Title | Dioxin and immune regulation: emerging role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the generation of regulatory T cells. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2010 |
Authors | Marshall NB, Kerkvliet NI |
Journal | Ann N Y Acad Sci |
Volume | 1183 |
Pagination | 25-37 |
Date Published | 2010 Jan |
ISSN | 1749-6632 |
Keywords | Animals, Cell Differentiation, Dioxins, Disease, Humans, Immune System, Immunity, Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins, Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon, T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory |
Abstract | The immune toxicity of the ubiquitous environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), commonly referred to as dioxin, has been studied for over 35 years but only recently has the profound immune suppression induced by TCDD exposure been linked to induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs). The effects of TCDD are mediated through its binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a ligand-activated transcription factor. The subsequent AHR-dependent effects on immune responses are determined by the cell types involved, their activation status, and the type of antigenic stimulus. Collectively, studies indicate that TCDD inhibits CD4+ T cell differentiation into T helper (Th)1, Th2, and Th17 effector cells, while inducing Foxp3-negative and/or preserving Foxp3+ Tregs. Although it is not yet clear how activation of AHR by TCDD induces Tregs, there is a potential therapeutic role for alternative AHR ligands in the treatment of immune-mediated disorders. |
DOI | 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.05125.x |
Alternate Journal | Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. |
PubMed ID | 20146706 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC4263666 |
Grant List | P01 ES000040 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States R01 ES016651 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States T32 ES007060 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States |