Monocytes/macrophages in Treg-deficient mice

What is it about?

We have characterized monocytes/macrophages in Treg cell-deficient scurfy mice and showed their increased generation and recruitment. Adoptive transfer of wt CD4+ cells and M-CSF-neutralization reversed abnormal monocyte distribution. Injection of Treg cells to RAG2-/- mice had no effect on myelopoiesis suggesting that disturbed monocyte/macrophage homeostasis in scurfy mice is a consequence of ongoing inflammation.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Our data suggest that the lack of Treg cells indirectly modifies myelopoiesis, differentiation, distribution, and function of monocytes/macrophages. A better understanding of the interaction between myeloid and Treg cells may not only provide insights into basic immunological mechanisms of cellular control, but on the long run may also help to improve current approaches for treating IPEX syndrome and other autoimmune diseases.