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Resting B cells expand a CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + Treg population via TGF‐β3
Author(s) -
Shah Shivanee,
Qiao Liang
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
european journal of immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.272
H-Index - 201
eISSN - 1521-4141
pISSN - 0014-2980
DOI - 10.1002/eji.200838201
Subject(s) - biology , autoimmunity , foxp3 , il 2 receptor , immunology , antigen , cd28 , microbiology and biotechnology , population , t cell , immune system , cd8 , medicine , environmental health
Abstract Regulatory T cells (Treg) play critical roles in maintaining tolerance and preventing autoimmunity. It is not fully clear how these cells are generated and maintained. Here, we show that resting B cells are able to expand Treg. This expansion requires TGF‐β3 and signaling through the TCR and CD28. Upon activation, B cells express less TGF‐β3, which reduces their capacity to expand Treg and which also results in increased Treg death. This may ensure that B cells can function as potent professional antigen presenting cells during infections. However, in the absence of any infection, we find that B‐cell‐deficient µMT mice have decreased percentages of Treg in the periphery. Our data suggest that resting B cells, which may be presenting self‐antigens to T cells, can expand and maintain specific Treg and thus might be involved in the prevention of autoimmunity.