Regulatory T cells control dendritic cell/NK cell cross-talk in lymph nodes at the steady state by inhibiting CD4+ self-reactive T cells

J Immunol. 2008 Apr 1;180(7):4679-86. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.180.7.4679.

Abstract

The CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) play an important role in the control of peripheral tolerance by directly inhibiting conventional T cell proliferative and effector functions. However, the mechanisms by which Treg regulate the homeostasis of lymph nodes remain unclear. In this study, we show in a mouse model that Treg control two major checkpoints dictated by the interaction between self-reactive CD4(+) T cells and resident dendritic cell (DC) in secondary lymphoid organs. First, Treg inhibit the production of CCR5 ligands, limiting the CCR5-dependent recruitment of DC in the lymph nodes. Second, Treg prevent the DC exposure of IL-15Ralpha, markedly interfering in the DC-mediated NK cell proliferation in vivo. Therefore, the DC/T cell autoreactivity leading to NK cell triggering could potentially be controlled by the coinhibition of both IL-15Ralpha and CCR5 in autoimmune disorders in which NK cells play a deleterious role.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmunity / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Female
  • Interleukin-15 Receptor alpha Subunit / immunology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / cytology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Lymph Nodes / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Receptors, CCR5 / immunology

Substances

  • Interleukin-15 Receptor alpha Subunit
  • Receptors, CCR5