Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of Freshly Isolated and Expanded Canine Regulatory T Cells

概要

論文の詳細を見る
Regulatory T cells (Treg) are CD4+ T lymphocytes with constitutive expression of CD25 and FOXP3, as well as the ability to modulate cellular immune responses. In this study, the phenotypic characteristics, function and feasibility of enrichment and expansion of canine Treg were examined. Canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and enriched by labelling of CD25, and expansion of Treg was achieved by adding interleukin (IL)-2 for 1 week. Phenotypic and functional analyses of Treg were performed prior to and after expansion. Canine Treg could be phenotypically characterized by CD4, CD25, and FOXP3 expression. Isolation and enrichment of canine Treg is possible, but high purities are difficult to achieve without significant cell loss. Expansion of canine Treg was possible by adding IL-2 without other growth factors. Higher initial cell numbers seeded allow more substantial Treg expansion in vitro. Canine Treg have the potential to suppress proliferation of effector T cells (Teff). By adding expanded Treg, a higher capability for suppressing Teff could be shown in comparison with freshly isolated Treg. Enrichment and expansion of canine Treg is feasible, and canine Treg had similar characteristics to Treg from other species.