Cutting edge: TGF-beta signaling is required for the in vivo expansion and immunosuppressive capacity of regulatory CD4+CD25+ T cells.
Data regarding the role of TGF-beta for the in vivo function of regulatory CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells (Treg) are controversial. A transgenic mouse model with impaired TGF-beta signaling specifically in T cells was used to assess the role of endogenous TGF-beta for the in vivo function of CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg in a murine model of colitis induced by dextran sulfate. Transfer of wild-type, but not transgenic CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg was found to suppress colitis in wild-type mice. In addition, by transferring CFSE-labeled CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg we could demonstrate that endogenous TGF-beta promotes the expansion of CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg in vivo. Transgenic mice themselves developed reduced numbers of peripheral CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg and were more susceptible to the induction of colitis, which could be prevented by the transfer of wild-type Treg. These data indicate that TGF-beta signaling in CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg is required for their in vivo expansion and suppressive capacity.
Huber
Samuel
S
I. Medizinische Klinik, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz, Germany.
Schramm
Christoph
C
Lehr
Hans A
HA
Mann
Amrit
A
Schmitt
Steffen
S
Becker
Christoph
C
Protschka
Martina
M
Galle
Peter R
PR
Neurath
Markus F
MF
Blessing
Manfred
M
D019264:Adoptive Transfer; D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D003092:Colitis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D051379:Mice; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000637:transplantation; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000502:physiology*
D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta