Nitric oxide induces CD4+CD25+ Foxp3 regulatory T cells from CD4+CD25 T cells via p53, IL-2, and OX40.

ABSTRACT: The principal aim of the immune system is to establish a balance between defense against pathogens and avoidance of autoimmune disease. This balance is achieved partly through regulatory T cells (Tregs). CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs are either naturally occurring or induced by antigens and are characterized by the expression of the X-linked forkhead/winged helix transcription factor, Foxp3. Here we report a previously unrecognized subset of CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs derived from CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells induced by nitric oxide (NO). The induction of Tregs (NO-Tregs) is independent of cGMP but depends on p53, IL-2, and OX40. NO-Tregs produced IL-4 and IL-10, but not IL-2, IFNgamma, or TGFbeta. The cells were GITR(+), CD27(+), T-bet(low), GATA3(high), and Foxp3(-). NO-Tregs suppressed the proliferation of CD4

SUBMITTER: Niedbala W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1978217 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature