Regulatory T cells expressing interleukin 10 develop from Foxp3+ and Foxp3 precursor cells in the absence of interleukin 10

CL Maynard, LE Harrington, KM Janowski… - Nature …, 2007 - nature.com
CL Maynard, LE Harrington, KM Janowski, JR Oliver, CL Zindl, AY Rudensky, CT Weaver
Nature immunology, 2007nature.com
CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) that produce interleukin 10 (IL-10) are important
contributors to immune homeostasis. We generated mice with a'dual-reporter'system of the
genes encoding IL-10 and the transcription factor Foxp3 to track Treg subsets based on
coordinate or differential expression of these genes. Secondary lymphoid tissues, lung and
liver had enrichment of Foxp3+ IL-10− Treg cells, whereas the large and small intestine had
enrichment of Foxp3+ IL-10+ and Foxp3− IL-10+ Treg cells, respectively. Although negative …
Abstract
CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) that produce interleukin 10 (IL-10) are important contributors to immune homeostasis. We generated mice with a 'dual-reporter' system of the genes encoding IL-10 and the transcription factor Foxp3 to track Treg subsets based on coordinate or differential expression of these genes. Secondary lymphoid tissues, lung and liver had enrichment of Foxp3+IL-10 Treg cells, whereas the large and small intestine had enrichment of Foxp3+IL-10+ and Foxp3IL-10+ Treg cells, respectively. Although negative for Il10 expression, both Foxp3+ and Foxp3 CD4+ thymic precursor cells gave rise to peripheral IL-10+ Treg cells, with only Foxp3 precursor cells giving rise to all Treg subsets. Each Treg subset developed in IL-10-deficient mice, but this was blocked by treatment with antibody to transforming growth factor-β. Thus, Foxp3+ and Foxp3 precursor cells give rise to peripheral IL-10-expressing Treg cells by a mechanism dependent on transforming growth factor-β and independent of IL-10.
nature.com