The immunosuppressive effects of CD CD 4 + + CD CD 25 + + regulatory T cells on dendritic cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B

摘要

Summary The characteristics and functions of CD 4 + CD 25 + regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been well defined in murine and human systems. However, the interaction or crosstalk between CD 4 + CD 25 + Tregs and dendritic cells ( DC s) remains controversial. In this study, the effects of chronic hepatitis B ( CHB ) CD 4 + CD 25 + Tregs on the maturation and function of monocyte‐derived DC s were examined. The results showed that CD 4 + CD 25 + render the DC s inefficient as antigen‐presenting cells ( APC s) despite prestimulation with CD 40 ligand. This effect was marginally reverted by applying neutralizing antibodies (Abs) to IL ‐10 and TGF ‐β. There were an increased IL ‐10 and TGF ‐β secretion and reduced expression of costimulatory molecules in DC . Thus, in addition to a direct suppressor effect on CD 4 + T cells, CD 4 + CD 25 + may modulate the immune response through DC s in CHB patients.