Cutting edge:: Cure of colitis by CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells

CD4(+) CD25(+) regulatory T cells have been shown to prevent T cell-mediated immune pathology; however, their ability to ameliorate established inflammation has not been tested. Using the CD4(+) CD45(+) CD45RB(high) cell transfer model of inflammatory bowel disease, we show that CD4(+) CD25(+) but not CD4(+) CD25(-) CD45RB(low) T cells are able to cure intestinal inflammation.. Transfer of CD4(+) CD25(+) T cells into mice with colitis led to resolution of the lamina propria infiltrate in the intestine and reappearance of normal intestinal architecture. CD4(+) CD25(+) T cells were found to proliferate in the mesenteric lymph nodes and inflamed colon. They were located between clusters of CD11c(+) cells and pathogenic T cell and found to he in contact with both cell types. These studies suggest that manipulation of CD4(+) CD25(+) T cells may be beneficial in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.