Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2025
07:17
Phenotypic and Functional Analysis of Activated Regulatory T Cells Isolated from Chronic Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus-infected Mice
Published on: June 22, 2016
9.9K
T regulatory lymphocytes specific for SARS-CoV-2 display increased functional plasticity
Laura Esparcia-Pinedo1, Ángel Lancho-Sánchez1, Ilya Tsukalov2
1Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Madrid, Spain.
Clinical Immunology (Orlando, Fla.)
|October 12, 2023
Summary
Immune cells called T regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes show increased CCR9 and CCR6 expression in response to SARS-CoV-2. This suggests a role for these adaptable cells in COVID-19 severity and autoimmune conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Understanding immune cell roles in SARS-CoV-2 infection is crucial for COVID-19 pathogenesis and disease variability.
- Chemokine receptor expression on T lymphocytes influences immune responses and disease outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze chemokine receptor expression (CCR9, CCR6) on SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ T lymphocytes.
- To investigate the functional characteristics and heterogeneity of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in COVID-19 and vaccinated individuals.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry analysis of chemokine receptor expression on CD4+ T cells.
- Assessment of cytokine production (IL-10, IL-17) and transcription factor expression (FoxP3, Notch4).
- Comparison of immune cell profiles in vaccinated donors, convalescent individuals, and COVID-19 patients.
Main Results:
- Increased CCR9+ and CCR6+ CD4+ T cells were observed in vaccinated individuals and COVID-19 patients.
- CCR9+ CD4+ T cells were enriched in regulatory T cells (Tregs) with heterogeneous regulatory activity.
- CCR6+ Tregs were significantly increased in critically ill COVID-19 patients, suggesting a role in lung injury.
Conclusions:
- A SARS-CoV-2-specific Treg population exhibits increased plasticity, contributing to varied disease responses.
- This Treg plasticity may underlie differential COVID-19 pathogenesis and the development of post-infection autoimmune conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
1.0K
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...
1.0K
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
774
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...
774
01:28Diversity of Antigen Receptors
605
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...
605
01:20Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
841
The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
841
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
1.0K
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...
1.0K