SLE带状疱疹患者外周血CD4~+CD28~+和CD4~+CD25~+FoxP3~+调节性T细胞的表达及相关性研究

目的:检测系统性红斑狼疮(systemic lupus erythematosus,SLE)合并带状疱疹患者外周血CD4~+CD28~+和CD4~+CD25~+Fox P3~+调节性T细胞的表达及相关性,探讨其在SLE合并带状疱疹发病中的临床意义。方法:采用流式细胞术检测30例SLE患者、30例SLE合并带状疱疹患者及30例健康对照者外周血中CD4~+/CD8~+T淋巴细胞亚群表面CD28的表达及CD4~+CD25~+Fox P3~+Treg细胞的表达水平,并分析SLE合并带状疱疹患者外周血CD4~+CD28~+和CD4~+CD25~+Fox P3~+调节性T细胞表达的相关性。结果:SLE合并带状疱疹组患者急性期外周血CD4~+T淋巴细胞比率、绝对计数显著降低,CD4~+、CD8~+T淋巴细胞表面的CD28表达下调,CD4~+CD25~+Fox P3~+Treg细胞水平显著高于SLE组及健康对照组,SLE合并带状疱疹组患者外周血CD4~+CD25~+Fox P3~+Treg水平与CD4~+CD28~+水平成负相关(P均0.05)。结论:SLE合并带状疱疹患者CD4~+、CD8~+T细胞活化异常,CD4~+CD25~+Fox P3~+Treg细胞可能参与抑制了T细胞的活化。     

CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞

调节性T细胞(regulatory T cells,Treg)是机体维持自身耐受的重要组成部分。CD4^ CD25^ Treg细胞来源于胸腺,其主要功能是抑制自身反应性T细胞,并且其作用是通过直接的Treg-T效应细胞之间的相互接触方式来实现的。CD4^ CD25^ Treg细胞可分泌多种抑制性细胞因子,但与其抑制功能关系并不明确,目前有证据表明GITR和Foxp3与CD4^ CD25^ Treg细胞的抑制功能有关,并且Foxp3已作为CD4^ CD25^ Treg细胞的特异性标志。通过IL-10、TGF-β等抑制性细胞因子、imDC以及转基因技术可以产生具有免疫抑制功能的调节性T细胞。调节性T细胞在免疫相关性疾病、肿瘤免疫和抗感染免疫等方面具有重要意义。     

调节性T 细胞在发热结缔组织病患者外周血中的表达及临床意义

目的:研究Treg细胞在发热CTD患者外周血表达对结核感染的诊断价值。方法:对103例发热CTD患者进行T-SPOT.TB试验,将39例阳性者设为实验组-1,进行抗结核治疗,将64例阳性者设为实验组-2,另选取40例健康者作为对照组,检测三组外周血CD4+CD25+Treg细胞、Foxp3基因、IL-10、TGF-β的表达。结果:实验组CD4+CD25+Foxp3 Treg细胞占CD4+T比例高于对照组(P0.05),实验组-1治疗前外周血CD4+CD25+Foxp3 Treg细胞占CD4+T比例高于实验组-1治疗后、实验组-2(P0.05);实验组TGF-β表达量低于对照组(P0.05),实验组-1治疗前低于实验组-1治疗后及实验组-2(P0.05);实验组-1治疗前IL-10表达量低于实验组-1治疗后、实验组-2及对照组(P0.05)。结论:CD4+CD25+Foxp3 Treg细胞在发热CTD伴有结核感染患者外周血中的表达升高,其变化可作为结核感染诊断的辅助性指标。     

乳杆菌肽聚糖对β-乳球蛋白致敏小鼠脾细胞Th1/Th2及Treg/Th17失衡的体外影响

【目的】观察嗜酸乳杆菌完整肽聚糖(Whole peptidoglycan,WPG)对致敏脾淋巴细胞Th1/Th2及Treg/Th17平衡的体外调节作用。【方法】通过腹腔注射β-乳球蛋白(β-Lg)建立BALB/c小鼠牛乳过敏模型。造模成功后,分离致敏小鼠的脾淋巴细胞并分别与不同剂量的WPG共同孵育,酶联免疫法检测细胞上清液中抗体(总IgE和特异性IgE),Th1/Th2及Treg/Th17相关细胞因子(IFN-γ,IL-4,TGF-β,IL-17)水平,流式细胞术检测脾淋巴细胞中CD3+、CD4+和CD8+的百分含量,荧光定量PCR法检测过敏小鼠脾细胞中Th1/Th2及Treg/Th17相关转录因子T-bet、GATA-3、Foxp3和RORγt mRNA的表达量。【结果】WPG体外刺激致敏脾细胞后可显著抑制IgE的产生,上调CD3+、CD4+细胞数及CD4+/CD8+比值,下调Th2型因子(IL-4,GATA-3mRNA)和Th17型因子(IL-17,RORγt mRNA)的表达,且与过敏组相比,中、高剂量WPG的作用效果显著(P0.05);另外,WPG体外作用还上调了Th1型因子(IFN-γ,T-bet mRNA)及Treg型因子(TGF-β,Foxp3 mRNA)的表达,且具有剂量依赖性。【结论】嗜酸乳杆菌WPG体外刺激可有效纠正致敏脾淋巴细胞的Th1/Th2及Treg/Th17失衡。     

CD4+CD25+Foxp3hi细胞在夏氏疟原虫感染DBA/2小鼠作用研究

利用调节性T细胞消除的致死型夏氏疟原虫(Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi AS,P.c chabaudi AS)感染鼠疟模型,探讨DBA/2小鼠对P.c chabaudi AS感染易感性的原因。DBA/2小鼠对P.c chabaudi AS易感,伴随原虫血症增加CD4+CD25+Foxp3+细胞数量明显增加,且以CD4+CD25+Foxp3hi增加更为明显。原虫血症达峰值时CD4+CD25+Foxp3hi细胞数量亦达到峰值。相比,Treg消除鼠的原虫出现时间和疟血症峰值时间均明显延迟,且在疟血症达峰值前(5～8 d)原虫血症水平明显低于对照组。与之相应,CD4+CD25+Foxp3hi细胞数量明显处于低水平。同时,Treg消除鼠生存期明显延长。由此提示,P.c chabaudi AS感染导致Foxp3表达增加,扩增的CD4+CD25+Foxp3hi细胞有利于疟原虫复制和逃避宿主免疫应答,进而影响疟疾感染的进程和最终结局。     

双歧杆菌对溃疡性结肠炎小鼠外周血和肠系膜淋巴结CD4~＋ CD25~＋ Foxp3~＋调节T细胞表达的影响

目的探讨双歧杆菌治疗溃疡性结肠炎与CD4＋ CD25＋ Foxp3＋调节T细胞的相关可能机制。方法采用DSS制作UC小鼠结肠炎模型,随机分成3组：正常对照（NC）组,模型（MD）组,双歧杆菌治疗（BbT）组。造模7 d后,给予双歧杆菌后续治疗7 d。评估小鼠疾病活动指数（DAI）,结肠行HE染色及病理学评分（HDS）;流式细胞仪检测外周血和肠系膜淋巴细胞中表达CD4＋ CD25＋ Foxp3＋的Treg细胞的百分比率。结果 BbT组的DAI明显低于模型组（P〈0.05）;MD组HDS明显高于正常组（P〈0.05）;BbT组的HDS明显低于模型组（P〈0.05）;模型组外周血和肠系膜淋巴细胞CD4＋ CD25＋ Foxp3＋Treg细胞占CD4＋T细胞的百分率明显低于正常组（P〈0.05）;BbT组结肠外周血和肠系膜淋巴细胞CD4＋ CD25＋ Foxp3＋Treg细胞占CD4＋T细胞的百分率明显高于模型组（P〈0.05）。结论双歧杆菌可以提高CD4＋ CD25＋ Foxp3＋Treg数量,调节机体和肠道免疫功能,对UC发挥了一定的治疗作用。     

打靶恒河猴CD4~+ T细胞的TRIM5α基因影响其感染HIV的能力

目的:探讨打靶恒河猴CD4~+ T细胞的TRIM5α基因对其感染HIV-1能力的影响。方法:从恒河猴的外周血中通过磁珠分选获得CD4~+ T细胞,并采用流式检测阳性率。构建打靶TRIM5α基因的TALEN质粒,通过电转导入CD4~+ T细胞,流式分选出转染TALEN质粒的细胞,提取基因组T7E1酶切检测打靶效率。HIV-1病毒感染打靶TRIM5α的CD4~+ T细胞,并通过ELASA检测病毒感染的情况。结果:成功地从恒河猴的外周血中分选出了CD4~+ T细胞,流式检测阳性率为99.5%。打靶TRIM5α基因的TALEN质粒转染CD4~+ T细胞的转染效率约为24.8%,并可成功打靶TRIM5α,打靶效率约为40%。ELASA检测结果表明打靶TRIM5α的恒河猴CD4~+ T细胞对HIV病毒的感染能力增强。结论打靶恒河猴CD4~+ T细胞的TRIM5α基因可使其易感HIV病毒,为进一步建立恒河猴HIV-1感染动物模型奠定基础。     

牙龈卟啉单胞菌脂多糖对CD4^＋CD25^＋调节性T细胞免疫抑制功能的影响

目的探讨牙龈卟啉单胞菌（Porphyromonas gingivalis,Pg）对CD4^＋CD25^＋调节性T细胞（regulatory T cells,Tregs）免疫抑制功能的影响。方法采用酚水法提取Pg ATCC 33277株脂多糖（lipopolysaccharide,LPS）。免疫磁珠法分离BALB／c小鼠脾脏CD4^＋CD25^＋Tregs并进行体外培养,同时给予不同剂量（0～500ng／ml）Pg—LPS干预,培养48h后收集细胞及上清液。Real-TimePCR法测定培养细胞Foxp3mRNA的表达,ELISA法分别测定细胞上清液中IL-10、TGF-β水平;采用体外淋巴细胞混合培养法对Pg-LPS干预后的CD4^＋CD25^＋Tregs进行功能抑制试验。结果Pg-LPS干预不影响CD4^＋CD25^＋Tregs分泌IL-10和TGF-β,但是能够显著上调CD4^＋CD25^＋TregsFoxp3mRNA的表达,增强其免疫抑制作用;当Ps—LPS浓度低于300ng／m1时,CD4^＋CD25^＋TregsFoxp3mRNA表达以及免疫抑制作用的增强与Ps—LPS浓度之间呈剂量-效应关系。结论Pg-LPS能够增强CD4^＋CD25^＋Tregs的免疫抑制作用,这种免疫抑制增强效应可能与CD4^＋CD25^＋Tregs Foxp3基因表达的上调有关,并且不具有抑制性细胞因子依赖性。     

PEI-壳聚糖在结肠癌细胞CD133~+梯度表达的转染研究

目的:以PEI-壳聚糖(CP)为载体材料,考察CD133~+呈梯度表达的4种结肠癌细胞上的转染效率,将特异性结合CD133的TR多肽修饰CP材料,探讨材料与转染的关系。方法:根据CD133~+含量将细胞分为高表达组和低表达组,合成法制备CP材料,激光粒度仪测定纳米粒粒径、电位,CCK8实验检测细胞毒性,用质粒p GL3和EGFP考察CP材料的转染效果,Western印记检测CD133~+蛋白的表达。结果:CD133~+高表达组SW480、HCT116的CD133~+含量为96.97%、92.96%,低表达组CaCO_2、SW620的CD133~+含量为2.00%、0.56%;CCK8结果得出,CP材料按质量比N/P=5时,生物安全性较高;质粒p GL3转染高表达组,其CD133~+RLU值低于低表达组;质粒EGFP转染高表达组,绿色荧光弱于低表达组,Western blot检测接TR肽的CP材料CD133~+表达高于CP材料。结论:CP材料在低表达CD133~+组转染效率高,且接TR肽的CP材料针对CD133~+有可能介导材料进入细胞。     

Foxp3~+ Treg诱导免疫耐受与器官移植

调节性T细胞(regulatory T cell,Treg)是指具有免疫调节功能的T细胞。自然发育的CD4+CD25+Treg,特异的表达叉头状家族转录因子Foxp3,也称Foxp3+Treg,在维持免疫耐受和免疫稳态方面发挥重要的功能。根据来源可将Foxp3+Treg分为天然Treg(natural Treg,n Treg)和可诱导Treg(induced Treg,i Treg)。本综述总结了Foxp3+Treg及效应性T细胞的发育及其调控机制相关的信号通路,探讨了Foxp3+Treg诱导免疫耐受的作用机制。一些免疫抑制剂如雷帕霉素(rapamycin,RAPA)和最近应用的芬戈莫德(fingolimod,FTY720)等在器官移植后可用来诱导免疫耐受,研究发现这些药物不仅对效应性T细胞的分化、发育有抑制作用,同时对Foxp3+Treg的发育也有重要的影响。     

Role of STAT3 in CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory lymphocyte generation: implications in graft-versus-host disease and antitumor immunity

Immunological tolerance is maintained by specialized subsets of T cells including CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) regulatory cells (Treg). Previous studies established that Treg thymic differentiation or peripheral conversion depend on CD28 and Lck signaling. Moreover, foxp3 gene transfer in murine CD4(+)CD25(-) T lymphocytes results in the acquisition of suppressive functions. However, molecular pathways leading to FOXP3 expression remain to be described. In this study, we investigated the molecular events driving FOXP3 expression. We demonstrated that CD28 activation in CD4(+)CD25(-) T lymphocytes leads to STAT3 Tyr(705) phosphorylation in an Lck-dependent manner. STAT3 neutralization during naive peripheral CD4(+)CD25(-) T cell conversion into Treg through costimulation with TCR/CD28 and TGF-beta1, decreased FOXP3 expression, prevented the acquisition of suppressive functions and restored the ability of the converted lymphocytes to produce IL-2 and IFN-gamma. Furthermore, we observed that STAT3 ablation using small interfering RNA strategies inhibited FOXP3 expression and suppressive functions among naturally differentiated CD4(+)CD25(+) T lymphocytes, suggesting a direct role of STAT3 in Treg phenotype and function maintenance. CD4(+)CD25(+) T lymphocytes transduced with specific STAT3 small interfering RNA were devoid of suppressive functions and failed to control the occurrence of acute graft-vs-host disease. Finally, STAT3 inhibition in CD4(+) lymphocytes enhanced the anti-tumor immunity conferred by a lymphocyte adoptive transfer. In summary, our findings determine that STAT3 is critical in the molecular pathway required for FOXP3 expression. STAT3 modulation should be taken into account when assessing how regulatory T cells contribute to inflammatory diseases and tumor immunosurveillance.     

Mouse CD4CD25 T regulatory cells are protected from autologous complement mediated injury by Crry and CD59

Self cells depend on surface complement regulators to protect them from autologous complement mediated attack. CD4⁺CD25⁺foxp3⁺ T regulatory (Treg) cells are critical in maintaining immune homeostasis, however, which complement regulators are expressed on them and how they are protected from autologous complement attack remains unknown. We report here that mouse Treg cells express virtually no DAF or CR1. Instead, all of them express Crry and approximately half of them express CD59. Both Crry^−/− and CD59^−/− Treg cells exhibit greater complement mediated injury than WT Treg cells. These results clarify the status of cell surface complement regulators on mouse Treg cells and indicate that both Crry and CD59 are required to protect Treg cells from autologous complement mediated injury. Additionally, these data also argue that different from previous assumption, at least in mice, CD4⁺CD25⁺foxp3⁺ Treg cells are not homogenous and could be further divided into subgroups based on CD59 expression.     

Analysis of the functional capabilities of CD3+CD4-CD8- and CD3+CD4+CD8+ human T cell clones

The functional capabilities of human peripheral blood CD3+CD4-CD8- and CD3+CD4+CD8+ T cell clones were examined. The clones were generated by culturing purified populations of CD3+CD4-CD8- and CD3+CD4+CD8+ T cells at limiting dilution (0.3 cell/well) in the presence of PHA, rIL-2, and irradiated PBMC as feeders. Twelve CD3+CD4-CD8- and 5 CD3+CD4+CD8+ clones were generated. Clonality was documented by analyzing TCR gamma- and beta-chain rearrangement patterns. All CD3+CD4-CD8- clones were stained by the TCR-delta 1 mAb that identifies a framework epitope of the TCR delta-chain, but not by mAb WT31 that identifies the TCR-alpha beta on mature T cells. In contrast, the CD3+CD4+CD8+ clones were all stained by WT31 and not by TCR-delta 1. All 17 clones were screened for various functional activities. Each secreted IL-2, IFN-gamma, and lymphotoxin/TNF-like factors when stimulated with immobilized mAb to CD3 (64.1), albeit in varying quantities. These clones secreted far less IL-2 and IFN-gamma than CD3+CD4+CD8- or CD3+CD4-CD8+ alpha beta expressing clones, but comparable amounts of lymphotoxin/TNF. All clones also functioned as MHC-unrestricted cytotoxic cells. This activity was comparable to that mediated by the CD3+CD4+CD8- or CD3+CD4-CD8+ alpha beta clones. Nine of 12 CD3+CD4-CD8- and 4 of 5 CD3+CD4+CD8+ clones were able to support B cell differentiation when activated by immobilized anti-CD3, but usually not as effectively as the CD3+CD4+CD8- or CD3+CD4-CD8+ alpha beta clones. The differences in the functional capabilities of the various clones could not be accounted for by alterations in the signaling capacity of the CD3 molecular complex as mAb to CD3 induced comparable increases in intracellular free calcium in each clone examined. When clones were stimulated with PWM, each suppressed B cell differentiation supported by mitomycin C-treated fresh CD4+ T lymphocytes. Suppression was dependent on the number of clone cells added to culture, but could be observed with as few as 12,500 cells per microtiter well. Phenotypic analysis of the clones revealed that all expressed CD29, CD11b, and the NKH1 surface Ag. These results demonstrate that the CD3+CD4-CD8- and CD3+CD4+CD8+ T cell clones exhibit many of the functional characteristics of mature T cells, although they produce IL-2 and IFN-gamma and provide help for B cell differentiation less effectively than CD3+CD4+CD8- and CD3+CD4-CD8+ alpha beta T cell clones.     

Differential requirement for CD80 and CD80/CD86-dependent costimulation in the lung immune response to an influenza virus infection

The CD28 costimulatory pathway is critical to T cell activation. Blockade of the interaction of CD28 with its ligands CD80 and CD86 using CTLA4-Ig has been proposed as a therapy for a number of immune-based disorders. We have used a murine model of influenza virus infection to study the role of CD28-dependent costimulation in the development of antiviral immune responses. In vivo treatment with CTLA4-Ig to block the interaction of CD28 with CD80 and CD86 reduced virus-specific cytotoxicity and IFN-gamma production by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid CD8+ T lymphocytes in vitro. It also resulted in decreased numbers of virus-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung, and spleen and lowered virus-specific Ab titers. Mice treated with CTLA4-Ig were able to control and clear the virus infection, but this was delayed compared with controls. Treatment with Y100F-Ig, a mutant form of CTLA4-Ig which selectively binds to CD80 and blocks the CD28-CD80 interaction leaving CD28-CD86 binding intact, did not affect Ab production, spleen cytotoxic precursors, or clearance of virus. However, Y100F-Ig treatment had a clear effect on lung effector cell function. Secretion of IFN-gamma by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid CD8+ T lymphocytes in vitro was decreased, and the number of virus-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lungs of infected mice was reduced. These results indicate that CD28-dependent costimulation is important in the antiviral immune response to an influenza virus infection. The individual CD28 ligand, CD80, is important for some lung immune responses and cannot always be compensated for by CD86.     

Differential in vitro activation of CD8-CD4+ and CD4-CD8+ T lymphocytes by combinations of anti-CD2 and anti-CD3 antibodies

Purified peripheral blood T lymphocytes and the CD8-CD4+ and CD4-CD8+ T cell subsets, exhaustively depleted of APC have been studied for their capacity to respond to mAb directed against the CD3-Ti Ag-specific TCR complex and against the CD2 SRBCR. It is demonstrated that high affinity IL-2R can be readily induced by either anti-CD3 and/or anti-CD2 stimulation. However, IL-2 production can be observed only in the CD4+CD8- T cell subset. These results clearly contrast data obtained with purified CD4-CD8+ T cells, which are able to proliferate when the CD3-Ti complex is activated in the presence of APC. The data presented in the present study demonstrate that a simplified model for T cell activation and clonal expansion of the two major T cell subsets involve only the CD3-Ti complex and the CD2 Ag. Under conditions where the activation signals for the T cells are restricted only to the activation of CD3-Ti and CD2, the CD4+CD8- T cells respond with IL-2 production and expression of high affinity IL-2R, whereas the CD4-CD8+ T cell subset depends on exogenous IL-2 provided by the CD4+CD8- cells. These data do not, however, exclude an involvement of other cell-surface signals for regulation and control of T cell activation and T cell effector functions.     

Regulatory T cells dampen pulmonary inflammation and lung injury in an animal model of pneumocystis pneumonia

CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells are decreased in patients infected with HIV and have been shown to be critical in mediating Ag tolerance in the lung. Because a subset of Pneumocystis-infected individuals develop substantial lung injury, which can be modeled in immune reconstituted scid mice, we used mouse models of Pneumocystis carinii to investigate the role of regulatory T cells in opportunistic infection and immune reconstitution. In this study, we show that CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ cells are part of the host response to Pneumocystis in CD4+ T cell-intact mice. Moreover, lung injury and proinflammatory Th1 and Th2 cytokine levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung homogenate were increased following CD4+CD25- immune reconstitution in Pneumocystis-infected SCID mice but not in CD4+CD25+ T cell-reconstituted animals. The ability of CD4+CD25+ T cells to control inflammation and injury during the course of Pneumocystis was confirmed by treatment of wild-type C57BL/6 mice with anti-CD25 mAb. These data show that CD4+CD25+ T cells control pulmonary inflammation and lung injury associated with Pneumocystis infection both in the setting of immune reconstitution as well as new acquisition of infection.     

In vitro induction of CD8 expression on thymic pre-T cells. I. Transforming growth factor-beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha induce CD8 expression on CD8- thymic subsets including the CD25+CD3-CD4-CD8- pre-T cell subset.

We previously reported that IL-7 maintains the viability and differentiation potential of CD25 (IL-2R p55) positive CD3-CD4-CD8- thymic pre-T cells in vitro. This culture system is suitable for studying signals that regulate differentiation of T cell precursors in the thymus. In this study, we screened cytokines for their capacity to induce CD4 or CD8 in murine thymic pre-T cells cultured with IL-7. Of 15 cytokines tested, only transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) and TNF-alpha induced CD8 (Lyt-2), while no cytokine was able to induce CD4 on CD25+CD3-CD4-CD8- thymocytes. The combination of TGF-beta and TNF-alpha was synergistic, and the majority of cells recovered after 2 to 3 days in culture expressed CD8 (but not CD3 or CD4). A similar effect of TGF-beta and TNF-alpha was observed using day-15 fetal thymocytes, CD3+CD4-CD8- or CD3+CD4+CD8- adult thymocytes, although the combination of these cytokines resulted in an additive rather than a synergistic effect in these subsets. In contrast, neither TGF-beta nor TNF-alpha induced CD8 expression on splenic CD4+CD8- T cells. These observations suggest a role for these cytokines in the induction of CD8 expression in CD8- thymocyte subsets including CD3-CD4-CD8- thymic pre-T cells.     

Oral tolerance induction with antigen conjugated to cholera toxin B subunit generates both Foxp3+CD25+ and Foxp3-CD25- CD4+ regulatory T cells

Oral administration of Ag coupled to cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) efficiently induces peripheral immunological tolerance. We investigated the extent to which this oral tolerance is mediated by CD25+CD4+ regulatory T cells (T(reg)). We found that total T(reg), KJ1-26+ T(reg) and CTLA-4+ T(reg) were all increased in Peyer's patches, mesenteric lymph nodes, and, to a lesser extent, in spleen of mice after intragastric administration of OVA/CTB conjugate, which also increased TGF-beta in serum. This could be abolished by co-administering cholera toxin or by treatment with anti-TGF-beta mAb. CD25+ T(reg), but also CD25-CD4+ T cells from OVA/CTB-treated BALB/c or DO11.10 mice efficiently suppressed effector T cell proliferation and IL-2 production in vitro. Following adoptive transfer, both T cell populations also suppressed OVA-specific T cell and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses in vivo. Foxp3 was strongly expressed by CD25+ T(reg) from OVA/CTB-treated mice, and treatment also markedly expanded CD25+Foxp3+ T(reg). Furthermore, in Rag1(-/-) mice that had adoptively received highly purified Foxp3-CD25-CD4+ OT-II T cells OVA/CTB feeding efficiently induced CD25+ T(reg) cells, which expressed Foxp3 more strongly than naturally developing T(reg) and also had stronger ability to suppress effector OT-II T cell proliferation. A remaining CD25- T cell population, which also became suppressive in response to OVA/CTB treatment, did not express Foxp3. Our results demonstrate that oral tolerance induced by CTB-conjugated Ag is associated with increase in TGF-beta and in both the frequency and suppressive capacity of Foxp3+ and CTLA-4+ CD25+ T(reg) together with the generation of both Foxp3+ and Foxp3-CD25- CD4+ T(reg).     

Tumor-selective cytolysis is executed exclusively by CD45R+ CTL whereas allo-specific cytotoxicity can be executed also by CD45R- CTL

Naive and memory CD4+ T helper cells can be distinguished on the basis of expression of the CD45R molecule. Whether this dichotomy applies also to CD8+ T cells has not yet been established. In the present investigation the cytolytic activity of peritoneal CD8+CD45R+ and CD8+CD45R- T cells from tumor- and allo-immunized rats has been studied. More than 90% of the CD8+ peripheral blood T lymphocytes expressed the CD45R molecule, whereas in the peritoneal cavity about 60% of the CD8+ T cells displayed the CD45R+ phenotype. Analysis of cytotoxicity of sorted peritoneal cells of W439 tumor-immunized donors demonstrated selective cytolytic activity of the CD5+CD4-CD8+CD45R+ subpopulation to W439 lymphoma target cells but no effect of CD5+CD4-CD8+CD45R- lymphocytes. None of these lymphocyte populations exhibited cytolytic activity to the NK-sensitive cell line YAC-1, whereas the CD5-CD45R+ population showed strong cytotoxicity to YAC-1 cells. In allo-immunized rats both CD5+CD4- CD8+CD45R+ and CD5+CD4-CD8+CD45R- peritoneal cells exhibited strong allo-specific cytolytic activity, but no activity to YAC-1 cells. Both CD5+CD4-CD8+CD45R+ and CD5+CD4-CD8+CD45R- cells from tumor-immunized rats proliferated in response to Con A and rIL-2. This is the first study demonstrating that tumor-selective cytolytic CD8+ T cells express the CD45R molecule and that allo-specific cytolytic CD8+ T cells are found in both the CD45R+ and CD45R- populations.