Effect of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in the development of anterior chamber-associated immune deviation

AIM

To investigate whether CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T (Treg) cells play a role in the development of anterior chamber-associated immune deviation (ACAID).

METHODS

The dynamic changes in the frequency of CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells, CD4⁺CD25⁺ FoxP3⁺ T cells and CD4⁺CD25⁺ PD-1⁺ T cells from spleens of mice with ACAID were analyzed by flow cytometry. Foxp3 mRNA expression in purified CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells was analyzed using real-time PCR. The suppressive effect of purified CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells on the proliferation of CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells was evaluated by [³H] thymidine incorporation. A blocking experiment was performed to further address the role of CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells in ACAID. The expression of IL-10 in purified CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells was evaluated by ELISA.

RESULTS

Increased frequencies of CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells, CD4⁺CD25⁺ FoxP3⁺ T cells and CD4⁺CD25⁺ PD-1⁺ T cells were observed in ACAID. The CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells from mice with ACAID showed enhanced suppressive effect on the proliferation of CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells. Treatment of BALB/c mice with anti-CD25 antibody after injection of OVA into the anterior chamber significantly inhibited the induction of ACAID. Furthermore, purified CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells from ACAID mice secreted IL-10.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that Treg cells are induced in the mice undergoing ACAID. These Treg cells may play a role in the development of ACAID.