Impairment of CD3-dependent and CD3-independent activation pathways in CD4+ and in CD8+ T cells from old CBA/RIJ mice

Stimulation of T cells from old mice with anti-CD3 antibodies resulted in a high variability of proliferative responses, which were 2- to 8-fold lower than the responses by T cells from young mice, even in the presence of exogenous rIL-2. Moreover, the CD4+ T cells from these old mice displayed a diminished capacity to produce IL-2 in response to anti-CD3. A partial explanation was found in the observation that T cells from the majority of old mice displayed a diminished expression of CD3 of variable intensity. However, after stimulation of the T cells with the combination of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin to bypass CD3, 3 out of 6 old mice still exhibited 2-fold lower proliferative responses than T cells from young mice; IL-2 production by the CD4+ T cells was lower in all old mice tested. Comparison of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells from old mice revealed a defective PMA/ionomycin response in both subsets, although this defect seemed more pronounced in CD4+ T cells when compared with the young counterparts. The diminished response of CD8+ T cells was accompanied by a diminished expression of the IL-2R alpha-chain. In contrast, old CD4+ T cells expressed rather higher levels of IL-2R alpha-chain than young CD4+ T cells. Altogether, multiple defects which are not necessarily the same in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are responsible for defective T cell responses in old mice.     

CpG DNA inhibits CD4+CD25+ Treg suppression through direct MyD88-dependent costimulation of effector CD4+ T cells

Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands are notable for their ability to induce APC maturation, which in turn facilitates optimal T cell mediated immune responses. Toll-like receptor ligands, such as CpG DNA, can also modulate immune responses by blocking the suppressive effects of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). Recently, we have demonstrated that CpG DNA, in addition to its actions on APCs and Tregs, can provide direct costimulatory signals to CD4+CD25- T cells. Here we show that this costimulatory effect is sufficient to abrogate suppression by Tregs. These data indicate a previously undefined role for TLR ligands in directly modulating CD4+ T cell responses.     

Resting B cells expand a CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg population via TGF-beta3

Regulatory T cells (Treg) play critical roles in maintaining tolerance and preventing autoimmunity. It is not fully clear how these cells are generated and maintained. Here, we show that resting B cells are able to expand Treg. This expansion requires TGF-beta3 and signaling through the TCR and CD28. Upon activation, B cells express less TGF-beta3, which reduces their capacity to expand Treg and which also results in increased Treg death. This may ensure that B cells can function as potent professional antigen presenting cells during infections. However, in the absence of any infection, we find that B-cell-deficient microMT mice have decreased percentages of Treg in the periphery. Our data suggest that resting B cells, which may be presenting self-antigens to T cells, can expand and maintain specific Treg and thus might be involved in the prevention of autoimmunity.     

Lewis肺癌细胞通过TLR9对CD4~+CD25~+Treg细胞影响的研究

目的:本研究以Lewis肺癌细胞为研究对象,探讨肿瘤细胞通过TLRs对CD4+CD25+Treg细胞的影响。方法:我们采用流式细胞术检测了Lewis肺癌细胞与脾淋巴细胞共培养系统中CD4+CD25+Treg细胞数量变化;通过RT-PCR方法检测了共培养对Foxp3和TLR1-9mRNA表达的影响;采用TLR9受体阻断剂氯喹阻断Lewis肺癌TLR9的表达。结果:与对照组相比,共培养组CD4+CD25+Treg细胞数量及Foxp3 mRNA表达均明显增高(P0.05);Lewis肺癌细胞与淋巴细胞共培养后可影响多种TLRs表达,其中TLR9 mRNA表达与对照组相比明显增高(P0.05),阻断Lewis肺癌细胞TLR9可明显降低CD4+CD25+Treg细胞数量及Foxp3 mRNA表达(P0.05)。结论:Lewis肺癌细胞可通过TLR9促进CD4+CD25+Treg细胞产生及功能增强,参与诱导肿瘤的免疫耐受,从而促进肿瘤的发生和发展。     

