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IL-2 Family of Cytokines in T Regulatory Cell Development and Homeostasis

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Abstract

Introduction

Interleukin 2 (IL-2) induces an essential signal for T regulatory (Treg) cells. Without a functional IL-2R, only immature CD4+ Foxp3low CD25neg T cells develop, and these cells fail to suppress autoreactive T cells in the periphery.

Discussion

IL-2 functions during Treg cell development by upregulating Foxp3 and CD25 and by increasing the number of thymic Treg cells. Upon exiting the thymus during neonatal life, IL-2 is responsible for rapid amplification of the number of Treg cells in peripheral lymph nodes to insure suppression of autoreactive T cells that escape negative selection, thereby maintaining tolerance. The homeostasis of Treg cells in mature immunocompetent mice also depends on IL-2. However, there is an alternative mechanism for Treg cells homeostasis that may represent a minor IL-2-independent pathway or the consequence of weak and very transient IL-2R signaling.

Conclusion

Thus, IL-2 provides importance signals for Treg cell development and for their homeostasis in peripheral immune tissues.

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Abbreviations

TCR:

T cell receptor

Treg:

T regulatory

TSLPR:

thymic stromal lymphopoietin receptor

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Acknowledgments

This work has been supported by grants from the NIH and JDRF.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami, RMSB 3119, Miami, FL, USA

    Thomas R. Malek, Aixin Yu, Linjian Zhu, Takaji Matsutani, Dennis Adeegbe & Allison L. Bayer

  2. Diabetes Research Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, P.O. Box 016960, Miami, FL, 33101, USA

    Thomas R. Malek & Allison L. Bayer

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  1. Thomas R. Malek
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  2. Aixin Yu
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  3. Linjian Zhu
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  6. Allison L. Bayer
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Correspondence to Thomas R. Malek.

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Malek, T.R., Yu, A., Zhu, L. et al. IL-2 Family of Cytokines in T Regulatory Cell Development and Homeostasis. J Clin Immunol 28, 635–639 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10875-008-9235-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10875-008-9235-y

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