The parasite cytokine mimic Hp-TGM potently replicates the regulatory effects of TGF-β on murine CD4⁺ T cells.

ABSTRACT: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) family proteins mediate many vital biological functions in growth, development and regulation of the immune system. TGF-β itself controls immune homeostasis and inflammation, including conversion of naïve CD4⁺ T cells into Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the presence of interleukin-2 and T-cell receptor ligands. The helminth parasite Heligmosomoides polygyrus exploits this pathway through a structurally novel TGF-β mimic (Hp-TGM), which binds to mammalian TGF-β receptors and induces Tregs. Here, we performed detailed comparisons of Hp-TGM with mammalian TGF-β. Compared with TGF-β, Hp-TGM induced greater numbers of Foxp3⁺ Tregs (iTregs), with more intense Foxp3 expression. Both ligands upregulated Treg functional

SUBMITTER: White MPJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9214624 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature