CD8+ T cells producing IL‐3 and IL‐5 in non‐IgE‐mediated eosinophilic diseases

The cytokines IL‐5, IL‐3, and GM‐CSF are crucial for eosinophil development, survival, and function. To better understand their role in non‐IgE‐mediated eosinophilic diseases, we investigated plasma levels of these cytokines as well as cytokine expression in peripheral blood T cells. While we did not find any evidence for an involvement of T‐cell‐derived GM‐CSF, some of these patients did show an increased proportion of IL‐5‐ or IL‐3‐producing CD4⁺ T cells. However, in a significant proportion of patients, IL‐5‐producing CD8⁺ T cells, so‐called Tc2 cells, which in healthy donors can only be detected at very low levels, were prominent. Furthermore, increased IL‐3 production by CD8⁺ T cells was also observed, strongly supporting the notion that CD8⁺ T cells, not just CD4⁺ T cells, must also be considered as a potential source of the cytokines promoting eosinophilia.     

CXCL4 promoted the production of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+treg cells in mouse sepsis model through regulating STAT5/FOXP3 pathway

Abstract

Background: CXCL4 plays an essential role in the regulation of multiple immune diseases. However, the underlying role of CXCL4 is still not clear in sepsis. Aim: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the function of CXCL4 in sepsis.

Methods: Sepsis model was constructed on mouse. Flow cytometry was used to determine the ratio of CD4⁺CD25⁺FOXP3⁺Treg cells. ELISA assays were used to determine the levels of CXCL4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α respectively. Western blot was used to examine protein contents.

Results: Our results suggested that the serum level of CXCL4 was upregulated in patients with sepsis and positively associated with the ratio of human CD4⁺CD25⁺FOXP3⁺Treg cells. To further examine the role of CXCL4 in sepsis, we constructed the mouse sepsis model. Our results indicated that the mouse antibody of CXCL4 treatment reduced the expression of urine creatinine and urea nitrogen in sepsis model. Moreover, the frequency of CD25⁺FOXP3⁺ mouse regulatory T cells (Tregs) cells was decreased in mouse CD4⁺ T cells in the presence of mouse CXCL4 antibody. Further, the mouse recombinant protein CXCL4 was used to culture normal mouse CD4⁺ T cells in vitro. Our finding indicated that the recombinant protein CXCL4 promoted the percentage of mouse CD25⁺FOXP3⁺Treg cells and enhanced the phosphorylation of STAT5 in mouse CD4⁺ T cells in a dose-dependent manner. However, these effects were significantly reversed by the STAT5 inhibitor (p?<?.001). Conclusion: our findings not only indicated the function and signalling pathway of CXCL4 in CD4⁺ T cells but also provided novel insight and target in sepsis treatment.     

Expression of IL‐15RA or an IL‐15/IL‐15RA fusion on CD8+ T cells modifies adoptively transferred T‐cell function in cis

IL‐15 and IL‐15 receptor alpha (IL‐15RA) play a significant role in multiple aspects of T‐cell biology. However, given the evidence that IL‐15RA can present IL‐15 in trans, the functional capacity of IL‐15RA expressed on CD8⁺ T cells to modify IL‐15 functions in cis is currently unclear. In the current study, we explore the functional consequences of IL‐15RA, expression on T cells using a novel method to transfect naive CD8⁺ T cells. We observed that RNA nucleofection led to highly efficient, non‐toxic, and rapid manipulation of protein expression levels in unstimulated CD8⁺ T cells. We found that transfection of unstimulated CD8⁺ T cells with IL‐15RA RNA led to enhanced viability of CD8⁺ T cells in response to IL‐15. Transfection with IL‐15RA enhanced IL‐15‐mediated phosphorylation of STAT5 and also promoted IL‐15‐mediated proliferation in vivo of adoptively transferred naïve CD8⁺ T cells. We demonstrated that IL‐15RA can present IL‐15 via cis‐presentation on CD8⁺ T cells. Finally, we showed that transfection with a chimeric construct linking IL‐15 to IL‐15RA cell autonomously enhances the viability and proliferation of primary CD8⁺ T cells and cytotoxic potential of antigen‐specific CD8⁺ T cells. The clinical implications of the current study are discussed.     

Galectin‐3 negatively regulates the frequency and function of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and influences the course of Leishmania major infection

Galectin‐3, an endogenous glycan‐binding protein, plays essential roles during microbial infection by modulating innate and adaptive immunity. However, the role of galectin‐3 within the CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T regulatory (T_REG) cell compartment has not yet been explored. Here, we found, in a model of Leishmania major infection, that galectin‐3 deficiency increases the frequency of peripheral T_REG cells both in draining lymph nodes (LNs) and sites of infection. These observations correlated with an increased severity of the disease, as shown by increased footpad swelling and parasite burden. Galectin‐3‐deficient (Lgals3^?/?) T_REG cells displayed higher CD103 expression, showed greater suppressive capacity, and synthesized higher amounts of IL‐10 compared with their wild‐type (WT) counterpart. Furthermore, both T_REG cells and T effector (T_EFF) cells from Lgals3^?/? mice showed higher expression of Notch1 and the Notch target gene Hes‐1. Interestingly, Notch signaling components were also altered in both T_REG and T_EFF cells from uninfected Lgals3^?/? mice. Thus, endogenous galectin‐3 regulates the frequency and function of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T_REG cells and alters the course of L. major infection.     

Expansion of regulatory T cells via IL‐2/anti‐IL‐2 mAb complexes suppresses experimental myasthenia

Human autoimmune diseases are often characterized by a relative deficiency in CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T cells (Treg). We therefore hypothesized that expansion of Treg can ameliorate autoimmune pathology. We tested this hypothesis in an experimental model for autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG), a B‐cell‐mediated disease characterized by auto‐Ab directed against the acetylcholine receptor within neuromuscular junctions. We showed that injection of immune complexes composed of the cytokine IL‐2 and anti‐IL‐2 mAb (JES6‐1A12) induced an effective and sustained expansion of Treg, via peripheral proliferation of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ cells and peripheral conversion of CD4⁺CD25^?Foxp3^? cells. The expanded Treg potently suppressed autoreactive T‐ and B‐cell responses to acetylcholine receptor and attenuated the muscular weakness that is characteristic of MG. Thus, IL‐2/anti‐IL‐2 mAb complexes can expand functional Treg in vivo, providing a potential clinical application of this modality for treatment of MG and other autoimmune disorders.     

CD4~+CD25~+FOXP3~+调节性T细胞及其亚型在结直肠癌组织中分布和临床意义的研究

目的:探讨CD4~+Cff25~+FOXP3~+调节性T细胞(Treg)及其亚型在结直肠癌组织(colorectal carcinoma,CRC)的分布和临床病理特征的关系.方法:收集42例CRC新鲜手术标本,应用冰冻切片、免疫组织化学SP法检测肿瘤组织和癌旁组织中FOXP3~+阳性细胞数,分析其与临床病理特征的相关性;应用双重免疫组化检测FOXP3和ICOS表达,分析FOXP3~+ICOS~+Treg和FOXP3~+ICOS-Treg两种细胞亚型分布情况.结果:CRC患者肿瘤组织中FOXP3分布显著多于癌旁组织,差异显著(P＜0.001);中低分化组Treg细胞数明显高于高分化组(P＜0.01);淋巴结转移组Treg细胞数明显高于无淋巴结转移组(P＜0.05);无远处转移组Treg细胞数明显高于有远处转移组(P＜0.05);FOXP3+ICOS+Treg细胞亚群在CRC组织中高表达,与癌旁组织相比差异显著(P＜0.01).结论:CRC的发生发展与其癌组织局部微环境中Treg数量变化相关,Treg在CRC组织过量表达可能是导致肿瘤免疫逃逸的重要因素之一;抑制CRC微环境中浸润性Treg细胞功能可提高肿瘤局部免疫治疗效果.     

Interleukin-2 is essential for CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell function

Constitutive expression of CD25, the IL-2 receptor alpha-chain, defines a distinct population of CD4+ T cells (Treg) with suppressive activity in vitro and in vivo. IL-2 has been implicated in the generation and maintenance of Treg, however, a functional contribution of the IL-2 receptor during suppression is thus far unknown. We show that IL-2 is required for Treg function in vitro, since suppression is completely abrogated by selective blocking of the IL-2 receptor on Treg during co-culture with responder T cells. We demonstrate that Treg, which do not produce IL-2, compete for IL-2 secreted by responder T cells. In accordance with the idea of competition being part of the suppressive mechanism, in vitro neutralization of IL-2 mimics all effects of Treg. Conversely, recombinant IL-2 abrogates inhibition of IL-2 production in responder T cells, the hallmark of Treg suppression. Finally, activation in the presence of IL-2 primes Treg to produce IL-10 upon secondary stimulation, indicating that IL-2 uptake is also required to induce additional suppressive factors that might be more relevant for suppression in vivo. We propose the parakrine uptake of soluble mediators as a flexible mechanism to adapt Treg activity to the strength of the responder T cell reaction.     

