An Interaction between Kynurenine and the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Can Generate Regulatory T Cells
Year: 2010
Type: article
Abstract: The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) has been known to cause immunosuppression after binding dioxin. It has recently been discovered that the receptor may be central to T cell differentiation into FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) versus Th17 cells. In this paper, we demonstrate that kynurenine, the first breakdown product in the IDO-dependent tryptophan degradation pathway, activates the AHR. We furthermore show that this activation leads to AHR-dependent Treg generation. We additionally investigate the dependence of TGF-beta on the AHR for optimal Treg generation, which may be secondary to the upregulation of this receptor that is seen in T cells postexposure to TGF-beta. These results shed light on the relationship of IDO to the generation of Tregs, in addition to highlighting the central importance of the AHR in T cell differentiation. All tissues and cells were derived from mice.
Source: The Journal of Immunology
Authors: Joshua D Mezrich, John H Fechner, Xiaoji Zhang, Brian P Johnson, William J Burlingham, Christopher A Bradfield
Institution: University of Wisconsin–Madison
Language: English
Topic: T-cell and B-cell Immunology
Subfield: Immunology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1603640418