Inhibitory IL-10-producing CD4⁺ T cells are T-bet-dependent and facilitate cytomegalovirus persistence via coexpression of arginase-1.

ABSTRACT: Inhibitory CD4⁺ T cells have been linked with suboptimal immune responses against cancer and pathogen chronicity. However, the mechanisms that underpin the development of these regulatory cells, especially in the context of ongoing antigen exposure, have remained obscure. To address this knowledge gap, we undertook a comprehensive functional, phenotypic, and transcriptomic analysis of interleukin (IL)-10-producing CD4⁺ T cells induced by chronic infection with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV). We identified these cells as clonally expanded and highly differentiated T_H1-like cells that developed in a T-bet-dependent manner and coexpressed arginase-1 (Arg1), which promotes the catalytic breakdown of L-arginine. Mice lacking Arg1-expressing CD4⁺ T cell

SUBMITTER: Clement M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10344424 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature