Prominent bone loss mediated by RANKL and IL-17 produced by CD4+ T cells in TallyHo/JngJ mice

Increasing evidence that decreased bone density and increased rates of bone fracture are associated with abnormal metabolic states such as hyperglycemia and insulin resistance indicates that diabetes is a risk factor for osteoporosis. In this study, we observed that TallyHo/JngJ (TH) mice, a polygenic model of type II diabetes, spontaneously developed bone deformities with osteoporotic features. Female and male TH mice significantly gained more body weight than control C57BL/6 mice upon aging. Interestingly, bone density was considerably decreased in male TH mice, which displayed hyperglycemia. The osteoblast-specific bone forming markers osteocalcin and osteoprotegerin were decreased in TH mice, whereas osteoclast-driven bone resorption markers such as IL-6 and RANKL were significantly elevated in the bone marrow and blood of TH mice. In addition, RANKL expression was prominently increased in CD4+ T cells of TH mice upon T cell receptor stimulation, which was in accordance with enhanced IL-17 production. IL-17 production in CD4+ T cells was directly promoted by treatment with leptin while IFN-γ production was not. Moreover, blockade of IFN-γ further increased RANKL expression and IL-17 production in TH-CD4+ T cells. In addition, the osteoporotic phenotype of TH mice was improved by treatment with alendronate. These results strongly indicate that increased leptin in TH mice may act in conjunction with IL-6 to preferentially stimulate IL-17 production in CD4+ T cells and induce RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis. Accordingly, we propose that TH mice could constitute a beneficial model for osteoporosis.     

Contrasting effects of low-dose IL-2 on vaccine-boosted simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in macaques chronically infected with SIVmac251

IL-2, the first cytokine discovered with T cell growth factor activity, is now known to have pleiotropic effects on T cells. For example, it can promote growth, survival, and differentiation of Ag-selected cells, or facilitate Ag-induced cell death of T cells when Ag persists, and in vivo, it is thought to contribute to the regulation of the size of adaptive T cell response. IL-2 is deficient in HIV-1 infection and has been used in the management of HIV-1-infected individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy. In this study, we investigated how continuous low-dose IL-2 affected the CD4+ and CD8+ T cell response induced by two inoculations of a canarypox recombinant SIV-based vaccine candidate in healthy macaques chronically infected with SIVmac251. These macaques had normal levels of CD4+ T cells at the beginning of antiretroviral therapy treatment. Vaccination in the presence of IL-2 significantly augmented Gag-specific CD8+ T cell responses, but actually reduced Gag-specific CD4+ T cell responses. Although IL-2 at low doses did not change the overall concentration of circulating CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, it expanded the frequency of CD4+CD25+ T cells. Depletion of the CD4+CD25+ T cells in vitro, however, did not result in a reconstitution of Gag-specific CD4+ responses or augmentation of SIV-specific CD8+ T cell responses. Thus, we conclude that the decrease in virus-specific CD4+ T cell response may be due to IL-2-promoted redistribution of cells from the circulation, or due to Ag-induced cell death, rather than suppression by a T regulatory population.     

Expression and regulation of IL-22 in the IL-17-producing CD4＋ T lymphocytes

IL-22 is a novel cytokine in the IL-10 family that functions to promote innate immunity of tissues against infection. Although CD4＋ helper T lymphocytes （TH） were found as a source of IL-22, the regulation of this cytokine has been poorly understood. Here, we show that IL-22 is expressed at both mRNA and protein levels by a novel subset of TH cells that also makes IL-17. IL-22 and IL-17 were found to be coordinately regulated by TGFI3 and IL-6 during TH differentiation by real-time PCR as well as ELISA analysis. However, IL-22 does not regulate TH differentiation; exogenous IL-22 or an IL-22 antagonist had no effect on TH differentiation. These data demonstrate a novel cytokine expressed by IL-17-producing T cells, and suggest interaction and synergy of IL-22 and IL-l 7 signaling pathways in tissue inflammation and autoimmune diseases.     

Synergistic role of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in IFN-gamma production and protective immunity induced by an attenuated Toxoplasma gondii vaccine.

BALB/c mice vaccinated with a temperature-sensitive mutant (TS-4) of Toxoplasma gondii develop complete resistance to lethal challenge with a highly virulent toxoplasma strain (RH). This immunity is known to be dependent on IFN-gamma synthesis. In vitro and in vivo T cell depletions were performed in order to identify the subsets responsible for both protective immunity and IFN-gamma production. When stimulated with crude tachyzoite Ag in vitro, CD4+ cells from vaccinated mice produced high levels of TH1 cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-gamma) but not TH2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-5). CD8+ cells, in contrast, produced less IFN-gamma and no detectable IL-2. Nevertheless, they could be induced to synthesize IFN-gamma when exposed in culture to exogenous IL-2. In vivo treatment with anti-CD4 plus anti-CD8 or anti-IFN-gamma antibodies during challenge infection completely abrogated resistance to T. gondii. In contrast, treatment with anti-CD4 alone failed to reduce immunity, whereas anti-CD8 treatment partially decreased vaccine-induced resistance. These results suggest that although IFN-gamma and IL-2-producing CD4+ lymphocytes are induced by vaccination, IFN-gamma-producing CD8+ T cells are the major effectors of immunity in vivo. Nevertheless, CD4+ lymphocytes appear to play a synergistic role in vaccine-induced immunity, probably through the augmentation of IFN-gamma synthesis by the CD8+ effector cells. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that when giving during vaccination, as opposed to after challenge, anti-CD4 antibodies are capable of blocking protective immunity.     

Functional and ontogenetic analysis of murine CD45Rhi and CD45Rlo CD4+ T cells

CD4+ murine T cell clones, TH1 and TH2, can be distinguished by both functional responses and by their patterns of lymphokine secretion. Recently, a mAb, 23G2, which reacts with a subset of CD45 molecules (CD45R), has been reported to bind differentially to clones of TH1 and TH2 cells. In the present study, normal splenic T cells were analyzed for differences in 23G2-reactivity and were separated into two populations based on their density of CD45R (CD45Rhi and CD45Rlo). The CD45Rhi cells secrete more IL-2 than IL-4 after stimulation in vitro; the reverse is true for the CD45Rlo cells. Because neither population secretes only IL-2 or IL-4, we were unable to classify cells as TH1 or TH2. In vivo and in vitro analyses of the CD45Rhi and CD45Rlo cells suggest a lineage relationship between the two subsets that correlates with the degree of Ag exposure and the state of maturation of the mice. In newborn mice and mice raised under sterile conditions, splenic CD4+ T cells are predominantly CD45Rhi. Under conditions of increased antigenic exposure and maturation of the mice, CD45Rlo cells develop; after long term priming in vivo, the majority of specific Ag-reactive cells are CD45Rlo. Adoptive transfer studies using BALB/c nu/nu recipients demonstrate that CD45Rhi cells become CD45Rlo cells and that the recall response (IgG) to specific Ag is mediated by CD45Rlo cells. Taken together, these data indicate that the level of expression of CD45R on CD4+ T cells distinguishes virgin (CD45Rhi) from primed/memory (CD45Rlo) T cells in normal mice.     

A function for IL-7R for CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T regulatory cells

The IL-2/IL-2R interaction is important for development and peripheral homeostasis of T regulatory (Treg) cells. IL-2- and IL-2R-deficient mice are not completely devoid of Foxp3+ cells, but rather lack population of mature CD4+CD25+Foxp3high Treg cells and contain few immature CD4+CD25-Foxp3low T cells. Interestingly, common gamma chain (gammac) knockout mice have been shown to have a near complete absence of Foxp3+ Treg cells, including the immature CD25-Foxp3low subset. Therefore, other gammac-cytokine(s) must be critically important during thymic development of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells apart from the IL-2. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the gammac-cytokines IL-7 or IL-15 normally contribute to expression of Foxp3 and Treg cell production. These studies revealed that mice double deficient in IL-2Rbeta and IL-7Ralpha contained a striking lack in the CD4+Foxp3+ population and the Treg cell defect recapitulated the gammac knockout mice. In the absence of IL-7R signaling, IL-15/IL-15R interaction is dispensable for the production of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells, indicating that normal thymic Treg cell production likely depends on signaling through both IL-2 and IL-7 receptors. Selective thymic reconstitution of IL-2Rbeta in mice double deficient in IL-2Rbeta and IL-7Ralpha established that IL-2Rbeta is dominant and sufficient to restore production of Treg cells. Furthermore, the survival of peripheral CD4+Foxp3low cells in IL-2Rbeta-/- mice appears to depend upon IL-7R signaling. Collectively, these data indicate that IL-7R signaling contributes to Treg cell development and peripheral homeostasis.     

CD4+ Leu-8+ T cell supernatant activity that inhibits Ig production.

The subpopulation of CD4+ T cells that expresses the Leu-8 peripheral lymph node homing receptor suppresses PWM-stimulated Ig synthesis. To determine the mechanism of this suppression, the immunoregulatory activity of culture supernatants obtained from peripheral blood CD4+ Leu-8+ T cells cultured with anti-CD3 mAb and PMA (Leu-8+ supernatant) was determined. Leu-8+ supernatant suppressed PWM-stimulated Ig synthesis in cultures containing non-T cells and CD4+ Leu-8- T cells. In contrast, the supernatant from CD4+ Leu-8- T cells did not suppress Ig synthesis. The inhibitory activity of CD4+ Leu-8+ T cell supernatants could not be accounted for by a deficiency or excess of IL-2, IL-4, IFN-gamma, IL-6, or PGE2. In studies examining the effect of CD4+ Leu-8+ supernatant on T cells, the supernatant did not alter either mitogen-induced proliferation or the helper function of CD4+ Leu-8- T cells. In studies examining the effect of CD4+ Leu-8+ supernatant on B cells, the supernatant inhibited Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I strain-induced B cell Ig secretion but not B cell proliferation. The suppressor activity of Leu-8+ supernatant was eliminated by protease treatment and was eluted by HPLC in two main peaks, with molecular sizes of 44 and 12 kDa. In summary, these studies indicate that supernatants from activated CD4+ Leu-8+ T cells directly suppress B cell Ig production.     

Deletion of IL-4Ralpha on CD4 T cells renders BALB/c mice resistant to Leishmania major infection

Effector responses induced by polarized CD4+ T helper 2 (Th2) cells drive nonhealing responses in BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania major. Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 are known susceptibility factors for L. major infection in BALB/c mice and induce their biological functions through a common receptor, the IL-4 receptor alpha chain (IL-4Ralpha). IL-4Ralpha-deficient BALB/c mice, however, remain susceptible to L. major infection, indicating that IL-4/IL-13 may induce protective responses. Therefore, the roles of polarized Th2 CD4+ T cells and IL-4/IL-13 responsiveness of non-CD4+ T cells in inducing non-healer or healer responses have yet to be elucidated. CD4+ T cell-specific IL-4Ralpha (Lck(cre)IL-4Ralpha(-/lox)) deficient BALB/c mice were generated and characterized to elucidate the importance of IL-4Ralpha signaling during cutaneous leishmaniasis in the absence of IL-4-responsive CD4+ T cells. Efficient deletion was confirmed by loss of IL-4Ralpha expression on CD4+ T cells and impaired IL-4-induced CD4+ T cell proliferation and Th2 differentiation. CD8+, gammadelta+, and NK-T cells expressed residual IL-4Ralpha, and representative non-T cell populations maintained IL-4/IL-13 responsiveness. In contrast to IL-4Ralpha(-/lox) BALB/c mice, which developed ulcerating lesions following infection with L. major, Lck(cre)IL-4Ralpha(-/lox) mice were resistant and showed protection to rechallenge, similar to healer C57BL/6 mice. Resistance to L. major in Lck(cre)IL-4Ralpha(-/lox) mice correlated with reduced numbers of IL-10-secreting cells and early IL-12p35 mRNA induction, leading to increased delayed type hypersensitivity responses, interferon-gamma production, and elevated ratios of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA/parasite, similar to C57BL/6 mice. These data demonstrate that abrogation of IL-4 signaling in CD4+ T cells is required to transform non-healer BALB/c mice to a healer phenotype. Furthermore, a beneficial role for IL-4Ralpha signaling in L. major infection is revealed in which IL-4/IL-13-responsive non-CD4+ T cells induce protective responses.     

Effects of IL-7 and dexamethasone: induction of CD25, the high affinity IL-2 receptor, on human CD4+ cells

Since we have previously shown that dexamethasone (Dex) enhances the proportion of murine Treg cells, we tested the effect of IL-7, a promoter of T cell survival, together with Dex on human CD4+CD25+ Treg cells in an in vitro setting. The results showed that IL-7 in concert with Dex markedly augmented the generation of CD4+CD25+ T cells. To discern the origin of the induced CD4+CD25+ T cells, MACS-purified CD4+CD25-, and CD4+CD25+ cells were cultured in the presence of Dex and/or IL-7 for 4 days. Although two thirds of CD4+CD25- T cells became CD4+CD25+ T cells, they had no suppressive activity. In contrast, the original CD4+CD25+ T cells maintained suppressive activity after Dex/IL-7 treatment, however, there was not a significant expansion in their cell number. Dex and IL-7 did not induce additional Treg cells, but additively induced the expression of the activation marker CD25 by CD4+CD25- T cells. This combination may provide a novel means of priming CD4 T cells to respond to IL-2 and may prove useful in up-regulation of normal immune responses in immune deficient diseases.     

Dysregulated cytokine expression by CD4+ T cells from post-septic mice modulates both Th1 and Th2-mediated granulomatous lung inflammation

Previous epidemiological studies in humans and experimental studies in animals indicate that survivors of severe sepsis exhibit deficiencies in the activation and effector function of immune cells. In particular, CD4+ T lymphocytes can exhibit reduced proliferative capacity and improper cytokine responses following sepsis. To further investigate the cell-intrinsic defects of CD4+ T cells following sepsis, splenic CD4+ T cells from sham surgery and post-septic mice were transferred into lymphopenic mice. These recipient mice were then subjected to both TH1-(purified protein derivative) and TH2-(Schistosoma mansoni egg antigen) driven models of granulomatous lung inflammation. Post-septic CD4+ T cells mediated smaller TH1 and larger TH2 lung granulomas as compared to mice receiving CD4+ T cells from sham surgery donors. However, cytokine production by lymph node cells in antigen restimulation assays indicated increased pan-specific cytokine expression by post-septic CD4+ T cell recipient mice in both TH1 and TH2 granuloma models. These include increased production of T(H)2 cytokines in TH1 inflammation, and increased production of T(H)1 cytokines in TH2 inflammation. These results suggest that cell-intrinsic defects in CD4+ T cell effector function can have deleterious effects on inflammatory processes post-sepsis, due to a defect in the proper regulation of TH-specific cytokine expression.     

Mouse CD8+ CD122+ T cells with intermediate TCR increasing with age provide a source of early IFN-gamma production

Although CD8+ IL-2Rbeta (CD122)+ T cells with intermediate TCR reportedly develop extrathymically, their functions still remain largely unknown. In the present study, we characterized the function of CD8+ CD122+ T cells with intermediate TCR of C57BL/6 mice. The proportion of CD8+ CD122+ T cells in splenocytes gradually increased with age, whereas CD8+ IL-2Rbeta-negative or -low (CD122-) T cells conversely decreased. The IFN-gamma production from splenocytes stimulated with immobilized anti-CD3 Ab in vitro increased with age, whereas the IL-4 production decreased. When sorted CD8+ CD122+ T cells were stimulated in vitro by the anti-CD3 Ab, they promptly produced a much larger amount of IFN-gamma than did CD8+ CD122- T cells or CD4+ T cells, whereas only CD4+ T cells produced IL-4. The depletion of CD8+ CD122+ T cells from whole splenocytes greatly decreased the CD3-stimulated IFN-gamma production and increased the IL-4 production, whereas the addition of sorted CD8+ CD122+ T cells to CD8+ CD122+ T cell-depleted splenocytes restored the IFN-gamma production and partially decreased IL-4 production. It is of interest that CD8+ CD122+ T cells stimulated CD4+ T cells to produce IFN-gamma. The CD3-stimulated IFN-gamma production from each T cell subset was augmented by macrophages. Furthermore, CD3-stimulated CD8+ CD122+ T cells produced an even greater amount of IFN-gamma than did liver NK1.1+ T cells and also showed antitumor cytotoxicity. These results show that CD8+ CD122+ T cells may thus be an important source of early IFN-gamma production and are suggested to be involved in the immunological changes with aging.     

Intracellular zinc during cell activation and zinc deficiency

IntroductionZinc is an essential trace element having manifold functions within living cells. Zinc deficiency but also zinc excess impairs cell-specific functions whereas a balanced zinc level is required for an adequate cell behavior.Material and methodsThis study deals with the impact of cellular priming due to stimulation with interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 or the chemokine CXCL12a and its subsequent influence on the intracellular free zinc concentration. Since cellular priming and activation is essential for proper immunological reactions, and across that highly cell-type specific, we investigated T cells, B cells, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Additionally, alterations of the intracellular zinc content was investigated by inducing zinc deficiency using the zinc chelator N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (TPEN) with subsequent re-supplementation of zinc, hence generating an intracellular zinc flux. Evaluation of zinc staining with FluoZin3-AM, Zinpyr-1 and Zinquin was done by flow cytometry or by fluorescence microscopy.ResultsOur results indicate that cellular priming for different periods of time (10 minutes/one hour) causes decreased intracellular free zinc concentrations in the FluoZin3-AM staining and increased zinc concentrations stained with Zinpyr-1. Furthermore, zinc supplementation after induced zinc deficiency leads to a fast and excessive rise of the intracellular free zinc levels in most cellular compartments.ConclusionOur study emphasizes the importance of zinc homeostasis and zinc distribution during cellular priming and for certain signaling cascades especially in T and B cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that zinc re-supplementation of zinc deficient cells results in significantly elevated intracellular free zinc concentrations compared to untreated controls. Hence, this underlines the need of a balanced zinc homeostasis for proper immune cell function.     

Differential T cell hyporesponsiveness induced by in vivo administration of intact or F(ab')2 fragments of anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody. F(ab')2 fragments induce a selective T helper dysfunction.

Induction of peripheral T cell anergy associated with stimulation through the TCR complex in vivo has been described in mice using chemically modified APC, staphylococcal enterotoxin B, and intact anti-CD3 mAb. In the latter two models, T cell proliferation, IL-2R expression, and lymphokine production have been demonstrated before subsequent induction of hyporesponsiveness, whereas in the former model, these events have not been observed. To further investigate the relationship between mitogenicity and induction of peripheral hyporesponsiveness, mice were treated with either mitogenic intact anti-CD3 mAb or nonmitogenic F(ab')2 fragments of anti-CD3 mAb. T cells from F(ab')2-treated mice demonstrated a selective decrease in helper functions, with minimal effect on CTL function. Specifically, a marked reduction in ability of Th cells to secrete IL-2 when challenged in vitro with mitogen or alloantigen was observed, which persisted for at least 2 mo after mAb administration and which was independent of T cell depletion. Proliferative function was decreased in CD4+ T cells and could not be fully restored with addition of exogenous IL-2. A helper defect was also evident in vivo, in that F(ab')2-treated mice were deficient in their ability to reject MHC-disparate skin grafts, and in vivo administration of IL-2 reconstituted their ability to reject skin grafts normally. In contrast, T cells from mice treated with intact mAb demonstrated a significant decrease in both CTL and helper functions. A long term reduction in TCR expression on CD4+ cells from F(ab')2-treated mice, and on both CD4+ and CD8+ cells from intact mAb-treated mice was observed. These findings demonstrate that peripheral T cell hyporesponsiveness can be induced in vivo by binding an identical epitope on the TCR complex in the presence or absence of initial proliferation, lymphokine secretion, or IL-2R expression, and that binding to the same epitope can result in varying long term effects on T cell function.     

Neuroantigen-Specific Autoregulatory CD8+ T Cells Inhibit Autoimmune Demyelination through Modulation of Dendritic Cell Function

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a well-established murine model of multiple sclerosis, an immune-mediated demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). We have previously shown that CNS-specific CD8+ T cells (CNS-CD8+) ameliorate EAE, at least in part through modulation of CNS-specific CD4+ T cell responses. In this study, we show that CNS-CD8+ also modulate the function of CD11c+ dendritic cells (DC), but not other APCs such as CD11b+ monocytes or B220+ B cells. DC from mice receiving either myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-specific CD8+ (MOG-CD8+) or proteolipid protein-specific CD8+ (PLP-CD8+) T cells were rendered inefficient in priming T cell responses from naïve CD4+ T cells (OT-II) or supporting recall responses from CNS-specific CD4+ T cells. CNS-CD8+ did not alter DC subset distribution or MHC class II and CD86 expression, suggesting that DC maturation was not affected. However, the cytokine profile of DC from CNS-CD8+ recipients showed lower IL-12 and higher IL-10 production. These functions were not modulated in the absence of immunization with CD8-cognate antigen, suggesting an antigen-specific mechanism likely requiring CNS-CD8-DC interaction. Interestingly, blockade of IL-10 in vitro rescued CD4+ proliferation and in vivo expression of IL-10 was necessary for the suppression of EAE by MOG-CD8+. These studies demonstrate a complex interplay between CNS-specific CD8+ T cells, DC and pathogenic CD4+ T cells, with important implications for therapeutic interventions in this disease.     

IL-1 as a co-factor for lymphokine-secreting CD8+ murine T cells

Immunologically important among the known biologic activities of IL-1 is its ability to function as a co-factor for responses mediated by lymphokine secreting CD4+ Th cells. In contrast to its known effects in CD4+ T cell responses, IL-1 is not known to play a role in CD8+ T cell responses. In the present study, we have assessed the ability of murine recombinant IL-1 to function as a co-factor for stimulating CD8+ T cells to secrete lymphokines such as IL-2. We found that, in conjunction with either Ag or mitogen, IL-1 is able to stimulate lymphokine-secreting CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, we found that, as a consequence of its stimulation of lymphokine-secreting CD8+ T cells, IL-1 is able to reconstitute MHC class I allospecific cytolytic T lymphocyte responses by cell populations depleted of both accessory cells and CD4+ T cells. These results demonstrate that the biologic activity of IL-1 is not restricted to CD4+ cell responses, and suggests that IL-1 can function as a co-factor for the stimulation of lymphokine-secreting Th cells regardless of their CD4/CD8 phenotype. If IL1 acts directly on lymphokine-secreting T cells or on the APC with which they interact is not yet certain.     

Differential effects of glutathione depletion on T cell subsets

Glutathione (GSH) is known to play an important role in various lymphocyte functions. We now report that different T cell subsets express different requirements for intracellular GSH. Depletion of intracellular GSH by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), a specific inhibitor of GSH biosynthesis, decreases the proportion of CD8+ cells (i.e., increases the CD4+/CD8+ ratio), and inhibits particularly the generation of large blast-like CD8+ cells and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity. CTL activity is restored by administration of exogenous GSH. Differential effects of GSH depletion were also seen at the level of individual T cell clones. The CD4+ helper T cell clone D10.G4.1.HD was found to express a high rate of interleukin 2 (IL-2) dependent DNA synthesis even after severe depletion of intracellular GSH, whereas other T cell clones including the clone 29 were severely inhibited by BSO. The results of these studies suggest that the decreased intracellular GSH levels of HIV-1 seropositive persons are probably not (directly) responsible for the selective depletion of the CD4+ T cell subset but may be responsible for a cellular dysfunction of the CD8+ subset and for the ultimate failure of the CTL to control the viral infection in these patients.     

Induction of CD8+ regulatory T cells in the intestine by Heligmosomoides polygyrus infection

This study determined whether Heligmosomoides polygyrus induces intestinal regulatory T cells. Splenic T cells proliferate strongly when cultured with anti-CD3 and antigen-presenting cells (APC). Lamina propria T cells from mice with H. polygyrus mixed with normal splenic T cells from uninfected mice inhibited proliferation over 90%. Lamina propria T cells from mice without H. polygyrus only modestly affected T cell proliferation. The worm-induced regulatory T cell was CD8+ and required splenic T cell contact to inhibit proliferation. The regulation also was IL-10 independent, but TAP-dependent, suggesting that it requires major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I interaction. Additional studies employed mice with transgenic T cells that did not express functional TGF-beta receptors. The lamina propria T regulator inhibited proliferation of these transgenic T cells nearly 100%, suggesting that TGF-beta signaling via the T cell was not required. CD8+ T cells were needed for worms to reverse piroxicam-induced colitis in Rag mice (T and B cell deficient) reconstituted with IL-10-/- T cells. Thus H. polygyrus induces a regulatory CD8+ lamina propria T cell that inhibits T cell proliferation and that appears to have a role in control of colitis.