Induction of antigen-specific regulatory T cells in wild-type mice: visualization and targets of suppression

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Mar 4;105(9):3479-84. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0800149105. Epub 2008 Feb 25.

Abstract

Antigen-specific transplantation tolerance in the absence of immunosuppressive drugs is a rarely achieved goal. Immune responses to Y chromosome-encoded transplantation antigens (HY) can have life-threatening consequences in the clinic. Here, we have adopted a procedure developed in T cell antigen receptor (TCR)-transgenic mice to convert naïve T cells into male-specific Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) in WT female mice. For this purpose, female mice were infused by osmotic minipumps with a single class II MHC-presented HY peptide and Tregs visualized by tetramer staining. As a result, animals developed Treg-mediated long-term tolerance to all HY transplantation antigens, irrespective of whether they were recognized by CD4 or CD8 T cells, on skin or hematopoietic grafts from male donors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / immunology
  • Female
  • H-Y Antigen
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • Skin Transplantation / immunology
  • T-Cell Antigen Receptor Specificity / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • Transplantation Tolerance / immunology*

Substances

  • H-Y Antigen
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell