Partial Depletion of Regulatory T Cells Enhances Host Inflammatory Response Against Acute Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection After Sepsis

Immune dysfunction contributes to secondary infection and worse outcomes in sepsis. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been implicated in sepsis-induced immunosuppression. Nevertheless, the role of Tregs in secondary infection after sepsis remains to be determined. In the present study, a two-hit model which mimics clinical conditions was used and the potential role of Tregs in secondary Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection post-sepsis was investigated. Results showed that mice were susceptible to secondary P. aeruginosa infection 3days, but not 7days, post-cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The levels of IL-17A, IL-1, and IL-6 remained low in CLP mice after P. aeruginosa infection, while the levels of IL-10 increased significantly. Additionally, increased number of Tregs in both lung and spleen was observed in two-hit mice. Injection with PC61 (anti-CD25) mAb reduced the number of Tregs by 50% in spleen and 60% in lung of septic mice. This partial depletion of Tregs elevated IL-17A, IL-1, and IL-6 production and decreased IL-10 levels in septic mice with P. aeruginosa infection, leading to lower bacterial load, attenuation of lung injury, and improvement of survival. The present findings demonstrate that Tregs play a crucial role in secondary P. aeruginosa infection after sepsis by modulating the inflammatory response.