Interleukin-2 Enhances the Regulatory Functions of CD4(+)T Cell-Derived CD4(-)CD8(-) Double Negative T Cells

CD4(+) T cells can be converted to CD4(-)CD8(-) double negative T cells (DN T cells) under appropriate conditions, and IL-2 enhanced the conversion. Here, we investigated the effect of IL-2 on the proliferation and function of converted DN T cells in vitro and in vivo. DN T cells were hyporesponsive when restimulated by mature dendritic cells (mDCs), IL-2 completely restored their responsiveness in vitro. In addition, IL-2 increased the resistance of DN T cells to apoptosis in vivo. DN T cells profoundly inhibited the proliferation of CD4(+)CD25(-) T effector cells triggered by mDCs in vitro, and this suppression was further enhanced by IL-2. Adoptively transferring of DN T cells, in combination with IL-2, inhibited the proliferation and enhanced apoptosis of alloreactive CD4(+) T cells, which resulted in significant prolongation of skin allograft survival time. Perforin plays a key role in the enhancement of DN T cells immune regulation by IL-2. In conclusion, we elucidated that IL-2 promoted DN T cell proliferation and suppressive function. The combination of DN T cells and exogenous IL-2 may represent a novel therapy in the clinical setting to prevent allograft rejection and induce immune tolerance.