Blockade of CD80/CD86-CD28 co-stimulation augments the inhibitory function of peptide antigen-specific regulatory T cells

Mixed lymphocyte culture under the blockade of CD80/CD86-CD28 co-stimulation induces anergic (completely hyporesponsive) T cells with immune suppressive function (inducible suppressing T cells: iTS cells). Previously, iTS cell therapy has demonstrated outstanding benefits in clinical trials for organ transplantation. Here, we examined whether peptide antigen-specific iTS cells are inducible. DO 11.10 iTS cells were obtained from splenocytes of BALB/c DO 11.10 mice by stimulation with OVA peptide and antagonistic anti-CD80/CD86 mAbs. When DO 11.10 iTS or Foxp3- DO 11.10 iTS cells were stimulated with OVA, these cells produced IL-13, but not IL-4. DO 11.10 iTS cells decreased IL-4 and increased IL-13 production from OVA-stimulated naïve DO 11.10 splenocytes. When Foxp3+ DO 11.10 iTS cells were prepared, these cells significantly inhibited the production of IL-4 and IL-13 compared with freshly isolated Foxp3+ DO 11.10 T cells. Moreover, an increase in the population expressing OX40, ICOS, and 4-1BB suggested activation of Foxp3+ DO 11.10 iTS cells. Thus, blockade of CD80/CD86-CD28 co-stimulation during peptide antigen stimulation augments the inhibitory function of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, and does not induce anergic Foxp3- conventional T cells. Peptide-specific Foxp3+ regulatory iTS cells could be useful for the treatment of allergic and autoimmune diseases without adverse effects.