Abstract
Little is known regarding the immunobiology of regulatory T (Treg) cells in hematopoietic malignancies, particularly in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In the present study, we showed that the frequencies of CD8(+) and CD4(+) Treg cells were significantly increased in progressive as compared with indolent CLL patients and normal subjects. Enriched CD4(+) Treg cells induced a similar level of inhibition in polyclonally activated B cells and effector T cells from CLL patients and normal subjects. Our results suggest that the increase in circulating Treg cells may result in downregulation of tumor-specific immune response, leading to tumor expansion and disease progression.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Antigens, CD / biosynthesis
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Antigens, CD / immunology
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B-Lymphocytes / immunology
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B-Lymphocytes / pathology
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
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Cell Communication / immunology
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Cell Growth Processes / immunology
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Disease Progression
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Down-Regulation / immunology
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Female
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Forkhead Transcription Factors / immunology
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Humans
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Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / immunology
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Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / blood
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Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / immunology*
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Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / pathology
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Male
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Middle Aged
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T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
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T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / pathology
Substances
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Antigens, CD
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FOXP3 protein, human
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Forkhead Transcription Factors
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IL2RA protein, human
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Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit
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antigens, CD200