TGF‐β interactions with IL‐1 family members trigger IL‐4‐independent IL‐9 production by mouse CD4+ T cells

TGF‐β and IL‐4 were recently shown to selectively upregulate IL‐9 production by naïve CD4⁺ T cells. We report here that TGF‐β interactions with IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐18, and IL‐33 have equivalent IL‐9‐stimulating activities that function even in IL‐4‐deficient animals. This was observed after in vitro antigenic stimulation of immunized or unprimed mice and after polyclonal T‐cell activation. Based on intracellular IL‐9 staining, all IL‐9‐producing cells were CD4⁺ and 80–90% had proliferated, as indicated by reduced CFSE staining. In contrast to IL‐9, IL‐13 and IL‐17 were strongly stimulated by IL‐1 and either inhibited (IL‐13) or were unaffected (IL‐17) by addition of TGF‐β. IL‐9 and IL‐17 production also differed in their dependence on IL‐2 and regulation by IL‐1/IL‐23. As IL‐9 levels were much lower in Th2 and Th17 cultures, our results identify TGF‐β/IL‐1 and TGF‐β/IL‐4 as the main control points of IL‐9 synthesis.     

Expansion of regulatory CD8+ CD25+ T cells after neonatal alloimmunization

Transplantation tolerance induced by neonatal injection of semi-allogeneic spleen cells is associated with a pathological syndrome caused by T helper type 2 (Th2) differentiation of donor-specific CD4(+) T lymphocytes. We have shown previously that this Th2-biased response is inhibited by host CD8(+) T cells. Herein, we demonstrate that upon neonatal immunization with (A/J × BALB/c)F(1) spleen cells, BALB/c mice expand a population of CD8(+) T cells expressing both CD25 and forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) markers. In this setting, CD8(+) CD25(+) T cells predominantly produce interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-10 and are efficient in controlling IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 production by donor-specific CD4(+) T cells in vitro. CD8(+) FoxP3(-) T cells are single producers of IFN-γ or IL-10, whereas CD8(+) FoxP3(+) T cells are double producers of IFN-γ and IL-10. We further demonstrate that IFN-γ and IL-10 are two major cytokines produced by CD8(+) T cells involved in the in vivo regulation of Th2-type pathology. In this setting, we conclude that neonatal alloimmunization induces the expansion of several regulatory CD8(+) T cells which may control Th2 activities via IFN-γ and IL-10.     

The effect of interleukin (IL)‐21 and CD4+CD25++ T cells on cytokine production of CD4+ responder T cells in patients with myasthenia gravis

Impairment of the suppressive function of regulatory T (T_reg) cells has been reported in myasthenia gravis (MG). In this study, cytokine‐related mechanisms that may lead to the defect of T_reg were investigated in patients with anti‐acetylcholine receptor antibody‐positive MG (AChR + MG). Proliferation and cytokine production of responder T (T_resp) cells in response to polyclonal activation were measured in a suppression assay. The effect of interleukin (IL)‐21 on suppression was evaluated in vitro in co‐culture. IL‐21 increased the proliferation of T_resp cells in T_resp/T_reg co‐cultures. T_resp cells from patients with MG secreted significantly lower levels of IL‐2. In patients with MG, IL‐2 levels did not change with the addition of T_reg to cultures, whereas it decreased significantly in controls. In T_resp/T_reg co‐cultures, IL‐4, IL‐6 and IL‐10 production increased in the presence of T_reg in patients. Interferon (IFN)‐γ was decreased, whereas IL‐17A was increased in both patient and control groups. IL‐21 inhibited the secretion of IL‐4 in MG and healthy controls (HC), and IL‐17A in HC only. The results demonstrated that IL‐21 enhances the proliferation of T_resp cells in the presence of T_reg. An effect of IL‐21 mainly on T_resp cells through IL‐2 is implicated.     

CD4+CD45RA−FoxP3high activated regulatory T cells are functionally impaired and related to residual insulin‐secreting capacity in patients with type 1 diabetes

Accumulating lines of evidence have suggested that regulatory T cells (T_regs) play a central role in T cell-mediated immune response and the development of type 1A and fulminant type 1 diabetes. CD4⁺forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)⁺ T cells are composed of three phenotypically and functionally distinct subpopulations; CD45RA⁺FoxP3^low resting T_regs (r-T_regs), CD45RA⁻FoxP3^high activated T_regs (a-T_regs) and CD45RA⁻FoxP3^low non-suppressive T cells (non-T_regs). We aimed to clarify the frequency of these three subpopulations in CD4⁺FoxP3⁺ T cells and the function of a-T_regs with reference to subtypes of type 1 diabetes. We examined 20 patients with type 1A diabetes, 15 patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes, 20 patients with type 2 diabetes and 30 healthy control subjects. A flow cytometric analysis in the peripheral blood was performed for the frequency analysis. The suppressive function of a-T_regs was assessed by their ability to suppress the proliferation of responder cells in a 1/2:1 co-culture. A flow cytometric analysis in the peripheral blood demonstrated that the frequency of a-T_regs was significantly higher in type 1A diabetes, but not in fulminant type 1 diabetes, than the controls. Further, the proportion of a-T_regs among CD4⁺FoxP3⁺ T cells was significantly higher in patients with type 1A diabetes with detectable C-peptide but not in patients with type 1A diabetes without it and with fulminant type 1 diabetes. A proliferation suppression assay showed that a-T_regs were functionally impaired both in fulminant type 1 diabetes and in type 1A diabetes. In conclusion, a-T_regs were functionally impaired, related to residual insulin-secreting capacity and may be associated with the development of type 1 diabetes.     

Control of Schistosoma mansoni egg‐induced inflammation by IL‐4‐responsive CD4+CD25−CD103+Foxp3− cells is IL‐10‐dependent

Host protection to helminth infection requires IL‐4 receptor α chain (IL‐4Rα) signalling and the establishment of finely regulated Th2 responses. In the current study, the role of IL‐4Rα‐responsive T cells in Schistosoma mansoni egg‐induced inflammation was investigated. Egg‐induced inflammation in IL‐4Rα‐responsive BALB/c mice was accompanied with Th2‐biased responses, whereas T‐cell‐specific IL‐4Rα‐deficient BALB/c mice (iLck^creIl4ra^?/lox) developed Th1‐biased responses with heightened inflammation. The proportion of Foxp3⁺ Treg in the draining LN of control mice did not correlate with the control of inflammation and was reduced in comparison to T‐cell‐specific IL‐4Rα‐deficient mice. This was due to IL‐4‐mediated inhibition of CD4⁺Foxp3⁺ Treg conversion, demonstrated in adoptively transferred Rag2^?/? mice. Interestingly, reduced footpad swelling in Il4ra^?/lox mice was associated with the induction of IL‐4 and IL‐10‐secreting CD4⁺CD25^?CD103⁺Foxp3^? cells, confirmed in S. mansoni infection studies. Transfer of IL‐4Rα‐responsive CD4⁺CD25^?CD103⁺ cells, but not CD4⁺CD25^high or CD4⁺CD25^?CD103^? cells, controlled inflammation in iLck^creIl4ra^?/lox mice. The control of inflammation depended on IL‐10, as transferred CD4⁺CD25^?CD103⁺ cells from IL‐10‐deficient mice were not able to effectively downregulate inflammation. Together, these results demonstrate that IL‐4 signalling in T cells inhibits Foxp3⁺ Treg in vivo and promotes CD4⁺CD25^?CD103⁺Foxp3^? cells that control S. mansoni egg‐induced inflammation via IL‐10.     

Short‐term anti‐CD25 monoclonal antibody administration down‐regulated CD25 expression without eliminating the neogenetic functional regulatory T cells in kidney transplantation

CD4⁺CD25⁺ forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)⁺regulatory T (T_reg) cells are generated and play a key role in the induction and maintenance of transplant tolerance in organ recipients. It has been proposed that interleukin (IL)-2/IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) signalling was essential for the development and proliferation of antigen-activated T cells that included both effector T cells and T_reg cells. Basiliximab (Simulect™), a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against the α-chain of the IL-2R (CD25), can be expected to not only affect alloreactive effector T cells, but also reduce the number and function of T_reg cells. We therefore examined the effect of basiliximab induction therapy on the number and function of the T_reg cells in renal recipients. Basiliximab decreased the percentage of CD4⁺CD25⁺T cells, but failed to influence the percentage of CD4⁺FoxP3⁺ T_reg cells. The cellular CD25 expression was decreased significantly by basiliximab injection, but CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells was not depleted from the circulating pool through monoclonal antibody activation-associated apoptosis. Functional analysis revealed that inhibitory function of T_reg cells from recipients with basiliximab injection was not significantly different from recipients without injection. These data indicate that the functional T_reg population may not be influenced by short-term basiliximab treatment.     

IL‐4 and IL‐15 promotion of virtual memory CD8+ T cells is determined by genetic background

Virtual memory (VM) CD8⁺ T cells are present in unimmunized mice, yet possess T‐cell receptors specific for foreign antigens. To date, VM cells have only been characterized in C57BL/6 mice. Here, we assessed the cytokine requirements for VM cells in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. As reported previously, VM cells in C57BL/6 mice rely mostly on IL‐15 and marginally on IL‐4. In stark contrast, VM cells in BALB/c mice rely substantially on IL‐4 and marginally on IL‐15. Further, NKT cells are the likely source of IL‐4, because CD1d‐deficient mice on a BALB/c background have significantly fewer VM cells. Notably, this NKT/IL‐4 axis contributes to appropriate effector and memory T‐cell responses to infection in BALB/c mice, but not in C57BL/6 mice. However, the effects of IL‐4 are manifest prior to, rather than during, infection. Thus, cytokine‐mediated control of the precursor population affects the development of virus‐specific CD8⁺ T‐cell memory. Depending upon the genetic background, different cytokines encountered before infection may influence the subsequent ability to mount primary and memory anti‐viral CD8⁺ T‐cell responses.     

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.     

c‐Rel is crucial for the induction of Foxp3+ regulatory CD4+ T cells but not TH17 cells

The NF‐κB/Rel family member c‐Rel was described to be required for the development of T_H1 responses. However, the role of c‐Rel in the differentiation of T_H17 and regulatory CD4⁺Foxp3⁺ T cells (Treg) remains obscure. Here, we show that in the absence of c‐Rel, in vitro differentiation of pro‐inflammatory T_H17 cells is normal. In contrast, generation of inducible Treg (iTreg) within c‐Rel‐deficient CD4⁺ T cells was severely hampered and correlated to reduced numbers of Foxp3⁺ T cells in vivo. Mechanistically, in vitro conversion of naive CD4⁺ T cells into iTreg was crucially dependent on c‐Rel‐mediated synthesis of endogenous IL‐2. The addition of exogenous IL‐2 was sufficient to rescue the development of c‐Rel‐deficient iTreg. Thus, c‐Rel is essential for the development of Foxp3⁺ Treg but not for T_H17 cells via regulating the production of IL‐2.     

CD4+CD25+Treg在急性淋巴细胞白血病患者外周血中的表达及其体外实验研究

目的初步探讨CD4 CD25 调节性T细胞(CD4 CD25 regulatory T cells,CD4 CD25 Treg)在急性淋巴细胞白血病(acute lymphocytic leukemia,ALL)患者化疗前及化疗缓解后外周血中的表达水平,并研究患者血清能否诱导外周血CD4 CD25-T细胞转化为CD4 CD25 Treg。方法①采用流式细胞术分别检测ALL初诊组、化疗完全缓解或部分缓解组及正常对照组外周血中CD4 CD25 T细胞所占比例,然后通过荧光定量RT-PCR检测各组外周血中转录因子Foxp3mRNA的表达水平,并逐层分析比较。②采集正常人外周血单个核细胞后,对照组用正常人血清,实验组用患者血清并分别设浓度梯度进行培养,72h后采用流式细胞术、荧光定量RT-PCR分别检测CD4 CD25 T细胞和Foxp3mRNA表达。结果ALL化疗缓解组CD4 CD25 T细胞及Foxp3mRNA表达水平均明显高于ALL初诊组和正常对照组(P<0.05),后两者之间CD4 CD25 T细胞水平无统计学差异(P>0.05),但ALL初诊组Foxp3mRNA含量较正常对照组明显升高(P<0.01),差异具有统计学意义;并且血清培养对照组CD4 CD25 T细胞水平及Foxp3mRNA含量均明显低于实验组(P<0.05),且其表达并不随血清浓度的增加而升高。结论CD4 CD25 Foxp3 Treg在ALL初诊组及化疗缓解组患者外周血中比例明显升高,且初步表明患者血清中的可溶性物质可诱导外周血CD4 CD25 T细胞转化为CD4 CD25 Treg,提示CD4 CD25 Treg可能是ALL免疫抑制的一个重要原因。