Regulatory T (Treg) cells suppress immune responses by downregulating the expression of costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 on dendritic cells (DCs) through cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4). However, it is unclear whether inducible Treg (iTreg) cellscan hamper immune responses via the same mechanism. Moreover, whether a reverse signal sent by CTLA4 alone is sufficient to prevent maturation of DCs has never been evaluated. Here, we demonstrate that stimulation of DCs with CTLA4, either expressed by inducible Treg cells or by cross-linking with CTLA4Fc fusion protein, can significantly inhibit LPS-induced CD80 and CD86 mRNA and protein expression in both mouse and human DCs. Importantly, CTLA4Fc-treated DCs had reduced ability to stimulate CD4 + and CD8 + T-cell proliferation and cytokine production in both syngeneic and allogeneic settings. We also investigated the molecular mechanism involved in the induction of tolerogenic DCs by CTLA4. We determined that the interaction of CTLA4 with its high affinity ligand CD80 on DCs induces STAT3 phosphorylation followed by reduction of NF-κB activity, leading to suppression of CD80 and CD86 gene transcription and protein production. Our work opens new windows for the generation of tolerogenic DCs that could ultimately be used for treating autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection.
Keywords: Dendritic cells r Immune regulation r Regulatory T cells r ToleranceAdditional supporting information may be found in the online version of this article at the publisher's web-site
IntroductionDendritic cells (DCs) play a central role in the initiation and regulation of immune responses [1]. Although traditionally viewed as immunity inducers, in the absence of inflammatory danger signals, DCs participate in the maintenance of peripheral tolerance [2] and can induce T-cell deletion, anergy and generation and expansion of regulatory T (Treg) cells [3]. These tolerogenic DCs show decreased expression of costimulatory molecules such as CD80Correspondence: Dr. Li Zhang e-mail: lzhang@uhnres.utoronto.ca and CD86 and reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines [4]. Several in vitro methods have been developed in order to generate tolerogenic DCs [5]. Additionally, a growing body of experimental data highlights the role of Treg cells in maintaining tolerance through the suppression of DC immunostimulatory capacity [6][7][8][9]. However, the molecular mechanisms by which Treg cells modulate DC function remain obscure. Elucidation of the mechanisms governing DC maturation may facilitate their use in treating a variety of immune-related conditions including autoimmune diseases and transplantation.CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + Treg cells play a pivotal role in maintaining self-tolerance and preventing autoimmunity. At least two major subtypes of CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + Treg cells have been identified: Thymus-derived natural T regulatory (nTreg) cells and C 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim www.eji-journal.eu1144 Aleksandra Kowalczyk et al. Eur. J. Immunol. 2014. 44: 1143-1155 ...