Objectives: To investigate numbers and function of CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) that lack IL-7 receptor (CD127) expression in RA.
Methods: Numbers of CD4 T cells expressing either CD25 or CD127, and those co-expressing or lacking both CD25 and CD127 were assessed in peripheral blood (PB) of RA patients and healthy controls, and in paired samples of SF and PB from RA patients. All T-cell subsets were analysed for FoxP3 expression. The anergic state and the capacity to suppress CD127(+) proliferating responder T cells were determined.
Results: Numbers of CD127(-) T cells and CD25(+) Tregs in PB of RA patients were not different from controls but significantly increased in SF compared with PB. CD25(+) and CD127(-) T cells showed comparable FoxP3 expression. CD127(+) T cells hardly expressed FoxP3. PB CD25(+)CD127(-) T cells identified a subset that consisted for 75% of FoxP3(+) cells. SF CD25(+)CD127(-) T-cell number was increased; however, in SF fewer of these cells were FoxP3(+). CD25(+)CD127(-) T cells were anergic, and in controls potent suppressors of CD127(+) proliferating T cells, but in RA patients these cells showed impaired suppression. In line with this, IL-7 had an increased capacity to activate total CD4 T cells from SF as compared with PB despite increased numbers of CD25(+)CD127(-) in SF.
Conclusions: These data demonstrate improved identification of FoxP3(+) T cells in RA patients by the absence of CD127 in addition to CD25 expression. Increased numbers of CD25(+)CD127(-) T cells are found in inflamed RA joints, but they have an impaired suppressive function, which could contribute to the persistent arthritis in these patients.