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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Generation of Induced Regulatory T Cells from Primary Human Naïve and Memory T Cells
Published on: April 16, 2012
CD8+ regulatory T cells generated by neonatal recognition of peripheral self-antigen
Roland Reibke1, Natalio Garbi, Ruth Ganss
1*Division of Molecular Immunology (D050), German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
Abstract:
In comparison with CD4+ regulatory T cells, the generation and function of immunomodulatory CD8+T cells is less well defined. Here we describe the existence of regulatory anti-Kb-specific CD8+ T cells that are rendered tolerant during neonatal life via antigen contact exclusively on keratinocytes. These regulatory T cells maintain tolerance during adulthood as they prevent Kb-specific graft rejection by naïve CD8+ T cells. Third-party immune responses remain unaffected. Up-regulation of TGF-beta1 and granzyme B in the regulatory CD8+ T cell population suggests the involvement of these molecules in common suppressive pathways shared with CD4+ regulatory T cells. In summary, CD8+ regulatory T cells can be induced extrathymically through antigen contact on neonatally accessible parenchymal cells and maintain tolerance throughout adult life.
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