Prolonged Survival of Allografts Induced by Mycobacterial Hsp70 Is Dependent on CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells

Abstract

We present the first evidence for an immunosuppressive role for this protein in a graft rejection system, using an innovative approach--immersion of the graft tissue in TBHsp70 solution instead of protein injection. Also, this is the first study that demonstrates dependence on Treg cells for the immunosuppressive role of TBHsp70. This finding is relevant for the elucidation of the immunomodulatory mechanism of TBHsp70. We propose that this protein can be used not only for chronic inflammatory diseases, but is also useful for organ transplantation management.