Conversion of Th2 memory cells into Foxp3+ regulatory T cells suppressing Th2-mediated allergic asthma

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 May 11;107(19):8742-7. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0911756107. Epub 2010 Apr 26.

Abstract

Genetic and epigenetic programming of T helper (Th) cell subsets during their polarization from naive Th cells establishes long-lived memory Th cells that stably maintain their lineage signatures. However, whether memory Th cells can be redifferentiated into another Th lineage is unclear. In this study, we show that Ag-specific memory Th cells were redifferentiated into Foxp3(+) T cells by TGF-beta when stimulated in the presence of all-trans retinoic acid and rapamycin. The "converted" Foxp3(+) T cells that were derived from Th2 memory cells down-regulated GATA-3 and IRF4 and produced little IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Instead, the converted Foxp3(+) T cells suppressed the proliferation and cytokine production of Th2 memory cells. More importantly, the converted Foxp3(+) T cells efficiently accumulated in the airways and significantly suppressed Th2 memory cell-mediated airway hyperreactivity, eosinophilia, and allergen-specific IgE production. Our findings reveal the plasticity of Th2 memory cells and provide a strategy for adoptive immunotherapy for the treatment of allergic diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Asthma / complications
  • Asthma / immunology*
  • Asthma / physiopathology
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / complications
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Eosinophils / immunology
  • Eosinophils / pathology
  • Epitopes / immunology
  • Female
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / immunology*
  • GATA3 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Immunologic Memory / drug effects
  • Immunologic Memory / immunology*
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Neutralization Tests
  • Sirolimus / pharmacology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / pathology
  • Th2 Cells / drug effects
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*
  • Th2 Cells / pathology
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / pharmacology
  • Tretinoin / pharmacology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Epitopes
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Foxp3 protein, mouse
  • GATA3 Transcription Factor
  • Gata3 protein, mouse
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Tretinoin
  • Sirolimus