Interleukin 2 Promotes Hepatic Regulatory T Cell Responses and Protects From Biliary Fibrosis in Murine Sclerosing Cholangitis.

ABSTRACT: In the multidrug resistance protein 2 (Mdr2)^-/- mouse model, low phospholipid bile instigates biliary epithelial injury, sterile inflammation, and fibrosis, thereby recapitulating disease mechanisms implicated in biliary atresia (BA) and primary sclerosing cholangitis. We hypothesize that T lymphocytes contribute to the biliary injury and fibrosis in murine sclerosing cholangitis (SC) and that they are susceptible to suppression by regulatory T cells (Tregs). In juvenile Mdr2^-/- mice, intrahepatic CD8+ lymphocytes were expanded, and contraction of intrahepatic Tregs coincided with rising serum alanine transferase and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels between days 14-30 of life. Antibody-mediated depletion of intrahepatic CD8+ lymphocytes during that time reduced ALP l

SUBMITTER: Taylor AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6203671 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature