Conversion of human CD4+CD25-FOXP3- into CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T cells: Implications for a cell-based therapy for IBD?

Aims: Regulatory CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T cells (Treg) prevent and treat established colitis in animal models and they are numerically deficient in patients with active IBD. This suggests that cellular Treg therapy might be a promising option. Autologous Treg for cellular therapy might be obtained by in vitro expansion of natural Treg or conversion of CD4+CD25-FOXP3- cells into functional Treg. Aim: Since the isolation of Treg is limited by their low number in peripheral blood, we now evaluated different protocols to convert CD4+CD25-FOXP3- cells into CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Treg. Methods: Peripheral CD4+CD25-FOXP3- blood lymp…