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Autoreactive T cells in healthy individuals
Nancy A Danke1, David M Koelle, Cassian Yee
1Benaroya Research Institute, Virginia Mason, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|May 7, 2004
Summary
Autoreactive CD4(+) T cells targeting self-antigens are present in healthy individuals. Regulatory T cells (Treg) suppress these autoreactive T cells, maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Autoimmunity
- T cell biology
Background:
- Autoreactive T cells pose a risk for autoimmune diseases.
- Regulatory T cells (Treg) are crucial for immune tolerance.
- The presence and function of autoreactive T cells in healthy individuals require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of autoreactive CD4(+) T cells in healthy individuals.
- To determine the role of CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg in controlling autoreactive T cells.
- To characterize the phenotype and function of autoreactive T cells.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of CD4(+) T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of healthy subjects.
- Detection of autoreactive T cells using antigen-specific class II tetramer reagents.
- Suppression assays involving the addition of CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg.
- Cloning and characterization of autoreactive T cells.
Main Results:
- Autoreactive CD4(+) T cells directed against GAD65, tyrosinase, and NY-ESO-1 were detected in most healthy individuals.
- These autoreactive T cells were visualized using tetramer staining in peripheral blood.
- CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg suppressed the expansion of autoreactive T cells.
- Cloned autoreactive T cells expressed activation markers upon stimulation with self-antigens.
Conclusions:
- Autoreactive T cells are a common feature of the healthy immune system.
- Regulatory T cells (Treg) play a critical role in maintaining immune tolerance by suppressing autoreactive T cells.
- These findings highlight the importance of Treg in preventing autoimmunity.