Cellular Senescence and SENEX Gene on the Peripheral CD4+CD25+ Treg Cells Enhancement in Elderly

Cellular senescence is a signal transduction process which maintained genomic stability and stopped mammalian cell growth. Furthermore, cellular senescence induces a protective response to a variety of DNA damage. However, this process is also associated with apoptosis, upregulated secretion of inflammatory cytokine, and promoted surrounding tissue damage. When cellular senescence accumulates to a certain extent, it triggers geriatric diseases, such as chronic inflammation, immune senescence-associated tumors and incontrollable infections. Cellular senescence gene SENEX, which was cloned in 2004, has been demonstrated to play a unique gatekeeper function in human endothelial cells when stress-induced pre-mature senescence and apoptosis occurr. The phenomenon that CD4+CD25+ Treg cells accumulated in the aged population has been well studied in recent years. Now Treg accumulation related to immune-pathology has attracted more interest. CD4+CD25+ Treg did not decline and age, but accumulated and suppressed immunoreaction. The enhanced Treg number and function may be associated with stress-induced premature senescence-mediated unique cellular senescence protection mechanisms, and SENEX may play a critical role in this process. In this article, we summarize the cellular senescence and SENEX gene in the accumulation and functional activity of CD4+CD25+ Treg in the elderly.

外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞、TLR4、hCMV-IgM与动脉粥样硬化型急性脑梗死患者颈动脉粥样硬化的关系

目的探讨外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞、TLR4、人巨细胞病毒(hCMV)-IgM与动脉粥样硬化型急性脑梗死(As-ACI)患者颈动脉粥样硬化的关系。方法选取89例As-ACI患者(脑梗死组),另选取健康体检者43例(对照组)。根据颈内动脉超声结果将As-ACI患者分为内膜正常组、内膜增厚组、斑块组、狭窄组。比较各组外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞水平、单个核细胞TLR4表达水平、hCMV-IgM抗体阳性率和内膜中膜厚度(IMT)。分析As-ACI患者颈动脉狭窄的危险因素,分析CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞、TLR4与IMT的相关性及其对颈动脉狭窄的预测价值。结果脑梗死组CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞、HDLC水平低于对照组,TLR4表达、hCMV-IgM抗体阳性率、TC、TG、LDLC、hs-CRP水平、IMT高于对照组(P<0.05)。内膜正常组、内膜增厚组、斑块组、狭窄组CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞水平依次降低,TLR4表达、hCMV-IgM抗体阳性率、IMT依次增高(P<0.05)。CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞水平与IMT呈负相关,TLR4表达与IMT呈正相关(P<0.05)。高血压、CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg表达、TLR4表达、hCMV-IgM抗体阳性是As-ACI患者颈动脉狭窄的危险因素(P<0.05)。CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞、TLR4表达水平联合检测的预测价值高于单独检测(P<0.05)。结论外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞、TLR4、hCMV-IgM抗体阳性率与As-ACI患者颈动脉粥样硬化进展有关,外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞、TLR4联合可以较好预测病变过程。

RhoA、CD4^(+)CD25^(+)调节性T细胞、MYBL2在胃癌患者中的表达及对预后和生存时间的影响

目的:探讨RhoA、CD4^(+)CD25^(+)调节性T细胞、成髓细胞瘤转录因子第2亚型(MYBL2)在胃癌患者中的表达及对预后和生存时间的影响。方法:选取2017年1月至2019年1月于本院就诊的134例胃癌患者术后癌组织标本作为研究对象,另选取其中62例胃癌患者相应的癌旁组织标本及40例同期非胃癌患者正常胃黏膜组织标本进行对照,检测癌组织、癌旁组织、正常胃黏膜组织中RhoA、CD4^(+)CD25^(+)调节性T细胞、MYBL2的表达情况,分析其对胃癌预后及生存时间的影响。结果:RhoA,CD4^(+)CD25^(+)调节性T细胞、MYBL2在癌组织中的阳性率均明显高于癌旁组织和正常胃黏膜组织(P<0.05)。胃癌患者术后平均生存时间为(28.61±1.34)个月,其中RhoA、CD4^(+)CD25^(+)调节性T细胞、MYBL2阳性患者的生存时间均短于阴性患者(P<0.05)。RhoA(+)、CD4^(+)CD25^(+)调节性T细胞(+)、MYBL2(+)是胃癌患者预后的危险因素(P<0.05)。结论:检测RhoA,CD4^(+)CD25^(+)调节性T细胞、MYBL2的表达可作为胃癌病情严重程度、预后及生存时间评估的重要补充手段。

外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)、CD8^(+)CD28^(+)调节性T细胞水平对早期宫颈癌患者腹腔镜根治术后预后的预测价值

目的分析外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)、CD8^(+)CD28^(+)调节性T细胞水平对早期宫颈癌(CC)患者腹腔镜根治术后预后的预测价值。方法招募2018年9月至2020年9月于儋州市人民医院接受腹腔镜根治术治疗的早期CC患者204例,根据患者术后随访期间预后情况分为预后不良组(43例)和预后良好组(161例)。比较两组临床资料。采用Spearman秩相关分析外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)调节性T细胞水平与CD8^(+)CD28^(+)调节性T细胞水平的相关性。采用多因素logistic回归分析早期CC患者腹腔镜根治术后预后不良的影响因素。采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评估外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)、CD8^(+)CD28^(+)调节性T细胞水平对早期CC患者腹腔镜根治术后预后不良的预测价值。结果预后不良组CD4^(+)CD25^(+)调节性T细胞、癌胚抗原(CEA)、糖类抗原125(CA125)水平,术后切缘阳性占比以及术中宫旁浸润占比高于预后良好组,CD8^(+)CD28^(+)调节性T细胞水平低于预后良好组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Spearman秩相关分析结果显示,早期CC患者外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)调节性T细胞水平与CD8^(+)CD28^(+)调节性T细胞水平呈负相关(r_(s)=-0.478,P<0.05)。多因素logistic回归分析结果显示,较高的CEA、CA125、CD4^(+)CD25^(+)调节性T细胞水平是促进早期CC患者腹腔镜根治术后预后不良发生的独立危险因素(P<0.05),较高的CD8^(+)CD28^(+)调节性T细胞水平是抑制早期CC患者腹腔镜根治术后预后不良发生的独立保护因素(P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析结果显示,外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)、CD8^(+)CD28^(+)调节性T细胞水平能有效预测早期CC患者腹腔镜根治术后预后不良(P<0.05),两项指标联合可进一步提高预测效能[AUC(95%CI)=0.939(0.898~0.979),P<0.001],灵敏度和特异度分别为86.00%、88.20%。结论外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)、CD8^(+)CD28^(+)调节性T细胞水平与早期CC患者腹腔镜根治术后预后不良有关,二者能有效预测早期CC患者腹腔镜根治术后预后不良。

EBV感染与鼻咽癌患者CD4+CD25+Treg及相关细胞因子的相关性分析

目的:探讨EB病毒(EBV)感染与鼻咽癌(NPC)患者CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞(Treg)及相关细胞因子[白介素-17(IL-17)、白介素-10(IL-10)]的相关性。方法:选取2019年1月—2022年12月间收治的120例NPC患者作为研究对象,并纳入鼻咽炎患者30例和同期体检健康者30例作为参照,比较各组外周血CD4+CD25+Treg及IL-17、IL-10的水平;采用Spearman相关分析法分析NPC患者EBV DNA与CD4+CD25+Treg、IL-17、IL-10水平的相关性。结果:NPC患者CD4+CD25+Treg、IL-10水平均高于鼻咽炎患者和体检健康者(P<0.05),IL-17水平低于鼻咽炎患者和体检健康者(P<0.05)。ROC曲线显示,外周血CD4+CD25+Treg诊断NPC患者发生EBV感染的临界值为5.42%,AUC为0.867,诊断敏感度为89.65%,特异度为87.10%。Spearman相关分析显示,EBV DNA与NPC患者外周血CD4+CD25+Treg、IL-10呈正相关,与IL-17呈显著负相关性(P均<0.05)。logistics回归分析显示,CD4+CD25+Treg>5.42%是影响NPC合并EBV感染的独立危险因素(OR=2.062,95%CI 1.574~2.703,(P<0.05));结论:EBV感染与鼻咽癌发病密切相关,其作用机制可能与CD4+CD25+Treg及相关细胞因子有关。

CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg在子痫前期患者外周血中表达的意义及与妊娠结局的相关性分析

目的分析CD4+CD25+叉头框蛋白3(Foxp3)+调节性T淋巴细胞(Treg)在子痫前期(PE)患者外周血表达中的意义及与妊娠结局的相关性。方法选取2020年1月~2023年1月收治的112例PE患者为疾病组,另根据年龄、孕周匹配选取健康孕妇60例为健康组。疾病组中根据疾病严重程度分为轻度组与重度组。比较外周血CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg水平差异及不良妊娠结局发生率。疾病组根据是否存在妊娠不良结局分为不良组与良好组。对比良好组与不良组患者临床资料。Logistic回归分析影响PE患者不良妊娠结局的因素。Spearman相关性分析法分析CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg与不良妊娠结局的相关性。结果疾病组、轻度组、重度组CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg百分比均低于健康组,不良妊娠结局发生率均高于健康组(P<0.01)。疾病组、重度组CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg百分比均低于轻度组,不良妊娠结局发生率高于轻度组(P<0.01),重度组CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg百分比低于疾病组,不良妊娠结局发生率高于疾病组(P<0.01)。不良组的孕前体质量指数(BMI)、24 h尿蛋白定量高于良好组,终止妊娠时间早于良好组,外周血CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg百分比均低于良好组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001);Logistic回归分析显示孕前BMI、终止妊娠时间、24 h尿蛋白定量、外周血CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg百分比均是导致不良妊娠结局的独立危险因素(P<0.001)。Spearman相关性分析显示外周血CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg水平与不良妊娠结局呈负相关(r=-0.722,P<0.01)。结论PE患者外周血CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg表达水平异常低表达,是导致不良妊娠结局发生的独立危险因素,且与不良妊娠结局的发生成负相关。

外周血CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)Tcells及CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞ATP含量与复发性卵巢癌疗效的相关性分析

目的 探讨外周血CD4^(+)程序性细胞死亡受体-1(PD-1)^(+)T cells及CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞三磷酸腺苷(ATP)含量与复发性卵巢癌疗效的相关性。方法 选取30例复发性卵巢癌患者为复发组,30例未复发卵巢癌患者为非复发组;另选取30名同期体检健康者作为对照组。评估外周血CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)T cells及CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞ATP含量与复发性卵巢癌疗效的相关性。结果 复发组和非复发组的CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)T cells较对照组明显升高(P<0.05)。复发组和非复发组的CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞ATP含量较对照组明显降低(P<0.05)。复发组治疗后CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)Tcells显著低于治疗前(P<0.05),治疗后CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞ATP含量显著高于治疗前(P<0.05)。CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)T cells与复发性卵巢癌疗效成负相关(r=-0.393,P=0.039),CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞ATP含量与复发性卵巢癌疗效成正相关(r=0.449,P=0.031)。结论 复发性卵巢癌患者外周血CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)T cells及CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞ATP含量与疗效密切相关。

非小细胞肺癌不同胸腔积液严重程度及预后患者lncRNA MEG3表达及其与Th17/CD4^(+)T细胞的关系

目的:研究非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)不同胸腔积液严重程度及预后患者lncRNA MEG3表达及其与Th17/CD4^(+)T细胞的关系。方法:选取2020年1月至2022年12月福建医科大学附属泉州第一医院收治的104例NSCLC恶性胸腔积液患者作为研究对象,根据胸腔积液量分为3组:少量胸腔积液组(35例)、中量胸腔积液组(42例)、大量胸腔积液组(27例)。根据患者疾病实际发展转归分为预后良好组(29例未出现复发和转移)和预后不良组(75例出现复发和转移)。另选取同期于福建医科大学附属泉州第一医院治疗的60例肺炎良性胸腔积液患者作为对照组。实时荧光定量PCR检测两组胸腔积液中MEG3表达。收集受试者外周静脉血,流式细胞术检测外周血Th17细胞、CD4^(+)T细胞比例,并计算Th17/CD4^(+)T。对比各组患者lncRNA MEG3及外周血Th17、CD4^(+)T细胞水平。Logistic回归分析NSCLC胸腔积液及预后的影响因素。结果:NSCLC组胸腔积液lncRNA MEG3表达及CD4^(+)T细胞百分比低于对照组,Th17细胞百分比、Th17/CD4^(+)T高于对照组(P<0.05)。大量胸腔积液组lncRNA MEG3表达及CD4^(+)T细胞百分比低于少量胸腔积液组、中量胸腔积液组,中量胸腔积液组lncRNA MEG3表达及CD4^(+)T细胞百分比低于少量胸腔积液组,大量胸腔积液组Th17细胞百分比、Th17/CD4^(+)T高于少量胸腔积液组、中量胸腔积液组,中量胸腔积液组Th17细胞百分比、Th17/CD4^(+)T高于少量胸腔积液组(P<0.05)。预后不良组lncRNA MEG3表达及CD4^(+)T百分比低于预后良好组,而Th17细胞百分比、Th17/CD4^(+)T高于预后良好组(P<0.05)。Logistic回归分析结果显示,lncRNA MEG3为NSCLC胸腔积液的保护因素,Th17/CD4^(+)T为危险因素(P<0.05);lncRNA MEG3为NSCLC预后的保护因素,Th17/CD4^(+)T为危险因素(P<0.05)。结论:NSCLC不同胸腔积液严重程度及预后患者lncRNA MEG3表达及Th17/CD4^(+)T不同,且lncRNA MEG3为NSCLC胸腔积液及预后的保护因素,Th17/CD4^(+)T为危险因素,可作为胸腔积液严重程度及预后诊断的有效生物标志物。

