DX5(+)CD4(+) T cells modulate cytokine production by CD4(+) T cells towards IL-10 via the production of IL-4

Eur J Immunol. 2010 Oct;40(10):2731-40. doi: 10.1002/eji.201040574.

Abstract

CD4(+) Th cells play a critical role in orchestrating the adaptive immune response. Uncontrolled Th1 responses are implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. T cells with immune-modulatory properties are beneficial for inhibiting such inflammatory responses. Previously we demonstrated that repetitive injections of immature DC induce expansion of DX5(+)CD4(+) T cells, which upon adoptive transfer show potent regulatory properties in murine collagen-induced arthritis as well as in delayed-hypersensitivity models. However, their regulatory mechanism remains to be defined. Here, we analyzed the effect of DX5(+)CD4(+) T cells on other CD4(+) T cells in vitro. Although proliferation of naïve CD4(+) T cells upon antigenic triggering was not altered in the presence of DX5(+)CD4(+) T cells, there was a striking difference in cytokine production. In the presence of DX5(+)CD4(+) T cells, an IL-10-producing CD4(+) T-cell response was induced instead of a predominant IFN-γ-producing Th1 response. This modulation did not require cell-cell contact. Instead, IL-4 produced by DX5(+)CD4(+) T cells was primarily involved in the inhibition of IFN-γ and promotion of IL-10 production by CD4(+) T cells. Together, our data indicate that DX5(+)CD4(+) T cells modulate the outcome of Th-responses by diverting Th1-induction into Th responses characterized by the production of IL-10.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity / immunology*
  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology
  • Interleukin-10 / immunology*
  • Interleukin-4 / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-4 / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / immunology*

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • Interleukin-10
  • Interleukin-4
  • Interferon-gamma