Effects of estrogen on CD4^+ CD25^+ regulatory T cell in peripheral blood during pregnancy

Objective To investigate the effects of estrogen(E_2)level on regulatory T cells(Treg)in peripheral blood during pregnancy.Methods:A total of 30 healthy non-pregnant women were selected as control group,90 pregnant women of early,middle and late pregnancy and 30 postpartum women at 1 month after parturition were selected as experimental groups including early pregnancy group,middle pregnancy group and late pregnancy group;the proportions of CD4^+CD25^+Treg and CD4^+CD25^+CD127^-Treg among CD4 T cells were detected by flow cytometry;the serum estrogen content in peripheral blood was detected by electrochemical immune luminescence method.Results:E_2 level was coincident with the change of Tregs number during pregnancy.The estrogen content in peripheral blood increased gradually from early pregnancy to late pregnancy,then decreased significantly after parturition,and the level at 1 month after parturition down to the level in non-pregnancy group(P>0.05);the level of E_2 in pregnancy groups were significantly higher than those in non-pregnancy group(P<0.01);and there were significant differences among early pregnancy group,middle pregnancy group and late pregnancy group(P<0.05).The proportions of CD4^+CD25^+Treg and CD4^+CD25^+CD127^-Treg in pregnancy groups were significantly higher than those in non-pregnancy group(P<0.05),but decreased significantly after parturition,and there was no significant difference between non-pregnancy group and postpartum women group(P>0.05):the proportions in middle and late pregnancy groups were significantly higher than those in early pregnancy group(P<0.05).but decreased slightly in late pregnancy group,there was no significant difference between late pregnancy group and middle pregnancy group(P>0.05).There was correlation between Tregs number with estrogen level during pregnancy.The proportion of CD4^+CD25^+Treg and CD4^+CD25^+CD 127^-Treg were positively correlated with estrogen level.Conclusions:High proportion of CD4^+CD25^+Trcg and CD4^+CD25^+CD127^-Treg is closely related to the high level of E,during pregnancy.It suggested that high level of estrogen may induce an increase of CD4^+CD25^+Treg in peripheral blood.and then influence the immune function of pregnant women.The results of this experiment might play an important role of estrogen in immune-modulation during pregnancy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Isolation and identification of CD4^+CD25^+ regulatory T cells in rat

Objective： To establish a stable and high efficient method for collection of CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T cells from rats in vitro. Methods： CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T cells were isolated from the rat splenic cells through two steps by magic cell sorting （MACS） system. The first step was negative selection of CD4^＋T cells by cocktail antibodies and anti-IgG magic microbeads, and the second step was positive selection of CD25^＋T cells by anti-CD25 PE and anti-PE magic microbeads. The purity and viability of separated cells were measured by flow cytometry （FACS） and Trypan blue staining. The suppressive ability of seperated cells on the proliferation of CD4^＋CD25^- T cells was assessed by cell proliferation assay. Results： The purity of negatively enriched CD4^＋ T cells was 79%-87% （83.6%±2.5% ） , and the purity of positively enriched CD4^＋CD25^＋ T cells was 86%- 93% （ 90.2±1.8% ） with the viability of 92%～95% （92.8% ± 3.4% ）. The enriched cells significantly suppressed the proliferation of CD4^＋CD25^- T cells in mixed lymphocyte culture （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： An effective method can be established for enrichment of CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T cells in two steps by MACS, with satisfied cell purity, viability and function.

Immunotherapy of rat glioma without accumulation of CD4^+CD25^+FOXP3^+ regulatory T cells

Immunotherapy may be used for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme; however, the induced immune response is inadequate when either T cells or dendritic cells are used alone. In this study we established a novel vaccine procedure in rats, using dendritic cells pulsed with C6 tumor cell lysates in combination with adoptive transfer of T lymphocytes from syngenic donors. On day 21 after tumor inoculation, all the rats were sacrificed, the brains were harvested for calculation of glioma volume, cytolytic T lymphocyte responses were measured by cytotoxic assay, and the frequency of regulatory T lymphocytes （CD4＋CD25~FOXP3~） in the peripheral blood was investigated by flow cytometric analysis. The survival rate of rats bearing C6 glioma was observed. Results showed that the co-immunization strategy had significant anti-tumor potential against the pre-established C6 glioma, and induced a strong cytolytic T lymphocyte response in rats. The frequency of peripheral blood CD4＊CD25＊FOXP3＊ regulatory T lymphocytes was significantly decreased following the combination therapy, and the rats survived for a longer period. Experimental findings indicate that the combined immunotherapy of glioma cell lysate-pulsed dendritic cell vaccination following adoptive transfer of T cells can effectively inhibit the growth of gliomas in rats, boost anti-tumor immunity and produce a sustained immune response while avoiding the accumulation of CD4＋CD25＋FOXP3＋ regulatory r lymphocytes.