MBD2 promotes Th2 differentiation in ovalbumin-induced CD4+T cells

Introduction:Allergen-specific CD4+T cells play a central role in autoimmune disorders,allergies and asthma,with Th2-type immunity being the typical functional response of CD4+T cells.This study aimed to investigate the role of MBD2 in regulating Th2 cell differentiation.Methods:Splenic mononuclear cells were extracted from C57BL/6 mice,and CD4+T cells were isolated using magnetic beads and confirmed through flow cytometry.Lentivirus was employed to construct MBD2-silenced CD4+T cells.In vitro experiments were performed to treat splenogenic mononuclear cells and CD4+T cells with Ovalbumin(OVA),and Th2 cell ratios and IL-4 levels were assessed using flow cytometry and ELISA.Results:The purity of the isolated CD4+T cells was 95.73%,confirming successful isolation of primary CD4+T cells.Compared to the control group,the Th2 cell ratio exhibited an increase in the Th2-induced group.Treatment with 5-Aza(concentrations,1-100μM)promoted Th2 cell differentiation and increased IL-4 levels.Notably,when combined with Th2 induction and 10μM 5-Aza treatment,silencing MBD2 further amplified Th2 cell ratios and elevated IL-4 levels in cell supernatants.Furthermore,OVA(concentration,200μg/mL)induced the differentiation of CD4+T cells into Th2 cells and increased IL-4 secretion.Interestingly,silencing MBD2 significantly increased the Th2 cell ratio and IL-4 levels in OVA-treated CD4+T cells.Conclusion:In summary,OVA promoted CD4+T cell differentiation into Th2 cells and enhanced IL-4 levels.MBD2 was identified as a mediator of Th2 cell differentiation in splenic-derived CD4+T cells,influenced by OVA or 5-Aza treatment.

Peripheral CD4^(+)CD8^(+) double positive T cells:A potential marker to evaluate renal impairment susceptibility during systemic lupus erythematosus

Lupus nephritis(LN) has a high incidence in systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) patients, but there is a lack of sensitive predictive markers. The purpose of the study was to investigate the association between the CD4^(+)CD8^(+)double positive T(DPT) lymphocytes and LN. The study included patients with SLE without renal impairment(SLE-NRI), LN, nephritic syndrome(NS), or nephritis. Peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. Biochemical measurements were performed with peripheral blood in accordance with the recommendations proposed by the National Center for Clinical Laboratories. The proportions of DPT cells in the LN group were significantly higher than that in the SLE-NRI group(t=4.012, P<0.001), NS group(t=3.240,P=0.001), and nephritis group(t=2.57, P=0.011). In the LN group, the risk of renal impairment increased significantly in a DPT cells proportion-dependent manner. The risk of LN was 5.136 times(95% confidence interval, 2.115–12.473) higher in cases with a high proportion of DPT cells than those whose proportion of DPT cells within the normal range. These findings indicated that the proportion of DPT cells could be a potential marker to evaluate LN susceptibility, and the interference of NS and nephritis could be effectively excluded when assessing the risk of renal impairment during SLE with DPT cell proportion.

The changes and clinical significance of CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD28-T cells in peripheral blood of patients with stroke

Objective:To study the changes of CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD28-T cells in peripheral blood of patients with stroke and their correlation with neuronal damage markers, inflammatory cytokines and plaque stability indicators.Methods: The patients who were diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke in our hospital between June 2014 and December 2017 were selected as the stroke group of the research, and healthy volunteers who received physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group. Peripheral blood was collected to determine the contents of CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD28-T cells, and serum was collected to determine the contents of neuron damage markers, inflammatory cytokines and plaque stability indicators.Results: Peripheral blood CD4+CD25+ cell content as well as serum BDNF, IGF-1, IL-10, TGF-β1, TIMP2 and Vaspin contents of stroke group was lower than those of control group whereas peripheral blood CD4+CD28-T cell content as well as serum NSE, VILIP-1, ET-1, IL-6, CXCL12, VCAM-1, P-selectin, ox-LDL, CatS, ICTP and VEGF contents was higher than those of control group;peripheral blood CD4+CD25+ cell content of stroke group was positively correlated with serum BDNF, IGF-1, IL-10, TGF-β1, TIMP2 and Vaspin contents, and negatively correlated with NSE, VILIP-1, ET-1, IL-6, CXCL12, VCAM-1, P-selectin, ox-LDL, CatS, ICTP and VEGF contents;peripheral blood CD4+CD28-T cell content was negatively correlated with serum BDNF, IGF-1, IL-10, TGF-β1, TIMP2 and Vaspin contents, and positively correlated with NSE, VILIP-1, ET-1, IL-6, CXCL12, VCAM-1, P-selectin, ox-LDL, CatS, ICTP and VEGF contents.Conclusion: The changes of CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD28-T cells in peripheral blood of patients with stroke can aggravate the neuron damage and promote the inflammatory response activation and plaque stability decline.

口腔扁平苔藓组织中IL-35表达水平与外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg的相关性

目的探究口腔扁平苔藓(OLP)组织中白介素-35(IL-35)表达水平与外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)调节性T细胞(Treg)的相关性。方法收集2016年9月至2018年9月期间我院口腔科收治的口腔扁平苔藓患者38例,设为OLP组,另选同期来我院体检的健康人群20例作为对照组。取两组外周静脉血,荧光定量PCR检测外周血单个核细胞内IL-35两个亚基EB病毒诱导蛋白3(EBI3)、IL-12 p35和CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg标志物叉状头转录因子P3(FOXP3)的表达,酶联免疫吸附法检测血清IL-35、白介素-10(IL-10)、白介素-17(IL-17)和转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)的含量,流式细胞仪检测外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞水平,分析IL-35和CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg水平与OLP患者临床病理特征之间的关系,Pearson法分析EBI3、IL-35与CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg的相关性。结果与对照组相比,OLP组外周血单个核细胞内EBI3、IL-12 p35、FOXP3的mRNA均显著上调(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,OLP组患者血清IL-35、IL-10、IL17、TGF-β1含量显著均上调,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);与对照组相比,OLP组患者外周血CD4^(+)T细胞和CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞水平均显著下降,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);IL-35和CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg水平与患者基底细胞变性程度有关(P<0.05),而与性别、年龄、病程、疾病类型和淋巴细胞浸润无关(P>0.05)。OLP中IL-35与外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg的水平呈正相关(r=0.3644,P<0.05)。结论OLP中IL-35与CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg表达均显著升高,且二者具有正相关关系。

An Association between Immunosenescence and CD4^+CD25^+ Regulatory T Cells: A Systematic Review

Objective Age-related increment of the prevalence of CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T （Treg） cells were described controversially, and whether such changes explain immune dysfunction in the elderly is still unclear. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the role of the Tregs in immunosenescence. Methods Medline and manual searches were performed to identify all published epidemiological and animal studies investigating the efficacy of the association between immunosenescence and Treg cells. Results It was founded that the frequency, phenotypic characteristics, and number/function of Tregs were altered significantly with aging. Medical conditions in individuals with advanced ageas well as apoptosis intensity of Treg cells had an impact on the accumulation of Tregs which in turn could deteriorate cytotoxic activity of CD8＋ T and NK cells and production of IL-2. The range of immune cells that could be suppressed by Treg cells was quite wide and covered CD4^＋CD25^＋ T cells, NK cells, dendritic cells and even monocytes. These changes were observed both in humans and experimental animals. Besides, it was believed that frequency of Tregs increased with age and was accompanied by intensified suppressive activity for Tregs in patients, for example, with Alzheimer disease （AD） and Parkinson disease （PD）. The impaired condition of CD4＋ T cells, so-called immunosenescence, rendered transplant recipients less responsive to an allogeneic kidney graft, an effect that was limited to transplant recipients who were aged over 60 years. Conclusions Treg cells are associated with immunosenescence. All these changes contribute to the aging-related decline of immune responses and lead to the higher risk of immune-mediated diseases, cancer or infections in aged individuals.

Analysis of CD4^+CD25^+ Regulatory T Cells and Foxp3 mRNA in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with Asthma

The changes of CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T cells （CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg） and Foxp3 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs） from patients with asthma were investigated in order to elucidate the possible roles of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg in the development of asthma. The peripheral blood samples were collected from 29 healthy controls （normal control group） and 78 patients with asthma which included 30 patients in exacerbation group, 25 patients in persistent group, and 23 patients in remission group. By using flow cytometry and RT-PCR, the CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA in PBMCs were detected. The CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA in PBMCs of exacerbation and persistent groups were lower than that of remission and normal control groups （P〈0.05）. Although the CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA of remission group were also lower than that of normal control group, there was no significant difference between them （P〉0.05）. As compared with persistent group, exacerbation group had lower CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA （P〈0.05）. It was indicated that the decrease of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and its function in PBMCs may be responsible for pathogenesis of asthma.

Depletion of CD4^+CD25^+ regulatory T cells can promote local immunity to suppress tumor growth in benzo[a]pyrene-induced forestomach carcinoma

AIM： To elucidate the distribution of CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T cells （Tregs） in different lymphoid tissues and its local enhancement on tumor growth before and after depletion of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs. METHODS： Female ICR mice were garaged with benzo[a]pyrene （BaP） to induce forestomach carcinoma. CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs were intraperitoneally depleted with monoclonal antibody PC61. These mice were divided into BaP-only, BaP ＋ IgG, BaP ＋ PC61, and control groups. The forestomach of mice was dissected for histological analysis, and tunnel test was performed for apoptosis of tumor cells. CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs were sorted from different lymphoid tissues and expression of Foxp3, IL-10, and chemokine receptors was analyzed by flow cytometry, semi-quantitative and veal-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS： The mice gavaged with only BaP showed increased forestomach papilloma and carcinoma at wk 16 and 32. The proportion of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs was significantly higher in peri-stomach regional lymph nodes than in other lymphoid tissues. These CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs in regional lymph nodes expressed higher levels of Foxp3 and IL-10, enriched in the CD62L-subset, and CCR1 and CCR5 chemokine receptors. In mice gavaged with BaP ＋ PC61, the number of tumor nodules and tumor volume decreased significantly with massive infiltrating cells and apoptosis of tumor cells. In the draining regional lymph nodes, the number of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs also decreased significantly. CONCLUSION： Inducible and activated CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs in the draining regional lymph nodes suppress host local immunity during tumor growth. Depletion of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs can promote host local immunity to suppress tumor growth.

Changes of CD4^+CD25^+ Regulatory T Cells in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and the Effects of Atorvastatin

The function of CD4＋CD25＋ regulatory T lymphocytes （Treg） in patients with acute coronary syndrome （ACS） and the effects of atorvastatin were investigated. Forty-eight patients with ACS were randomly divided into two groups： group C receiving conventional therapy （n=24）, and group C＋A receiving conventional therapy＋atorvastatin （10 mg/day, n=24）. T lymphocytes from ACS patients （before and 2 weeks after the treatment） or 18 healthy subjects were separated and the flow cytometry was used to measure the percentage of Treg. The inhibitory ability of Treg on effector T cells was determined by mixed lymphocyte reaction （MLR）. ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of cytokines （IL-10, TGF-β1 and IFN-γ） before and after treatment. The results showed that as compared with normal control group, Treg percentage was decreased significantly （P〈0.01）, the inhibitory ability of Treg on the T lymphocytes proliferation was reduced （P〈0.01）, IFN-γ levels were increased and IL-10 and TGF-β1 levels were lowered in ACS patients. After treatment with atorvastatin, Treg percentage and the inhibitory ability of Treg on T lymphocytes proliferation were significantly increased in ACS patients. Serum IFN-γ was decreased significantly, while IL-10 and TGF-β1 were elevated significantly as compared with the non-atorvastatin group. The number of Treg was positively correlated with serum TGF-β1, but negatively with serum IFN-γ and CRP. It was concluded that ACS was associated with decreased number and defected function of Treg, which may play an important role in initiating immune-inflammatory response in ACS. The inhibitory effects of atorvastatin on inflammation in ACS may be due to its beneficial effects on Treg and restoration of immune homeostasis.

Downregulation of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells may underlie enhanced Th1 immunity caused by immunization with activated autologous T cells

Regulatory T cells （Treg） play important roles in immune system homeostasis, and may also be involved in tumor immunotolerance by suppressing Th1 immune response which is involved in anti-tumor immunity. We have previously reported that immunization with attenuated activated autologous T cells leads to enhanced anti-tumor immunity and upregulated Thl responses in vivo. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Here we show that Treg function was significantly downregulated in mice that received immunization of attenuated activated autologous T cells. We found that Foxp3 expression decreased in CD4＋CD25＋ T cells from the immunized mice. Moreover, CD4＋CD25＋Foxp3＋ Treg obtained from immunized mice exhibited diminished immunosuppression ability compared to those from naive mice. Further analysis showed that the serum of immunized mice contains a high level ofanti-CD25 antibody （about 30 ng/ml, p〈0.01 vs controls）. Consistent with a role ofanti-CD25 response in the downregulation of Treg, adoptive transfer of serum from immunized mice to naive mice led to a significant decrease in Treg population and function in recipient mice. The triggering of anti-CD25 response in immunized mice can be explained by the fact that CD25 was induced to a high level in the ConA activated autologous T cells used for immunization. Our results demonstrate for the first time that immunization with attenuated activated autologous T cells evokes anti-CD25 antibody production, which leads to impeded CD4＋CD25＋Foxp3＋ Treg expansion and function in vivo. We suggest that dampened Treg function likely contributes to enhanced Thl response in immunized mice and is at least part of the mechanism underlying the boosted anti-tumor immunity.

All-transRetinoic Acid Regulates Th1/Th2 Balance in CD4+T cells When GATA-3 is Deficient

The essential effect of vitamin A on immune function occurs through various mechanisms including direct effect on ThloTh2 balance modulation. However, it is unclear whether or not vitamin A can regulate Thl-Th2 balance under a strong Thl-polarizing condition. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to examine the effect of vitamin A metabolite allotrans retinoic acid （ATRA） on ThloTh2 differentiation in CD4~ T cells under GATA-3 deficiency, which can induce Thl-polarizing condition. In the present study, GATA-3 deficiency T cells were induced by siRNA and checked by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot. GATA-3 deficiency CD4＋ T cells and normal CD4＋ T were treated for 48 h with or without ATRA.

Increase of CD4^+CD25^+ T cells in Smad3^(-/-) mice

AIM： To investigate the changes of lymphocyte subpopulations, especially CD4^＋CD25^ T regulatory cells in Smad3^-/- mice. METHODS： Hematological changes and changes of lymphocyte subpopulations were detected in Smad3＂/- mice using cell counter and flow cytometry, respectively, and compared to their littermate controls. RESULTS： The numbers of neutrophils and lymphocytes in peripheral blood were significantly increased in Smad3^-/- mice compared to littermate controls. CD19^＋ expressing cells in blood and spleen, and CD8^＋ T cells in thymus were all markedly decreased in Smad3^-/- mice. More important, Smad3^-/- mice had an increased population of CD4^＋CD25^＋ T cells in peripheral lymphoid tissues, including thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. CONCLUSION： These observations suggest that the changes of lymphocyte subpopulations might play a role in susceptibility to inflammation of Smad3^-/- mice.

Influence of Danshen Injection on airway inflammation and CD4^+ CD25^+ regulatory T cells of asthmatic rats

Objective： To investigate the influence of Danshen Injection on airway inflammation and CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T cells（CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tr） of asthmatic rats, and elucidate the possible mechanism of Danshen Injection in treatment of asthma. Methods： 30 Wister rats were randomly divided into control group, asthma group and Danshen Injection treated group. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluids （BALF） were collected, and cytology studies were conducted. Lung tissues were obtained and pathologic analyses were done with hematoxylin and eosin stain （HE）. Flow cytometry was used to detect the CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tr ratio in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs）. Results： Total cell, the percentage of lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils （Eos） in BALF of Danshen Injection-treated group were lower than that in asthma group （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）. Compared with asthma group, less infiltration of inflammatory cells in lung tissues was observed in Danshen Injection-treated group. CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tr of asthma group was lower than that of control and Danshen Injection treated group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Danshen Injection can suppress airway inflammation of asthmatic rats, probably by increasing the number of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tr.