IL-17–producing human peripheral regulatory T cells retain suppressive function

Abstract

Abstract Although implicated in antagonistic functions, both regulatory T cells (Tregs) and Th17 effector cells play an important role in controlling autoimmune pathogenesis. Paradoxically, recent studies indicate that Tregs have the capacity to produce interleukin-17 (IL-17), although the ability of these cells to retain their suppressive function remains unknown. Here we report that human Tregs within the CD4+CD45RA−CD25highCCR6+HLA-DR−FoxP3+ population produce IL-17 when activated in the presence of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6, whereas IL-17 secretion was inhibited by TGFβ. To assess the ability of a single Treg to secrete IL-17 and to suppress in vitro immune function, we isolated clones from this population. We found that IL-17+/FoxP3+ Treg clones retain suppressive function and exhibit the plasticity to secrete IL-17 or suppress depending on the nature of the stimulus provided. IL-17 production by these Treg clones was accompanied by sustained FoxP3 expression and concomitant, but reversible, loss of suppressive activity. Our data demonstrate that at the single cell level a subset of in vitro suppressive FoxP3+ cells can be driven to secrete IL-17 under inflammatory conditions. These findings suggest a new mechanism by which inflammation can drive Tregs to secrete IL-17, thereby dampening suppression and promoting an inflammatory milieu.