Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
07:12
Mouse Naïve CD4+ T Cell Isolation and In vitro Differentiation into T Cell Subsets
Published on: April 16, 2015
CCR6 is expressed on an IL-10-producing, autoreactive memory T cell population with context-dependent regulatory
Laura Rivino1, Paola Gruarin, Barbara Häringer
1Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|March 3, 2010
Summary
Regulatory T cells produce Interleukin-10 (IL-10) to prevent autoimmunity. This study identifies IL-10-producing memory T cells (CCR6+) that maintain tolerance under normal conditions but can activate during immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is crucial for preventing autoimmunity and immunopathology.
- The phenotype and function of IL-10-producing memory T cells remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics and function of IL-10-producing memory T cells, specifically the CD4(+)CCR6(+) subset.
- To explore the role of these cells in immune tolerance and potential activation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of human CD4(+)CCR6(+) memory T cells.
- Induction of CCR6 under Th17-promoting and TGF-beta conditions.
- In situ and ex vivo assessment of IL-10 production in response to myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) and T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation.
- Isolation and characterization of autoreactive CCR6(+) T cell clones.
Main Results:
- Human CD4(+)CCR6(+) memory T cells express both IL-17 and IL-10.
- CCR6(+) memory T cells are found near CCR6(+) mDCs in human spleens and secrete IL-10 in situ.
- These cells produce IL-10 upon stimulation with immature mDCs or suboptimal TCR activation, but IL-2 and other cytokines upon optimal TCR stimulation.
- Autoreactive CCR6(+) T cell clones exhibit context-dependent cytokine production, secreting IL-10 with mDCs alone but IL-2 and proliferating with recall antigens.
Conclusions:
- A subset of memory T cells (CCR6+) possesses a dual function: maintaining tolerance via IL-10 production under steady-state conditions and participating in immune responses upon encountering specific antigens.
- This population represents a novel mechanism for balancing immune tolerance and reactivity.
Related Concept Videos
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
01:27Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
01:28Diversity of Antigen Receptors
Antigen receptors are essential components of the immune system crucial in defending the body against foreign invaders. These receptors are present on the surface of B and T cells, enabling them to recognize antigens and mount an appropriate immune response.
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...