Method for identifying antigen-specific regulatory T cells

摘要

A method of identifying an antigen-specific regulatory T cell (Treg) from a subject is discussed wherein the method comprises quantitatively or qualitatively detecting co-expression of each of cell markers CD4, CD25 and CD134, or alternatively, each of cell markers CD8, CD25 and CD137, as well as one or more cell markers selected from the group of Treg cell markers consisting of CD39, CD73, CD127, CTLA-4 and Foxp3 on a cell in a suitable lymphocyte-containing sample from the subject in response to exposure to a target antigen. Also discussed are methods of isolating and expanding the identified antigen-specific Treg population, which may permit antigen-specific Treg cell therapy.

主权项

1. A method of identifying a target-antigen-specific regulatory T cell (Treg) from a subject, the method comprising the following steps:
(i) obtaining a suitable lymphocyte-containing sample from the subject; (ii) combining a soluble target antigen with the lymphocyte-containing sample in vitro; (iii) culturing the lymphocyte-containing sample and said soluble target antigen in vitro for a period of time of about 24 to 96 hours and before the target-antigen-specific Treg have divided; and thereafter, (iv) quantifying the target-antigen-specific Treg by detecting co-expression in a cell of each of cell markers CD4, CD25, CD134 and CD39 in the cultured sample; wherein detecting the co-expression of each of the cell markers identifies the target-antigen-specific Treg that specifically recognizes and responds to said target antigen.