Polyclonal expansion of human CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells

Methods Mol Biol. 2011:677:15-30. doi: 10.1007/978-1-60761-869-0_2.

Abstract

Based on results from experimental animal models, the adoptive transfer of CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) is expected to be efficacious in treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, as well as in preventing alloresponses after solid organ or stem-cell transplantation. For potential clinical applications, large numbers of Treg cells in maximum purity will be required to avoid the risk of disease exacerbation by contaminating effector T cells. We have recently described methods for the efficient in vitro expansion of human Treg cells and identified CD4(+)CD25(high)CD45RA(+) T cells as the ideal starting population for the generation of homogeneous and stable Treg cell products. Here, we provide detailed instructions for their identification, isolation, expansion, and functional characterization.

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD / immunology
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • CD4 Antigens / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / immunology
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Count
  • T-Lymphocytes / classification*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Biomarkers
  • CD4 Antigens
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit