Polyclonal Treg cells modulate T effector cell trafficking

In this study, we have analyzed the in vivo dynamics of the interaction between polyclonal Foxp3(+) Treg cells, effector T (Teff) cells, and DCs in order to further our understanding of the mechanisms of Treg cell-mediated suppression. Cotransfer of polyclonal activated Treg cells into healthy mice attenuated the induction of EAE. Suppression of disease strongly correlated with a reduced number of Teff cells in the spinal cord, but not with Treg cell-mediated inhibition of Th1/Th17 differentiation. Cotransfer of Treg cells with TCR-Tg Teff cells followed by immunization by multiple routes resulted in an enhanced number of Teff cells in the lymph nodes draining the site of immunization without an inhibition of Teff-cell differentiation. Fewer Teff cells could be detected in the blood in the presence of Treg cells and fewer T cells could access a site of antigen exposure in a modified delayed-type hypersensitivity assay. Teff cells recovered from LNs in the presence of Treg cells expressed decreased levels of CXCR4, syndecan, and the sphingosine phosphate receptor, S1P1 (sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1). Thus, polyclonal Treg cells influence Teff-cell responses by targeting trafficking pathways, thus allowing immunity to develop in lymphoid organs, but limiting the number of potentially auto-aggressive cells that are allowed to enter the tissues.