In:
The Journal of Immunology, The American Association of Immunologists, Vol. 182, No. 8 ( 2009-04-15), p. 4633-4640
Abstract:
TGF-β induces the conversion of CD4+CD25− T cells into CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg). Activin A is a pleiotropic TGF-β family member and is expressed in response to inflammatory signals. In this study, we report on the effects of activin A on the conversion of CD4+CD25− T cells into Foxp3-expressing induced Treg (iTreg). Activin A was able to promote the conversion of CD4+CD25− T cells into iTreg in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Activin A together with TGF-β1 had synergistic effects on the rate of iTreg conversion in vitro. Intact TGF-β1 signaling seemed to be essential for the effects of activin A on iTreg generation because cells overexpressing a dominant negative TGF-β type II receptor could not be converted by activin A in vitro. In vivo, the frequency of peripheral, but not central, Treg was increased in transgenic mice with elevated activin A serum levels and the in vivo conversion rate of CD4+CD25− T cells into Foxp3-expressing iTreg was increased as compared with wild type mice. These data suggest a role for activin A as a promoter of the TGF-β dependent conversion of CD4+CD25− T cells into iTreg in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, besides promoting inflammation, activin A may contribute to the regulation of inflammation via the expansion of peripheral Treg.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0022-1767
,
1550-6606
DOI:
10.4049/jimmunol.0803143
Language:
English
Publisher:
The American Association of Immunologists
Publication Date:
2009
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1475085-5