Mucosal viral infection induces a regulatory T cell activation phenotype distinct from tissue residency in mouse and human tissues.

ABSTRACT: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) mediate immune homeostasis, yet also facilitate nuanced immune responses during infection, balancing pathogen control while limiting host inflammation. Recent studies have identified Treg populations in non-lymphoid tissues that are phenotypically distinct from Tregs in lymphoid tissues (LT), including performance of location-dependent roles. Mucosal tissues serve as critical barriers to microbes while performing unique physiologic functions, so we sought to identify distinct phenotypical and functional aspects of mucosal Tregs in the female reproductive tract. In healthy human and mouse vaginal mucosa, we found that Tregs are highly activated compared to blood or LT Tregs. To determine if this phenotype reflects acute activation or a general signature of vaginal

SUBMITTER: Traxinger B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9391309 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature