IL-2 and IL-15 dependent thymic development of Foxp3-expressing regulatory T lymphocytes. Issue 4 (24th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Apert, Cécile; Romagnoli, Paola; van Meerwijk, Joost P M
• Is Part Of: Protein & cell. Volume 9:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 322
• Page End: 332
• Publication Date: 2017-05-24
• Subjects: regulatory T cells -- thymus -- differentiation -- IL-2 -- IL-15; Proteins -- Periodicals; Cells -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; 572.6
• DOI: 10.1007/s13238-017-0425-3
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1674-800X

Abstract

Abstract: Immunosuppressive regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) expressing the transcription factor Foxp3 play a vital role in the maintenance of tolerance of the immune-system to self and innocuous non-self. Most Treg that are critical for the maintenance of tolerance to self, develop as an independent T-cell lineage from common T cell precursors in the thymus. In this organ, their differentiation requires signals from the T cell receptor for antigen, from co-stimulatory molecules, as well as from cytokine-receptors. Here we focus on the cytokines implicated in thymic development of Treg, with a particular emphasis on the roles of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-15. The more recently appreciated involvement of TGF-β in thymic Treg development is also briefly discussed. Finally, we discuss how cytokine-dependence of Treg development allows for temporal, quantitative, and potentially qualitative modulation of this process.