Cutting Edge: Cure of Colitis by CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells

TLDR

CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells can prevent T cell‑mediated immune pathology, but their ability to cure established inflammation had not been examined. The study employed the CD4(+)CD45RB(high) T cell transfer model of inflammatory bowel disease to determine whether CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells could cure intestinal inflammation. By transferring CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells into colitic mice and comparing them to CD4(+)CD25(-)CD45RB(low) T cells, the authors showed that only the former cured the disease. Transfer of CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells into colitic mice resolved intestinal inflammation, restored normal architecture, and revealed proliferation and strategic positioning between CD11c(+) cells and pathogenic T cells, suggesting therapeutic potential for chronic inflammatory diseases.

Abstract

CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells have been shown to prevent T cell-mediated immune pathology; however, their ability to ameliorate established inflammation has not been tested. Using the CD4(+)CD45RB(high) T cell transfer model of inflammatory bowel disease, we show that CD4(+)CD25(+) but not CD4(+)CD25(-)CD45RB(low) T cells are able to cure intestinal inflammation. Transfer of CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells into mice with colitis led to resolution of the lamina propria infiltrate in the intestine and reappearance of normal intestinal architecture. CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells were found to proliferate in the mesenteric lymph nodes and inflamed colon. They were located between clusters of CD11c(+) cells and pathogenic T cells and found to be in contact with both cell types. These studies suggest that manipulation of CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells may be beneficial in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.