CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells limit effector T cells and favor the progression of brucellosis in BALB/c mice

Microbes Infect. 2010 Jan;12(1):3-10. doi: 10.1016/j.micinf.2009.09.005. Epub 2009 Sep 17.

Abstract

Brucellosis is one of the most common bacterial zoonoses worldwide. Infection is usually chronic and sometimes lifelong. Different mechanisms can be postulated as to the basis for the induction of the chronic status of brucellosis, but a comprehensive knowledge is still lacking. Here, we carried out a series of experiments in order to assess if the persistence of Brucella abortus could be ascribed to the effect of a down regulation of the immune response due to activity of regulatory T cells. We demonstrate that CD4+CD25+T regulatory cells are able to limit the effectiveness of CD4+T cells and are able to favor the maintenance and the progression of B. abortus infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brucella abortus / immunology*
  • Brucellosis / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*

Substances

  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit