C/EBP beta Deletion Promotes Expansion of Poorly Functional Intestinal Regulatory T Cells

摘要

Background and Aims: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases [IBDs] are chronic intestinal inflammatory conditions in part mediated by CD4(+) T cells. Anti-inflammatory Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells [Tregs] maintain immune homeostasis and protect against IBD development via multiple mechanisms, including cytokine secretion and cell-cell interaction. CCAAT enhancer binding protein-beta [C/EBP beta] is a stress-responsive transcription factor linked with IBD susceptibility. Whole-body C/EBP beta deficiency induces CD4(+) T cell-predominant hyperproliferation, and we hypothesize that this may be due to impaired Treg function.