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Generation of Induced Regulatory T Cells from Primary Human Naïve and Memory T Cells
Published on: April 16, 2012
Prolactin down-regulates CD4+CD25hiCD127low/- regulatory T cell function in humans
M V Legorreta-Haquet1, K Chávez-Rueda, E Montoya-Díaz
1Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología, Hospital de Pediatría, CMN Siglo XXI, Mexico, DF, Mexico.
Journal of Molecular Endocrinology
|December 14, 2011
Summary
Prolactin (PRL) regulates immune responses. This study found that prolactin inhibits regulatory T (Treg) cell function and promotes Th1 cytokine secretion, impacting T cell activation and differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Prolactin (PRL) is known to influence immune responses, including T cell activation, differentiation, and proliferation.
- The specific mechanisms by which PRL regulates regulatory T (Treg) cells remain largely unelucidated.
- Understanding PRL's role in Treg cell function is crucial for comprehending immune system regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of prolactin (PRL) in the function of regulatory T (Treg) cells.
- To determine the expression patterns of PRL and its receptor in Treg and effector T (Teff) cells.
- To assess the impact of PRL on Treg cell-mediated suppression and cytokine secretion.
Main Methods:
- Quantified PRL and PRL receptor expression in human Treg and Teff cells.
- Assessed Treg cell functional activity, including proliferation and cytokine secretion, in response to anti-CD3/CD28 stimulation with and without PRL.
- Utilized co-culture systems to evaluate the suppressive capacity of Treg cells in the presence of PRL.
Main Results:
- Treg cells constitutively express the PRL receptor, while Teff cells require stimulation to induce its expression.
- Prolactin significantly inhibited the suppressive function of Treg cells in vitro, reducing proliferation.
- PRL treatment promoted a Th1 cytokine profile, increasing the production of TNF and IFNγ.
Conclusions:
- PRL receptor expression is constitutive in Treg cells but inducible in Teff cells.
- Prolactin actively inhibits the suppressive function of Treg cells.
- PRL-induced inhibition of Treg cells may occur via the promotion of Th1 cytokine secretion.
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