Interferon-β promotes the survival and function of induced regulatory T cells

Type I interferons (IFNs) are pleiotropic cytokines and impact various immune cells, including regulatory T cells (Treg cells). The effect of type-I IFNs on the development and function of Treg cells is quite controversial. Here we induced Treg cells (iTreg cells) from naive CD4(+) T cells in vitro in the presence or absence of IFN-beta to elucidate its direct effect on the induction of iTreg cells. We found that IFN-beta suppressed the proliferation of iTreg cells but enhanced their expression of anti-apoptotic genes Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 during the development of iTreg cells. We also found that IFN-beta promoted suppression of conventional T cell proliferation by iTreg cells. These results suggest that IFN-beta promotes the survival and immunomodulatory function of iTreg cells.

Automated summary

This study found that IFN-beta has a dual effect on the development of iTreg cells, inhibiting their proliferation but enhancing their anti-apoptotic ability and suppression of conventional T cells.