Role of Gastric Epithelial Cell-Derived Transforming Growth Factor β in Reduced CD4+T Cell Proliferation and Development of Regulatory T Cells during Helicobacter pylori Infection

Abstract

ABSTRACTGastric epithelial cells (GECs) express the class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and costimulatory molecules, enabling them to act as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and affect local T cell responses. DuringHelicobacter pyloriinfection, GECs respond by releasing proinflammatory cytokines and by increasing the surface expression of immunologically relevant receptors, including class II MHC. The CD4+T cell response duringH. pyloriinfection is skewed toward a Th1 response, but these cells remain hyporesponsive. Activated T cells show decreased proliferation duringH. pyloriinfection, and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+regulatory T cells (Tregs) are present at the site of infection. In this study, we examined the mechanisms surrounding the CD4+T cell responses duringH. pyloriinfection and found that transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) plays a major role in these responses. GECs produced TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 in response to infection. Activated CD4+T cells in culture withH. pylori-treated GECs were decreased in proliferation but increased upon neutralization of TGF-β. Naïve CD4+T cell development into Tregs was also enhanced in the presence of GEC-derived TGF-β. Herein, we demonstrate a role for GEC-produced TGF-β in the inhibition of CD4+T cell responses seen duringH. pyloriinfection.