ConA对CD4~+CD25~+调节性T细胞早期活化和功能的影响

目的:观察常用丝裂原ConA对CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞抑制功能的影响与早期活化标志CD69之间的关系。方法:用免疫磁珠分离BALB/c小鼠脾脏CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞、CD4+CD25-效应性T细胞,加入不同浓度的ConA,12 h后收集细胞,流式细胞术分析其CD69的表达。CFSE标记CD4+CD25-效应性T细胞,按2∶1比例与CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞共同培养,培养同时加ConA,3 d后流式细胞仪分析ConA对CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞抑制CD4+CD25-效应性T细胞增殖的影响。结果:ConA能剂量依赖性地升高CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞和CD4+CD25-效应性T细胞CD69的表达,对两群细胞CD69的升高表现出了相似的作用;另外,ConA在上述浓度能剂量依赖激活CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的抑制功能。结论:ConA在体外对CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞活化和功能具有促进作用。ConA能一定程度模拟抗原,因而可用于评价药物对调节性T细胞的活化和功能影响。     

Helios+ and RORγt+ Treg populations are differentially regulated by MHCII,CD28, and ICOS to shape the intestinal Treg pool

The balance between RORγt⁺ and Helios⁺ Tregs in the small intestine is modulated by their differential costimulatory requirements. Our data show that intestinal Helios⁺ and RORγt⁺ Tregs possess unique responses to costimulatory signals and might compete for access to APC signals in the intestinal niche. When ICOS signals are reduced, the RORγt⁺ Treg subpopulation shrinks, Helios⁺ Tregs gain more access to APCs (and consequently to CD80/86) and expand. The opposite occurs when reduced access to CD80/CD86 leads to decrease of Helios⁺ Tregs and allows RORγt⁺ Tregs more access to alternative survival signals including ICOS. This model provides a mechanism where the proportion of intestinal Treg subpopulations can be altered in response to environmental stimuli to adjust to biological needs.

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MOG诱导的实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎小鼠中枢及外周神经系统CD4~+ T及CD8~+ T调节性细胞变化

目的:观察实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎小鼠中枢及外周CD4+ CD25+调节性T细胞(CD4+ CD25+ Treg),CD8+ CD28-调节性T细胞(CD8+ CD28- Treg)表达的变化情况,并探讨相关的细胞免疫学机制。方法:雌性C57BL/6小鼠随机分为未使用髓鞘少突胶质细胞糖蛋白35-55(MEVGWYR-SPFSRVVHLYRNGK)(MOG35-55)免疫的对照组和使用MOG35-55免疫诱导的EAE小鼠模型组,采用临床症状评分记录小鼠行为学变化、HE染色观察CNS炎症细胞浸润及病理改变,使用流式细胞术(FCM)检测小鼠中枢及外周CD8+ CD28- Treg,CD4+ CD25+ Treg细胞表达水平。结果:MOG35-55诱导的EAE模型组动物出现典型的EAE临床行为学及病理学表现,FCM检测EAE模型组小鼠脾细胞CD4+ CD25+ Treg较对照组升高但无统计学差异,CD8+ CD28- Treg表达水平明显低于对照组(P0.01),EAE模型组中枢有CD4+ CD25+ Treg,CD8+CD28-Treg淋巴细胞的浸润,且CD4+ CD25+ Treg,CD8+ CD28- Treg在中枢的表达均高于外周,对照组中枢神经系统未检测到淋巴细胞浸润。结论:CD4+ CD25+ Treg,CD8+ CD28- Treg均参与调控EAE的病理过程,CD4+ CD25+ Treg,CD8+ CD28- Treg在EAE小鼠中枢及外周分布及变化的不同,提示其进入中枢神经系统(CNS)并参与调节中枢局部炎症。     

CTLA4-CD80/CD86 interactions on primary mouse CD4+ T cells integrate signal-strength information to modulate activation with Concanavalin A

The mechanisms by which concanavalin A (Con A), a lectin, activates T cells are poorly studied. A low dose of Con A is stimulatory for T cells, whereas a high dose of Con A results in suppression of proliferation and enhanced T cell death. The expression and functional roles of costimulatory receptors, CD28 and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4), and their ligands, CD80 and CD86, on primary mouse CD4(+) T cells after activation with different doses of Con A were studied. CTLA4-CD80/CD86 interactions in this T:T cell activation model demonstrate distinct outcomes depending on the dose of Con A. CTLA4-CD80/CD86 interactions inhibit CD4(+) T cell cycling and survival after activation with a suppressive dose of Con A by increasing oxidative stress and decreasing levels of BclX(L). The enhanced CD4(+) T cell death with a suppressive dose of Con A is dependent on excess H(2)O(2) and nitric oxide but is independent of Fas and caspase activity. It is surprising that the increased proliferation of CD4(+) T cells with a suppressive dose of Con A on blocking CTLA4-CD80/CD86 interactions is largely interleukin (IL)-2-independent but is cyclosporine A-sensitive. On activation with a stimulatory dose of Con A, CTLA4-CD80/CD86 interactions enhance T cell activation and survival by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species, increasing IL-2 and BclX(L) levels. Here IL-10 but not transforming growth factor-beta plays a functional role. In summary, CTLA4-CD80/CD86 interactions on T cells integrate signal strength, based on the dose of Con A, to enhance or inhibit primary mouse CD4(+) T cell cycling and survival.     

人外周血CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的分离、鉴定和功能特征

目的： 分离人外周血CD4＋ CD25＋ Treg细胞, 并检测其功能.方法： RT-PCR技术检测CD4＋ CD25＋ Treg细胞中Foxp3的mRNA表达;与CD8＋ T细胞和CD4＋ CD25- T细胞共同培养, 或加入外源性IL-2及IL- 4, 检测其抑制功能;流式细胞术检测IFN-γ、 IL- 4和IL-10.结果： CD4＋ CD25＋ Treg细胞高表达Foxp3, 主要分泌IL-10, 能够抑制CD8＋ T细胞和CD4＋ CD25- T细胞的增殖, 高浓度IL-2能够阻断CD4＋ CD25＋ Treg细胞的抑制功能.结论： CD4＋ CD25＋ Treg细胞是一群具有免疫抑制功能的调节性T细胞, 这种抑制作用能够被高浓度IL-2阻断.     

Activation of Resting, Pure CD4+, and CD8+ Cells via CD3

We studied the requirements for secondary activation signals in pure CD4+ and CD8+ T cells after stimulation with anti-CD3 antibodies. Stimulation of CD4+ or CD8+ cells with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) bound to polystyrene monosized particles never resulted in a proliferative response. However, DNA synthesis was observed when recombinant interleukin 2 (IL-2) or other secondary signals, such as those provided by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or autologous accessory cells (AC), were also added. These secondary signals were not in themselves capable of inducing DNA synthesis in the absence of particle-bound anti-CD3. We also found that the signals provided by AC may be dependent on the activation state of these cells. Thus, the effects of accessory cells were enhanced by a factor present in fetal calf serum (FCS), most likely endotoxin or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which alone, however, were not able to activate T cells, even in the presence of particle-bound anti-CD3. Recombinant IL-1 over a broad dose range was unable to replace PMA or activated AC after stimulation with particle-bound anti-CD3. Purified CD4+ and CD8+ T cells behaved identically in all the experiments, indicating that the basic mechanisms for activation in the two T-cell subsets are identical.     

DX5+CD4+ T cells modulate CD4+ T‐cell response via inhibition of IL‐12 production by DCs

DX5⁺CD4⁺ T cells have been shown to dampen collagen‐induced arthritis and delayed‐type hypersensitivity reactions in mice. These cells are also potent modulators of T‐helper cell responses through direct effects on CD4⁺ T cells in an IL‐4 dependent manner. To further characterize this T‐cell population, we studied their effect on DCs and the potential consequences on T‐cell activation. Here, we show that mouse DX5⁺CD4⁺ T cells modulate DCs by robustly inhibiting IL‐12 production. This modulation is IL‐10 dependent and does not require cell contact. Furthermore, DX5⁺CD4⁺ T cells modulate the surface phenotype of LPS‐matured DCs. DCs modulated by DX5⁺CD4⁺ T‐cell supernatant express high levels of the co‐inhibitor molecules PDL‐1 and PDL‐2. OVA‐specific CD4⁺ T cells primed with DCs exposed to DX5⁺CD4⁺ T‐cell supernatant produce less IFN‐γ than CD4⁺ T cells primed by DCs exposed to either medium or DX5^?CD4⁺ T‐cell supernatant. The addition of IL‐12 to the co‐culture with DX5⁺ DCs restores IFN‐γ production. When IL‐10 present in the DX5⁺CD4⁺ T‐cell supernatant is blocked, DCs re‐establish their ability to produce IL‐12 and to efficiently prime CD4⁺ T cells. These data show that DX5⁺CD4⁺ T cells can indirectly affect the outcome of the T‐cell response by inducing DCs that have poor Th1 stimulatory function.     

加味玉屏风散及拆方组分对利什曼原虫感染模型CD4^＋CD25^＋Treg水平的影响

目的:探讨中药复方加味玉屏风散及拆方组分对感染机体内CD4+CD25+Treg细胞(Treg)潜在的调节作用.方法:选用加味玉屏风散及其拆方单味药组分(黄芪、防风、白术、党参)对利什曼原虫感染模型进行干预.流式细胞仪分析脾细胞内Treg水平;RT-PCR法检测Treg功能相关转录因子Foxp3水平.结果:与正常对照鼠相比较,利什曼原虫感染BALB/c小鼠脾脏内Treg水平和Foxp3 mRNA表达水平均显著升高(P＜0.05),复方及其部分单味药可以下调感染动物脾细胞内Treg和Foxp3表达水平(P＜0.05),显著抑制感染部位的肿胀程度(P＜0.05),减轻病变.结论:利什曼原虫感染BALB/c小鼠存在Treg水平的增加,中药复方加味玉屏风散和部分单味药组分可以显著抑制感染机体内Treg水平,促进感染清除.     

Co-stimulatory pathways controlling activation and peripheral tolerance of human CD4+CD28− T cells

Co-stimulation mediated by the CD28 molecule is considered critical in the activation of CD4⁺ T cells. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis and infrequently in normal individuals, CD4⁺ T cells lacking CD28 expression are expanded and contain clonogenic populations. To analyze whether these cells are independent of co-stimulatory requirements or whether they use co-stimulatory signals distinct from the CD28 pathway, we have compared CD4⁺ CD28⁺ and CD4⁺ CD28^?T cell clones isolated from rheumatoid arthritis patients. Accessory cells supported the induction of CD25 expression as well as of proliferative responses after anti-CD3 cross-linking and prevented the induction of anergy in CD4⁺ CD28^? T cell clones. In contrast to CD4⁺CD28⁺ T cells, the presence of accessory cells did not enhance the secretion of interleukin (IL)-2, interferon-γ, or IL-4. The co-stimulatory signals did not involve CD28/CTLA-4–CD80/CD86 receptor-ligand interactions. The proliferative response of CD4⁺CD28^? T cells could not be blocked by anti-CD2, anti-CD18, and anti-CD58 antibodies, suggesting that these receptor-ligand interactions cannot provide CD28^? independent co-stimulation. Our data suggest that CD4⁺CD28^? T cells require co-stimulatory signals for optimal induction of cell growth and CD25 expression as well as for the prevention of anergy. The co-stimulatory receptor-ligand interaction is independent of the CD28 pathway and may be involved in the oligoclonal expansion of the CD4⁺ CD28^? T cell subset in rheumatoid arthritis.     

DX5+CD4+ T cells modulate cytokine production by CD4+ T cells towards IL‐10 via the production of IL‐4

CD4⁺ Th cells play a critical role in orchestrating the adaptive immune response. Uncontrolled Th1 responses are implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. T cells with immune‐modulatory properties are beneficial for inhibiting such inflammatory responses. Previously we demonstrated that repetitive injections of immature DC induce expansion of DX5⁺CD4⁺ T cells, which upon adoptive transfer show potent regulatory properties in murine collagen‐induced arthritis as well as in delayed‐hypersensitivity models. However, their regulatory mechanism remains to be defined. Here, we analyzed the effect of DX5⁺CD4⁺ T cells on other CD4⁺ T cells in vitro. Although proliferation of naïve CD4⁺ T cells upon antigenic triggering was not altered in the presence of DX5⁺CD4⁺ T cells, there was a striking difference in cytokine production. In the presence of DX5⁺CD4⁺ T cells, an IL‐10‐producing CD4⁺ T‐cell response was induced instead of a predominant IFN‐γ‐producing Th1 response. This modulation did not require cell–cell contact. Instead, IL‐4 produced by DX5⁺CD4⁺ T cells was primarily involved in the inhibition of IFN‐γ and promotion of IL‐10 production by CD4⁺ T cells. Together, our data indicate that DX5⁺CD4⁺ T cells modulate the outcome of Th‐responses by diverting Th1‐induction into Th responses characterized by the production of IL‐10.     

CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells modulate the T-cell and antibody responses in helicobacter-infected BALB/c mice

Gastric Helicobacter spp. induce chronic gastritis that may lead to ulceration and dysplasia. The host elicits a T helper 1 (Th1) response that is fundamental to the pathogenesis of these bacteria. We analyzed immune responses in Helicobacter-infected, normal mice depleted of CD4+ CD25+ T cells to investigate the in vivo role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the modulation of Helicobacter immunopathology. BALB/c and transgenic mice were depleted of CD4+ CD25+ T cells by administration of an anti-CD25 antibody either at the time of infection with Helicobacter or during chronic infection and gastritis. Depletion of CD25+ Tregs prior to and during infection of mice with Helicobacter spp. did not affect either bacterial colonization or severity of gastritis. Depletion of CD25+ Tregs was associated with increased Helicobacter-specific antibody levels and an altered isotype distribution. Paragastric lymph node cells from CD25+ Treg-depleted and control infected mice showed similar proliferation to Helicobacter antigens, but only cells from anti-CD25-treated animals secreted Th2 cytokines. CD25+ Tregs do not control the level of gastritis induced by gastric Helicobacter spp. in normal, thymus-intact BALB/c mice. However, CD25+ Tregs influence the cytokine and antibody responses induced by infection. Autoimmune gastritis is not induced in Helicobacter-infected mice depleted of CD25+ Tregs but is induced in CD25+ Treg-depleted mice, which have a higher frequency of autoreactive T cells.     

CD226 attenuates Treg suppressive capacity via CTLA-4 and TIGIT during EAE

The Cluster of differentiation 226(CD226)/T cell immunoglobulin and immune receptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain (TIGIT) axis plays an important role in the balance of the immune response. A previous study showed that CD226 is involved in CD4+ T cell differentiation and that blocking CD226 may attenuate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) development. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain incompletely understood. In this study, it was found that Cd226−/− mice were less susceptible to EAE and that there was less T helper 17(Th17) cell infiltration with higher levels of regulatory cells (Tregs) infiltration in the Cd226−/− EAE mouse central nervous system (CNS) compared with that in the WT EAE mouse CNS. Moreover, the suppressive function of Cd226−/− Tregs was upregulated compared with that of WT Tregs. Furthermore, it was observed that the expression levels of CTLA-4 and TIGIT on Cd226−/− Tregs were higher than those on WT Tregs during EAE in the spleen and CNS. Our results demonstrate a pivotal role for CD226 in attenuating Treg function in EAE that was associated with downregulating the expression levels of CTLA-4 and TIGIT.     

NCPP treatment alleviates ConA-induced hepatitis via reducing CD4+T activation and NO production

Corynebacterium parvum (CP), a kind of immunomodulator, has been well documented in many diseases. Non-cell C. parvum product (NCPP) is a newly-found nano-preparation. To investigate the effect of NCPP on Con A-induced murine severe hepatitis, we pretreated mice with NCPP intraperitoneally. After 12 h, ConA (25 μg/g body wt) was injected intravenously to provoke severe hepatitis and the degree of liver injury was evaluated by serum transaminase analysis and heptatic tissue pathology. Results have shown that levels of serum transaminase and degree of liver injury in ConA/NCPP groups had significantly declined than those in ConA/PBS groups. Notably, results of flow cytometry have demonstrated that activation of CD4+T cells in ConA/NCPP groups has been down-regulated, compared with ConA/PBS groups. Further, levels of serum and KC-related nitric oxide (NO) was displayed significantly lower in ConA/NCPP groups than those in ConA/PBS groups. The results indicate that NCPP may alleviate ConA-induced hepatitis by reducing CD4+T activation and NO production.     

CTLA‐4 is required by CD4+CD25+ Treg to control CD4+ T‐cell lymphopenia‐induced proliferation

CTLA‐4 is constitutively expressed by CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ Treg but its precise role in Treg function is not clear. Although blockade of CTLA‐4 interferes with Treg function, studies using CTLA‐4‐deficient Treg have failed to reveal an essential requirement for CTLA‐4 in Treg suppression in vivo. Conditional deletion of CTLA‐4 in Foxp3⁺ T cells disrupts immune homeostasis in vivo but the immune processes disrupted by CTLA‐4 deletion have not been determined. We demonstrate that Treg expression of CTLA‐4 is essential for Treg control of lymphopenia‐induced CD4 T‐cell expansion. Despite IL‐10 expression, CTLA‐4‐deficient Treg were unable to control the expansion of CD4⁺ target cells in a lymphopenic environment. Moreover, unlike their WT counterparts, CTLA‐4‐deficient Treg failed to inhibit cytokine production associated with homeostatic expansion and were unable to prevent colitis. Thus, while Treg developing in the absence of CTLA‐4 appear to acquire some compensatory suppressive mechanisms in vitro, we identify a non‐redundant role for CTLA‐4 in Treg function in vivo.