Notch2−expressing CD4+ T cells attain immunoregulatory functions during autoimmune inflammation

Abstract

Autoantigen−specific CD4+ T cells are central to the development of autoimmune diseases, while the expansion of regulatory T (Treg) cells expressing Forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3) is essential for mitigating these conditions. In this study, we identified CD4+Notch2+Foxp3lo T cells in the spinal cords of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), dextran sodium sulfate−induced colitis model mice, and patients with ulcerative colitis as immune regulatory cells. These cells exhibited a nonproliferative, dysfunctional phenotype and demonstrated immune regulatory functions, including suppressive activity against activated CD4+ T cells and marked Treg cell expansion activity. Our data revealed that Notch2 deletion in Foxp3−expressing cells diminishes the ability of this population to reverse the clinical symptoms of EAE. Collectively, these findings suggest that Notch2 expression in dysfunctional CD4+ T cells plays a crucial role in immune regulation.