While unique subsets of Treg cells have been described in some non-lymphoid tissues, their relationship to Treg cells in secondary lymphoid organs and circulation remains unclear. We have identified a recirculating and highly suppressive effector Treg cell subset that expresses the 2 integrin, CD49b, and exhibits a unique tissue distribution. To identify genes and pathways enriched in CD49b+ Treg cells, we performed RNA-seq of splenic CD49b+ and CD49b Treg cells that were of otherwise similar activation status based on expression of CD44 and CD62L. This revealed that splenic CD49b+ Treg cells express genes related to migration and activation, but are relatively depleted of genes whose expression is TCR-dependent in Treg cells. These results shed light on the identity and development of a functionally potent subset of mature effector Treg cells that recirculates through and surveys peripheral tissues. SOURCE: Alexander,Y,Rudensky Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Pluto Bioinformatics

GSE121482: RNA-seq of Treg and Tconv subsets from murine spleen