Work

Galectin-1 Triggers an Immunoregulatory Signature in Th Cells Functionally Defined by IL-10 Expression

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a β-galactoside-binding protein, can alter fate and effector function of Th cells; however, little is known about how Gal-1 induces Th cell differentiation. In this article, we show that both uncommitted and polarized Th cells bound by Gal-1 expressed an immunoregulatory signature defined by IL-10. IL-10 synthesis was stimulated by direct Gal-1 engagement to cell surface glycoproteins, principally CD45, on activated Th cells and enhanced by IL-21 expression through the c-Maf/aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway, independent of APCs. Gal-1-induced IL-10(+) T cells efficiently suppressed T cell proliferation and T cell-mediated inflammation and promoted the establishment of cancer immune-privileged sites. Collectively, these findings show how Gal-1 functions as a major glycome determinant regulating Th cell development, inflammation, and tumor immunity.

Source: The Journal of Immunology

DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1103433

Authors: Filiberto Cedeno-Laurent, Matthew Opperman, Steven R Barthel, Vijay K Kuchroo, Charles J Dimitroff

Institutions: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University

Language: English

Topic: Galectins and Cancer Biology

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Cancer Institute, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health