Perturbation of the CD4 T cell compartment and expansion of regulatory T cells in autoimmune-prone Lyn-deficient mice

Abstract

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subset of T lymphocytes that are responsible for suppressing the function of other immune cells, and preventing potentially harmful autoimmune responses. Studies in autoimmune-prone mice and human autoimmune diseases have shown reduced Treg number or function as a causative factor for the apparent loss of tolerance that contributes to disease. We have found that Lyn-deficient mice, which develop high titers of autoantibodies with age, have a perturbed Treg compartment. Contrary to what has been observed in some strains of autoimmune-prone mice, aged Lyn-deficient mice have increased numbers of Tregs. This expansion occurs in the presence of elevated serum IL-..