First Author | Konkel JE | Year | 2017 |
Journal | Immunity | Volume | 46 |
Issue | 4 | Pages | 660-674 |
PubMed ID | 28423340 | Mgi Jnum | J:258594 |
Mgi Id | MGI:6140406 | Doi | 10.1016/j.immuni.2017.03.015 |
Citation | Konkel JE, et al. (2017) Transforming Growth Factor-beta Signaling in Regulatory T Cells Controls T Helper-17 Cells and Tissue-Specific Immune Responses. Immunity 46(4):660-674 |
abstractText | Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) perform suppressive functions in disparate tissue environments and against many inflammatory insults, yet the tissue-enriched factor(s) that influence Treg cell phenotype and function remain largely unknown. We have shown a vital role for transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signals in safe-guarding specific Treg cell functions. TGF-beta signals were dispensable for steady-state Treg cell homeostasis and for Treg cell suppression of T cell proliferation and T helper-1 (Th1) cell differentiation. However, Treg cells require TGF-beta signals to appropriately dampen Th17 cells and regulate responses in the gastrointestinal tract. TGF-beta signaling maintains CD103 expression, promotes expression of the colon-specific trafficking molecule GPR15, and inhibits expression of GPR174, a receptor for lysophosphatidylserine, on Treg cells, collectively supporting the accumulation and retention of Treg cells in the colon and control of colitogenic responses. Thus, we reveal an unrecognized function for TGF-beta signaling as an upstream factor controlling Treg cell activity in specific tissue environments. |