Altered generation of induced regulatory T cells in the FVB.mdr1a-/- mouse model of colitis

Mucosal Immunol. 2013 Mar;6(2):309-23. doi: 10.1038/mi.2012.73. Epub 2012 Aug 8.

Abstract

The FVB.mdr1a(-/-) mouse, lacking the small molecule pump P-glycoprotein (P-gp), is a commonly used model for the study of spontaneous T cell-mediated colitis. In addition, MDR1 polymorphisms and P-gp deficiency in humans have been linked to the development of ulcerative colitis. We now demonstrate that mice with P-gp deficiency have decreased levels of Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the intestinal lamina propria. This decrease is not due to either increased Treg apoptosis, altered Treg trafficking, or enhanced Treg plasticity to become Foxp3(+)IL-17(+) cells. Instead, P-gp deficiency appears to restrict the development of induced Treg cells (iTregs), as fewer Foxp3(+) iTregs developed from naive FVB.mdr1a(-/-) T cells both upon transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) treatment in vitro and after adoptive transfer into FVB.rag2(-/-) recipients. Rather, in vitro TGF-β treatment results in a IL-17(+)CD4(+) T cell. This failure of iTregs to develop explains the decrease in Foxp3(+) Tregs in the FVB.mdr1a(-/-) intestine, representing a need to investigate this novel disease mechanism in human inflammatory bowel disease patients with MDR1 polymorphisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B / deficiency
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B / genetics
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • CD4 Antigens / metabolism
  • Cell Movement / immunology
  • Colitis / genetics
  • Colitis / immunology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / metabolism
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
  • Intestines / immunology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / pharmacology

Substances

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B
  • CD4 Antigens
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Foxp3 protein, mouse
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta