Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 26, 2026
08:06
Determination of Regulatory T Cell Subsets in Murine Thymus, Pancreatic Draining Lymph Node and Spleen Using Flow Cytometry
Published on: February 27, 2019
11.0K
Day/night changes of thymus-deriving natural regulatory T cell development and function
Ewelina Kiernozek1, Anna Kowalik1, Magdalena Markowska2
1Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland.
Journal of Neuroimmunology
|July 24, 2014
Summary
Immune cell activity follows a daily rhythm. This study shows that natural regulatory T cells (nTregs) change their distribution and suppressive function based on the time of day, impacting immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Chronobiology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Immune system activity exhibits circadian rhythmicity.
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates immune cell migration and activity.
- Natural regulatory T cells (nTregs), specifically CD4+CD25+Foxp3+, are crucial for maintaining immune homeostasis and self-tolerance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether the development and suppressive activity of nTregs are influenced by the day/night cycle.
- To determine the impact of circadian rhythms on nTreg function.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of nTreg distribution within the thymus.
- Assessment of the suppressive potential of nTregs to inhibit T cell proliferation.
- Experimental design considering the diurnal cycle.
Main Results:
- Significant effects of daytime on nTreg distribution in the thymus were observed.
- The study demonstrated day-time dependent changes in the suppressive potential of nTregs.
- Circadian variations in nTreg activity were identified.
Conclusions:
- nTreg development and function are subject to circadian regulation.
- Diurnal variations in nTregs influence their capacity to control immune responses.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering the time of day in immunological studies.
Related Concept Videos
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
3.2K
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...
3.2K
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
13.6K
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...
13.6K