T细胞分化发育的确切机制还不清楚。最近的研究发现Foxp3基因与CD4 CD25 调节性T细胞的分化发育和免疫调节功能的关系密切,进而提示Foxp3可能是CD4 CD25 调节性T细胞的一个特征性标志。     

介导CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞发育与功能的一个关键基因--Foxp3

CD4^＋CD25^＋调节性T细胞是天然产生的调节性T细胞的重要亚群之一，在维持免疫系统稳态中发挥重要的作用。目前有关CD4^＋CD25^＋调节性T细胞分化发育的确切机制还不清楚。最近的研究发现Foxp3基因与CD4^＋CD25^＋调节性T细胞的分化发育和免疫调节功能的关系密切，进而提示Foxp3可能是CD4^＋CD25^＋调节性T细胞的一个特征性标志。     

CD4+ T-regulatory cells: toward therapy for human diseases

T-regulatory cells (Tregs) have a fundamental role in the establishment and maintenance of peripheral tolerance. There is now compelling evidence that deficits in the numbers and/or function of different types of Tregs can lead to autoimmunity, allergy, and graft rejection, whereas an over-abundance of Tregs can inhibit anti-tumor and anti-pathogen immunity. Experimental models in mice have demonstrated that manipulating the numbers and/or function of Tregs can decrease pathology in a wide range of contexts, including transplantation, autoimmunity, and cancer, and it is widely assumed that similar approaches will be possible in humans. Research into how Tregs can be manipulated therapeutically in humans is most advanced for two main types of CD4⁺ Tregs: forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3)⁺ Tregs and interleukin-10-producing type 1 Tregs (Tr1 cells). The aim of this review is to highlight current information on the characteristics of human FOXP3⁺ Tregs and Tr1 cells that make them an attractive therapeutic target. We discuss the progress and limitations that must be overcome to develop methods to enhance Tregs in vivo , expand or induce them in vitro for adoptive transfer, and/or inhibit their function in vivo . Although many technical and theoretical challenges remain, the next decade will see the first clinical trials testing whether Treg-based therapies are effective in humans.     

类风湿关节炎患者Th17细胞与调节性T细胞失衡的研究

目的观察类风湿性关节炎（RA）患者外周血Th17细胞与CD4^＋CD25^＋FoxP3^＋调节性T细胞（Treg）平衡状态与疾病的关系,分析Th17／Treg细胞免疫失衡在RA发病机制中的作用。方法采用流式细胞仪四色荧光抗体标记法分别对47例RA患者和39名健康志愿者（HVs）进行CD3、CD8、IL-17与CD4、CD25、F0xP3标记,测定Th17与调节性T细胞的比例变化及相关细胞因子IL-6、IL-23和IL-17水平。结果RA组患者外周血中,CD3^＋CD8^＋IL-17^＋T细胞占CD3^＋T淋巴细胞的百分比为（1．12±0．38）％,明显高于对照组（0．68±0．29）％（t=1．83,P〈0．05）;CD4’CD25’FoxP3^＋细胞占CD4^＋T淋巴细胞的百分比为（2．74±0．71）％,明显低于对照组（4．69±1．23）％（t=-2．94,P〈0．05）。相关细胞因子测定结果：IL-6水平在RA组为（13．5±3．7）ng／L,正常人为（4．6±0．9）ng／L（t=6．24,P〈0．01）;IL-23水平在RA组为（71±19）ng／L,正常人为（25±6）ng／L（t=14．37,P〈0．01）;IL-17水平在RA组为（122±33）ng／L,正常人为（37±9）ng／L（t=19．01,P〈0．01）;RA患者血清IL-6、IL-23和IL-17水平均明显升高。结论RA患者外周血Th17与CD4^＋CD25^＋FoxP3^＋调节性T细胞数量的异常可能是RA发病的重要因素,IL-6和IL-23的升高是引起这些改变的可能原因。     

CD98-induced CD147 signaling stabilizes the Foxp3 protein to maintain tissue homeostasis

Regulatory T cell (Treg) stability is necessary for the proper control of immune activity and tissue homeostasis. However, it remains unclear whether Treg stability must be continually reinforced or is established during development under physiological conditions. Foxp3 has been characterized as a central mediator of the genetic program that governs Treg stability. Here, we demonstrate that to maintain Foxp3 protein expression, Tregs require cell-to-cell contact, which is mediated by the CD147-CD98 interaction. As Tregs are produced, CD147, which is expressed on their surface, is stimulated by CD98, which is widely expressed in the physiological environment. As a result, CD147’s intracellular domain binds to CDK2 and retains it near the membrane, leading to Foxp3 dephosphorylation and the prevention of Foxp3 degradation. In addition, the optimal distribution of Foxp3+ Tregs under both pathological and physiological conditions depends on CD98 expression. Thus, our study provides direct evidence that Foxp3-dependent Treg stability is reinforced in the periphery by the interaction between CD147 and CD98 in the surrounding environment. More importantly, Tregs with high CD147 expression effectively inhibit inflammatory responses and maintain Foxp3 stability, which has guiding significance for the application of Tregs in immunotherapy.     

CD4+CD25+T细胞的扩增方法与临床应用

CD4+CD25+T细胞是最重要的一类调节性T细胞(Tr).体内固有CD4+CD25+T细胞的自然扩增率极低,不能满足临床治疗的需要.通过采用FoxP3基因转染技术、阻断细胞活化信号、DC诱导、加入细胞因子等方法,对CD4+CD25+T细胞的数量和功能进行扩增,使其在器官移植、自身免疫性疾病和肿瘤免疫等领域具有广泛的临床应用前景.     

不明原因复发性流产小鼠模型CD4~+CD25~+ Treg的比例及Foxp3表达的变化

目的分析比较小鼠正常妊娠模型和流产模型中CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞CD4+CD25+Treg的比例、Foxp3蛋白表达水平及胎盘吸收率,探讨CD4+CD25+Treg与不明原因复发性流产的关系。方法以雌性CBA/J×雄性Balb/c为对照组,以雌性CBA/J×雄性DBA/2J为流产组,各10对,于妊娠第14天采用流式细胞术(flow cytometry,FCM)分析CD4+CD25+Treg在CD4+细胞中所占比例,Western blot检测并比较2组CD4+T细胞中Foxp3的表达,并观察2组小鼠的胎盘吸收情况。结果流产组CD4+CD25+Treg所占比例为(10.1±0.59)%低于对照组(15.5±0.78)%(P<0.05)。流产组胚胎吸收率为(25.6±3.5)%,明显高于对照组(2.4±1.6)%(P<0.01)。流产组Foxp3谱带密度相对值为0.30±0.018,低于正常组的0.68±0.025(P<0.05)。结论小鼠的自然流产模型建立成功,流产组孕鼠CD4+CD25+Treg的比例和Foxp3蛋白表达水平明显低于正常妊娠组,提示流产组高流产率可能与CD4+CD25+Treg数量和Foxp3的表达减少有关,CD4+CD25+Treg细胞的数量减少和功能缺陷可能是不明原因复发性流产的发生机制之一。     

CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞对B细胞免疫应答的抑制作用

CD4 CD25 调节性T细胞(CD4 CD25 Treg细胞)主要来源于胸腺,在体内外抑制CD4 或CD8 T细胞的活化及增殖,是维持自身免疫耐受的重要机制之一。近来研究发现该调节性T细胞除了能够抑制T细胞的免疫应答外,还能够抑制B细胞免疫应答,包括抑制B细胞活化和抗体生成,从而抑制主要由抗体介导的自身免疫性疾病的发生。