Involvement of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Type II in <i>FoxP3</i> Stability and as a Marker of Treg Cells Specifically Expanded by Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor Treatments in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

TNFRII expression identifies a subset of Treg cells that are characterized by stable expression of Foxp3 via gene hypomethylation, and adoptive transfer of TNFRII-expressing Treg cells ameliorates inflammation in experimental models. Expansion and activation of TNFRII+ Treg cells may be one of the mechanisms by which anti-TNF agents control inflammation in RA, but not in SpA.