Analysis of Foxp3, CD25, and CD127 expressed on regulatory T cells in Thai subjects

Abstract

Foxp3+ natural regulatory T cells (nTreg) play a distinct role in maintaining self tolerance at the periphery. CD25hi and CD127 lo were proposed for the identification and purification of nTreg but they have not been confirmed in non-Caucasian populations. This study examined the sensitivity and purity of Foxp3 nTreg identified by CD25 and CD127 in the peripheral blood of Thai subjects (13 males, 15 females with age range of 20-42 years old). The proportions of nTreg/CD4+ as identified by the different markers were as follows: Foxp3+, 18.3 ± 6.4%; CD25hi, 6.4 ± 3.2%; and CD127lo, 54.3 ± 14.2%. Sensitivity tests showed the following results: CD25hi, 23.1%; CD127lo, 40.6%; CD25hiCD127lo, 7.4%. Purity tests concluded as follows: CD25hi, 63.6%; CD25int, 24.9%; CD25lo, 8.7%, CD127lo, 26.5%; CD127hi, 14.9%, and CD25hiCD127lo, 52.0%. In conclusion, the proportions of nTreg in Thai subjects are similar to Caucasian populations. CD25 hi is superior to CD127lo for separating Foxp3+ nTreg. Combining CD25hi and CD127lo does not improve the nTreg purity. Abbreviations: CD25hi, CD25 highly expressed cells; CD25int, CD25 intermediately expressed cells; CD25lo, CD25 low expressed cells; CD127hi, CD127 high expressed cells; CD127 lo, CD127 low expressed cells.