Connexin 43 signaling enhances the generation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells

Michal Kuczma, Jeffrey R. Lee, Piotr Kraj

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Despite their importance for the functioning of the immune system, thymic development and peripheral maintenance of Foxp3+ regulatory T (T R) cells are poorly understood. We have found that connexin 43 (Cx43), expressed by thymic TR cells progenitors, supports T R development. Mice with deletion of the Cx43 gene induced in T cells produce only few TR cells and had increased proportion of activated T cells in the lymph nodes, suggesting impaired peripheral tolerance. Reduction of the TR cell numbers was accompanied by increased presence of CD4+CD25+GITR+Foxp3- T cells, which did not produce inflammatory cytokines and lost suppressor function. These results strongly argue that we have discovered a novel signaling pathway, controlled by Cx43, that enhances the generation of TR cells. We propose that a possible mechanism of Cx43 activity is by regulating Foxp3 expression in TR lineage cells.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)248-257
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Immunology
Volume187
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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