RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Brazil remains endemic for infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and leprosy, having a major impact on public health and the life quality of affected patients. Although the relevance of this co-infection is recognized, several aspects, such as the immune response, are not yet fully understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of FOXP3+ Treg cells in leprosy skin lesions and to correlate their clinical forms, laboratory characteristics (CD4, CD8, and CV), and the immune reconstitution syndrome in HIV-leprosy co-infection. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was carried out comparing four groups of patients: those with concomitant diagnosis of leprosy and HIV infection without a leprosy reaction, those with leprosy and HIV co-infection patients with a reverse reaction (RR), those with leprosy without HIV and without reaction, and those with leprosywithout HIV and with RR. The patients were diagnosed at a dermatology outpatient clinic located in Belém, Pará, Brazil, from 2003 to 2017. In the sample studied, there was a positive correlation between FOXP3+ cell density and viral load, negative correlation with blood CD4+ (not statistically significant), significant positive correlation in CD8 count in patients with leprosy reaction, and positive relationship in patients with IRIS. The density of cells expressing FOXP3 was higher in the BL/LL forms in patients without HIV, although the difference was not statistically significant. However, the cell mean was higher in the TT/BT forms in patients co-infected with leprosy and HIV, showing contradictory results. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These findings support that higher activity of the HIV may stimulate or result in a higher expression of FOXP3-Tregs and that they may be involved in active immunosuppression observed at the infection site at the tissue level. This supports the need to expand studies on FOXP3+ Treg cells in co-infected patients.
Assuntos
Coinfecção/genética , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/genética , Infecções por HIV/genética , Hanseníase/genética , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Brasil , Linfócitos T CD8-Positivos/imunologia , Criança , Coinfecção/imunologia , Coinfecção/microbiologia , Coinfecção/virologia , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/imunologia , Infecções por HIV/imunologia , Infecções por HIV/virologia , HIV-1/genética , HIV-1/fisiologia , Humanos , Hanseníase/imunologia , Hanseníase/microbiologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Mycobacterium leprae/genética , Mycobacterium leprae/fisiologia , Carga Viral , Adulto JovemRESUMO
CD38 is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed by T-cells. It has been reported that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) showed increased CD38+CD25+ T-cells correlating with immune activation and clinical signs. Contrariwise, CD38 deficiency in murine models has shown enhanced autoimmunity development. Recent studies have suggested that CD38+ regulatory T-cells are more suppressive than CD38- regulatory T-cells. Thus, we have suggested that CD38 overexpression in SLE patients could play a role in regulating immune activation cells instead of enhancing it. This study found a correlation between CD38 with FoxP3 expression and immunosuppressive molecules (CD69, IL-10, CTLA-4, and PD-1) in T-cells from lupus-prone mice (B6.MRL-Faslpr/J). Additionally, B6.MRL-Faslpr/J mice showed a decreased proportion of CD38+ Treg cells regarding wild-type mice (WT). Furthermore, Regulatory T-Cells (Treg cells) from CD38-/- mice showed impairment in expressing immunosuppressive molecules and proliferation after stimulation through the T-cell receptor (TCR). Finally, we demonstrated an increased ratio of IFN-γ/IL-10 secretion in CD38-/- splenocytes stimulated with anti-CD3 compared with the WT. Altogether, our data suggest that CD38 represents an element in maintaining activated and proliferative Treg cells. Consequently, CD38 could have a crucial role in immune tolerance, preventing SLE development through Treg cells.
Assuntos
ADP-Ribosil Ciclase 1/imunologia , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/imunologia , Imunossupressores/imunologia , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/imunologia , Glicoproteínas de Membrana/imunologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/imunologia , ADP-Ribosil Ciclase 1/genética , Animais , Autoimunidade , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/genética , Tolerância Imunológica , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/patologia , Masculino , Glicoproteínas de Membrana/genética , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos KnockoutRESUMO
The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of rs2232365 (-924 G > A) and rs3761548 (-3279 C > A) FOXP3 variants with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility, TGF-ß1 plasma levels, autoantibodies, and LN nephritis, and SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). The study included 196 SLE female patients and 157 female controls. FOXP3 variants were determined with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Plasma levels of TGF-ß1 were determined using immunofluorimetric assay. The AA genotype [OR: 2.650, CI 95%(1.070-6.564), p = 0.035] and A allele [OR: 2.644, CI 95%(1.104-6.333), p = 0.029] were associated with SLE diagnosis in the -3279 C > A. The A/A haplotype was associated with SLE [OR: 3.729, CI 95%(1.006-13.820), p = 0.049]. GCGC haplotype patients had higher TGF-ß1 levels (p = 0.012) than other haplotypes. Patients with -924 AA genotype showed higher frequency of anti-dsDNA (p = 0.012) and anti-U1RNP (p = 0.036). The A/C haplotype had higher SLEDAI score [OR: 1.119, CI 95%(1.015-1.234), p = 0.024] and ACAC haplotype higher frequency of anti-dsDNA [OR: 3.026, CI 95%(1.062-8.624), p = 0.038], anti-U1RNP [OR: 5.649, CI 95%(1.199-26.610), p = 0.029] and nephritis [OR: 2.501, CI 95%(1.004-6.229), p = 0.049]. Our data demonstrate that the G/C haplotype provides protection for SLE. While the presence of allele A of both variants could favor autoimmunity, disease activity, and LN.
