ObjectiveTo approach the role of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in the maintenance of immunotolerance in mouse liver allograft. MethodsThe mouse orthotopic liver transplantation was performed. After the liver transplantation immunotolerance induction, antiCD25 monoclonal antibody (PC61) was injected into the recipients with a delayed timing to remove the CD4+CD25+ T cells. The percentage of CD4+CD25+ T cells and the expression of forkhead/winged helix transcription factor (Foxp3) in the recipients were examined. Furthermore, the survival time of the recipient was observed. ResultsC3H/HeJ recipients receiving DBA/2 hepatic allografts survived over 70 d as in the syngeneic liver transplantation (C3H/HeJ recipients receiving C3H/HeJ hepatic grafts). With various protocols of the delayed PC61 treatment, the CD4+CD25+ T cell was completely disappeared as observed. However, the removal of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells after the induction of transplantation immunotolerance did not affect the survival of hepatic allografts. ConclusionCD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells are not essential for the maintenance of spontaneous mouse liver transplantation immunotolerance.
