Human CD25+CD4+ T suppressor cell clones produce transforming growth factor beta, but not interleukin 10, and are distinct from type 1 T regulatory cells.
T regulatory (Tr) cells are essential for the induction of peripheral tolerance. Several types of Tr cells exist, including CD4(+) T cells which express CD25 constitutively and suppress immune responses via direct cell-to-cell interactions, and type 1 T regulatory (Tr1) cells, which function via secretion of interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. The relationship between CD25(+)CD4(+) T cells and Tr1 cells remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate at the clonal level that Tr1 and CD25(+)CD4(+) T cells are two distinct subsets of regulatory cells with different cytokine production profiles. Furthermore, CD25(-)CD4(+) T cells can be rendered anergic by IL-10 and differentiated into Tr1 cells in the absence of CD25(+)CD4(+) T cells. Cloned human CD25(+)CD4(+) T cell populations are heterogeneous and only a subset of clones continues to express high levels of CD25 and is suppressive. The intensity of CD25, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)-4, and glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor expression correlates with the suppressive capacity of the T cell clones. None of the CD25(+)CD4(+) T cell clones with suppressive function produce IL-10, but all produce TGF-beta. Suppression mediated by CD25(+)CD4(+) T cell clones is partially dependent on TGF-beta, but not on constitutive high expression of CD25. Together these data indicate that naturally occurring human CD25(+)CD4(+) T cells are distinct from IL-10-producing Tr1 cells.
Levings
Megan K
MK
San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (HSR-TIGET), Via Olgettina 58, Milan 20132, Italy.
Sangregorio
Romina
R
Sartirana
Claudia
C
Moschin
Anna Lisa
AL
Battaglia
Manuela
M
Orban
Paul C
PC
Roncarolo
Maria-Grazia
MG
D000069594:Abatacept; D015703:Antigens, CD; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation / Q000276:immunology; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D060908:CTLA-4 Antigen; D017635:Clonal Anergy / Q000276:immunology; D002999:Clone Cells; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D018796:Immunoconjugates; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D015704:CD4 Antigens; D060908:CTLA-4 Antigen; C556706:CTLA4 protein, human; D018796:Immunoconjugates; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D016753:Interleukin-10; D000069594:Abatacept