A population of Regulatory T cells controls nociception through enkephalins to restrain skin inflammation [fixed scRNA-seq]
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ABSTRACT: The skin integrates diverse signals discerned by sensory neurons and immune cells to elicit adaptive responses to a range of stresses. Considering interactions between nervous and immune systems, we questioned whether regulatory T (Treg ) cells, that suppresses systemic and local inflammation, can modulate activation of peripheral neurons. Acute Treg cell “loss-of-function” increased neuronal activation to noxious stimuli independently from immunosuppressive function. We find that a population of activated skin Treg cells is highly enriched for Penk expression, a precursor for endogenous opioid enkephalins. Punctual selective depletion of Penk-expressing Treg cells, or specific ablation of Penk in Treg cells increases neuronal activation in response to noxious stimuli and associated inflammation. Our study indicates that a population of tissue Treg cells exhibits neuromodulatory activity to restrain local inflammation.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE301586 | GEO | 2025/07/09
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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