Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

CD4(+)CD25(high) FOXP3-expressing regulatory T cells (Treg) can suppress immune responses to infections and tumors, thereby promoting microbial persistence and tumor progression. However, little is known about the phenotype and function of human mucosal Treg. Therefore, we analyzed the suppressive activity and homing phenotype of Treg in gastric mucosa of Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric adenocarcinoma patients. We found increased numbers of CD4(+)FOXP3(+) Treg in the tumor compared to tumor-free gastric mucosa. Gastric Treg cells were able to suppress H. pylori-induced T cell proliferation and IFN-gamma production. Furthermore, gastric Treg expressed increased levels of l-selectin and CCR4, compared to non-Treg cells, suggesting that these receptors contribute to Treg recruitment. The presence of functional antigen-specific Treg in H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa supports an important role for these cells in suppression of mucosal effector T cell responses, which probably contribute to bacterial persistence and possibly also to gastric tumor progression.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.clim.2006.07.002

Type

Journal article

Journal

Clin Immunol

Publication Date

12/2006

Volume

121

Pages

358 - 368

Keywords

Adenocarcinoma, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes, Cell Movement, Chemokine CCL17, Chemokine CCL22, Chemokines, CC, Female, Forkhead Transcription Factors, Gastric Mucosa, Helicobacter Infections, Helicobacter pylori, Humans, Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit, Lymphocyte Activation, Male, Middle Aged, Receptors, CCR4, Receptors, Chemokine, Stomach Neoplasms, T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory