Regulatory T cells overexpress a subset of Th2 gene transcripts.

Journal article

There is now compelling evidence for subpopulations of CD4+ T cells whose role is to prevent immune pathology in both autoimmunity and transplantation. We have cloned CD4+ T cells against a male transplantation Ag that, unlike Th1 or Th2 clones, suppresses the rejection of male skin grafts and are therefore considered examples of regulatory T cells. We have identified, using serial analysis of gene expression, transcripts that are overexpressed in regulatory T cells compared with Th1 and Th2 clones. Some of these transcripts are increased in tolerated rather than rejecting skin grafts and in addition are expressed by the natural regulatory CD4+CD25+ subpopulation of naive mice. These genes include prepro-enkephalin, GM2 ganglioside activator protein, glucocorticoid-induced TNFR superfamily member 18, and integrin alpha(E)beta(7). They seem to represent a subset of transcripts shared with Th2 cells, suggesting that transplantation tolerance and normal immunoregulation may represent a unique form of Th2-like differentiation.

Authors: Zelenika, D; Adams, E; Humm, S; Graca, L; Thompson, S

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Journal of Immunology
• Volume: 168
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 1069-1079
• Publication date: 2002-02-01
• DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.168.3.1069
• EISSN: 1550-6606
• ISSN: 0022-1767
• Language: English
• Keywords: T-Lymphocyte Subsets; Mice, Transgenic; Clone Cells; Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte; Reproducibility of Results; Transplantation Tolerance; Adoptive Transfer; Mice; Gene Expression Regulation; Molecular Sequence Data; Th1 Cells; Mice, Inbred CBA; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; Gene Expression Profiling; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Gene Library; Male; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Transcription, Genetic; Spleen; Animals; Female; Amino Acid Sequence; Graft Rejection; Th2 Cells