CD4^+CD25^(high) Regulatory Cells in Peripheral Blood of NSCLC Patients

The proportion and changes of CD4^＋CD25^high regulatory T cells （Trs） in peripheral blood of non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC） patients were analyzed and their clinical significance explored. The peripheral blood was collected from 61 patients with NSCLC and 15 healthy controls. By using monoclonal antibodies, the blood samples were evaluated with the flow cytometry for lymphocyte subsets （CD3^＋, CD4^＋ and CD8^＋） and CD4^＋CD25^high Tr cells. The results showed that the proportion of CD4^＋CD25^high Tr cells in NSCLC group was significantly higher than in control group [（4.36 ±2.07） % vs （2.04±1.03） %, P〈0.01]. The proportion of CD4^＋CD25^ high Tr cells in late stage was higher than that in early stage [stages Ⅰ ＋Ⅱ （2.264±0.6） %; stage Ⅲ（3.284± 1.38） %; stage IV （6.06 4±4.08） %] （P〈0.05）. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the prognosis of the patients who had higher proportion of CD4^＋CD25^high Tr cells in peripheral blood was worse （P=0.0026）. In conclusion, the relative increase in CD4^＋CD25^high Tr cells in peripheral blood may be related to im- munosuppression and tumor progression in patients with NSCLC. This finding suggests that CD4^＋CD25^high Tr cells in peripheral blood of NSCLC may be positive for prognosis analysis. The use of depletion of the CD4^＋CD25^high Tr cell therapy to treat NSCLC patients may be an effective strategy.

Effect of CD4^+CD25^+ regulatory T cells in the development of anterior chamber-associated immune deviation

AIM: To investigate whether CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells play a role in the development of anterior chamber-associated immune deviation (ACAID). METHODS: The dynamic changes in the frequency of CD4(+)D25(+) T cells, CD4(+)D25(+) FoxP3(+) T cells and CD4(+)CD25(+) PD-1(+) T cells from spleens of mice with ACAID were analyzed by flow cytometry. Foxp3 mRNA expression in purified CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells was analyzed using real-time PCR. The suppressive effect of purified CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells on the proliferation of CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells was evaluated by [H-3] thymidine incorporation. A blocking experiment was performed to further address the role of CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells in ACAID. The expression of IL-10 in purified CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells was evaluated by ELISA. RESULTS: Increased frequencies of CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells, CD4(+)CD25(+) Foxp3(+) T cells and CD4(+)CD25(+) PD-1(+) T cells were observed in ACAID. The CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells from mice with ACAID showed enhanced suppressive effect on the proliferation of CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells. Treatment of BALB/c mice with anti-CD25 antibody after injection of OVA into the anterior chamber significantly inhibited the induction of ACAID. Furthermore, purified CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells from ACAID mice secreted IL-10. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that Treg cells are induced in the mice undergoing ACAID. These Treg cells may play a role in the development of ACAID.

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.

Rapamycin increased development of CD4^+ CD25~h ighFoxp3^+ T cells of peripheral blood in liver transplant recipients

Objective To investigate the possible influence of immunosuppressive therapy,including sirolimus ( SRL) and calcineurin inhibitors ( CNI,tacrolimus) ,on level of Treg in liver allo - graft recipients. Methods Forty - seven liver transplant recipients with stable liver function were assessed for at least 2 years,and divided into

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.

