Autoantigen specific IL-2 activated CD4 + CD25 + T regulatory cells inhibit induction of experimental autoimmune neuritis.

Experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) induced by peripheral nerve myelin (PNM) is self-limiting and re-immunization with PNM does not re-activate disease. This study showed inhibition of EAN by CD4 ⁺ CD25 ⁺ T cells both from sensitized hosts or from naïve hosts after ex-vivo activation by PNM and rIL-2. Transfer of naïve CD4 ⁺ CD25 ⁺ T cells has no effect on EAN, nor did naïve CD4 ⁺ CD25 ⁺ T cells activated with rIL-2 and renal tubular antigen. Culture of naive CD4 ⁺ CD25 ⁺ Treg with rIL-2 and PNM induced mRNA for the IFN-gamma receptor. We showed naïve CD4 ⁺ CD25 ⁺ T cells activated by specific auto-antigen and rIL-2 produced more potent antigen-specific Treg that may have therapeutic potential.
Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest SJH and BMH hold patents related to activation of T regulatory cells. All other authors have no conflicts of interest.
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