Decreased expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 in dendritic cells contributes to impaired regulatory T cell development in immune thrombocytopenia

Ann Hematol. 2013 Jan;92(1):67-78. doi: 10.1007/s00277-012-1556-5. Epub 2012 Aug 31.

Abstract

Along with their immunogenic role, dendritic cells (DCs) are also critical in maintaining tolerance to self-antigens by inducing regulatory T cells (Tregs) via the expression of the immunomodulatory enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1). In turn, Tregs modulate the maturation and/or function of DCs. In immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), the interaction between DCs and Tregs has never been investigated although decreased number/function of Tregs as well as altered DCs have been described. Here, we ask whether, in ITP: (1) IDO1 expression/activity is decreased in mature DCs; (2) IDO1-mediated Treg generation is impaired; and (3) DC maturation is abnormally modulated by Tregs. We found that in ITP, DCs show reduced capability of upregulating the expression/activity of IDO1. This finding results in the reduced ability of mature DCs of converting T cells into Tregs. In turn, Tregs are characterized by decreased interleukin-10 production and show lower ability of inhibiting DC maturation. In conclusion, these data point out the role of IDO1 in the impaired regulatory T cell development of ITP patients and suggest that the cross-talk between Tregs and DCs is hampered and plays a pathogenetic role.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Dendritic Cells / enzymology*
  • Humans
  • Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase / biosynthesis*
  • Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase / genetics
  • Interleukin-10 / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-10 / genetics
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / analysis
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / enzymology*
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / genetics
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / immunology
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / pathology*
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • IDO1 protein, human
  • IL10 protein, human
  • IL2RA protein, human
  • Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Interleukin-10