Cutting edge: cure of colitis by CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells.

Journal article

CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells have been shown to prevent T cell-mediated immune pathology; however, their ability to ameliorate established inflammation has not been tested. Using the CD4(+)CD45RB(high) T cell transfer model of inflammatory bowel disease, we show that CD4(+)CD25(+) but not CD4(+)CD25(-)CD45RB(low) T cells are able to cure intestinal inflammation. Transfer of CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells into mice with colitis led to resolution of the lamina propria infiltrate in the intestine and reappearance of normal intestinal architecture. CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells were found to proliferate in the mesenteric lymph nodes and inflamed colon. They were located between clusters of CD11c(+) cells and pathogenic T cells and found to be in contact with both cell types. These studies suggest that manipulation of CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells may be beneficial in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.

Authors: Mottet, C; Uhlig, H; Powrie, F

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Journal of Immunology
• Volume: 170
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 3939-3943
• Publication date: 2003-04-01
• DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.170.8.3939
• EISSN: 1550-6606
• ISSN: 0022-1767
• Language: English
• Keywords: Mice, Knockout; Receptors, Interleukin-2; Colon; Wasting Syndrome; Mesentery; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Cell Movement; Mice, SCID; Cell Division; Mice; Cell Communication; Mice, Inbred BALB C; T-Lymphocyte Subsets; Antigens, CD11c; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Animals; Colitis; Adoptive Transfer; Lymph Nodes