CD8α+ dendritic cells prime TCR-peptide-reactive regulatory CD4+FOXP3− T cells

CD4+ T cells with immune regulatory function can be either FOXP3+ or FOXP3−. We have previously shown that priming of naturally occurring TCR-peptide-reactive regulatory CD4+FOXP3− T cells (Treg) specifically controls Vβ8.2+CD4+ T cells mediating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, the mechanism by which these Treg are primed to recognize their cognate antigenic determinant, which is derived from the TCRVβ8.2-chain, is not known. In this study we show that antigen presenting cells (APC) derived from splenocytes of naive mice are able to stimulate cloned CD4+ Treg in the absence of exogenous antigen, and their stimulation capacity is augmented during EAE. Among the APC populations DC were the most efficient in stimulating the Treg. Stimulation of CD4+ Treg was dependent upon processing and presentation of TCR peptides from ingested Vβ8.2TCR+ CD4+ T cells. Additionally, dendritic cells pulsed with TCR peptide or apoptotic Vβ8.2+ T cells are able to prime Treg in vivo and mediate protection from disease in a CD8-dependent fashion. These data highlight a novel mechanism for the priming of CD4+ Treg by CD8α+ DC, and suggest a pathway that can be exploited to prime antigen-specific regulation of T cell-mediated inflammatory disease.