Regulatory T cells suppress the formation of potent KLRK1 and IL-7R expressing effector CD8 T cells by limiting IL-2.

ABSTRACT: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are indispensable for maintaining self-tolerance by suppressing conventional T cells. On the other hand, Tregs promote tumor growth by inhibiting anticancer immunity. In this study, we identified that Tregs increase the quorum of self-reactive CD8⁺ T cells required for the induction of experimental autoimmune diabetes in mice. Their major suppression mechanism is limiting available IL-2, an essential T-cell cytokine. Specifically, Tregs inhibit the formation of a previously uncharacterized subset of antigen-stimulated KLRK1⁺ IL-7R⁺ (KILR) CD8⁺ effector T cells, which are distinct from conventional effector CD8⁺ T cells. KILR CD8⁺ T cells show superior cell-killing abilities in vivo. The administrat

SUBMITTER: Tsyklauri O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9977273 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature