Immunostimulatory Tim-1–specific antibody deprograms Tregs and prevents transplant tolerance in mice

N Degauque, C Mariat, J Kenny… - The Journal of …, 2007 - Am Soc Clin Investig
N Degauque, C Mariat, J Kenny, D Zhang, W Gao, MD Vu, S Alexopoulos, M Oukka…
The Journal of clinical investigation, 2007Am Soc Clin Investig
T cell Ig mucin (Tim) molecules modulate CD4+ T cell responses. In keeping with the view
that Tim-1 generates a stimulatory signal for CD4+ T cell activation, we hypothesized that an
agonist Tim-1–specific mAb would intensify the CD4+ T cell–dependant allograft response.
Unexpectedly, we determined that a particular Tim-1–specific mAb exerted reciprocal effects
upon the commitment of alloactivated T cells to regulatory and effector phenotypes.
Commitment to the Th1 and Th17 phenotypes was fostered, whereas commitment to the …
T cell Ig mucin (Tim) molecules modulate CD4+ T cell responses. In keeping with the view that Tim-1 generates a stimulatory signal for CD4+ T cell activation, we hypothesized that an agonist Tim-1–specific mAb would intensify the CD4+ T cell–dependant allograft response. Unexpectedly, we determined that a particular Tim-1–specific mAb exerted reciprocal effects upon the commitment of alloactivated T cells to regulatory and effector phenotypes. Commitment to the Th1 and Th17 phenotypes was fostered, whereas commitment to the Treg phenotype was hindered. Moreover, ligation of Tim-1 in vitro effectively deprogrammed Tregs and thus produced Tregs unable to control T cell responses. Overall, the effects of the agonist Tim-1–specific mAb on the allograft response stemmed from enhanced expansion and survival of T effector cells; a capacity to deprogram natural Tregs; and inhibition of the conversion of naive CD4+ T cells into Tregs. The reciprocal effects of agonist Tim-1–specific mAbs upon effector T cells and Tregs serve to prevent allogeneic transplant tolerance.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation