Induced Foxp3(+) T Cells Colonizing Tolerated Allografts Exhibit the Hypomethylation Pattern Typical of Mature Regulatory T Cells.

Hilbrands R., Chen Y., Kendal AR., Adams E., Cobbold SP., Waldmann H., Howie D.

Regulatory T cells expressing the transcription factor Foxp3 require acquisition of a specific hypomethylation pattern to ensure optimal functional commitment, limited lineage plasticity, and long-term maintenance of tolerance. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the generation of these epigenetic changes in vivo will contribute to the clinical exploitation of Foxp3(+) Treg. Here, we show that both in vitro and in vivo generated antigen-specific Foxp3(+) Treg can acquire Treg-specific epigenetic characteristics and prevent skin graft rejection in an animal model.

DOI

10.3389/fimmu.2016.00124

Type

Journal article

Journal

Front immunol

Publication Date

2016

Volume

7

Keywords

Foxp3, hypomethylation, regulatory T cells, tolerance, transplantation

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