Dysfunctional Tregs with Absence of Cytokine-Secreting CD4+ T-Cell Subsets and Marked Expansion of Th1 Cells Is a Hallmark of Idiopathic Aplastic Anaemia (AA)

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 2233-2233
Author(s):  
Shahram Kordasti ◽  
Judith C. W. Marsh ◽  
Pilar Perez Abellan ◽  
Sufyan Alkhan ◽  
Janet Hayden ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 2233 Introduction: Autoimmunity is an important contributor in the aetiology of AA. Although the expansion of oligoclonal CD8+ T-cells and their correlation with response to immunosuppressive therapy (IST) has been reported previously, the role of CD4+ in the pathogenesis is not elucidated. The focus of this study was to investigate the role of different CD4+ T-cell subsets, including regulatory T-cells (Tregs) and T helpers (Th1, Th2 and Th17) in the pathobiology of idiopathic AA. Patients and Methods: The percentage and absolute numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets, NK & B cells and dendritic cells (DCs) in peripheral blood were assessed in 42 patients with idiopathic AA prior to any IST and 8 healthy age matched controls. T-cells were stimulated first and stained intracellularly for IFN-γ and TNF-a (Th1), IL-4 (Th2) and IL-17 (Th17). Serum levels of 30 cytokines were measured by 30 Plex bead analysis (Luminex). NK cells were defined as CD3– CD56+. B cells were defined as CD3-CD19+. CD3+ CD4+.T-cell subsets were defined as CD45RO–CD27+ naïve, CD45RO+ CD27+ CD62L+ central memory, CD45RO+ CD27+ CD62L– effector memory, CD45RO+CD27– effectors and CD45RO– CD27– terminal effectors. DCs were defined based on their BDCA 1,2, 3 & CD16 expression. CD4 Tregs were defined as CD3+CD4+ CD25high CD27+Foxp3+. Treg subsets were defined as (1) CD45RA+CD25lo resting Tregs, (2) CD45RA-CD25hi activated Tregs, and (3) cytokine-secreting CD45RA-CD25lo non-Tregs1. Treg function was evaluated by cytokine secretion of T effector cells (Te) with and without Tregs. IFN-γ secreting CD4+ T-cells (Th1) were enriched by magnetic beads followed by FACS sorting. The clonality of Th1 cells was evaluated based on the diversity of T-cell receptors by spectratyping as well as sequencing. Transcription factor expression was measured by qPCR. Results: There were no significant differences in the number or percentage of different CD8 T-cells compared to healthy controls. Surprisingly, despite a borderline decrease in the absolute number of naïve (p=0.19) and central memory (p=0.20) CD4+T-cells the number and percentage of Tregs were no different from healthy controls (1.36×107/L v 1.34×107/L, p=0.57). Although the ratio of Tregs to CD4+ T-effectors (Te) was higher than in healthy controls, the difference was not significant (0.49 v 0.12, p=0.86). The absolute numbers and percentages of Th1 cells and TNF-α + CD4+ T-cells were significantly higher in AA patients compared to healthy controls (4.2 × 107/L v 0.9 × 107/L & 2.44 × 108 v 1.26 × 108(p=0.001, p=0.004)). The diversity of T-cell receptor on Th1 cells was significantly lower compared to healthy age matched controls (on average 21 & 52 peaks). Amongst AA patients, the numbers of Th2, Th17, NK and B cells were not significantly different from healthy controls, whereas the absolute numbers of all DCs were reduced(p<0.01). The serum levels of proliferative cytokines, EGF (p=0.01), HGF (p=0.01), VEGF (p=0.01) and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-13 (p=0.02), IL-8 (p<0.001) were significantly higher in AA patients. The percentage of cytokine secreting CD4+ CD25+ T-cells was markedly decreased in AA patients and the activated Treg subsets were predominantly of CD45RA+ phenotype, which was significantly different from healthy controls. Sorted Tregs from AA patients were unable to suppress cytokine secretion by Te cells in a 1:1 co-culture. However, IL-2, IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion of Te from AA patients was suppressible by allogeneic Tregs from healthy controls (on average 11 time suppression), whereas Tregs from AA patients were unable to suppress healthy Te cells. However, dysfunctional Tregs were not associated with abnormality of transcription factors, as judged by the levels of STAT1, 3, 4, 5 & 6, FoxP3 & T-bet of Tregs that were not significantly different from healthy age matched controls. Conclusion: Our data show that although FoxP3+ Tregs are normal in AA, a subset of these cells is markedly reduced and the activated Tregs aberrantly express CD45RA. Furthermore, unlike normal Tregs, the Tregs from AA patients do not suppress the inflammatory cytokine secretion by Te cells. The absence of DCs in the peripheral blood suggests their immigration to the inflammation site (e.g. bone marrow), which may play a role in the polarisation of T helpers toward a Th1 phenotype. Clonal expansion of Th1 cells may suggest potential antigen specificity that may lead to AA phenotype. 1. Miyara M, et al. Immunity. 2009. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (17) ◽  
pp. 9584
Author(s):  
Yi-Hsing Chen ◽  
Sue Lightman ◽  
Virginia L. Calder

Non-infectious uveitis (NIU) is a potentially sight-threatening disease. Effector CD4+ T cells, especially interferon-γ-(IFNγ) producing Th1 cells and interleukin-17-(IL-17) producing Th17 cells, are the major immunopathogenic cells, as demonstrated by adoptive transfer of disease in a model of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). CD4+FoxP3+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) were known to suppress function of effector CD4+ T cells and contribute to resolution of disease. It has been recently reported that some CD4+ T-cell subsets demonstrate shared phenotypes with another CD4+ T-cell subset, offering the potential for dual function. For example, Th17/Th1 (co-expressing IFNγ and IL-17) cells and Th17/Treg (co-expressing IL-17 and FoxP3) cells have been identified in NIU and EAU. In this review, we have investigated the evidence as to whether these ‘plastic CD4+ T cells’ are functionally active in uveitis. We conclude that Th17/Th1 cells are generated locally, are resistant to the immunosuppressive effects of steroids, and contribute to early development of EAU. Th17/Treg cells produce IL-17, not IL-10, and act similar to Th17 cells. These cells were considered pathogenic in uveitis. Future studies are needed to better clarify their function, and in the future, these cell subsets may in need to be taken into consideration for designing treatment strategies for disease.


Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. 965-974 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filippos Porichis ◽  
Douglas S. Kwon ◽  
Jennifer Zupkosky ◽  
Daniel P. Tighe ◽  
Ashley McMullen ◽  
...  

Abstract Defining the T helper functions impaired by programmed death–1 (PD-1) is crucial for understanding its role in defective HIV control and determining the therapeutic potential of targeting this inhibitory pathway. We describe here the relationships among disease stage, levels of PD-1 expression, and reversibility of CD4 T-cell impairment. PD-L1 blockade in vitro enhanced HIV-specific production of Th0 (IL-2), Th1 (IFN-γ), Th2 (IL-13), and TFH (IL-21) cytokines by CD4 T cells. PD-L1 blockade caused an early increase in cytokine transcription and translation that preceded cell proliferation. Although the impact of PD-L1 blockade on cytokine expression and, to a lesser extent, cell proliferation was associated with markers of disease progression, restoration of cytokine secretion was also observed in most subjects with undetectable viremia. PD-L1 blockade restored cytokine secretion in both PD-1intermediate and PD-1high sorted CD4 T-cell subsets. Compared with PD-1high HIV-specific CD8 T cells, PD-1high HIV-specific CD4 T cells showed lower expression of the inhibitory molecules CD160 and 2B4, demonstrating marked differences in expression of inhibitory receptors between T-cell subsets. These data show that PD-1 impairs HIV-specific T helper responses both by limiting expansion of these cells and by inhibiting effector functions of multiple differentiated CD4 T-cell subsets.


