Regulatory T-cell status in red cell alloimmunized responder and nonresponder mice

Blood. 2009 May 28;113(22):5624-7. doi: 10.1182/blood-2008-12-193748. Epub 2009 Mar 31.

Abstract

Red blood cell alloimmunization remains a major complication for transfusion-dependent patients, but immune factors governing risk for alloimmunization are unknown. We hypothesized that CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), which we have shown control the rate and the frequency of red blood cell alloimmunization in mouse models, may dictate responder/nonresponder status. Using a transfusion regimen in which more than 50% of mice develop alloantibodies to human glycophorin A antigen, we found reduced in vitro and in vivo Treg-suppressive activity in responders compared with nonresponders that was the result of impaired Treg suppressor function. Moreover, responders were prone to developing additional alloantibodies to strong immunogens, whereas nonresponders were resistant to alloimmunization. Altogether, our data raise the possibility that Treg activity may be used as a marker for identifying responder/nonresponder status in transfusion recipients.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Erythrocyte Transfusion / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Glycophorins / genetics
  • Graft Survival / immunology*
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / physiology
  • Transplantation, Homologous / immunology*

Substances

  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Foxp3 protein, mouse
  • Glycophorins
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit