TCR Signaling Events Are Required for Maintaining CD4 Regulatory T Cell Numbers and Suppressive Capacities in the Periphery

Authors:
Open Access
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
CD4 regulatory T cells (Tregs) can be subdivided into two subsets according to Ly-6C expression in the periphery. Phenotypic analysis, imaging, and adoptive-transfer experiments of peripheral Ly-6C− and Ly-6C+ Tregs reveal that the nonexpression of Ly-6C by ∼70% of peripheral Tregs depends on TCR signaling events. Interestingly, Ly-6C− Tregs express higher surface amounts of key immunosuppressive molecules than do Ly-6C+ Tregs and produce constitutively anti-inflammatory cytokines. In line with their phenotype, Ly-6C+ Tregs exhibit poor suppressive capacities in vitro and in vivo. Finally, although Ly-6C− Tregs maintain their numbers with age, Ly-6C+ Tregs gradually disappear. Altogether, our data strongly suggest that both the survival and suppressive functions of peripheral CD4 Tregs rely on their ability to receive strong TCR signals.

This publication has 45 references indexed in Scilit: