Cutting Edge: Low-Affinity TCRs Support Regulatory T Cell Function in Autoimmunity

Sprouse, Maran L.; Shevchenko, Ivan; Scavuzzo, Marissa A.; Joseph, Faith; Lee, Thomas; Blum, Samuel; Borowiak, Malgorzata; Bettini, Matthew L. and Bettini, Maria (2018): Cutting Edge: Low-Affinity TCRs Support Regulatory T Cell Function in Autoimmunity. In: Journal of Immunology, Vol. 200, No. 3: pp. 909-914

Abstract

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) use a distinct TCR repertoire and are more self-reactive compared with conventional T cells. However, the extent to which TCR affinity regulates the function of self-reactive Tregs is largely unknown. In this study, we used a two-TCR model to assess the role of TCR affinity in Treg function during autoimmunity. We observed that high-and low-affinity Tregs were recruited to the pancreas and contributed to protection from autoimmune diabetes. Interestingly, high-affinity cells preferentially upregulated the TCR-dependent Treg functional mediators IL-10, TIGIT, GITR, and CTLA4, whereas low-affinity cells displayed increased transcripts for Areg and Ebi3, suggesting distinct functional profiles. The results of this study suggest mechanistically distinct and potentially nonredundant roles for high-and low-affinity Tregs in controlling autoimmunity.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Medicine
• Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health
• ISSN: 0022-1767
• Language: English