Upregulated adenosine 2A receptor accelerates post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome by promoting CD4+T cells’T helper 17 polarization

BACKGROUND Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome(PI-IBS)is generally regarded as a functional disease.Several recent studies have reported the involvement of lowgrade inflammation and immunological dysfunction in PI-IBS.T helper 17(Th17)polarization occurs in IBS.Adenosine and its receptors participate in intestinal inflammation and immune regulation.AIM To investigate the role of Th17 polarization of CD4+T cells regulated by adenosine 2A receptor(A2AR)in PI-IBS.METHODS A PI-IBS model was established by infecting mice with Trichinella spiralis.The intestinal A2AR and CD4+T lymphocytes were detected by immunohistochemistry,and the inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunoassay.CD4+T lymphocytes present in the animal’s spleen were separated and cultured with or without A2AR agonist and antagonist.Western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed to determine the effect of A2AR on the cells and intestinal tissue.Cytokine production was determined.The protein and mRNA levels of A2AR associated signaling pathway molecules were also evaluated.Furthermore,A2AR agonist and antagonist were injected into the mouse model and the clinical features were observed.RESULTS The PI-IBS mouse model showed increased expression of ATP and A2AR(P<0.05),and inhibition of A2AR improved the clinical features in PI-IBS,including the abdominal withdrawal reflex and colon transportation test(P<0.05).The number of intestinal CD4+T cells and interleukin-17(IL-17)protein levels increased during PI-IBS,which was reversed by administration of the A2AR antagonist(P<0.05).CD4+T cells expressed A2AR and produced IL-17 in vitro,which was regulated by the A2AR agonist and antagonist.The A2AR antagonist increased the production of IL-17 by CD4+T cells via the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcriptionreceptor-related orphan receptorγsignaling pathway.CONCLUSION The results of the present study suggested that the upregulation of A2AR increases PI-IBS by promoting the Th17 polarization of CD4+T cells.

Prognostic value of CD4^+CD25^+ Tregs as a valuable biomarker for patients with sepsis in ICU

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a common complication ofinfections, burns, traumas, surgeries, poisonings, and post-cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The present study aimed to investigate prognostic value of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells(Treg) in peripheral blood of patients with sepsis.METHODS: Periphery blood from 28 patients diagnosed with sepsis was collected on day 1 and 7 after hospitalization in the ICU of Shanghai Changzheng Hospital between December 2013 to April 2014. The blood was used for analyses of Treg ratio using flow cytometry and for analyses of blood routine test, C-reactive protein(CRP), bilirubin, procalcitonin(PCT), and coagulation. APACHE II and sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA) scores were also investigated. The results were compared between two outcome groups of survival or death to evaluate prognostic value for sepsis.RESULTS: The patients had an average age of 60.36±15.03 years, APACHE II score 16.68±7.00, and SOFA score 7.18±3.78. Among the 28 patients, 12 had severe trauma(42.9%), 10 had septic shock(35.7%), and 9(32.2%) died. The median ratio of Tregs was 2.10%(0.80%, 3.10%) in the survival group vs. 1.80%(1.15%, 3.65%) in the death group(Z=–0.148, P=0.883) on day 1; however it was signifi cantly changed to 0.90%(0.30%, 2.80%) vs. 5.70%(2.60%, 8.30%)(Z=–2.905, P=0.004).CONCLUSION: With better prospects for clinical application, dynamic monitoring of Tregs ratio in peripheral blood has potential value in predicting prognosis of sepsis.

成人隐匿性自身免疫性糖尿病患者CD_4^+CD_(25)^+ T细胞亚群的变化

目的探讨成人隐匿性自身免疫性糖尿病(LADA)患者外周血免疫调节性CD4+CD25+T细胞亚群的变化及其意义。方法以流式细胞仪检测32例LADA、16例T1DM、25例T2DM及27例正常对照外周血CD4+CD25+、CD3+CD8+T细胞。结果①LADA组外周血CD4+CD25+T细胞低于而CD3+CD8+T细胞高于T1DM组、T2DM组和正常对照组;②LADA患者CD3+CD8+T细胞比例与起病年龄、FC-P、2hC-P呈负相关。结论LADA患者免疫调节性CD4+CD25+T细胞减少,不能有效维持对胰岛自身抗原的耐受;细胞毒性CD3+CD8+T细胞增多从而破坏胰岛β细胞,导致自身免疫性糖尿病的发生和发展。