2010 ◽  
Vol 207 (7) ◽  
pp. 1421-1433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia A. Darrah ◽  
Sonia T. Hegde ◽  
Dipti T. Patel ◽  
Ross W. B. Lindsay ◽  
Linda Chen ◽  
...  

The quality of a Th1 response can be a prospective correlate of vaccine-mediated protection against certain intracellular pathogens. Using two distinct vaccine platforms, we evaluate the influence of interleukin (IL) 10 production on the magnitude, quality, and protective capacity of CD4+ T cell responses in the mouse model of Leishmania major infection. Multiparameter flow cytometry was used to delineate the CD4+ T cell production of interferon (IFN) γ, IL-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and IL-10 (or combinations thereof) after vaccination. Immunization with a high dose of adenovirus (ADV) expressing leishmanial proteins (MML-ADV) elicited a limited proportion of multifunctional IFN-γ+IL-2+TNF+ Th1 cells, a high frequency of IL-10–producing CD4+ T cells, and did not protect against subsequent challenge. Surprisingly, in the absence of IL-10, there was no change in the magnitude, quality, or protective capacity of the Th1 response elicited by high-dose MML-ADV. In contrast, after immunization with MML protein and CpG (MML + CpG), IL-10 limited the production of IL-12 by DCs in vivo, thereby decreasing the generation of multifunctional Th1 cells. Consequently, three immunizations with MML + CpG were required for full protection. However, inhibiting IL-10 at the time of immunization enhanced the magnitude and quality of the Th1 response sufficiently to mediate protection after only a single immunization. Overall, we delineate distinct mechanisms by which vaccines elicit protective Th1 responses and underscore the importance of multifunctional CD4+ T cells.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 1090-1090 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahram Y Kordasti ◽  
Sufyan M AlKhan ◽  
Ziyi Lim ◽  
Pilar Perez Abellan ◽  
Judith C W Marsh ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 1090 Poster Board I-112 Introduction Autoimmunity is believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of both idiopathic aplastic anaemia (AA) as well as low-risk MDS (L-MDS). While there is a significant overlap in some of the clinical features between AA and L-MDS, there is a striking difference in response to immunosuppressive therapy (IST) (70-80% in AA vs 20% in L-MDS). We have previously shown that Tregulatory cells are significantly reduced in L-MDS (Kordasti Blood 2008), while other groups have suggested that Tregs are decreased in AA. We hypothesised that differences in the immune regulatory profile as well as the cytokine environment, may differentially influence the pathogenesis of AA and MDS. In a prospective study we examined the immunological and cytokine profiles within a cohort of newly diagnosed AA and L-MDS patients. Patients and Methods 33 Acquired aplastic anaemia(22 at diagnosis and pre-treatment and 11 post IST), 18 low risk MDS (IPSS=0) and 5 healthy controls were recruited. The percentage and absolute number of different CD4+ T cell subsets (Th1, Th2, Th17, TNF-αa producing CD4+ T cells and Foxp3+ Tregs) in peripheral blood, were investigated by flow cytometry. T cells were stimulated first and then stained intracellularly for IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17 & TNF-αa. The serum level of 30 different cytokines was also measured by 30 Plex bead analysis (Luminex). NK cells were defined as CD3– CD56+. B cells were defined as CD3-CD19+. CD3+ CD4+ T-cell subsets were defined as CD45RO–CD27+ naïve, CD45RO+ CD27+ CD62L+ central memory,CD45RO+ CD27+ CD62L– effector memory, CD45RO+CD27– effectors and CD45RO– CD27– terminal effectors. CD4 regulatory T cells were defined as CD4+ CD25highFoxp3+. Results The absolute number of Th1 cells and TNF-αa producing CD4+ T cells were significantly higher in AA patients compared to healthy controls(42 × 107/L v 29 × 107/L) (p=0.001, p=0.005). Although the number of Th17 cells was the same as healthy controls, this number was significantly lower than low risk MDS patients (0.86 × 107/L v 2.7 × 107/L) (p=0.009). Amongst AA patients, the number of Th2 cells and Foxp3+ Tregs were not significantly different from healthy controls. Following IST, the number of Tregs was significantly higher in responders than non responders (0.02 × 107/L v 0.001 × 107/L) (p=0.009). Interestingly the ratio of Th17/ Tregs was higher in non-responsive patients (15.2 v 2.8)(p=0.01). The number of T cell subsets, NK and B cells were not significantly different from healthy controls in our cohort of AA patients. The serum levels of proliferative cytokines, EGF (p=0.01), HGF(p=0.01), VEGF (p=0.01) and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-13 (p=0.02), IL-8 (p<0.001) were significantly higher in AA patients than healthy controls and this was different from low risk MDS patients in whom the levels of IL-12 (P < 0.01), IL-7 (P < 0.005), IFN-γ (P < 0.01) and RANTES (P < 0.005) were elevated. Conclusions Our data suggests that despite the presence of autoimmunity in both low risk MDS and AA, the involved mechanisms are significantly different. In AA the main mechanism is a Th1 derived (IFN-γ and TNF-αa production) response whereas in low risk MDS, Th17 cells may play an important role in creating a more indolent inflammatory environment. The serum cytokine profiles in these diseases are different too. These data also suggests a significant role for Tregs (absolute number as well as ratio of Th1 and Th17 to Tregs) in the prediction and evaluation of response to IST. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2015 ◽  
Vol 213 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arata Takeuchi ◽  
Mohamed El Sherif Gadelhaq Badr ◽  
Kosuke Miyauchi ◽  
Chitose Ishihara ◽  
Reiko Onishi ◽  
...  

Naive T cells differentiate into various effector T cells, including CD4+ helper T cell subsets and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (CTL). Although cytotoxic CD4+ T cells (CD4+CTL) also develop from naive T cells, the mechanism of development is elusive. We found that a small fraction of CD4+ T cells that express class I–restricted T cell–associated molecule (CRTAM) upon activation possesses the characteristics of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. CRTAM+ CD4+ T cells secrete IFN-γ, express CTL-related genes, such as eomesodermin (Eomes), Granzyme B, and perforin, after cultivation, and exhibit cytotoxic function, suggesting that CRTAM+ T cells are the precursor of CD4+CTL. Indeed, ectopic expression of CRTAM in T cells induced the production of IFN-γ, expression of CTL-related genes, and cytotoxic activity. The induction of CD4+CTL and IFN-γ production requires CRTAM-mediated intracellular signaling. CRTAM+ T cells traffic to mucosal tissues and inflammatory sites and developed into CD4+CTL, which are involved in mediating protection against infection as well as inducing inflammatory response, depending on the circumstances, through IFN-γ secretion and cytotoxic activity. These results reveal that CRTAM is critical to instruct the differentiation of CD4+CTL through the induction of Eomes and CTL-related gene.


2003 ◽  
Vol 198 (12) ◽  
pp. 1909-1922 ◽  
Author(s):  
Souheil-Antoine Younes ◽  
Bader Yassine-Diab ◽  
Alain R. Dumont ◽  
Mohamed-Rachid Boulassel ◽  
Zvi Grossman ◽  
...  

CD4+ T cell responses are associated with disease control in chronic viral infections. We analyzed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific responses in ten aviremic and eight viremic patients treated during primary HIV-1 infection and for up to 6 yr thereafter. Using a highly sensitive 5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate-succinimidyl ester–based proliferation assay, we observed that proliferative Gag and Nef peptide-specific CD4+ T cell responses were 30-fold higher in the aviremic patients. Two subsets of HIV-specific memory CD4+ T cells were identified in aviremic patients, CD45RA− CCR7+ central memory cells (Tcm) producing exclusively interleukin (IL)-2, and CD45RA− CCR7− effector memory cells (Tem) that produced both IL-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ. In contrast, in viremic, therapy-failing patients, we found significant frequencies of Tem that unexpectedly produced exclusively IFN-γ. Longitudinal analysis of HIV epitope–specific CD4+ T cells revealed that only cells that had the capacity to produce IL-2 persisted as long-term memory cells. In viremic patients the presence of IFN-γ–producing cells was restricted to periods of elevated viremia. These findings suggest that long-term CD4+ T cell memory depends on IL-2–producing CD4+ T cells and that IFN-γ only–producing cells are short lived. Our data favor a model whereby competent HIV-specific Tcm continuously arise in small numbers but under persistent antigenemia are rapidly induced to differentiate into IFN-γ only–producing cells that lack self-renewal capacity.


2002 ◽  
Vol 76 (14) ◽  
pp. 7329-7333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lecia Pewe ◽  
Jodie Haring ◽  
Stanley Perlman

ABSTRACT Mice infected with the murine coronavirus, mouse hepatitis virus, strain JHM (MHV) develop an immune-mediated demyelinating encephalomyelitis. Adoptive transfer of MHV-immune splenocytes depleted of either CD4 or CD8 T cells to infected mice deficient in recombination activation gene 1 resulted in demyelination. We showed previously that the process of CD8 T-cell-mediated demyelination was strongly dependent on the expression of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) by donor cells. In this report, we show, in contrast, that demyelination and lymphocyte infiltration were increased in recipients of IFN-γ−/− CD4 T cells when compared to levels in mice receiving C57BL/6 CD4 T cells.


2003 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 1083-1090 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Saklani-Jusforgues ◽  
Elisabeth Fontan ◽  
Neirouz Soussi ◽  
Geneviève Milon ◽  
Pierre L. Goossens

ABSTRACT Listeria monocytogenes is considered as a potential live bacterial vector, particularly for the induction of CD8 T cells. The CD4 T-cell immune response triggered after enteral immunization of mice has not yet been thoroughly characterized. The dynamics of gamma interferon (IFN-γ)- and interleukin-4 (IL-4)-secreting CD4 T cells were analyzed after priming through intragastric delivery of an attenuated ΔactA recombinant L. monocytogenes strain expressing the Leishmania major LACK protein; a peptide of this protein, LACK158-173 peptide (pLACK), is a well-characterized CD4 T-cell target in BALB/c mice. Five compartments were monitored: Peyer's patches, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), spleen, liver, and blood. A single intragastric inoculation of ΔactA-LACK-LM in BALB/c mice led to colonization of the MLN and spleen at a significant level for at least 3 days. Efficient priming of IFN-γ-secreting pLACK-reactive CD4 T cells was observed in all tested compartments. Interestingly, IL-4-secreting pLACK-reactive CD4 T cells were detectable at day 6 or 7 only in blood and liver. The absence of translocation of viable bacteria through the intestinal epithelium after further ΔactA-LACK-LM inoculations was concomitant with the absence of an increase in the level of IFN-γ secreted by the MLN, blood, and splenic pLACK-reactive Th1 T cells, although the levels remained significantly above the basal level. No change in this population size was detected in the spleen. However, an increase in the number of intragastric inoculations had a clinical beneficial effect in L. major-infected BALB/c mice. L. monocytogenes thus presents the potential of an efficient vector for induction of CD4 T cells when administered by the enteral route.


Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 3684-3684
Author(s):  
Matthew J Ahearne ◽  
Kaljit S Bhuller ◽  
Roger Hew ◽  
Giovanna Roncador ◽  
Martin J.S. Dyer ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 3684 CD4+ T-cells can be distinguished into subsets on the basis of surface marker expression and growth factor production. Follicular helper T-cells (Tfh cells) are characterized by the co-expression of surface markers (CD4, ICOS, PD1 and CXCR5) and nuclear BCL6. Normal germinal centre formation requires Tfh cells but is repressed by another CD4+ T-cell subset, Tregs, (demonstrating CD4 and CD25 expression with nuclear FoxP3). The numbers and architecture of infiltrating T-cells predict clinical outcome in follicular lymphoma but although T-cells are a component of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the relative numbers of CD4+ T-cells and their Tfh and Treg subsets or their association with clinical outcome is not known. We used immunohistochemistry to investigate infiltration by total CD4+, Treg and Tfh cells in cases (n=23) from one centre. The male:female was 1.3:1.0, the age range was 30 to 78 years (median 65 years) and the anticipated association between overall survival and LDH (logrank test, P=0.02) was observed. Patients were treated with R-CHOP with a 21-day cycle. Histological sections were stained with anti-CD4, anti-PD1 and anti-FoxP3 antibodies. For each antibody the area of staining was measured using ImageJ software from 10 high power fields from the same area of each histological section. Tfh cells were identified by strong surface expression of PD1 and Tregs by nuclear expression of FoxP3. CD4+ T-cell infiltration varied by ∼50-fold, and could be diffuse or focal. In 13 cases (57%) the majority of CD4+ T-cells were neither FoxP3+ nor PD1+. Total CD4+ T-cell numbers were positively correlated with FoxP3 (P=0.04) (Figure 1) and with PD1 (P=0.009) (Figure 2) expressing cells suggesting that these subsets were expanded as part of a reaction to the lymphoma capable of stimulating several CD4+ T-cell subsets. High CD4+ (Figure 3) and PD1+ staining predicted good clinical outcome (logrank test, P=0.08) with median survival not being reached at 5 years, but the amount of FoxP3+ staining appeared to be a superior prognostic marker (logrank test, P=0.0069) (Figure 4). There was no association between the cell of origin classification of DLBCL (GCB or ABC) as defined immunohistochemically, and CD4, FoxP3 or PD1 expression. In summary, we have shown that numbers of infiltrating CD4+ T-cells vary between cases of DLBCL and comprises several T-cell subsets including Treg and Tfh cells. No consensus has been reached on the clinical significance of FoxP3+ cell infiltration in DLBCL. Whilst some workers have shown FoxP3 to be associated with a good clinical outcome (Tzankov A., et al. 2008; Lee N., et al. 2008), others have not found a relationship to prognosis (Hasselblom S. et al., 2007). Our data shows that the FoxP3+ Treg cell subset is associated with good clinical outcome but surprisingly we found that both increased total CD4+ T-cells and PD1+ Tfh cells also carry a good prognosis. Disclosures: Wagner: Roche: Honoraria.


2000 ◽  
Vol 191 (12) ◽  
pp. 2159-2170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin J. Maloy ◽  
Christoph Burkhart ◽  
Tobias M. Junt ◽  
Bernhard Odermatt ◽  
Annette Oxenius ◽  
...  

To analyze the antiviral protective capacities of CD4+ T helper (Th) cell subsets, we used transgenic T cells expressing an I-Ab–restricted T cell receptor specific for an epitope of vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G). After polarization into Th1 or Th2 effectors and adoptive transfer into T cell–deficient recipients, protective capacities were assessed after infection with different types of viruses expressing the VSV-G. Both Th1 and Th2 CD4+ T cells could transfer protection against systemic VSV infection, by stimulating the production of neutralizing immunoglobulin G antibodies. However, only Th1 CD4+ T cells were able to mediate protection against infection with recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the VSV-G (Vacc-IND-G). Similarly, only Th1 CD4+ T cells were able to rapidly eradicate Vacc-IND-G from peripheral organs, to mediate delayed-type hypersensitivity responses against VSV-G and to protect against lethal intranasal infection with VSV. Protective capacity correlated with the ability of Th1 CD4+ T cells to rapidly migrate to peripheral inflammatory sites in vivo and to respond to inflammatory chemokines that were induced after virus infection of peripheral tissues. Therefore, the antiviral protective capacity of a given CD4+ T cell is governed by the effector cytokines it produces and by its migratory capability.


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