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Updated: May 27, 2026
Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes
Published on: September 26, 2013
Inhibitory effect of corneal endothelial cells on IL-17-producing Th17 cells
Sunao Sugita1, Yuko Kawazoe, Yukiko Yamada
1Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan. sunaoph@tmd.ac.jp
Aim:
To determine whether cultured corneal endothelial (CE) cells suppress interleukin 17 (IL-17)-producing effector T cells in vitro.
Methods:
CE cell lines established from a normal mouse were used. Target bystander T cells were established from normal splenic T cells with anti-CD3 antibodies. Production of IL-17 by target T cells was evaluated by ELISA, flow cytometry and quantitative PCR. To abolish the CE-inhibitory function, transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-small interfering RNA-transfected CE cells or transwell membrane inserts, which block cell-to-cell contact, were used.
Results:
Cultured CE cells greatly suppressed the activation of bystander target cells (pan-T, CD4 T, CD8 T, and B cells) in vitro, particularly inflammatory cytokine production by CD4 cells. Cultured CE cells significantly suppressed IL-17-producing T cells and fully suppressed polarised T helper 17 (Th17) cell lines that are induced by Th17-associated differentiation factors. However, CE cells failed to suppress Th17 cells if the CE cell lines were pretreated with TGFβ small interfering RNA or if direct contact with T cells was blocked with transwell membrane inserts.
Conclusion:
CE cells impair the effector functions and activation of IL-17-producing helper T cells in a cell-contact-dependent mechanism. Thus, corneal endothelium may contribute to the maintenance of the privileged immune status in the eye by inducing peripheral immune tolerance.
Insights
Cultured corneal endothelial (CE) cells suppress interleukin 17 (IL-17)-producing T cells via direct cell contact. This suggests the corneal endothelium promotes immune tolerance within the eye.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The eye possesses a unique immune-privileged status.
- Interleukin 17 (IL-17) plays a role in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
- Corneal endothelial (CE) cells form the inner lining of the cornea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of cultured CE cells on IL-17-producing effector T cells.
- To determine the mechanism by which CE cells might influence T cell responses.
Main Methods:
- CE cell lines were co-cultured with T cells stimulated to produce IL-17.
- IL-17 production was measured using ELISA, flow cytometry, and quantitative PCR.
- Mechanisms of suppression were explored using TGFβ-siRNA and transwell inserts to block cell contact.
Main Results:
- Cultured CE cells significantly suppressed IL-17 production by T cells, including polarized T helper 17 (Th17) cells.
- Suppression was dependent on direct cell-to-cell contact between CE cells and T cells.
- Inhibition of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) or blocking cell contact abolished the suppressive effect.
Conclusions:
- CE cells inhibit the activation and effector functions of IL-17-producing T cells.
- This inhibition occurs through a cell-contact-dependent mechanism.
- Corneal endothelium may contribute to ocular immune privilege by inducing peripheral immune tolerance.
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