Work

B cells induced regulatory T cells attenuated the classical M1 polarization of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Regulatory T (Treg) cells are effective immunomodulators of adaptive and innate immune responses. Our previous studies have demonstrated that B-cell-induced CD4 + Foxp3 − regulatory T cells, referred to as Treg-of-B cells, exert suppressive capacity, by inhibiting CD4 + CD25 − T-cell proliferation and inflammasome activation. In the present study, Treg-of-B cells downregulated proinflammatory M1-like markers and partially induced M2-associated genes in unpolarized bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), as evidenced by RNA expression of Nos2 , Arg1 , Retnla , Mrc1 , and Egr2 . Treg-of-B cells decreased the RNA levels of Nos2 , Tnfa , Cd86 , and Cxcl9 , and reduced the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and nitrite in LPS/interferon (IFN)-γ-stimulated M1-like macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. These cells also secreted Th2 cytokines, including IL-10, IL-4, and IL-13, with enhanced cytokine production observed when cocultured with macrophages. Mechanistically, Treg-of-B cells exerted their modulatory effects via both cell-cell contact and contact-dependent induction of soluble mediators, particularly Th2 cytokines. Furthermore, Treg-of-B cells promoted IκBα accumulation and suppressed RNA expression of Kruppel-like factor 4 ( Klf4 ), thereby inhibiting NF-κB activation. These findings suggest that Treg-of-B cells regulate macrophage plasticity and might prevent excessive inflammation.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-19445-1

Authors: Yi-Ping Huang, Chien-Hui Chien, Li-Chieh Wang, Bor-Luen Chiang

Institutions: National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University Hospital

Language: English

Topic: T-cell and B-cell Immunology

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690