The immunosuppressive effects of CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells on dendritic cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

The characteristics and functions of CD4 ⁺ CD25 ⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been well defined in murine and human systems. However, the interaction or crosstalk between CD4 ⁺ CD25 ⁺ Tregs and dendritic cells (DCs) remains controversial. In this study, the effects of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) CD4 ⁺ CD25 ⁺ Tregs on the maturation and function of monocyte-derived DCs were examined. The results showed that CD4 ⁺ CD25 ⁺ render the DCs inefficient as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) despite prestimulation with CD40 ligand. This effect was marginally reverted by applying neutralizing antibodies (Abs) to IL-10 and TGF-β. There were an increased IL-10 and TGF-β secretion and reduced expression of costimulatory molecules in DC. Thus, in addition to a direct suppressor effect on CD4 ⁺ T cells, CD4 ⁺ CD25 ⁺ may modulate the immune response through DCs in CHB patients.
(© 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)