Intranodal interaction with dendritic cells dynamically regulates surface expression of the co-stimulatory receptor CD226 protein on murine T cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells of the immune system. Depending on their maturation status, they prime T cells to induce adaptive immunity or tolerance. DCs express CD155, an immunoglobulin-like receptor binding CD226 present on T and natural killer (NK) cells. CD226 represents an important co-stimulator during T cell priming but also serves as an activating receptor on cytotoxic T and NK cells. Here, we report that cells of the T and NK cell lineage of CD155^−/− mice express markedly elevated protein levels of CD226 compared with wild type (WT). On heterozygous CD155^+/− T cells, CD226 up-regulation is half-maximal, implying an inverse gene-dosis effect. Moreover, CD226 up-regulation is independent of antigen-driven activation because it occurs already in thymocytes and naïve peripheral T cells. In vivo, neutralizing anti-CD155 antibody elicits up-regulation of CD226 on T cells demonstrating, that the observed modulation can be triggered by interrupting CD155-CD226 contacts. Adoptive transfers of WT or CD155^−/− T cells into CD155^−/− or WT recipients, respectively, revealed that CD226 modulation is accomplished in trans. Analysis of bone marrow chimeras showed that regulators in trans are of hematopoietic origin. We demonstrate that DCs are capable of manipulating CD226 levels on T cells in vivo but not in vitro, suggesting that the process of T cells actively scanning antigen-presenting DCs inside secondary lymphoid organs is required for CD226 modulation. Hence, a CD226 level divergent from WT may be exploited as a sensor to detect abnormal DC/T-cell cross-talk as illustrated for T cells in mice lacking CCR7.     

CD4~+CD25~+Treg细胞在类风湿关节炎中的研究进展

调节性T细胞(Tregs)是近年来发现的一群具有免疫调节作用的CD4+T细胞亚群,如Th3、Tr1细胞等。因其能够产生多种具有免疫抑制作用的细胞因子而发挥其免疫负调节作用,不但在维持机体自身耐受方面发挥重要作用,在预防自身免疫性疾病方面也占据重要位置。其中CD4+CD25+Treg因其具有独特的作用方式及功能特征,而被学者广泛关注。近年来,关于CD4+CD25+Treg在类风湿关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis,RA)发病机制中的作用以及在RA治疗方面的应用也越来越受到人们的关注,认为其数目减少或功能失调与RA发病密切相关。RA是一种以关节破坏为主要表现的慢性炎症性疾病,病理早期主要表现为毛细血管生成,滑膜增生,后期主要表现为炎性细胞浸润,血管翳形成,并出现关节软骨以及骨的破坏,最终导致关节畸形及功能障碍。本文现将CD4+CD25+Treg与RA的研究进展做一综述。     

Inducible heat shock protein 70 reduces T cell responses and stimulatory capacity of monocyte-derived dendritic cells

Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) has gained a lot of attention in the past decade due to its potential immunoregulatory functions. Some of the described proinflammatory functions of Hsp70 became controversial as they were based on recombinant Hsp70 proteins specimens, which were later shown to be endotoxin-contaminated. In this study we used low endotoxin inducible Hsp70 (also known as Hsp72, HSPA1A), and we observed that after a 24-h incubation of monocyte-derived immature dendritic cells (mo-iDCs) with 20 μg/ml of low endotoxin Hsp70, their ability to stimulate allogenic T cells was reduced. Interestingly, low endotoxin Hsp70 also significantly reduced T cell responses when they were simulated with either IL-2 or phytohemagglutinin, therefore showing that Hsp70 could alter T cell responses independently from its effect on mo-iDCs. We also reported a greater response of Hsp70 treatment when activated versus nonactivated T cells were used. This effect of Hsp70 was similar for all tested populations of T cells that included CD3(+), CD4(+), or CD8(+). Taken together, our observations strongly suggest that Hsp70 might dampen, rather than provoke, T cell-mediated inflammatory reactions in many clinical conditions where up-regulation of Hsp70 is observed.     

诱导性调节性T细胞抑制移植排斥反应的作用研究

目的:通过体外诱导的方法将幼稚CD4+T细胞(na觙ve CD4+T cell)转化为调节性T细胞(RegulatoryT cells,Tregs),并验证其在小鼠异体皮片移植模型上对移植排斥反应的抑制作用。方法:分选na觙ve CD4+T细胞并在体外诱导其转化为Tregs,流式检测细胞确定其转化率。将诱导性Treg(induced Treg,iTreg)与效应T细胞(Effective T cells,Teffs)以不同比例共同培养检测其对T细胞增殖的抑制能力。建立C57bl/6到Balb/c小鼠的异体皮片移植模型,植皮术后将iTreg经由股静脉输注入受体(Balb/c小鼠)体内,观察皮片存活情况,绘制皮片存活曲线。同时于皮片移植术后11天对皮片进行病理切片,观察移植排斥反应状况。结果:体外诱导na觙ve CD4+T细胞转化为iTreg的比例约44%,在iTreg:Teff比例大于1:4时,iTreg具有明显地抑制Teff增殖的作用,且这种抑制作用具有剂量依赖性。植皮小鼠输注iTreg后皮片存活时间较对照组延长约2.4天,病理切片显示排斥反应减轻,但皮片在14天左右时仍被排斥。结论:体外诱导的iTreg能够在体外抑制Teff增殖,且能有效抑制小鼠异体皮片移植后排斥反应。     

老年COPD疾病进展与机体调节性T 细胞的关系分析

目的:探讨老年慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)患者疾病进展与机体调节性T细胞(Treg)的关系。方法:选取我院收治的65例COPD患者(COPD组)以及同期在我院行体检的健康人群45例(正常对照组),将COPD患者分为急性期组41例及稳定期组24例,采用肺功能仪检测肺功能,采用酶联免疫吸附法检测血清γ-干扰素(IFN-γ)、白介素4(IL-4)、IL-17水平,采用流式细胞仪检测外周血CD4+CD25+Treg细胞比例。结果:与正常对照组比较,COPD患者的FEV1、FVC、PEF、FEV1/FVC、6MWT、血清IL-4水平、外周血CD4~+CD25~+Treg细胞比例均明显下降,血清IFN-γ、IL-17及Th1/Th2均显著升高。急性期COPD患者的CD4~+CD25~+Treg细胞比例较正常对照组显著升高,而正常对照组患者的CD4~+CD25~+Treg细胞比例较稳定组COPD患者显著升高,组间比较均有明显差异(P0.05)。结论:老年CODP患者体内存在免疫功能失调,调节性T细胞可能参与了老年COPD疾病的发病以及急性加重过程,导致患者出现肺功能改变。     

Apolipoprotein A-I Modulates Regulatory T Cells in Autoimmune LDLr?/?, ApoA-I?/? Mice

The immune system is complex, with multiple layers of regulation that serve to prevent the production of self-antigens. One layer of regulation involves regulatory T cells (Tregs) that play an essential role in maintaining peripheral self-tolerance. Patients with autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis have decreased levels of HDL, suggesting that apoA-I concentrations may be important in preventing autoimmunity and the loss of self-tolerance. In published studies, hypercholesterolemic mice lacking HDL apoA-I or LDLr^−/−, apoA-I^−/− (DKO), exhibit characteristics of autoimmunity in response to an atherogenic diet. This phenotype is characterized by enlarged cholesterol-enriched lymph nodes (LNs), as well as increased T cell activation, proliferation, and the production of autoantibodies in plasma. In this study, we investigated whether treatment of mice with lipid-free apoA-I could attenuate the autoimmune phenotype. To do this, DKO mice were first fed an atherogenic diet containing 0.1% cholesterol, 10% fat for 6 weeks, after which treatment with apoA-I was begun. Subcutaneous injections of 500 μg of lipid-free apoA-I was administered every 48 h during the treatment phase. These and control mice were maintained for an additional 6 weeks on the diet. At the end of the 12-week study, DKO mice showed decreased numbers of LN immune cells, whereas Tregs were proportionately increased. Accompanying this increase in Tregs was a decrease in the percentage of effector/effector memory T cells. Furthermore, lipid accumulation in LN and skin was reduced. These results suggest that treatment with apoA-I reduces inflammation in DKO mice by augmenting the effectiveness of the LN Treg response.     

zVAD-fmk对未成熟树突状细胞诱导初始性CD4＋T细胞分化为调节性T细胞影响的体外研究

目的 研究 Caspase 通路在未成熟树突状细胞（imDC）诱导同种异体 CD4＋ T 细胞转化为调节性 T 细胞（Treg）中的作用及探讨免疫耐受机制建立可能的分子机制.方法 将人外周血分离、培养出的imDC 与健康胎儿脐血中分离CD4＋ T 细胞混合培养,同时加入zVAD-fmk,以流式细胞仪检测CD4＋CD25＋ T 细胞（Treg 细胞）转化率.结果 （1）imDC 的鉴定：外周血经诱导后分离的imDC,以流式细胞仪检测细胞表面分子,imDC 表面分子表达的结果：CD80（7.27 ± 0.13）、CD83（3.53 ± 0.35）、CD1a（4.29 ± 0.27）;（2）混合培养后CD4＋CD25＋T细胞的转化率结果为：空白组（1.78 ± 0.11）﹪、对照组（22.23 ± 0.77）﹪、低浓度zVAD-fmk 组（21.63 ± 0.82）﹪、中浓度zVAD-fmk 组（12.24 ± 0.54）﹪、高浓度zVAD-fmk 组（12.20 ± 0.96）﹪,结果对照组和低浓度组、中浓度组和高浓度组间比较,P 〉 0.05,其余各组间比较,P 〈 0.05.加入zVAD-fmk 并与imDC 细胞混合培养的T 细胞转化率相对于未加入阻断剂的T 细胞较低,同时Caspase 信号通路对zVAD-fmk 无浓度依赖性.结论 imDC 可以诱导同种异体初始性CD4＋ T 细胞分化为Treg.Caspase 信号通路特异性的阻断剂zVAD-fmk 可以部分抑制Treg 的转化,说明Caspase 信号通路在诱导免疫耐受中可能起了较为重要的作用.     

树突状表皮T细胞在胸腺内发育的研究进展

树突状表皮T淋巴细胞(DETC),特异性分布在表皮组织内,在皮肤免疫监视,皮肤伤面愈合中发挥重要作用.小鼠DETC发育仅涉及胚胎14.5 ～ 18 d这一短暂时间窗,而后则不再产生这类细胞.本综述拟从DETC T细胞受体(TCR)基因重排特点及调控机制,DETC在胸腺中的阳性选择及调控机制等方面进行论述,以期对DETC...     

Uptake of donor lymphocytes treated with 8-methoxypsoralen and ultraviolet A light by recipient dendritic cells induces CD4CD25Foxp3 regulatory T cells and down-regulates cardiac allograft rejection

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an effective immunomodulatory therapy and has been demonstrated to be beneficial for graft-vs-host disease and solid-organ allograft rejection. ECP involves reinfusion of a patient’s autologous peripheral blood leukocytes treated ex vivo with 8-methoxypsoralen and UVA light radiation (PUVA). Previous studies focused only on ECP treatment of recipient immune cells. Our study is the first to extend the target of ECP treatment to donor immune cells. The results of in vitro co-culture experiments demonstrate uptake of donor PUVA-treated splenic lymphocytes (PUVA-SPs) by recipient immature dendritic cells (DCs). Phagocytosis of donor PUVA-SPs does not stimulate phenotype maturation of recipient DCs. In the same co-culture system, donor PUVA-SPs enhanced production of interleukin-10 and interferon-γ by recipient DCs and impaired the subsequent capability of recipient DCs to stimulate recipient naïve T cells. Phagocytosis of donor PUVA-SP (PUVA-SP DCs) by recipient DCs shifted T-cell responses in favor of T helper 2 cells. Infusion of PUVA-SP DCs inhibited cardiac allograft rejection in an antigen-specific manner and induced CD4⁺CD25^highFoxp3⁺ regulatory T cells. In conclusion, PUVA-SP DCs simultaneously deliver the donor antigen and the regulatory signal to the transplant recipient, and thus can be used to develop a novel DC vaccine for negative immune regulation and immune tolerance induction.     

Regulatory T cells (CD4CD25FoxP3) expansion in systemic sclerosis correlates with disease activity and severity

Background

The role and function of T regulatory (Treg) cells have not been fully investigated in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

Ten patients with SSc donated 20 ml of peripheral blood. Activity (Valentini) and severity (Medsger) scores for SSc were calculated for all patients. Healthy volunteers (controls) were matched to each patient by gender and age. CD4⁺ cells were separated using the MACS system. The numbers of Treg cells were estimated by flow cytometry after staining for CD4, CD25, and FoxP3 and calculated as patient-to-control ratio separately for each experiment. Correlations with activity and severity indices of the disease were performed. Twenty-four-hour production of TGF-β and IL-10 by activated CD4⁺ cells was measured by ELISA in culture supernatants.

Results

The numbers of Treg cells, expressed as patient-to-control ratio, correlated significantly with both activity and severity indices (r = 0.71, p = 0.034 and r = 0.67, p = 0.044, respectively). ELISA-measured production of TGF-β and IL-10 by CD4⁺ cells was similar in patients and controls.

Conclusions

Increased numbers of Treg cells are present in patients with SSc, correlating with activity and severity of the disease. This expansion of Treg cells was not accompanied, however, by heightened TGF-β or IL-10 production. Further studies to elaborate the causes and functional significance of Treg cell expansion in SSc are needed.     

供体来源ImDex联合抗原特异性Treg保护大鼠肝脏移植物的研究

目的:探讨供体来源低剂量未成熟树突状细胞外来体(immature dendritic cells exosome,im Dex)联合供体抗原特异型调节性T细胞(regulatory t cells,Tregs)对于肝脏移植物的保护作用。方法:以BN-Lewis大鼠为供受体,建立大鼠原位肝移植模型。利用超高速梯度离心法获得im Dex,采用流式细胞术鉴定该im Dex的表型。不同剂量im Dex用于本移植模型,生存分析探究其对肝脏移植物的保护作用及该作用与剂量的相关关系。利用磁珠分选技术获得Treg,混合淋巴细胞培养获得供体抗原特异性Treg,将不同性质的Treg用于移植受体,验证抗原特异性Treg保护肝脏移植物。进一步探究两者联合使用的效果,应用免疫荧光、流式细胞术研究Treg在移植受体中的分布。结果:超高速梯度离心法分选出的im Dex具有im DC表型,其保护肝脏移植物的最佳作用剂量为20μg,Treg发挥保护移植物作用具有抗原特异性。两者联合应用组生存时间长于对照组(P0.05)。病理显示,输注的Treg分布于受体移植物。结论:Im Dex联合抗原特异性Treg可以有效保护大鼠肝脏移植物。     

LPS-induced ROS generation and changes in glutathione level and their relation to the maturation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the concomitant decline in the ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were demonstrated in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC). Further, their relation to the maturation of DC, characterized by the production of cytokines, up-regulation of cell surface molecules and allo-stimulatory capacity, was examined. The LPS-induced ROS generation was demonstrated using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy in intact cells, and was also confirmed using laser scanning confocal microscopy. The GSH/GSSG was assesed using a glutathione assay kit. When the DC were treated with alpha-phenyl-tert-butylnitrone, the ROS generation was attenuated, but the declined GSH/GSSG was not attenuated, and only cytokine production was suppressed among the above-mentioned maturation characteristics. When the DC were treated with glutathione monoethyl ester, both the ROS generation and the declined GSH/GSSG were attenuated, and the maturation characteristics were all suppressed. These findings suggest that the LPS-induced ROS generation and the concomitant decline in GSH/GSSG occur in human monocyte-derived DC and that the former is involved in cytokine production, while the latter is involved in the up-regulation of cell surface molecules and allo-stimulatory capacity. Since the cytokine production and the allo-stimulatory capacity of DC play an important role in inflammatory and immune responses, differential regulation of the ROS generation and the declined GSH/GSSG may be useful as therapeutic tools in diseases where both responses become entangled, such as sepsis and graft-versus-host disease.     

调节性T细胞的分化及其影响因素

调节性T细胞是近年发现的一种具有免疫抑制活性的CD4+T细胞亚群,它们可以在胸腺中被选择分化,也可以在外周淋巴组织内由转化生长因子-β等细胞因子诱导分化。本文就调节性T细胞分化过程的关键信号通路及影响因素进行综述。调控调节性T细胞的分化过程能够影响其在体内的数目,可通过对其数量的干预,为自身免疫性疾病、免疫监视、排斥反应及变态反应等相关疾病提供可能的治疗靶点。     

宫颈癌患者外周血CD4+CD25+high调节性T细胞的表达及意义

目的:探讨宫颈癌患者外周血中CD4~ CD25~( high)调节性T(regulator T cells,Tr)的表达及意义。方法:采用流式细胞术检测52例宫颈癌患者,35例健康女性外周血中CD4~ CD25~( high)Tr、细胞毒性T细胞(cytotoxic T lymphocytes,CTL)和NK细胞,采用ELISA检测血清中-干扰素(interferon,IFN-)的表达水平。结果:宫颈癌患者外周血CD4~ CD25~( high)Tr占CD4~ T淋巴细胞的百分比为(7.18±2.32)%,高于健康女性组(P<0.05);宫颈癌患者外周血CD4~ CD25~( high)Tr水平与CTL、NK细胞及IFN-水平呈负相关。结论:宫颈癌患者外周血中具免疫抑制活性的CD4~ CD25~( high)Tr水平较高,参与宫颈癌患者的肿瘤免疫抑制。     

p-Aminophenol-induced cytotoxicity in Jurkat T cells: protective effect of 2(RS)-n-propylthiazolidine-4(R)-carboxylic acid

Acetaminophen (APAP) is hepatotoxic and can cause toxicity in Jurkat T cells. p-Aminophenol (PAP), an industrial chemical and APAP metabolite, is nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic. Its potential toxicity in Jurkat T cells was investigated. PAP (10-250 μM) caused toxicity (decreased survival and increased LDH activity in incubation medium) and GSH depletion. At a concentration of 100 μM but not 250 μM, PAP increased DNA fragmentation. It decreased p-Akt levels (Elisa) and at higher concentrations decreased p-Akt expression (Western blotting). It had no effect on FasL expression. The cysteine precursor 2(RS)-n-propylthiazolidine-4(R)-carboxylic acid (250 μM) attenuated the PAP (100 μM)-induced decrease in viability and prevented GSH depletion and increased DNA fragmentation. It attenuated the PAP-induced decrease in p-Akt levels and protected against the decrease in p-Akt expression. The results demonstrate PAP-induced toxicity and suggest that it is due at least in part to apoptosis and involves GSH depletion and p-Akt inactivation.     

Clonorchis sinensis-derived total protein attenuates airway inflammation in murine asthma model by inducing regulatory T cells and modulating dendritic cell functions

Asthma is characterized by Th2-mediated inflammation, resulting in airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) through airway remodeling. Recent epidemiological and experimental reports have suggested an inverse relationship between the development of allergy and helminth infections. Infection by Clonorchis sinensis, a liver fluke that resides in the bile duct of humans, is endemic predominantly in Asia including Korea and China. Using a murine model for asthma, we investigated the effects of C. sinensis-derived total protein (Cs-TP) on allergen-induced airway inflammation and the mechanism underlying the protective effects of Cs-TP administration on asthma. Treatment with Cs-TP attenuated OVA-induced airway inflammation and methacholine-induced AHR, as well as eosinophilia development, lymphocyte infiltration into the lung, and goblet cell metaplasia. This protective effect of Cs-TP is associated with markedly reduced OVA-specific IgE and Th1/Th2 cytokine production. Moreover, Cs-TP increased the number of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ regulatory T (Treg) cells as well as their suppressive activity. In fact, proliferation of OVA-restimulated splenocytes was suppressed significantly. Cs-TP also inhibited the expression of such co-stimulatory molecules as CD80, CD86, and CD40 in LPS- or OVA-stimulated dendritic cells (DCs), suggesting that Cs-TP could interfere with the capacity of airway DCs to prime naïve T cells. These data demonstrate the capacity of C. sinensis to ameliorate allergic asthma and broaden our understanding of the paradoxical relationship between the allergic immune response and helminth infection.     

Bidirectional membrane molecule transfer between dendritic and T cells

The acquisition of dendritic cell (DC) molecules by T cells has been previously reported. However, it remains unclear whether the transfer is only mono- or bidirectional. In this study, we incubated CMFDA-labeled ovalbumin (OVA)-pulsed DC2.4 (DC2.4(OVA)) cells with Dil-labeled OT II CD4(+) T cells and analyzed the potential bidirectional molecule transfer. We also assessed the distribution of internalized membrane using two engineered DC2.4/Ia(b)GFP and MF4/TCRCFP DC lines. Our findings showed that membrane molecule transfer is bidirectional. CD4(+) T cells acquired Ia(b), CD11c, CD40, and CD80 from DC2.4(OVA) cells, and conversely DC2.4(OVA) cells took up CD4, CD25, CD69, and T cell receptor from T cells. The internalized molecules acquired by T cells and DCs mostly localized in endosomes and lysosomes, respectively. Taken together, this study demonstrated a novel phenomenon of bidirectional membrane molecule transfer between DCs and T cells.     

Patient-derived renal cell carcinoma cells fused with allogeneic dendritic cells elicit anti-tumor activity: in vitro results and clinical responses

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been shown to be susceptible to immunotherapeutic treatment strategies. In the present study, patient-derived tumor cells were fused with allogeneic dendritic cells (DC) to elicit anti-tumor activity against RCC. DC from HLA-A2+ healthy donors were fused with primary RCC cells from ten patients. Phenotype of fusion cells were characterized by flow cytometer and confocal microscopy. In vitro, T cell proliferation, IFN-γ secretion and cytotocic T lymphocytes (CTL) activity elicited by allogeneic DC/RCC fusion cells were assessed. Clinically, ten patients were vaccinated with allogeneic DC/RCC fusion vaccine. The adverse effects and toxicity were observed. The clinical response was evaluated by CT scans. After fusion, the created hybrids expressed both tumor associated antigen and DC-derived molecules and could stimulate the proliferation and IFN-γ secretion of T cells as well as elicit strong CTL activity against RCC cells in vitro. In vivo, no serious adverse effects, toxicity, or signs of autoimmune disease were observed after vaccination therapy. Percentage of T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood of patients was increased significantly. One of ten patients exhibited a partial response with regression of lung metastases. Six patients showed stable disease with stabilization of previously progressive disease (follow up 1.5 years). The PR and SD responses, exhibited by 7/10 patients who received the allogeneic DC/RCC fusion vaccine treatment, suggest that this approach is safe and can elicit immunological responses in a significant portion of patients with RCC. J. Zhou and D. Weng contributed equally.     

Generation of HSP60-specific regulatory T cell and effect on atherosclerosis

Although CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells are pivotal in the suppression of autoimmunity, little is known about the effect of antigen-specific regulatory T cells on the formation of atheromatous plaques. Here, we describe the induction of heat-shock protein 60 (HSP60)-specific CD4(+)CD25(high) T cells by rapamycin (RPM)-treated immature dendritic cells in vitro and explore their effect on plaques in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Rapamycin-treated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DC) were immature, expressing a low level of co-stimulation factors CD86 and CD80. Naive CD4(+) T cells expressed high levels of CD25 and forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) after incubation with rapamycin-treated and HSP60-loaded DC and displayed moderate antigen-specific, IL-10-independent inhibitory function in vitro. After adoptive transfer, HSP60-specific CD4(+)CD25(high) T cells inhibited the formation of plaques, while ovalbumin-specific cells did not. These findings suggest that RPM-treated DC can induce antigen-specific CD4(+)CD25(high) Treg cells that have inhibitory activity in vitro and prevent the development of plaques in vivo.     

Regulatory T cells as a potent target for controlling bone loss

Metabolic bone diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoporosis, affect hundreds and millions of people worldwide leading causes of long-term pain and disability. Effective clinical treatment for bone destruction in bone diseases is lacking because the knowledge about molecular mechanisms leading to bone destruction are incompletely understood. Recently, it has been confirmed that regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in suppressing the immune response in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. In vitro, Tregs directly inhibit osteoclasts and differentiation and function. In mice, the injection of Tregs into the TNF transgenic results in enhanced systemic bone density. In addition, it has been shown that increase of Tregs numbers by overexpressing the FoxP3 is effective in the prevention of local and systemic bone destruction. In vivo treatment with anti-CD28 superagonist antibody leading to a stronger increase in Tregs numbers protect against TNF-a-induced bone loss in TNF-transgenic mice. In agreement, Tregs can control ovariectomy-induced bone loss in FoxP3-transgenic mice. In this paper, we will briefly discuss the biological features of Tregs and summarize recent advances on the role of Tregs in the pathogenesis and treatment of bone loss in metabolic bone diseases.