CD4(+)  T regulatory cells are more resistant to DNA damage compared to CD4(+)  T effector cells as revealed by flow cytometric analysis.
A number of apoptotic stimuli produce a different response by CD4(+)  regulatory and effector lymphocytes. So far, little is known concerning the sensitivity of CD4(+)  regulatory T cells (Treg) to genotoxic agents. Observations from a mouse model suggest that Treg are more resistant to DNA damage compared to CD4(+)  T effector cells (Teff). By flow cytometry we analysed the apoptotic response to genotoxic stimuli in culture, comparing Treg and Teff. CD4(+)  regulatory lymphocytes appeared to be more resistant than CD4(+)  effector lymphocytes. Results of costaining experiments for CD45RA suggest that this dissimilarity is not related to the differentiation to a CD45RA negative phenotype. Further, neither the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 nor Bcl-xL were found to be expressed in greater amounts by Treg compared to Teff. The differential sensitivity of Treg and Teff to DNA-damage inducing agents may be of clinical relevance in cancer therapy. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Department of Pediatrics, University of Padua, Padua, Italy. claudia.winzler@unipd.it
Claudia
C
Winzler
Margherita
M
Fantinato
Marco
M
Giordan
Elisabetta
E
Calore
Giuseppe
G
Basso
Chiara
C
Messina
D017304:Annexin A5 / Q000032:analysis; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000494:pharmacology; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D053148:Caspase 3 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000187:drug effects*; D005047:Etoposide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000379:methods*; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D009928:Organ Specificity; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods*; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D051020:bcl-X Protein / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D017304:Annexin A5; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; C494812:Bcl2l1 protein, mouse; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D051020:bcl-X Protein; D005047:Etoposide; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens; D053148:Caspase 3