Foxp3⁺ Tregs from Langerhans cell histiocytosis lesions co-express CD56 and have a definitively regulatory capacity.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) lesions contain myeloid lineage 'LCH' cells. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are also enriched within lesions, although their role in LCH pathogenesis is unknown. LCH cells are thought to produce the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) within lesions, however whether Tregs contribute is unestablished. Using flow cytometry, we analyzed relative frequencies of live Tregs from LCH patients and identified CD56 expression and TGF-β production by lesion Tregs. While CD56⁺ Tregs were enriched in lesions, overall CD56⁺ T cells were reduced in the blood from active LCH patients compared to non-active disease patients, and there was a negative correlation between CD8⁺CD56⁺ T cells and Tregs. We propose that inducing a Treg phenotype in T cells such as CD56⁺ T cells may be a mechanism by which LCH cells divert inflammatory T cell responses. Thus, Tregs within LCH lesions are likely an important component in LCH pathogenesis.

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