Insufficient Iron Improves Pristane-Induced Lupus by Promoting Treg Cell Expansion

Front Immunol. 2022 Feb 28:13:799331. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.799331. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Trace element iron affects T cell biology, but the knowledge about the role of iron in regulating Treg cell expansion is limited. Treg cells play an important role in keeping peripheral T cell tolerance, increasing Treg cell expansion is a promising therapeutic method for SLE. Here we showed that iron deficiency promotes Treg cell expansion by reducing ROS accumulation, improving the disease progression of pristane-induced lupus. Increased oxidative stress inhibits Treg cell differentiation by inducing cell apoptosis. Our data suggest that altering iron metabolism promotes Treg cell expansion by preventing oxidation-induced cell death, which may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for SLE.

Keywords: ROS; iron; lupus; oxidative stress; treg cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Iron / metabolism
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / chemically induced
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory* / metabolism
  • Terpenes

Substances

  • Terpenes
  • pristane
  • Iron