FOXP3 promoter demethylation reveals the committed Treg population in humans.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Naturally occurring thymus derived regulatory T cells (Tregs) are central in the maintenance of self-tolerance. The transcription factor FOXP3 is crucial for the suppressive activity of Tregs and is considered the most specific marker for this population. However, human non regulatory T cells upregulate FOXP3 transiently upon activation which calls for other means to identify the Treg population. Since epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the establishment of stable gene expression patterns during cell differentiation, we hypothesized that the methylation profile of the FOXP3 promoter would allow the distinction of truly committed Tregs.

Methodology/principal findings

Human CD4(+)CD25(hi) Tregs displayed a demethylated FOXP3 promoter (1.4%+/-0.95% SEM methylated)

SUBMITTER: Janson PC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2238816 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature