Regulatory T cells ameliorate acetaminophen-induced immune-mediated liver injury

X Wang, R Sun, Y Chen, ZX Lian, H Wei… - International …, 2015 - Elsevier
X Wang, R Sun, Y Chen, ZX Lian, H Wei, Z Tian
International immunopharmacology, 2015Elsevier
The contribution of innate immune cells to acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury has
been extensively investigated. However, the roles of T cell populations among adaptive
immune cells in APAP-induced liver injury remain to be elucidated. Herein, we found that
distinct CD4+ T cell subsets but not CD8+ T cells modulated APAP-induced liver injury in
mice. After APAP challenge, more CD62L low CD44 hi CD4+ T cells appeared in the liver,
accompanied by increased IFN-γ. The removal of CD4+ T cells by either antibody depletion …
Abstract
The contribution of innate immune cells to acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury has been extensively investigated. However, the roles of T cell populations among adaptive immune cells in APAP-induced liver injury remain to be elucidated. Herein, we found that distinct CD4+ T cell subsets but not CD8+ T cells modulated APAP-induced liver injury in mice. After APAP challenge, more CD62LlowCD44hiCD4+ T cells appeared in the liver, accompanied by increased IFN-γ. The removal of CD4+ T cells by either antibody depletion or genetic deficiency markedly compromised pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and ameliorated liver injury. Meanwhile, we also found that the frequency and absolute number of Treg cells also increased. Treg cell depletion increased hepatic CD62LlowCD44hiCD4+ T cells, augmented pro-inflammatory cytokines, and exacerbated liver injury, while adoptive transfer of Treg cells ameliorated APAP-induced liver injury. Furthermore, the recruitment of Treg cells into the liver through specific expression of CXCL10 in the liver could ameliorate APAP-induced liver injury. Our investigation suggests that Th1 and Treg subsets are involved in regulating APAP-induced liver injury. Thus, modulating the Th1/Treg balance may be an effective strategy to prevent and/or treat APAP-induced liver injury.
Elsevier