Conversion of naïve T Cells into regulatory T Cells after tolerance induction in the murine liver

Introduction: Recently, we have demonstrated that sublethal doses of concanavalin A (ConA) induce tolerance towards ConA hepatitis in mice within one week. Tolerance is mediated by IL-10 producing regulatory T cells (Tregs). In vivo and in vitro data suggested that highly suppressive ConA-primed Foxp3+ Tregs might convert naïve CD4+ T cells into immunosuppressive Foxp3+ T cells. Hence, this study was intended to identify the relevance of “infectious tolerance“ as one mechanism of ConA tolerance. Methods: Splenic CD4+ T cells from DEREG (“depletion of regulatory T cells“) mice were co-cultivated with splenic Treg…