Thymus-Derived Regulatory T Cells Are Positively Selected on Natural Self-Antigen through Cognate Interactions of High Functional Avidity

摘要: Regulatory T (Treg) cells expressing Foxp3 transcripton factor are essential for immune homeostasis. They arise in the thymus as a separate lineage from conventional CD4(+)Foxp3(-) (Tconv) cells. Here, we show that thymic development of Treg depends on expression their endogenous cognate self-antigen. The formation these was impaired mice lacking this self-antigen, while Tconv cell not negatively affected. Thymus-derived were selected by self-antigens specific manner, autoreactive produced through degenerate recognition distinct antigens. These modes associated with T cell receptor higher functional avidity self-antigen than cells, difference subsequently control autoimmunity. Our study documents how define repertoire thymus-derived to endow type capacity undermine autoimmune attack.