Regulatory T cell transfer ameliorates lymphedema and promotes lymphatic vessel function.

ABSTRACT: Secondary lymphedema is a common postcancer treatment complication, but the underlying pathological processes are poorly understood and no curative treatment exists. To investigate lymphedema pathomechanisms, a top-down approach was applied, using genomic data and validating the role of a single target. RNA sequencing of lymphedematous mouse skin indicated upregulation of many T cell-related networks, and indeed depletion of CD4⁺ cells attenuated lymphedema. The significant upregulation of Foxp3, a transcription factor specifically expressed by regulatory T cells (Tregs), along with other Treg-related genes, implied a potential role of Tregs in lymphedema. Indeed, increased infiltration of Tregs was identified in mouse lymphedematous skin and in human lymphedema specimens. To in

SUBMITTER: Gousopoulos E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5054740 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature