Effects of natural suppressor cells on production of Th1 and Th2 cytokines and proliferation of polarized T cells

Abstract

Natural suppressor cells from the bone marrow of intact animals and mice with Th1- and Th2-dependent immune response largely suppressed the production of Th1 (IFN-gamma, IL-2) and Th2 cytokines (IL-4). Antiproliferative activity of natural suppressor cells from intact and immunized animals was mediated by NO. Proliferation of Th1 cells was suppressed greater than that of Th2 cells. This selective effect of natural suppressor cells on the proliferation of target lymphocytes was due to higher stimulatory potential of Th1 cells (in comparison with Th2) towards natural suppressor cells.

Attenuation of allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness is mediated by airway regulatory T cells

“…Recently published in vitro data have demonstrated that Treg cells can suppress the function of activated effector T cells and also naïve T cells by inhibiting T cell growth and/or proliferation (4,8,18,20,64). The current in vivo 3-wk OVA challenge results support the in vitro data by demonstrating that increased numbers of Treg cells within the airways were associated with a decrease in Th2 cytokine secretion within the airways (3-wk OVA challenge; Fig.…”

“…Treg cells are known to inhibit both Th1 and Th2 cells in vitro (4,8,18,20,64) and in vivo (14,27,38,44,56,60). Therefore, one potential mechanism for the attenuation of allergen-induced AHR is an alteration in the cell numbers or balance between activated effector and Treg cells in the airways and/or DLN.…”