High mobility group box-1 protein regulate immunosuppression of regulatory T cells through toll-like receptor 4

Introduction High mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1), a recently recognized mediator of immune response might contribute to immune suppression when released extracellularly. The present study was performed to clarify effects of HMGB1 on regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the involvement of toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 signaling. Methods CD4+CD25+Tregs, isolated from spleens of normal mice and treated with HMGB1 in vitro, and those isolated from HMGB1-treated C3H/HeN (wild type) or C3H/HeJ (TLR4 mutant type) mice, were analyzed for expressions of cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen (CTLA)4, forkhead/winged helix transcription factor p3 (Foxp3) and interleukin (IL)-10 secretion. Results HMGB1-treatment was found to markedly decrease the expressions of CTLA4 and Foxp3, as well as IL-10 secretion. Administration of TLR4 neutralizing antibody abolished the phenotypic and functional changes in Tregs induced by HMGB1. Tregs from HMGB1-treated normal mice showed lower expression of CTLA4, Foxp3, and IL-10 secretion when compared with non-treated mice. Yet opposite results were observed in that of C3H/HeJ mice. Moreover, HMGB1 stimulation could down-regulate the expression of TLR4 on Tregs. Conclusion Our data suggest that HMGB1 has the ability to directly modulate the suppressive capacity of CD4+CD25+Tregs, and TLR4 might be a potential receptor essential for the negative effect of HMGB1 on CD4+CD25+Tregs activity.