Foxp3 programs the development and function of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells

JD Fontenot, MA Gavin, AY Rudensky - Nature immunology, 2003 - nature.com
JD Fontenot, MA Gavin, AY Rudensky
Nature immunology, 2003nature.com
Abstract CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells are essential for the active suppression of
autoimmunity. Here we report that the forkhead transcription factor Foxp3 is specifically
expressed in CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells and is required for their development. The
lethal autoimmune syndrome observed in Foxp3-mutant scurfy mice and Foxp3-null mice
results from a CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cell deficiency and not from a cell-intrinsic defect of
CD4+ CD25− T cells. CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells rescue disease development and …
Abstract
CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells are essential for the active suppression of autoimmunity. Here we report that the forkhead transcription factor Foxp3 is specifically expressed in CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells and is required for their development. The lethal autoimmune syndrome observed in Foxp3-mutant scurfy mice and Foxp3-null mice results from a CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell deficiency and not from a cell-intrinsic defect of CD4+CD25 T cells. CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells rescue disease development and preferentially expand when transferred into neonatal Foxp3-deficient mice. Furthermore, ectopic expression of Foxp3 confers suppressor function on peripheral CD4+CD25 T cells. Thus, Foxp3 is a critical regulator of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell development and function.
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