Immune regulation by peripheral suppressor T cells induced upon homotypic T cell/T cell interactions

J Leukoc Biol. 2010 Nov;88(5):1041-50. doi: 10.1189/jlb.0310122. Epub 2010 Jul 22.

Abstract

We have shown previously that homotypic interaction of resting memory CD4 T cells with activated T cells induces the production of cytokines with immunoregulatory potential (IL-10, IL-4) from the former. Here, we analyzed the effector functions of these T cells stimulated by homotypic T cell interaction. T cells induced upon homotypic T cell interaction expressed CD25 and reduced levels of CD127 and produced TGF-β. Functionally, homotypic T cell interaction-induced T cells were anergic and inhibited the proliferation of CD25-negative T cells as potently as naturally occurring CD25-positive Tregs in vitro. They also prevented clonotypic expansion of OVA TCR tg T cells in BALB/c mice upon antigenic challenge in vivo. The generation of suppressor T cells by homotypic T cell contact is anchored and tuned through interactions of LFA-1 and its ligands ICAM-1, ICAM-2, and ICAM-3. Together, the data suggest a negative-feedback mechanism of specific immunity involving bystander-activated memory T cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods
  • Cell Division
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Cytokines / genetics
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / genetics
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / genetics
  • Suppressor Factors, Immunologic / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • Suppressor Factors, Immunologic