Induction of antigen-specific regulatory T cell and its effect on the formation of atherosclerotic plaque

Objective To explore the induction of antigen-specific-CD4+ CD25+ T cell in vitro and its effect on the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Methods Immature dendritic cells were extracted and induced from apoE-1- mouse bone marrow and then used to induce heat shock protein 60-specific- CD4+ CD25+ T cells in vitro, the frequency of CD4+ CD25+ T cells and IL-10 and TGF-β1 levels in the medium were analysed. Mixed lymphocyte reactions were used to investigate the inhibitory effect on proliferation and IFN-γproduction of effector T cells. After infusing the CD4+ CD25+ T cells into homogenous apoE-1- mice, 8 weeks later, the size of atherosclerotic plaques was meassured. Results Compared with the control group, the expression of co-stimulating factor CD80, CD86 on aspirin-treated dendritic cells was down-regulated. Immature dendritic cells induced more anti-gen-specific-CD4 + CD25+ T cells than the mature ones and IL-10 and TGF-β1 levels in the culture medium were higher. These CD4+ CD25+ T cells significantly suppressed the proliferation and the IFN-γproduction of effector T cells in vitro. The atherosclerotic plaques in the CD4+ CD25+ T cells treated mice were smaller than untreated animals. Conclusion Immature dendritic cells can be used to induce HSP60 antigen-specific-CD4+ CD25+ T cells in vitro and the later can inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis.