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Suppressor activity and potency among regulatory T cells is discriminated by functionally active CD44
Mihail Firan1, Sohita Dhillon, Pila Estess
1Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
Blood
|September 24, 2005
Summary
Identifying a specific marker on CD4CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Treg cells) can predict their suppressor activity. This discovery aids in isolating potent Treg cells for therapeutic applications in immune tolerance.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- CD4CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are crucial for peripheral tolerance and hold therapeutic promise.
- Challenges include limited cell numbers, in vitro anergy, and poor understanding of Treg cell function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify a reliable marker for functional activity within activated CD4CD25(+) Treg cells.
- To explore the role of CD44 in Treg cell suppressor function.
Main Methods:
- Assessing suppressor activity of activated CD4CD25(+) Treg cells.
- Correlating hyaluronan-binding CD44 (CD44(act)) expression with suppressor function.
- Evaluating CD44(act) induction and functional consequences in vivo.
Main Results:
- Heterogeneity in suppressor activity was observed among activated CD4CD25(+) Treg cells.
- CD44(act) expression strongly correlates with superior suppressor activity.
- CD44(act) can discriminate enhanced suppressive function within 16 hours of in vitro activation.
- CD44(act) is induced on resting Treg cells in vivo by allogeneic stimulation.
Conclusions:
- CD44(act) serves as a cell-surface marker to delineate functional activity in activated CD4CD25(+) Treg cells.
- This marker can be used to identify and enrich for Treg cells with maximal suppressor potency.
- The findings offer a potential tool for Treg cell-based therapies.