| First Author | Zaiss DM | Year | 2013 |
| Journal | Immunity | Volume | 38 |
| Issue | 2 | Pages | 275-84 |
| PubMed ID | 23333074 | Mgi Jnum | J:193394 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:5468364 | Doi | 10.1016/j.immuni.2012.09.023 |
| Citation | Zaiss DM, et al. (2013) Amphiregulin Enhances Regulatory T Cell-Suppressive Function via the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor. Immunity 38(2):275-84 |
| abstractText | Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is known to be critically involved in tissue development and homeostasis as well as in the pathogenesis of cancer. Here we showed that Foxp3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells express EGFR under inflammatory conditions. Stimulation with the EGF-like growth factor Amphiregulin (AREG) markedly enhanced Treg cell function in vitro, and in a colitis and tumor vaccination model we showed that AREG was critical for efficient Treg cell function in vivo. In addition, mast cell-derived AREG fully restored optimal Treg cell function. These findings reveal EGFR as a component in the regulation of local immune responses and establish a link between mast cells and Treg cells. Targeting of this immune regulatory mechanism may contribute to the therapeutic successes of EGFR-targeting treatments in cancer patients. |
