Abstract
A role for CD4 +CD25 + regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the control of allergic diseases has been postulated. We developed a mouse model in which anaphylaxis is induced in SJL mice by immunization and challenge with the fragment of self myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) 139-151 that is not expressed in the thymus, but not with fragment 178-191 of the same protein, that is expressed in the thymus. In this study, we show that resistance to anaphylaxis is associated with naturally occurring CD4 +CD25 + Tregs specific for the self peptide expressed in the thymus. These cells increase Foxp3 expression upon Ag stimulation and suppress peptide-induced proliferation of CD4 +CD25 - effector T cells. Depletion of Tregs with anti-CD25 in vivo significantly diminished resistance to anaphylaxis to PLP 178-191, suggesting an important role for CD4 +CD25 + Tregs in preventing the development of allergic responses to this thymus-expressed peptide. These data indicate that naturally occurring CD4 +CD25 + Tregs specific for a peptide expressed under physiological conditions in the thymus are able to suppress the development of a systemic allergic reaction to self.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 4433-4440 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Immunology |
Volume | 180 |
Issue number | 7 |
Publication status | Published - Apr 1 2008 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology