Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Generation of Induced Regulatory T Cells from Primary Human Naïve and Memory T Cells
14:23

Generation of Induced Regulatory T Cells from Primary Human Naïve and Memory T Cells

Published on: April 16, 2012

Identification and functional characterization of human CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells with regulatory properties isolated

H Jonuleit1, E Schmitt, M Stassen

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University of Mainz, D-55101 Mainz, Germany. jonuleit@hautklinik.klinik.uni-mainz.de

The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|June 8, 2001
PubMed

Insights

A specific group of human CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells acts as a potent regulatory cell population. These cells suppress conventional T cell expansion without producing key cytokines, highlighting their unique immune function.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Peripheral blood contains various T cell subsets with distinct functions.
  • Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in maintaining immune homeostasis.
  • Understanding human Treg populations is vital for developing immunotherapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize a novel subpopulation of human peripheral CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells.
  • To investigate the suppressive mechanisms and regulatory properties of these cells.
  • To determine the reversibility of their anergic state.

Main Methods:

  • Flow cytometry to identify cell surface markers (CD45RO, HLA-DR, CTLA-4).
  • Cell proliferation assays to assess expansion after stimulation.
  • Suppression assays to evaluate impact on conventional T cells.
  • Cytokine analysis (IL-2, IL-4, IFN-gamma) at protein and mRNA levels.
  • Cell cycle analysis (G1/G0 arrest).
  • Reversibility studies using antibodies and cytokines (IL-2, IL-4).

Main Results:

  • A distinct CD4(+)CD25(+) T cell subpopulation was identified, expressing CD45RO, HLA-DR, and intracellular CTLA-4.
  • These cells did not expand upon stimulation and suppressed conventional T cell expansion via cell contact.
  • Activated cells displayed surface CTLA-4 and exhibited G1/G0 cell cycle arrest.
  • No production of IL-2, IL-4, or IFN-gamma was detected.
  • The anergic state was resistant to blockade of co-stimulatory and inhibitory pathways but partially reversible with IL-2 or IL-4.

Conclusions:

  • Human peripheral blood harbors a resident T cell population with significant regulatory capacity.
  • This CD4(+)CD25(+) T cell subset functions as a potent suppressor of T cell responses.
  • Their unique characteristics and suppressive mechanisms offer insights into immune regulation and potential therapeutic targets.

More Related Videos

New Tools to Expand Regulatory T Cells from HIV-1-infected Individuals09:27

New Tools to Expand Regulatory T Cells from HIV-1-infected Individuals

Published on: May 30, 2013

Isolation of CD4+ T-cells and Analysis of Circulating T-follicular Helper (cTfh) Cell Subsets from Peripheral Blood Using 6-color Flow Cytometry07:39

Isolation of CD4+ T-cells and Analysis of Circulating T-follicular Helper (cTfh) Cell Subsets from Peripheral Blood Using 6-color Flow Cytometry

Published on: January 7, 2019

Related Concept Videos

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection01:22

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection

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...
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

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...