Developmental stage, phenotype, and migration distinguish naive- and effector/memory-like CD4+ regulatory T cells

摘要: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) fulfill a central role in immune regulation. We reported previously that the integrin αEβ7 discriminates distinct subsets of murine CD4+ regulatory cells. Use this marker has now helped to unravel fundamental dichotomy among αE−CD25+ expressed L-selectin and CCR7, enabling recirculation through lymphoid tissues. In contrast, αE-positive (CD25+ CD25−) displayed an effector/memory phenotype expressing high levels E/P-selectin–binding ligands, multiple adhesion molecules as well receptors for inflammatory chemokines, allowing efficient migration into inflamed sites. Accordingly, αE-expressing were found be most potent suppressors processes disease models such antigen-induced arthritis.