Assuntos
Autoanticorpos/imunologia , Predisposição Genética para Doença , Haplótipos , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico , Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta1 , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Feminino , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/genética , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/imunologia , Humanos , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/genética , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/imunologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta1/genética , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta1/imunologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Adaptive immune cells, including CD4+CD69+ and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells, are important for maintaining immunological tolerance. In human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells are reduced, whereas CD69 expression is increased, resulting in a homeostatic immune imbalance that may intensify autoreactive T cell activity. To analyze the mechanisms implicated in autotolerance failure, we evaluated CD4+CD69+ and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells and interleukin profiles in a pristane-induced SLE experimental model. METHODS: For lupus induction, 26 female Balb/c mice received a single intraperitoneal 0.5 ml dose of pristane, and 16 mice received the same dose of saline. Blood and spleen samples were collected from euthanized mice 90 and 120 days after pristane or saline inoculation. Mononuclear cells from peripheral blood (PBMC), peritoneal lavage (PL) and splenocytes were obtained by erythrocyte lysis and cryopreserved for further evaluation by flow cytometry using the GuavaEasyCyte TM HT. After thawing, cells were washed and stained with monoclonal antibodies against CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25, CD28, CD69, FoxP3, CD14 and Ly6C (BD Pharmingen TM). Interleukins were quantified using Multiplex® MAP. The Mann-Whitney test and the Pearson coefficient were used for statistical analysis, and p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, SLE-induced animals presented increased numbers of CD4+CD69+ T cells in the blood on T90 and T120 (p = 0.022 and p = 0.008) and in the spleen on T120 (p = 0.049), but there were decreased numbers in the PL (p = 0.049) on T120. The percentage of Treg was lower in blood (p < 0.005 and p < 0.012) on T90 and T120, in spleen (p = 0.043) on T120 and in PL (p = 0.001) on T90. Increased numbers of CD4 + CD69+ T cells in the PL were positively associated with high IL-2 (p = 0.486) and IFN-γ (p = 0.017) levels, whereas reduced Treg cells in the blood were negatively correlated with TNFα levels (p = 0.043) and positively correlated with TGFß1 (p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: Increased numbers of CD4+CD69+ T cells and reduced numbers of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells with an altered interleukin profile suggests loss of autotolerance in pristane-induced lupus mice, which is similar to human lupus. Therefore, this model is useful in evaluating mechanisms of cellular activation, peripheral tolerance and homeostatic immune imbalance involved in human SLE.
Assuntos
Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/citologia , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/imunologia , Lavagem Peritoneal , Baço/citologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/citologia , Animais , Antígenos CD/análise , Antígenos CD/imunologia , Antígenos de Diferenciação de Linfócitos T/análise , Antígenos de Diferenciação de Linfócitos T/imunologia , Antígenos Ly/análise , Antígenos Ly/imunologia , Antígenos CD28/análise , Antígenos CD28/imunologia , Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/imunologia , Feminino , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/análise , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/imunologia , Imunossupressores , Subunidade alfa de Receptor de Interleucina-2/análise , Subunidade alfa de Receptor de Interleucina-2/imunologia , Lectinas Tipo C/análise , Lectinas Tipo C/imunologia , Receptores de Lipopolissacarídeos/análise , Receptores de Lipopolissacarídeos/imunologia , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/sangue , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/induzido quimicamente , Contagem de Linfócitos , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Baço/imunologia , Subpopulações de Linfócitos T/citologia , Subpopulações de Linfócitos T/imunologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/imunologia , TerpenosRESUMO
Context: CD4+ T lymphocytes are able to differentiate into distinct subtypes according to several immunological scenarios, including T helper (Th)1, Th2, Th17 and regulatory T (Treg) cells. CD4+ T cells are phenotypically flexible and have specific ion channels, such as the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) that could be modulated by peptides produced by marine snails, known as conotoxins. Their effect on T lymphocytes has not been explored and emerging evidence suggests that these peptides may have immunomodulatory activities. Objective: This study investigated the effect of two Californiconus californicus-derived synthetic conotoxins on the proliferation and differentiation of T lymphocyte subpopulations Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg. Methods: Cells from lymph nodes of BALB/c mice were cultured in the presence of conotoxins cal14.1b and cal14.2c (5.5 µM), during 96 h. Cell proliferation and intracellular cytokine production (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17 and IL-10) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results and Discussion: cal14.1b and cal14.2c increased intracellular IL-10 production in Treg (CD3+CD4+Foxp3+) cells and decreased intracellular IL-17 production (CD3+CD4+) after 72 h of culture. Conotoxins did not show any effect on T cell proliferation nor Th1/Th2 balance. Conclusion: These results suggest that synthetic conotoxins exert immunomodulatory activity, especially by regulating specific functions on T lymphocytes.
Assuntos
Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/imunologia , Conotoxinas/imunologia , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/imunologia , Fatores Imunológicos/imunologia , Interleucina-10/imunologia , Peptídeos/imunologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/imunologia , Animais , Organismos Aquáticos/imunologia , Diferenciação Celular/imunologia , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Cultivadas , Citocinas/imunologia , Ativação Linfocitária/imunologia , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB CRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence shows that tumor cell-specific genomic changes can influence the cross talk between cancer cells and the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME). Loss of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene is observed in 20% to 30% of prostate cancers (PCa) when first detected and the rate increases with PCa progression and advanced disease. Recent findings implicate a role for PTEN in cellular type I interferon response and immunosuppression in PCa. However, the way that PTEN inactivation alters antitumor immune response in PCa is poorly understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To investigate the changes associated with PTEN loss and an immunosuppressive TME in PCa, we used CIBERSORT to estimate the relative abundance of 22 immune-cell types from 741 primary and 96 metastatic tumors. Our in silico findings were then validated by immunohistochemical analysis of immune cells and IDO1 and PDL1 checkpoint proteins in a cohort of 94 radical prostatectomy specimens. RESULTS: FoxP3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) were significantly increased in PTEN-deficient PCa in all three public domain cohorts. Loss of PTEN in bone metastases was associated with lower CD8+ T-cell abundance, but in liver metastasis, FoxP3+ Tregs were present at higher levels. PTEN-deficient lymph node metastasis had a distinct profile, with high levels of CD8+ T cells. Moreover, we found that metastatic PCa presents higher abundance of FoxP3+ Treg when compared to primary lesions. Since PTEN-deficient tumors are likely to be immunosuppressed as a consequence of increased FoxP3+ Tregs, we then evaluated the localization and expression of IDO1, PDL1 immune checkpoints, and the corresponding density of FoxP3+ Treg and CD8+ T cells using our validation cohort (n = 94). We found that IDO1 protein expression and FoxP3+ Treg density were higher in neoplastic glands compared with benign adjacent tissue. Moreover, higher densities of FoxP3+ Treg cells in both stromal (P = 0.04) and tumor (P = 0.006) compartments were observed in PTEN-deficient tumors compared to tumors that retained PTEN activity. Similarly, IDO1 protein expression was significantly increased in the tumor glands of PTEN-deficient PCa (P < 0.0001). Spearman correlation analysis showed that IDO1 expression was significantly associated with FoxP3+ Treg and CD8+ T-cell density (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings imply that PTEN deficiency is linked to an immunosuppressive state in PCa with distinct changes in the frequency of immune cell types in tumors from different metastatic sites. Our data suggest that determining PTEN status may also help guide the selection of patients for future immunotherapy trials in localized and metastatic PCa.
Assuntos
Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/imunologia , Indolamina-Pirrol 2,3,-Dioxigenase/imunologia , Linfócitos do Interstício Tumoral/imunologia , PTEN Fosfo-Hidrolase/deficiência , Neoplasias de Próstata Resistentes à Castração/imunologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/imunologia , Idoso , Antígeno B7-H1/imunologia , Estudos de Coortes , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/biossíntese , Humanos , Tolerância Imunológica , Indolamina-Pirrol 2,3,-Dioxigenase/biossíntese , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Metástase Neoplásica , PTEN Fosfo-Hidrolase/genética , PTEN Fosfo-Hidrolase/imunologia , Neoplasias de Próstata Resistentes à Castração/enzimologia , Neoplasias de Próstata Resistentes à Castração/genética , Análise Serial de Tecidos , Microambiente Tumoral/imunologiaRESUMO
Uterine receptivity and embryo implantation are two main processes that need a finely regulated balance between pro-inflammatory and tolerogenic mediators to allow a successful pregnancy. The neuroimmune peptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a key regulator, and it is involved in the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are crucial in both processes. Here, we analyzed the ability of endogenous and exogenous VIP to sustain a tolerogenic microenvironment during the peri-implantation period, particularly focusing on Treg recruitment. Wild-type (WT) and VIP-deficient mice [heterozygous (HT, +/-), knockout (KO, -/-)], and FOXP3-knock-in-GFP mice either pregnant or in estrus were used. During the day of estrus, we found significant histological differences between the uterus of WT mice vs. VIP-deficient mice, with the latter exhibiting undetectable levels of FOXP3 expression, decreased expression of interleukin (IL)-10, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)c, and increased gene expression of the Th17 proinflammatory transcription factor RORγt. To study the implantation window, we mated WT and VIP (+/-) females with WT males and observed altered FOXP3, VEGFc, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)ß gene expression at the implantation sites at day 5.5 (d5.5), demonstrating a more inflammatory environment in VIP (+/-) vs. VIP (+/+) females. A similar molecular profile was observed at implantation sites of WT × WT mice treated with VIP antagonist at d3.5. We then examined the ability GFP-sorted CD4+ cells from FOXP3-GFP females to migrate toward conditioned media (CM) obtained from d5.5 implantation sites cultured in the absence/presence of VIP or VIP antagonist. VIP treatment increased CD4+FOXP3+ and decreased CD4+ total cell migration towards implantation sites, and VIP antagonist prevented these effects. Finally, we performed adoptive cell transfer of Tregs (sorted from FOXP3-GFP females) in VIP-deficient-mice, and we observed that FOXP3-GFP cells were mainly recruited into the uterus/implantation sites compared to all other tested tissues. In addition, after Treg transfer, we found an increase in IL-10 expression and VEGFc in HT females and allowed embryo implantation in KO females. In conclusion, VIP contributes to a local tolerogenic response necessary for successful pregnancy, preventing the development of a hostile uterine microenvironment for implantation by the selective recruitment of Tregs during the peri-implantation period.
Assuntos
Implantação do Embrião/imunologia , Placenta/imunologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/imunologia , Útero/imunologia , Peptídeo Intestinal Vasoativo/imunologia , Animais , Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/imunologia , Microambiente Celular , Feminino , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/imunologia , Interleucina-10/imunologia , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Membro 3 do Grupo F da Subfamília 1 de Receptores Nucleares/imunologia , Gravidez , Fator A de Crescimento do Endotélio Vascular/imunologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Although the role of histamine H4 receptor (H4R) in immune cells is being extensively investigated, its immunomodulatory function in cancer is completely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of H4R in antitumour immunity in a model of triple-negative breast cancer. METHODS: We evaluated growth parameters, histological characteristics and the composition of tumour, splenic and tumour draining lymph node (TDLN) immune subsets, in a syngeneic model, developed orthotopically with 4T1 cells in H4R knockout (H4R-KO) and wild-type mice. RESULTS: Mice lacking H4R show reduced tumour size and weight, decreased number of lung metastases and percentage of CD4+ tumour-infiltrating T cells, while exhibiting increased infiltration of NK cells and CD19+ lymphocytes. Likewise, TDLN of H4R-KO mice show decreased CD4+ T cells and T regulatory cells (CD4+CD25+FoxP3+), and increased percentages of NK cells. Finally, H4R-deficient mice show decreased Tregs in spleens and non-draining lymph nodes, and a negative correlation between tumour weight and the percentages of CD4+, CD19+ and NK splenic cells, suggesting that H4R also regulates antitumour immunity at a systemic level. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report that demonstrates the participation of H4R in antitumour immunity, suggesting that H4R could be a target for cancer treatment.
Assuntos
Neoplasias da Mama/genética , Imunomodulação/genética , Receptores Histamínicos H4/genética , Linfócitos T Reguladores/imunologia , Animais , Antígenos CD19/imunologia , Neoplasias da Mama/imunologia , Neoplasias da Mama/terapia , Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/imunologia , Feminino , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/imunologia , Humanos , Células Matadoras Naturais/imunologia , Camundongos , Camundongos Knockout , Receptores Histamínicos H4/imunologiaRESUMO
Abstract Background: Adaptive immune cells, including CD4+CD69+ and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells, are important for maintaining immunological tolerance. In human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells are reduced, whereas CD69 expression is increased, resulting in a homeostatic immune imbalance that may intensify autoreactive T cell activity. To analyze the mechanisms implicated in autotolerance failure, we evaluated CD4+CD69+ and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells and interleukin profiles in a pristane-induced SLE experimental model. Methods: For lupus induction, 26 female Balb/c mice received a single intraperitoneal 0.5 ml dose of pristane, and 16 mice received the same dose of saline. Blood and spleen samples were collected from euthanized mice 90 and 120 days after pristane or saline inoculation. Mononuclear cells from peripheral blood (PBMC), peritoneal lavage (PL) and splenocytes were obtained by erythrocyte lysis and cryopreserved for further evaluation by flow cytometry using the GuavaEasyCyte TM HT. After thawing, cells were washed and stained with monoclonal antibodies against CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25, CD28, CD69, FoxP3, CD14 and Ly6C (BD Pharmingen TM). Interleukins were quantified using Multiplex® MAP. The Mann-Whitney test and the Pearson coefficient were used for statistical analysis, and p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Compared with the controls, SLE-induced animals presented increased numbers of CD4+CD69+ T cells in the blood on T90 and T120 (p = 0.022 and p = 0.008) and in the spleen on T120 (p = 0.049), but there were decreased numbers in the PL (p = 0.049) on T120. The percentage of Treg was lower in blood (p < 0.005 and p < 0.012) on T90 and T120, in spleen (p = 0.043) on T120 and in PL (p = 0.001) on T90. Increased numbers of CD4+ CD69+ T cells in the PL were positively associated with high IL-2 (p = 0.486) and IFN-γ (p = 0.017) levels, whereas reduced Treg cells in the blood were negatively correlated with TNFα levels (p = 0.043) and positively correlated with TGFβ1 (p = 0.038). Conclusion: Increased numbers of CD4+CD69+ T cells and reduced numbers of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells with an altered interleukin profile suggests loss of autotolerance in pristane-induced lupus mice, which is similar to human lupus. Therefore, this model is useful in evaluating mechanisms of cellular activation, peripheral tolerance and homeostatic immune imbalance involved in human SLE.
Assuntos
Animais , Feminino , Camundongos , Baço/citologia , Lavagem Peritoneal , Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/citologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/citologia , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/imunologia , Baço/imunologia , Terpenos , Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/imunologia , Antígenos Ly/análise , Antígenos Ly/imunologia , Antígenos de Diferenciação de Linfócitos T/análise , Antígenos de Diferenciação de Linfócitos T/imunologia , Antígenos CD/análise , Antígenos CD/imunologia , Subpopulações de Linfócitos T/citologia , Subpopulações de Linfócitos T/imunologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/imunologia , Antígenos CD28/análise , Antígenos CD28/imunologia , Contagem de Linfócitos , Receptores de Lipopolissacarídeos/análise , Receptores de Lipopolissacarídeos/imunologia , Lectinas Tipo C/análise , Lectinas Tipo C/imunologia , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/análise , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/imunologia , Subunidade alfa de Receptor de Interleucina-2/análise , Subunidade alfa de Receptor de Interleucina-2/imunologia , Imunossupressores , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/sangue , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/induzido quimicamente , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB CRESUMO
Chronic pulmonary inflammation marked predominantly by CD4+IFN-γ+ cells is the hallmark of tuberculosis pathogenesis in immunocompetent adults, who are substantially affected by this disease. Moreover, CD4+Foxp3+ cell-mediated suppression contributes to infection susceptibility. We addressed the role of CD4+Foxp3+ cells in tuberculosis pathogenesis, because this aspect has not been addressed during chronic infection. We targeted CCR4, which induces the influx of CD4+Foxp3+ cells into the lungs. CCR4-/- mice exhibited a lower frequency of CD4+Foxp3+ cells at 15, 30, and 70 days of infection than their wild-type counterparts. However, only at 70 days of infection was an exacerbated IFN-γ-mediated immune response associated with apparent tuberculosis pathogenesis and susceptibility. In addition, CCR4-/- mice exhibited a decrease in the suppressor function of CD4+Foxp3+ cells. Adoptive transfer of Foxp3+ cells into infected CCR4-/- mice restored pulmonary inflammation and bacterial load to levels observed in wild-type mice. Our findings suggest that CD4+Foxp3+ cells play a time-dependent role in tuberculosis and highlight that CCR4 plays a critical role in the balance of IFN-γ-mediated inflammation by regulating the influx and function of CD4+Foxp3+ cells. Our findings are translationally relevant, as CD4+Foxp3+ cells or CCR4 could be a target for immunotherapy, considering the heterogeneity of tuberculosis in immunocompetent adults.